1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
5. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS (SUPPLEMENTAL)
Blue folder (supplemental) items are additional back up materials to administrative reports, changes to the posted agenda packet, and/or public comments received after the printing and distribution of the agenda packet for receive and file.
5.A. FOR BLUE FOLDER DOCUMENTS APPROVED AT THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
RECOMMENDATION: Approved
6. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
This is the appropriate time for members of the public to make comments regarding itemsnot listed on this agenda.
Pursuant to the Brown Act, no action will take place on any items not on the agenda.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Business items, except those formally noticed for public hearing, or those pulled for discussion are assigned to the Consent Calendar. The Mayor or any Councilmember may request that any Consent Calendar item(s) be removed, discussed, and acted upon separately. Items removed from the Consent Calendar will be taken up under the "Excluded Consent Calendar" section below. Those items remaining on the Consent Calendar will be approved in one motion. The Mayor will call on anyone wishing to address the City Council on any Consent Calendar item on the agenda, which has not been pulled by Councilmembers for discussion.
2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
AGENDA
Regular City Council Meeting
CITY COUNCIL
Monday, October 24, 2022
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
7:00 PM
The meeting agenda is available on the City’s website. The City Council meeting will be live-streamed on the City’s website.
Both the agenda and the live-streamed video can be found here:
https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php Members of the public may submit written comments in real-time by emailing the City Clerk’s office at [email protected].
Your comments will become part of the official meeting record. You must provide your full name, but please do not provide any other personal information that you do not want to be published.
Recordings to City Council meetings can be found here: https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php Next Resolution No. 1304 Next Ordinance No. 380
CL_AGN_221024_CC_BlueFolderItem_7G.pdf
1 7.A. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 24, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
7.B. APPROVE MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER
READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE AGENDA
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
7.C. APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: OCTOBER 10, 2022 RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
7.D. PAYMENT OF BILLS.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
7.E. REPUBLIC SERVICES RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2022
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
7.F. RECEIVE AND FILE CEQA FINDINGS ON THE CREST ROAD EAST AND
EASTFIELD DRIVE ELECTRIC UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING PROJECTS RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file CEQA findings on the Crest Road East and Eastfield Drive Electric Utility Undergrounding Projects.
7.G. ACCEPT BID PROPOSAL FROM EC CONSTRUCTION FOR EMERGENCY STORM DRAIN REPAIR AT 3 MIDDLERIDGE LANE NORTH; ADOPT BY RESOLUTION NO. 1312 APPROVING THE EMERGENCY WORK; ADOPT BY RESOLUTION NO. 1313 AUTHORIZING A BUDGET MODIFICATION OF $40,503.00; DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO FINALIZE A CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 1312 for emergency work; Adopt Resolution No. 1313 for budget modification and appropriate $40,503.00 from the General Fund Reserves to Fund 40 for the repair; Direct City Attorney to finalize a construction contract and authorize the City manager to execute.
7.H. APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH S&K
CONSULTING SERVICES TO EVALUATE EXISTING CITY HALL HEATING,
VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) AND PROVIDE AN
ENGINEERING DESIGN TO CONSTRUCT A WORKING SYSTEM FOR A NOTTO-EXCEED FEE OF $25,100; ADOPT BY RESOLUTION NO. 1315 CL_AGN_221024_CC_AffidavitofPosting.pdf
CL_MIN_221010_CC_F.pdf
CL_AGN_221024_CC_PaymentOfBills.pdf
CL_AGN_221024_Tonnage Report.pdf
Hahn_Rule 20A Donation Approval.pdf
CL_AGN_221024_CC_NOE_CrestRoadEast_EastfieldUndergrounding.pdf PW_DRA_221017_ECC_EmergencyEstimate_3MiddleridgeLaneN.pdf ResolutionNo1312_EmergencyStormDrainRepair_3MiddleridgeLaneN.pdf ResolutionNo1313_EmergRepairs_3Middleridge_BudgetAmendment.pdf CA_AGR_221024_ECC_EmergencyContract_3MiddleridgeLaneN.pdf ResolutionNo1313_EmergRepairs_3Middleridge_BudgetAmendment_A.pdf 2 AUTHORIZING A BUDGET MODIFICATION OF $25,100
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 1315 and approve as presented.
7.I. UPDATE ON THE REPLACEMENT OF THE THREE RAIL FENCE, LOCATED
ADJACENT TO PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD NEAR THE MAIN GATE
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
8. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
9. COMMISSION ITEMS
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.A. RE-ADOPT THE SAFETY ELEMENT TO INCORPORATE THE CITY'S LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2140 RECOMMENDATION: Re-adopt the Safety Element to incorporate the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with Assembly Bill 2140.
11. OLD BUSINESS
11.A. RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM CAL WATER ON THE OUTDOOR SIREN
PROJECT, AND APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HQE SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,095
FOR SITING VIABLE OUTDOOR SIREN POLE LOCATIONS
RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and approve the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with HQE Systems in the amount of $6,095 for siting viable outdoor siren pole locations.
11.B. CONSIDER ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS TO COURT 1 REQUESTED BY THE
TENNIS CLUB AND THE ROLLING HILLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, AND PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF.
RECOMMENDATION: Consider request and provide direction to staff.
12. NEW BUSINESS
12.A. FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE 1ST QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: Accept the FY 2022-23 Interim Financial Statements for the 1st Quarter Ended September 30, 2022.
ResolutionNo1315_HVAC_SKConsulting_BudgetAmendment.pdf
CA_AGR_221024_SKConsulting_HVAC_Design_signed.pdf
ResolutionNo1314_SafetyElementAmended-c1_D.pdf
ResolutionNo1291_SafetyElement_E.pdf
PL_GPN_221024_Safety Element_Amended_AB2140_LHMP_footnote.pdf PL_GPN_221024_Safety Element_Amended_HighlightedFootnoteLHMP_3pgs.pdf 2022-19_PC_Resolution_SafetyElementAmended-c1_F.pdf
CL_AGN_CC_221024_Siren Locations_CalWater.pdf
CL_AGN_CC_221024_ScopeOfWork2_HQE 221020.pdf
CL_AGN_221020_CC_PSA_HQE_Amendment02.pdf
CL_AGN_221024_CC_OutdoorSirenSystemAmendment2.pdf
CL_AGN_221024_CC_RHCA_Letter_TennisCourts.pdf
3 12.B. RECEIVE AND FILE THE CALIFORNIA WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD
LOS ANGELES REGION CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF THE PALOS VERDES
PENINSULA ENHANCED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (EWMP)
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
12.C. INTRODUCE BY TITLE ONLY ORDINANCE NO. 380, AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 8.32 TO THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO STORM WATER AND POLLUTION CONTROL. FOR INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING.
RECOMMENDATION: Waive first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 380, amending Chapter 8.32 to the Rolling Hills Municipal Code relating to storm water and pollution control.
12.D. CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION'S ACTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2022, INCLUDING TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR JOHNS
CANYON ROAD TO ADDRESS RESIDENT CONCERNS
RECOMMENDATION: Approve street improvements on Johns Canyon Road as recommended by the Traffic Commission, approve the budget amendment to fund the improvements, and receive and file the other actions taken by the Traffic Commission.
12.E. CONSIDER STAY GREEN INC. TO PROVIDE LANDSCAPING SERVICES FOR
THE CITY HALL CAMPUS AND DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
RECOMMENDATION: Approve staff recommendation to select Say Green Inc. as the new City Hall Campus Landscape Maintenance provider and direct staff to prepare a professional services agreement.
13. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
13.A. COMMENT ON THE ADOPTION OF THE 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT, CL_AGN_221024_CC_FY22-23_Q1_InterimFS_GF_Expenditures.pdf CL_AGN_221024_CC_FY22-23_Q1_InterimFS_GF_Revenues.pdf
CL_AGN_221024_CC_FY22-23_Q1_InterimFS_OtherFunds_Revenues&Expenditures.pdf CL_AGN_221024_CC_FY22-23_Q1_InterimFS.pdf
CL_AGN_221020_CC_PVP_WMP_ConditionalApproval.pdf
CL_ORD_380_Stormwater_D.pdf
PW_NPDES_MS4_RHMC_Chapter_8.32_Stormwater(FinalDraft2)redline.pdf CL_RES_2022-18_PC_Resolution_StormwaterOrdinance_E.pdf
CO_TRC_Attachment A - Email from Smith 062122.pdf
CO_TRC_Attachment B - Memo from City Traffic Engineer 091922.pdf CO_TRC_Attachment C - Johns Canyon Rd Updated Estimate.pdf CO_TRC_Attachment D - Collission Report from Sheriffs for 5 years 083022.pdf CO_TRC_Aug 2022 RH Traffic.pdf
PW_LND_220920_StayGreen_Proposal.pdf
PW_LND_220822_RFP_LandscapeMaintenanceServices_F_A.pdf
4 AND PENDING PLAN CERTIFICATION BY THE STATE (PIEPER)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive comment from Councilmember Jeff Pieper.
14. MATTERS FROM STAFF
14.A. PALOS VERDES PENINSULA LAND CONSERVANCY TOURS OF THE FIRE
FUEL ABATEMENT WORK IN THE PRESERVE COMMISSIONED BY THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
14.B. ANNOUNCEMENT OF SECOND EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION EXERCISE SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 26, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
15. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
15.A. EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, TITLE CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION: Conduct City Manager Performance Evaluation.
16. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
17. ADJOURNMENT
Next regular meeting: Monday, November 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California, 90274.
Notice:
Public Comment is welcome on any item prior to City Council action on the item.
Documents pertaining to an agenda item received after the posting of the agenda are available for review in the City Clerk's office or at the meeting at which the item will be considered.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting due to your disability, please contact the City Clerk at (310) 377-1521 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility and accommodation for your review of this agenda and attendance at this meeting. 5 Agenda Item No.: 5.A
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: FOR BLUE FOLDER DOCUMENTS APPROVED AT THE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approved.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_221024_CC_BlueFolderItem_7G.pdf
6 BLUE FOLDER ITEM (SUPPLEMENTAL)
Blue folder (supplemental) items are additional back up materials to administrative reports, changes to the posted agenda packet, and/or public comments received after the printing and distribution of the agenda packet for receive and file.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 24, 2022
7.G ACCEPT BID PROPOSAL FROM EC CONSTRUCTION FOR EMERGENCY STORM DRAIN REPAIR AT 3 MIDDLERIDGE LANE NORTH; ADOPT BY RESOLUTION NO. 1312 APPROVING THE EMERGENCY WORK; ADOPT BY RESOLUTION NO. 1313 AUTHORIZING A BUDGET MODIFICATION OF $40,503.00; DIRECT THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO FINALIZE A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZE THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
FROM: CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CITY
MANAGER
ResolutionNo1313_EmergRepairs_3Middleridge_BudgetAmendment_A.pdf 7 Agenda Item No.: 7.A
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 24, 2022
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_221024_CC_AffidavitofPosting.pdf
8 Administrative Report
7.A., File # 1511 Meeting Date: 10/24/2022
To: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
From: Christian Horvath, City Clerk
TITLE
APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 24, 2022
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
In compliance with the Brown Act, the following materials have been posted at the locations below.
Legislative Body City Council
Posting Type Regular Meeting Agenda
Posting Location 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA 90274 City Hall Window
City Website: https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/city_council/city_council_archive_agendas/index.php Meeting Date & Time October 24, 2022 7:00pm Open Session As City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills, I declare under penalty of perjury, the document noted above was posted at the date displayed below.
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
Date: October 21, 2022
9 Agenda Item No.: 7.B
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER
READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE AGENDA
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve.
ATTACHMENTS:
10 Agenda Item No.: 7.C
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: OCTOBER 10, 2022
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_MIN_221010_CC_F.pdf
11 MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 10, 2022
Minutes
Rolling Hills City Council
Monday, October 10, 2022
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills met in person on the above date at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Black presiding.
2. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Dieringer, Pieper, Mirsch, Mayor Pro Tem Wilson, Mayor Black Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Elaine Jeng, City Manager
Christian Horvath, City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager Patrick Donegan, Deputy City Attorney
John Signo, Planning & Community Services Director
Vanessa Hevener, Senior Management Analyst
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Black
4. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS – NONE
5. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS (SUPPLEMENTAL) – NONE
6. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comment: Susan Brennan
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
7.A. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 10, 2022
7.B. APPROVE MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER READING OF ALL
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE AGENDA
7.C. APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
7.D. PAYMENT OF BILLS
7.E. ADOPT BY RESOLUTION NO. 1310 AUTHORIZING A BUDGET MODIFICATION OF $11,645.18
TO REFUND MIKE AND MARCIA SCHOETTLE FOR OVERPAYMENT TO THE EASTFIELD DRIVE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AD-2021-1
7.F. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 1311 MEMORIALIZING A REVISION IN THE GENERAL FUND
RESERVES POLICY
7.G. PULLED BY COUNCILMEMBER MIRSCH
12 MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 10, 2022
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Pieper to approve Consent Calendar, excluding Item 7G. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Mayor Black
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
7.G. REVIEW AND APPROVE THE 2022 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE FINAL GUEST LIST Motion by Councilmember Mirsch, seconded by Councilmember Dieringer to approve as presented and add Cris Sarabia of the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy to the list. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Mayor Black
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. COMMISSION ITEMS – NONE
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS – NONE
11. OLD BUSINESS
11.A. REPORT ON STAFF'S DIRECTION FROM CITY COUNCIL DURING THE SEPTEMBER 26, 2022 MEETING; CONSIDER PROJECT OPTIONS PROPOSED BY HQE; AND DIRECT STAFF TO
PURSUE SOLUTION B WITH HQE
Presentation by Vanessa Hevener, Senior Management Analyst Public Comment: Alfred Visco, Jim Aichele
Motion by Mayor Black, seconded by Councilmember Pieper directing staff to: 1) Contact CalWater to see if it is acceptable to them to place poles/sirens at their facilities; 2) Identify other properties / locations owned by the city that would be acceptable; 3). Return to council with this information. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Mayor Black
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12. NEW BUSINESS
12.A. RECEIVE A REPORT FROM RESIDENT ON 3 MIDDLERIDGE LANE NORTH AND DIRECT
STAFF TO ASSESS THE CONDITION OF THE STORM DRAIN SYSTEM THAT RUNS FROM
MIDDLERIDGE LANE SOUTH TO MIDDLERIDGE LANE NORTH
Elaine Jeng, City Manager
Public Comment: Hamik Mukelyan
13 MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 10, 2022
Motion by Councilmember Pieper, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wilson to find cause necessitating emergency repairs to the storm drain segment on 3 Middleridge Lane North based on impairment of property.
Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Mayor Black
NOES: Dieringer
ABSENT: None
Motion by Councilmember Pieper, seconded by Councilmember Mirsch to inspect the storm drain system running from Middleridge Lane South to Middleridge Lane North, on a non-emergent basis, the remainder of the drain pipe and assess the condition. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Mayor Black
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
12.B. CONSIDER A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH S&K CONSULTING SERVICES
TO EVALUATE EXISTING CITY HALL HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) AND PROVIDE AN ENGINEERING DESIGN TO CONSTRUCT A WORKING SYSTEM FOR A NOT-TO-EXCEED FEE OF $25,100
Presentation by Christian Horvath, City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager Public Comment: Alfred Visco
Motion by Councilmember Pieper, seconded by Councilmember Mirsch directing staff to prepare a professional Services Agreement with S&K Consulting for a not-to-exceed amount of $25,100.00.
Friendly amendment by Councilmember Dieringer to ensure any work would cover the additional ADA expansion was accepted by the motion makers.
Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Mayor Black
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
13. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
13.A. REPORT ON CONFERENCES, MEETINGS, TRAINING AND OR WORKSHOPS ATTENDED BY
COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Dieringer reported out on her attendance at the CA JPIA Risk Management Conference.
Motion by Councilmember Mirsch, seconded by Councilmember Dieringer to agendize for future discussion of a sample letter in opposition to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Land Bank proposal. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Mayor Black
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
14. MATTERS FROM STAFF
14 MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 10, 2022
14.A. FIRE FUEL ABATEMENT ENFORCEMENT QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2022 (JULY 1 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30)
Presentation by John Signo, Planning & Community Services Director Public Comment: Arun Bhumitra, Alfred Visco
Motion by Councilmember Dieringer, seconded by Councilmember Pieper to receive and file. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Mayor Black
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Senior Management Analyst Hevener reported that the Black Captain Zone meetings would begin this week starting on Tuesday October 11th.
14.B. CONSIDER CANCELLATION OF NOVEMBER 28, 2022 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND SCHEDULE A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON DECEMBER 13, 2022 Presentation by Christian Horvath, City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager Motion by Councilmember Pieper, seconded by Councilmember Dieringer cancel the November 28, 2022 City Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Mayor Black
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Motion by Councilmember Dieringer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wilson to schedule a special City Council meeting for December 13, 2022 at 7pm. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Mayor Black
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
15. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Black recessed the City Council to Closed Session at 8:55 p.m.
15.A. EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957, TITLE
CITY MANAGER
16. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
The City Council reconvened to Open Session at 9:08 p.m. and there was no reportable action.
17. ADJOURNMENT: 9:08 P.M.
Hearing no further business before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m on October 10, 2022. The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled to be held on Monday, October 24, 2022 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, 15 MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 10, 2022
California. It will also be available via City’s website link at: https://www.rollinghills.org/government/agenda/index.php All written comments submitted are included in the record and available for public review on the City website.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
Approved,
____________________________________
James Black, M.D., Mayor
16 Agenda Item No.: 7.D
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: PAYMENT OF BILLS.
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_221024_CC_PaymentOfBills.pdf
17 Check No. Check Date Payee Description Amount
027797 10/18/2022 Alan Palermo Consulting Aug through Oct 2022 Svcs - ADA, Sewer, Block Captain 3,680.00027798 10/18/2022 Barry J. Miller, FAICP June, July Aug Sept 2022 Svcs - RH 6th Cycle Hsng Element 4,350.00027799 10/18/2022 Bennett Landscape 9-2199 checked irrigation system by mailbox and repaired 86.39 027799 10/18/2022 Bennett Landscape 9-28-22 repair sprinkler court #2 592.28 027799 10/18/2022 Bennett Landscape Landscape Maint Services October 2022 693.00 CHECK TOTAL $ 1,371.67
027800 10/18/2022 Civicplus Online Hosting 930.95027801 10/18/2022 Cox Communications Phone Service Sept 26 - Oct 25 2022 154.64027802 10/18/2022 Southern California News Group September 2022 Advertising Legal CLS 1,293.81 027803 10/18/2022 Executive Suite Services Inc. September 2022 Monthly Janitorial Svcs 1,360.00027804 10/18/2022 County of Los Angeles August 2022 Vertebrate Pest 1,987.52027805 10/18/2022 Mackerbach Construction Refundable Deposit C&D Permit #871 1,000.00 027806 10/18/2022 MV CHENG AND ASSOCIATES Monthly Accounting Services September 2022 10,221.25027807 10/18/2022 Pearce Concrete & Masonry, Inc Refundable Deposit C&D Permit #857 1,000.00027808 10/18/2022 Quadiaent Standard maintenance Oct 24-25 1,751.77 027809 10/18/2022 Race Communications 10-01-2022 -10-01-2022 - 11-1-22 Internet charges 1,020.00027810 10/18/2022 Southern Calif Assoc of Governments Dues assessment FY 22-23 302.00027811 10/18/2022 City of Torrance Area G FY 08-2021- 2022 payment due 4-15-2022 610.00 027812 10/18/2022 Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA Inc. Monthly Maintenance 09-11-22 to 10-10-22 845.97 027813 10/18/2022 LA County Sheriff's Department AUGUST 2022 LMT Traffic Enforcement Special Event 3,523.11 027813 10/18/2022 LA County Sheriff's Department SEPTEMBER 2022 Law Enforcement Services 31,092.99 CHECK TOTAL $ 34,616.10
027814 10/18/2022 Providence Health & Services NEW EMPLOYEE DRUG TEST 35.00027815 10/18/2022 Palos Verdes Security Sys, Inc. Oct. 2022 CCTV Lease 11-01-2022 to 11-30-2022 176.00 027816 10/18/2022 TRIO EVENT RENTAL DEPOSIT FOR HOLIDAY PARTY 2022 407.70 027817 10/18/2022 Willdan Inc. Professional Services SEPTEMBER 22 Project 111270.00 3,120.00ACH-118 10/7/2022 CalPERS PERS Retirement PR Ending 10-4-2022 4,041.27ACH-119 10/7/2022 CalPERS PR Ending 10-4-22 PERS Health OCT 9,947.97ACH-120 10/7/2022 Vantagepoint Transfer Agents - 306580 ICMA PR Ending 10-4-22 1,912.49ACH-121 10/18/2022 California Water Service Co. WATER USAGE 524.14ACH-122 10/18/2022 California Water Service Co. WATER USAGE ROLLING 08-26-22 TO 09-27-22 897.69 ACH-123 10/18/2022 ELAN Cardmember Services ELAN CREDIT CARD 09-3-22 TO 10-4-22 1,818.25 ACH-124 10/18/2022 Pitney Bowes POSTAGE FOR MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2022 2,015.00 PR LINK 10/4/2022 PR LINK - Payroll & PR Taxes PR#20 Payroll Processing Fee PR#20 09/21/2022 - 10/04/2022 $ 75.92 PR LINK 10/4/2022 PR LINK - Payroll & PR Taxes PR#20 Pay Period -PR#20 09/21/2022 - 10/04/2022 $ 24,802.20 $ 116,269.31
116,269.31 for the payment of above items.
Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager
CITY OF ROLLING HILLSAP23-011 & AP23-011A, & ACH23-015-ACH23-017- ACH23-019Check Run 10-07- TO 10-18-2022 I, Elaine Jeng, City Manager of Rolling Hills, California certify that the above demands are accurate and there is available in the General Fund a balance of 10/20/2022
18 Agenda Item No.: 7.E
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: REPUBLIC SERVICES RECYCLING TONNAGE REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2022
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_221024_Tonnage Report.pdf
19 Year 2022
Franchise Y/N Y
Month Commodity Tons Collected Tons Recovered Tons Disposed Diversion % Jan Greenwaste 98.26 98.26 - 100.00%
Trash 156.54 - 156.54 0.00%
Jan Total 254.80 98.26 156.54 38.56%
Feb Greenwaste 93.00 93.00 - 100.00%
Trash 134.41 - 134.41 0.00%
Feb Total 227.41 93.00 134.41 40.90%
Mar Greenwaste 111.44 111.44 - 100.00%
Trash 183.40 - 183.40 0.00%
Mar Total 294.84 111.44 183.40 37.80%
Apr Greenwaste 100.44 100.44 - 100.00%
Trash 156.07 - 156.07 0.00%
Apr Total 256.51 100.44 156.07 39.16%
May Greenwaste 111.54 111.54 - 100.00%
Trash 162.42 - 162.42 0.00%
May Total 273.96 111.54 162.42 40.71%
Jun Greenwaste 79.14 79.14 - 100.00%
Trash 177.90 - 177.90 0.00%
Jun Total 257.04 79.14 177.90 30.79%
Jul Greenwaste 92.26 92.26 - 100.00%
Greenwaste - Free Residential Roll Off Bin 2.37 2.37 - 100.00% Trash 158.90 - 158.90 0.00%
Trash - Free Residential Roll Off Bin 32.09 - 32.09 0.00% Jul Total 285.62 94.63 190.99 33.13%
Aug Greenwaste 80.20 80.20 - 100.00%
Greenwaste - Free Residential Roll Off Bin - - - #DIV/0! Trash 176.31 - 176.31 0.00%
Trash - Free Residential Roll Off Bin 7.76 - 7.76 0.00% Aug Total 264.27 80.20 184.07 30.35%
Sep Greenwaste 94.35 94.35 - 100.00%
Greenwaste - Free Residential Roll Off Bin 5.81 5.81 - 100.00% Trash 186.19 - 186.19 0.00%
Trash - Free Residential Roll Off Bin 6.46 - 6.46 0.00% Sep Total 292.81 100.16 192.65 34.21%
Grand Total 2,407.26 868.81 1,538.45 36.09%
80.20 CITY OF ROLLING HILLS RESIDENTIAL FRANCHISE
2022
Contract Requires 30% Household -
20 Agenda Item No.: 7.F
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JOHN SIGNO, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY SERVICES THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE CEQA FINDINGS ON THE CREST ROAD EAST
AND EASTFIELD DRIVE ELECTRIC UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING
PROJECTS
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
On September 14, 2020, the City was awarded $1,145,457 in Federal funds to underground 1,820 feet of utility infrastructure along Crest Road East from Wideloop Road to the eastern city limits. The Crest Road East grant requires a Local Match of $381,819 for a total amount of $1,527,276.
On January 26, 2022, the City was awarded $1,971,882 in additional Federal funds to underground of 4,735 feet of utility infrastructure along Eastfield Drive from Outrider Road to Hackamore Road. The Eastfield Drive grant requires a Local Match of $657,294 for a total amount of $2,629,176.
The City in its applications to the Federal grants committed $1,039,113 of Local Match for both projects using the City's Rule 20A work credits of $1.2M. G iven the rise in construction costs, the City does not have sufficient Rule 20A work credits for the Eastfield Drive project. In order to proceed with the Eastfield Drive project and retain the Federal funding, the City may need to use General Fund reserves to provide the Local Match.
In June 2022, Staff reached out to Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to inquire about the County potentially donating excess work credits to fund the entirety of the Crest Road East project and/or fulfill the Local Match portion of the Eastfield Drive project.
Councilmember Wilson also reached out separately to Supervisor Hahn's Office.
Through efforts and involvement from Councilmember Wilson, the City was informed on August 31, 2022, that the full amount request of $1,000,000 Rule 20A work credits donation was approved by Supervisor Hahn's Office for the Crest Road East and Eastfield Drive utility undergrounding projects. Based on discussion with Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Staff, the Board of Supervisors is to approve the request at its December 6, 2022 21 meeting.
DISCUSSION:
On October 10, 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works contacted Staff to request evidence of an official California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination for the two projects. The City finds the two projects to be categorically exempt under Class 2, Section 15302(d) which states "conversion of overhead electric utility distribution system facilities to underground including connection to existing overhead electric utility distribution lines where the surface is restored to the condition prior to the undergrounding." As such, a Notice of Exemption has been prepared to make the CEQA finding that the project falls under a Class 2 categorical exemption under Section 15302(d) of the CEQA Guidelines. The Notice of Exemption can be filed with the County Clerk after the project is approved.
FISCAL IMPACT:
LA County has a $75 posting fee to file a Notice of Exemption which would be paid through grants.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file CEQA findings on the Crest Road East and Eastfield Drive Electric Utility Undergrounding Projects.
ATTACHMENTS:
Hahn_Rule 20A Donation Approval.pdf
CL_AGN_221024_CC_NOE_CrestRoadEast_EastfieldUndergrounding.pdf 22 1
Vanessa Hevener
From: Gonzalez, Daritza <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2022 10:48 AM
To: Christian Horvath; Vanessa Hevener
Cc: James Chon; Jose Suarez; Velazquez, Erika
Subject: Rule 20A Funding
Hi,
I am writing to confirm that Supervisor Hahn has agreed to transfer $1 million of the Fourth District’s Rule 20A funding allocation to the City of Rolling Hills for their Crest Road and Eastfield Drive underground utility projects. LA County’s Department of Public Works has confirmed that the projects are Rule20A eligible projects. Department staff will work with City staff on the transfer of the funds. James Chon and Jose Suarez will be the department contacts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Daritza Gonzalez
Public Works, Parks & Rec, and ISD Deputy
LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn
O: 213.974.4444
C: 213.705.8770
23 Statutory Exemptions. State code number:
_______________________________________________
Print Form
Notice of Exemption Appendix E
To: Office of Planning and Research From: (Public Agency): ____________________________ P.O. Box 3044, Room 113 _______________________________________________ Sacramento, CA 95812-3044 County Clerk
(Address)
___________________________
___________________________
County of: __________________
Project Title: ____________________________________________________________________________ Project Applicant: ________________________________________________________________________ Project Location - Specific:
Project Location - City: ______________________ Project Location - County:
Description of Nature, Purpose and Beneficiaries of Project:
_____________________
Name of Public Agency Approving Project: _____________________________________________________ Name of Person or Agency Carrying Out Project: ________________________________________________ Exempt Status: (check one):
Ministerial (Sec. 21080(b)(1); 15268);
Declared Emergency (Sec. 21080(b)(3); 15269(a));
Emergency Project (Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c));
Reasons why project is exempt:
Lead Agency
Contact Person: ____________________________ Area Code/Telephone/Extension: _______________ If filed by applicant:
1. Attach certified document of exemption finding.
2. Has a Notice of Exemption been filed by the public agency approving the project? Yes No Signature: ____________________________ Date:
Signed by Lead Agency Signed by Applicant
Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21110, Public Resources Code. Date Received for filing at OPR:
Reference: Sections 21108, 21152, and 21152.1, Public Resources Code. _______________
Categorical Exemption. State type and section number: ____________________________________ ______________________________________________
______________ Title: _______________________
Revised 2011
24 Agenda Item No.: 7.G
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: ACCEPT BID PROPOSAL FROM EC CONSTRUCTION FOR
EMERGENCY STORM DRAIN REPAIR AT 3 MIDDLERIDGE LANE
NORTH; ADOPT BY RESOLUTION NO. 1312 APPROVING THE
EMERGENCY WORK; ADOPT BY RESOLUTION NO. 1313
AUTHORIZING A BUDGET MODIFICATION OF $40,503.00; DIRECT
THE CITY ATTORNEY TO FINALIZE A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
The December 2021 rainstorms caused three sinkholes on Middleridge Lane, North and South. Working with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to address the sinkholes, the department found a 1972 signed agreement between the Los Angeles County Flood Control District and Rolling Hills noting that the City is responsible for the maintenance of a storm drain line along Middleridge Lane North and South. The sinkholes, located adjacent to the roadway on Middleridge Lane South were caused by breaks in the subject storm drain line as with the sinkhole on 1 Middleridge Lane North. The City made emergency repairs on three areas of the storm drain system between February and April 2022.
Late afternoon Wednesday, September 21, 2022, resident Hamik Mukelyan of 3 Middleridge Lane North visited City Hall and reported sinkholes on the eastern side of his property. Mr.
Mukelyan's property is located next to 1 Middleridge Lane North, and during the emergency repairs in March 2022, Mr. Mukelyan connected with city staff and the property owner at 1 Middleridge Lane North about the work as it related to noise and duration of the work. In response to Mr. Mukelyan's report in September 2022, staff requested that Mr. Mukelyan provide photos of the reported sinkholes on his property. They are attached to this report. On Thursday morning, September 22, 2022, staff proactively submitted a Storm Drain Condition Assessment request with Los Angeles County Department of Public Works' City Service Request Tracking System. The request is currently under review.
To act on the report timely, staff asked for the assistance of a retired Public Works Inspector to 25 visit Mr. Mukelyan's property. The site visit was held on Monday, September 26 following Mr.
Mukelyan's Thursday report. At the site visit, the segment of the subject drainage pipe at 3 Middleridge Lane North was observed to be on a steep slope, at the edge of the property line between 1 and 3 Middleridge Lane North. Per Mr. Mukelyan the area was overgrown with vegetation, and not utilized. Mr. Mukelyan also noted that he recently had his gardener remove vegetation along the alignment of the drainage pipe and discovered two sinkholes.
Staff's site observation from site visit was that the two areas noted as sinkholes by Mr.
Mukelyan were likely caused by the subject drainage line given the age and condition of the pipe from the emergency repairs earlier this year.
Staff reviewed the Los Angeles County engineering plans to the drainage line at 3 Middleridge Lane North and noted that the segment of the pipe on the property drops significantly, elevation wise, from the segment on the neighbor’s property at 1 Middleridge Lane North. Staff also spoke with the EC Construction, the contractor that repaired the upstream segments of the pipe (1 Middleridge Lane North, and roadside adjacent at 1 Middleridge Lane South). EC Construction recalled that the pipe segment replaced at 1 Middleridge Lane North was nearly ten feet deep from the walking surface and that their crew reconnected the new pipe to the existing pipe approximately a foot west of the three-rail fence separating 3 Middleridge Lane North and 1 Middleridge Lane North. EC Construction noted that at the point of connection, the segment of the pipe on 3 Middleridge Lane North was intact for a secure connection.
DISCUSSION:
At the October 10, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council made findings to perform Emergency repairs on 3 Middleridge Lane requiring the use of available General Fund Reserves. In a separate motion, the City Council also authorized the inspection of the storm drain system to assess the condition.
Staff contacted EC Construction who had performed two previous emergency repairs earlier this year on two other segments that had failed and were causing similar issues. On Friday, October 14, EC Construction visited the site to make an assessment in preparation for an official cost estimate.
ECC has provide an estimate to repair the issue as follows:
1. Remove existing vegetation as required to access damaged pipe.
2. Remove approx. 20 LF of white fencing and replace fencing after pipe installation.
3. Remove soil and approx. 55 LF of damaged 24” CMP. Damaged pipe removal will be from the connection of the new 24” pipe at the edge of the property on 1 Middleridge N to the existing concrete head wall structure.
4. Install approx. 55 LF of new 24” CMP and backfill with native soil.
5. Level off and regrade working area on 1 MIddleridge N.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The repair to the storm drain line is an unexpected expense and not budgeted in the FY 2022- 2023 adopted budget. As such, Council action is needed to amend the budget to increase budgeted appropriations by $40,503 which will be funded from available General Fund reserves. The use of General Fund reserves for these purposes is consistent with City policy.
COST: $40,503.00 includes 15% contingency.
26 Exclusions: permits, inspection fees, SWPPP plan, engineering, survey, relocation of underground utilities, night or weekend work, concrete, slurry, and striping.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 1312 for emergency work; Adopt Resolution No. 1313 for budget modification and appropriate $40,503.00 from the General Fund Reserves to Fund 40 for the repair; Direct City Attorney to finalize a construction contract and authorize the City manager to execute.
ATTACHMENTS:
PW_DRA_221017_ECC_EmergencyEstimate_3MiddleridgeLaneN.pdf ResolutionNo1312_EmergencyStormDrainRepair_3MiddleridgeLaneN.pdf ResolutionNo1313_EmergRepairs_3Middleridge_BudgetAmendment.pdf CA_AGR_221024_ECC_EmergencyContract_3MiddleridgeLaneN.pdf ResolutionNo1313_EmergRepairs_3Middleridge_BudgetAmendment_A.pdf 27 BID PROPOSAL AND CONTRACT
2213 CHICO AVE./SO. EL MONTE, CA 91733
Phone: (626) 444-9596 Fax: (626) 444-3077
California Contractors License #366814
DATE: 10/17/2022
TO City of Rolling Hills JOB ADDRESS
2 Portuguese Bend Rd
Rolling Hills, CA 90274 3 Middleridge Lane N
We agree to furnish all labor, materials, equipment and supervision necessary to complete the following:
STORM DRAIN REPAIR
1. Remove existing vegetation as required to access damaged pipe.
2. Remove approx. 20 LF of white fencing and replace fencing after pipe installation.
3. Remove soil and approx. 55 LF of damaged 24” CMP. Damaged pipe removal will be from the connection of the new 24” pipe at the edge of the property on 1 Middleridge N to the existing concrete head wall structure.
4. Install approx. 55 LF of new 24” CMP and backfill with native soil.
5. Level off and regrade our working area on 1 MIddleridge N.
COST……$35,220.00
Exclusions: permits, inspection fees, SWPPP plan, engineering, survey, relocation of underground utilities, night or weekend work, concrete, slurry, and striping.
The above described work will be performed in a workman like manner and in accordance with standard practices.
TERMS: Unless credit arrangements have been made, in writing, in advance, the invoice for the work described herein is due and payable on presentation. 1 ½ % per month will be charged on a daily basis on all accounts or portions thereof not paid within 10 days of the date of the invoice.
Customer agrees to pay reasonable attorney fees and collection costs incurred by E.C. Construction Co. for the collection of both principal and interest due to customer’s failure to pay per this agreement.
Unless otherwise specified, if this proposal is not accepted within______15__________days from bid date, we reserve the right of cancellation.
APPROVE AND ACCEPTED Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________ E.C. CONSTRUCTION CO.
Date__________________20___ By_________________________ 28 1
RESOLUTION NO. 1312
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS FINDING AND DECLARING THAT
AN EMERGENCY CONDITION EXISTS ARISING FROM
DAMAGE TO THE CITY’S STORM DRAIN LOCATED AT
OR NEAR 3 MIDDLERIDGE LANE NORTH AND
AUTHORIZING EMERGENCY REPAIR TO THE STORM
DRAIN WITHOUT PUBLIC BIDDING
RECITALS
A. Sections 22035 and 22050 of the Public Contracts Code authorize the City of Rolling Hills (“City”) to proceed with awarding a public works contract to perform emergency work upon adoption by the City Council by a four-fifths vote of a resolution declaring that the public interest and necessity demand the immediate expenditure of public funds to safeguard life, health, or property;
B. The City’s storm drain located at or near 3 Middleridge Lane North (“storm drain”) is in need of emergency repair as a result of damage and degradation to the existing storm drain;
C. The repairs are necessary to preserve the health, safety and welfare of the City. Further, the degradation and possible failure of the City’s storm drain is an unexpected occurrence that poses and clear and imminent danger, requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property, or essential public services.
D. The need for repair of the City’s storm drain requires immediate action that will not permit undergoing the formal competitive bidding process because rainy season is impending and the City does not have the required time to competitively bid the project in light of possible impacts to the public health and safety and damage to property;
E. The City Manager solicited a proposal from EC Construction and received a written acceptable proposal to perform the emergency work from EC Construction, and the City now wishes to award an emergency contract for repair of the City’s storm drain to EC Construction; and
F. Public Contract Code section 22050 also provides that the City Council may, by resolution, delegate the authority to order any action required by the emergency and to procure the necessary equipment, services, and supplies for those purposes, without giving notice for bids to let the contracts, to the City Manager, her designee, or any other officer.
29 2
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct.
Section 2. Findings. The City Council finds that the public interest and necessity demand the immediate expenditure of public funds for emergency work for the repair of the City’s storm drain to safeguard life, health and property. The City Council further finds that the emergency will not permit a delay that would result from a competitive solicitation for bids and that action is necessary to respond to the emergency related to the damaged condition of the City’s storm drain. The City Council further finds that based on the foregoing, the approvals herein authorized are necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
Section 3. Award of Contract; Delegation of Emergency Contracting Authority. A contract to perform the necessary emergency repair work to the City’s storm drain in and around 3 Middleridge Lane North is hereby awarded to EC Construction for 33,235.00 and the City Manager, or her designee, is hereby authorized to execute said contract, and to order any other action required to remedy the emergency relating to the damaged condition of the City’s storm drain, and to procure the necessary equipment, services, and supplies for those purposes, without giving notice for bids to let contracts. The City Manager, or her designee, is directed to report to the City Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting and at every meeting thereafter until the work is complete..
Section 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be effective immediately.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 24th DAY OF OCTOBER 2022. _______________________________
JAMES BLACK, MD
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH
CITY CLERK
30 RESOLUTION NO. 1313
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS. CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING A
FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 BUDGET MODIFICATION
TO APPROPRIATE $35,220.00 IN GENERAL FUND
RESERVES FOR THE EMERGENCY CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT WITH E.C. CONSTRUCTION CO. FOR
STORM DRAIN REPAIRS ON OR AROUND 3
MIDDLERIDGE LANE NORTH
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA,
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals.
A. It is the intention of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills to review the adopted budget from time to time.
B. On October 10, 2022 the City Council received a report regarding the status of the property at 3 Middleridge Lane North and the status of the City’s storm drain on and around the property.
C. After the report the City Council directed staff to commence the emergency work procedures under Public Contract Code section 22035 and 22050t to make necessary repairs to the City’s storm drain.
D. City staff solicited a bid from E.C. Construction Co. for the emergency work and received a bid of $35,220.00 for the work. The City desires to appropriate $35,220.00 from the General Fund Reserves to fund the Emergency Construction Contract with E.C. Construction Co. (attached as Exhibit “A”).
Section 2. The sum of thirty five thousand, two hundred and twenty dollars ($35,220.00) is hereby appropriated from the General Fund Reserves to fund the Emergency Construction Contract with E.C. Construction Co..
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book or original resolutions. 31 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 24th day of October, 2022 ______________________________
DR. JAMES BLACK
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH
CITY CLERK
32 Exhibit A
33 1
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
EMERGENCY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
AND E.C. CONSTRUCTION CO.
STORM DRAIN REPAIRS
1. PARTIES AND DATE.
This Contract is made and entered into this 24 day of October, 2022 by and between the City of Rolling Hills, a public agency and public corporation of the State of California (“City”) and E.C. Construction Co., a California corporation, with its principal place of business at 2213 Chico Ave., So. El Monte, California 91733 (“Contractor”). City and Contractor are sometimes individually referred to as “Party” and collectively as “Parties” in this Contract.
2. RECITALS.
2.1 City. City is a public agency organized under the laws of the State of California, with power to contract for services necessary to achieve its purpose.
2.2 Contractor. Contractor desires to perform and assume responsibility for the provision of certain construction services required by the City on the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract. Contractor represents that it is duly licensed and experienced in providing storm drain related construction services to public clients, that it and its employees or subcontractors have all necessary licenses and permits to perform the services in the State of California, and that it is familiar with the plans of City.
2.3 Project. City desires to engage Contractor to render such services for the Storm Drain Emergency Repairs (“Project”) as set forth in this Contract.
2.4 Project Documents & Certifications. Contractor has obtained, and delivers concurrently herewith, a performance bond, a payment bond, and all insurance documentation, as required by the Contract.
3. TERMS
3.1 Incorporation of Documents. This Contract includes and hereby incorporates in full by reference the following documents, including all exhibits, drawings, specifications and documents therein, and attachments and addenda thereto:
• Services/Schedule (Exhibit “A”)
• Plans and Specifications (Exhibit “B”)
• Special Conditions (Exhibit “C”)
• Contractor’s Certificate Regarding Workers’ Compensation (Exhibit “D”) • Public Works Contractor Registration Certification (Exhibit “E”) • Payment and Performance Bonds (Exhibit “F”)
• Federal Requirements (Exhibit “G”)
• Addenda
• Change Orders executed by the City
• Latest Edition of the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (The Greenbook), Excluding Sections 1-9
34 2
3.2 Contractor’s Basic Obligation; Scope of Work. Contractor promises and agrees, at its own cost and expense, to furnish to the City all labor, materials, tools, equipment, services, and incidental and customary work necessary to fully and adequately complete the Project, including all structures and facilities necessary for the Project or described in the Contract (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Work”), for a Total Contract Price as specified pursuant to this Contract. All Work shall be subject to, and performed in accordance with the above referenced documents, as well as the exhibits attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The plans and specifications for the Work are further described in Exhibit “B” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. Special Conditions, if any, relating to the Work are described in Exhibit “C” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
3.2.1 Change in Scope of Work. Any change in the scope of the Work, method of performance, nature of materials or price thereof, or any other matter materially affecting the performance or nature of the Work shall not be paid for or accepted unless such change, addition or deletion is approved in writing by a valid change order executed by the City. Should Contractor request a change order due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the performance of the Work, such request shall be made within five (5) business days of the date such circumstances are discovered or shall waive its right to request a change order due to such circumstances. If the Parties cannot agree on any change in price required by such change in the Work, the City may direct the Contractor to proceed with the performance of the change on a time and materials basis.
3.2.2 Substitutions/“Or Equal”. Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 3400(b), the City may make a finding that designates certain products, things, or services by specific brand or trade name. Unless specifically designated in this Contract, whenever any material, process, or article is indicated or specified by grade, patent, or proprietary name or by name of manufacturer, such Specifications shall be deemed to be used for the purpose of facilitating the description of the material, process or article desired and shall be deemed to be followed by the words “or equal.”
Contractor may, unless otherwise stated, offer for substitution any material, process or article which shall be substantially equal or better in every respect to that so indicated or specified in this Contract. However, the City may have adopted certain uniform standards for certain materials, processes and articles. Contractor shall submit requests, together with substantiating data, for substitution of any “or equal” material, process or article no later than thirty-five (35) days after award of the Contract. To facilitate the construction schedule and sequencing, some requests may need to be submitted before thirty-five (35) days after award of Contract. Provisions regarding submission of “or equal” requests shall not in any way authorize an extension of time for performance of this Contract. If a proposed “or equal” substitution request is rejected, Contractor shall be responsible for providing the specified material, process or article.
The burden of proof as to the equality of any material, process or article shall rest with Contractor.
The City has the complete and sole discretion to determine if a material, process or article is an “or equal” material, process or article that may be substituted. Data required to substantiate requests for substitutions of an “or equal” material, process or article data shall include a signed affidavit from Contractor stating that, and describing how, the substituted “or equal” material, process or article is equivalent to that specified in every way except as listed on the affidavit. Substantiating data shall include any and all illustrations, specifications, and other relevant data including catalog information which describes the requested substituted “or equal” material, process or article, and substantiates that it is an “or equal” to the material, process or article. The substantiating data must also include information regarding the durability and lifecycle 35 3
cost of the requested substituted “or equal” material, process or article. Failure to submit all the required substantiating data, including the signed affidavit, to the City in a timely fashion will result in the rejection of the proposed substitution.
Contractor shall bear all of the City’s costs associated with the review of substitution requests. Contractor shall be responsible for all costs related to a substituted “or equal” material, process or article. Contractor is directed to the Special Conditions (if any) to review any findings made pursuant to Public Contract Code section 3400.
3.3 Period of Performance. Contractor shall perform and complete all Work under this Contract beginning the effective date of the Notice to Proceed (“Contract Time”). Contractor shall perform its Work in strict accordance with any completion schedule, construction schedule or project milestones developed by the City. Such schedules or milestones may be included as part of Exhibits “A” or “B” attached hereto, or may be provided separately in writing to Contractor.
Contractor agrees that if such Work is not completed within the aforementioned Contract Time and/or pursuant to any such completion schedule, construction schedule or project milestones developed pursuant to provisions of the Contract, it is understood, acknowledged and agreed that the City will suffer damage.
3.4 Standard of Performance; Performance of Employees. Contractor shall perform all Work under this Contract in a skillful and workmanlike manner, and consistent with the standards generally recognized as being employed by professionals in the same discipline in the State of California. Contractor represents and maintains that it is skilled in the professional calling necessary to perform the Work. Contractor warrants that all employees and subcontractors shall have sufficient skill and experience to perform the Work assigned to them. Finally, Contractor represents that it, its employees and subcontractors have all licenses, permits, qualifications and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to perform the Work, including an City Business License, and that such licenses and approvals shall be maintained throughout the term of this Contract. As provided for in the indemnification provisions of this Contract, Contractor shall perform, at its own cost and expense and without reimbursement from the City, any work necessary to correct errors or omissions which are caused by Contractor’s failure to comply with the standard of care provided for herein. Any employee who is determined by the City to be uncooperative, incompetent, a threat to the safety of persons or the Work, or any employee who fails or refuses to perform the Work in a manner acceptable to the City, shall be promptly removed from the Project by Contractor and shall not be re-employed on the Work.
3.5 Control and Payment of Subordinates; Contractual Relationship. City retains Contractor on an independent contractor basis and Contractor is not an employee of City. Any additional personnel performing the work governed by this Contract on behalf of Contractor shall at all times be under Contractor’s exclusive direction and control. Contractor shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due such personnel in connection with their performance under this Contract and as required by law. Contractor shall be responsible for all reports and obligations respecting such additional personnel, including, but not limited to: social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance.
3.6 City’s Basic Obligation. City agrees to engage and does hereby engage Contractor as an independent contractor to furnish all materials and to perform all Work according to the terms and conditions herein contained for the sum set forth above. Except as otherwise provided in the Contract, the City shall pay to Contractor, as full consideration for the satisfactory performance by Contractor of the services and obligations required by this Contract, the belowreferenced compensation in accordance with compensation provisions set forth in the Contract.
3.7 Compensation and Payment.
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3.7.1 Amount of Compensation. As consideration for performance of the Work required herein, City agrees to pay Contractor the Total Contract Price of Thirty-Three Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty-Five Dollars ($33,235.00) (“Total Contract Price”) provided that such amount shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to the applicable terms of this Contract or written change orders approved and signed in advance by the City.
3.7.2 Payment of Compensation. If the Work is scheduled for completion in thirty (30) or less calendar days, City will arrange for payment of the Total Contract Price upon completion and approval by City of the Work. If the Work is scheduled for completion in more than thirty (30) calendar days, City will pay Contractor on a monthly basis as provided for herein. On or before the fifth (5th) day of each month, Contractor shall submit to the City an itemized application for payment in the format supplied by the City indicating the amount of Work completed since commencement of the Work or since the last progress payment. These applications shall be supported by evidence which is required by this Contract and such other documentation as the City may require. The Contractor shall certify that the Work for which payment is requested has been done and that the materials listed are stored where indicated. Contractor may be required to furnish a detailed schedule of values upon request of the City and in such detail and form as the City shall request, showing the quantities, unit prices, overhead, profit, and all other expenses involved in order to provide a basis for determining the amount of progress payments.
3.7.3 Prompt Payment. City shall review and pay all progress payment requests in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 20104.50 of the California Public Contract Code. However, no progress payments will be made for Work not completed in accordance with this Contract. Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the proper payment of its employees, subcontractors, suppliers or others.
3.7.4 Contract Retentions. From each approved progress estimate, five percent (5%) will be deducted and retained by the City, and the remainder will be paid to Contractor. All Contract retention shall be released and paid to Contractor and subcontractors pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 7107.
3.7.5 Other Retentions. In addition to Contract retentions, the City may deduct from each progress payment an amount necessary to protect City from loss because of: (1) liquidated damages which have accrued as of the date of the application for payment; (2) any sums expended by the City in performing any of Contractor’s obligations under the Contract which Contractor has failed to perform or has performed inadequately; (3) defective Work not remedied; (4) stop notices as allowed by state law; (5) reasonable doubt that the Work can be completed for the unpaid balance of the Total Contract Price or within the scheduled completion date; (6) unsatisfactory prosecution of the Work by Contractor; (7) unauthorized deviations from the Contract; (8) failure of Contractor to maintain or submit on a timely basis proper and sufficient documentation as required by the Contract or by City during the prosecution of the Work; (9) erroneous or false estimates by Contractor of the value of the Work performed; (10) any sums representing expenses, losses, or damages as determined by the City, incurred by the City for which Contractor is liable under the Contract; and (11) any other sums which the City is entitled to recover from Contractor under the terms of the Contract or pursuant to state law, including Section 1727 of the California Labor Code. The failure by the City to deduct any of these sums from a progress payment shall not constitute a waiver of the City’s right to such sums.
3.7.6 Substitutions for Contract Retentions. In accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 22300, the City will permit the substitution of securities for any monies withheld by the City to ensure performance under the Contract. At the request and expense of Contractor, securities equivalent to the amount withheld shall be deposited with the City, or with 37 5
a state or federally chartered bank in California as the escrow agent, and thereafter the City shall then pay such monies to Contractor as they come due. Upon satisfactory completion of the Contract, the securities shall be returned to Contractor. For purposes of this Section and Section 22300 of the Public Contract Code, the term “satisfactory completion of the contract” shall mean the time the City has issued written final acceptance of the Work and filed a Notice of Completion as required by law and provisions of this Contract. Contractor shall be the beneficial owner of any securities substituted for monies withheld and shall receive any interest thereon. The escrow agreement used for the purposes of this Section shall be in the form provided by the City.
3.7.7 Title to Work. As security for partial, progress, or other payments, title to Work for which such payments are made shall pass to the City at the time of payment. To the extent that title has not previously been vested in the City by reason of payments, full title shall pass to the City at delivery of the Work at the destination and time specified in this Contract. Such transferred title shall in each case be good, free and clear from any and all security interests, liens, or other encumbrances. Contractor promises and agrees that it will not pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise encumber the items in any manner that would result in any lien, security interest, charge, or claim upon or against said items. Such transfer of title shall not imply acceptance by the City, nor relieve Contractor from the responsibility to strictly comply with the Contract, and shall not relieve Contractor of responsibility for any loss of or damage to items.
3.7.8 Labor and Material Releases. Contractor shall furnish City with labor and material releases from all subcontractors performing work on, or furnishing materials for, the Work governed by this Contract prior to final payment by City.
3.7.9 Prevailing Wages. Contractor is aware of the requirements of California Labor Code Section 1720 et seq., and 1770 et seq., as well as California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 16000 et seq., (“Prevailing Wage Laws”), which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the performance of other requirements on “public works” and “maintenance” projects. Since the Services are being performed as part of an applicable “public works” or “maintenance” project, as defined by the Prevailing Wage Laws, and since the total compensation is $1,000 or more, Contractor agrees to fully comply with such Prevailing Wage Laws. City shall provide Contractor with a copy of the prevailing rates of per diem wages in effect at the commencement of this Contract. Contractor shall make copies of the prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to execute the Services available to interested parties upon request, and shall post copies at Contractor’s principal place of business and at the project site. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws. Contractor and any subcontractor shall forfeit a penalty of up to $200 per calendar day or portion thereof for each worker paid less than the prevailing wage rates.
3.7.10 Apprenticeable Crafts. When Contractor employs workmen in an apprenticeable craft or trade, Contractor shall comply with the provisions of Section 1777.5 of the California Labor Code with respect to the employment of properly registered apprentices upon public works. The primary responsibility for compliance with said section for all apprenticeable occupations shall be with Contractor. The Contractor or any subcontractor that is determined by the Labor Commissioner to have knowingly violated Section 1777.5 shall forfeit as a civil penalty an amount not exceeding $100 for each full calendar day of noncompliance, or such greater amount as provided by law.
3.7.11 Hours of Work. Contractor is advised that eight (8) hours labor constitutes a legal day’s work. Pursuant to Section 1813 of the California Labor Code, Contractor shall forfeit 38 6
a penalty of $25.00 per worker for each day that each worker is permitted to work more than eight (8) hours in any one calendar day and forty (40) hours in any one calendar week, except when payment for overtime is made at not less than one and one-half (1-1/2) times the basic rate for that worker.
3.7.12 Payroll Records. Contractor and each subcontractor shall keep an accurate payroll record, showing the name, address, social security number, work classification, straight time and overtime hours worked each day and week, and the actual per diem wages paid to each journeyman, apprentice, worker, or other employee employed by him or her in connection with the public work. The payroll records shall be certified and shall be available for inspection at all reasonable hours at the principal office of Contractor in the manner provided in Labor Code section 1776. In the event of noncompliance with the requirements of this section, Contractor shall have 10 days in which to comply subsequent to receipt of written notice specifying in what respects such Contractor must comply with this section. Should noncompliance still be evident after such 10-day period, Contractor shall, as a penalty to City, forfeit not more than $100.00 for each calendar day or portion thereof, for each worker, until strict compliance is effectuated. The amount of the forfeiture is to be determined by the Labor Commissioner. A contractor who is found to have violated the provisions of law regarding wages on Public Works with the intent to defraud shall be ineligible to bid on Public Works contracts for a period of one to three years as determined by the Labor Commissioner. Upon the request of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards or the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, such penalties shall be withheld from progress payments then due. The responsibility for compliance with this section is on Contractor. The requirement to submit certified payroll records directly to the Labor Commissioner under Labor Code section 1771.4 shall not apply to work performed on a public works project that is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption specified in Labor Code Section 1771.4.
3.7.13 Contractor and Subcontractor Registration. Pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, or enter into a contract to perform public work must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. No bid will be accepted nor any contract entered into without proof of the contractor’s and subcontractors’ current registration with the Department of Industrial Relations to perform public work. Contractor is directed to review, fill out and execute the Public Works Contractor Registration Certification attached hereto as Exhibit “E” prior to contract execution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the contractor registration requirements mandated by Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1 shall not apply to work performed on a public works project that is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption specified in Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1.
3.7.14 Labor Compliance; Stop Orders. This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. It shall be the Contractor’s sole responsibility to evaluate and pay the cost of complying with all labor compliance requirements under this Contract and applicable law. Any stop orders issued by the Department of Industrial Relations against Contractor or any subcontractor that affect Contractor’s performance of Work, including any delay, shall be Contractor’s sole responsibility. Any delay arising out of or resulting from such stop orders shall be considered Contractor caused delay subject to any applicable liquidated damages and shall not be compensable by the City.
Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of stop orders issued by the Department of Industrial Relations against Contractor or any subcontractor.
3.8 Performance of Work; Jobsite Obligations.
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3.8.1 Water Quality Management and Compliance.
3.8.1.1 Water Quality Management and Compliance. Contractor shall keep itself and all subcontractors, staff, and employees fully informed of and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations that may impact, or be implicated by the performance of the Work including, without limitation, all applicable provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. §§ 1300); the California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Cal Water Code §§ 13000-14950); local ordinances regulating discharges of storm water; and any and all regulations, policies, or permits issued pursuant to any such authority regulating the discharge of pollutants, as that term is used in the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, to any ground or surface water in the State.
3.8.1.2 Compliance with the Statewide Construction General Permit. Contractor shall comply with all conditions of the most recent iteration of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activity, issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (“Permit”). It shall be Contractor’s sole responsibility to file a Notice of Intent and procure coverage under the Permit for all construction activity which results in the disturbance of more than one acre of total land area or which is part of a larger common area of development or sale. Prior to initiating work, Contractor shall be solely responsible for preparing and implementing a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as required by the Permit. Contractor shall be responsible for procuring, implementing and complying with the provisions of the Permit and the SWPPP, including the standard provisions, and monitoring and reporting requirements as required by the Permit. The Permit requires the SWPPP to be a “living document” that changes as necessary to meet the conditions and requirements of the job site as it progresses through difference phases of construction and is subject to different weather conditions. It shall be Contractor’s sole responsibility to update the SWPPP as necessary to address conditions at the project site.
3.8.1.3 Other Water Quality Rules Regulations and Policies.
Contractor shall comply with the lawful requirements of any applicable municipality, drainage City, or local agency regarding discharges of storm water to separate storm drain systems or other watercourses under their jurisdiction, including applicable requirements in municipal storm water management programs.
3.8.1.4 Cost of Compliance. Storm, surface, nuisance, or other waters may be encountered at various times during construction of The Work. Therefore, the Contractor, by submitting a Bid, hereby acknowledges that it has investigated the risk arising from such waters, has prepared its Bid accordingly, and assumes any and all risks and liabilities arising therefrom.
3.8.1.5 Liability for Non-Compliance. Failure to comply with the Permit is a violation of federal and state law. Pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this Contract, Contractor hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City and its directors, officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents for any alleged violations. In addition, City may seek damages from Contractor for any delay in completing the Work in accordance with the Contract, if such delay is caused by or related to Contractor’s failure to comply with the Permit.
3.8.1.6 Reservation of Right to Defend. City reserves the right to defend any enforcement action brought against the City for Contractor’s failure to comply with the Permit or any other relevant water quality law, regulation, or policy. Pursuant to the 40 8
indemnification provisions of this Contract, Contractor hereby agrees to be bound by, and to reimburse the City for the costs (including the City’s attorney’s fees) associated with, any settlement reached between the City and the relevant enforcement entity.
3.8.1.7 Training. In addition to the standard of performance requirements set forth in paragraph 3.4, Contractor warrants that all employees and subcontractors shall have sufficient skill and experience to perform the Work assigned to them without impacting water quality in violation of the laws, regulations and policies described in paragraph 3.8.1. Consultant further warrants that it, its employees and subcontractors will receive adequate training, as determined by City, regarding the requirements of the laws, regulations and policies described in paragraph 3.8.1 as they may relate to the Work provided under this Agreement. Upon request, City will provide the Contractor with a list of training programs that meet the requirements of this paragraph.
3.8.2 Safety. Contractor shall execute and maintain its work so as to avoid injury or damage to any person or property. Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the specifications relating to safety measures applicable in particular operations or kinds of work. In carrying out its Work, Contractor shall at all times be in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and shall exercise all necessary precautions for the safety of employees appropriate to the nature of the Work and the conditions under which the Work is to be performed. Safety precautions as applicable shall include, but shall not be limited to, adequate life protection and lifesaving equipment; adequate illumination for underground and night operations; instructions in accident prevention for all employees, such as machinery guards, safe walkways, scaffolds, ladders, bridges, gang planks, confined space procedures, trenching and shoring, fall protection and other safety devices, equipment and wearing apparel as are necessary or lawfully required to prevent accidents or injuries; and adequate facilities for the proper inspection and maintenance of all safety measures. Furthermore, Contractor shall prominently display the names and telephone numbers of at least two medical doctors practicing in the vicinity of the Project, as well as the telephone number of the local ambulance service, adjacent to all telephones at the Project site.
3.8.3 Laws and Regulations. Contractor shall keep itself fully informed of and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations in any manner affecting the performance of the Contract or the Work, including all Cal/OSHA requirements, and shall give all notices required by law. Contractor shall be liable for all violations of such laws and regulations in connection with Work. If Contractor observes that the drawings or specifications are at variance with any law, rule or regulation, it shall promptly notify the City in writing. Any necessary changes shall be made by written change order. If Contractor performs any work knowing it to be contrary to such laws, rules and regulations and without giving written notice to the City, Contractor shall be solely responsible for all costs arising therefrom. City is a public entity of the State of California subject to certain provisions of the Health & Safety Code, Government Code, Public Contract Code, and Labor Code of the State. It is stipulated and agreed that all provisions of the law applicable to the public contracts of a municipality are a part of this Contract to the same extent as though set forth herein and will be complied with. Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold City, its officials, directors, officers, employees and agents free and harmless, pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this Contract, from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with such laws, rules or regulations.
3.8.4 Permits and Licenses. Contractor shall be responsible for securing City permits and licenses necessary to perform the Work described herein, including, but not limited to, an City Business License. While Contractor will not be charged a fee for any City permits, Contractor shall pay the City’s applicable business license fee. Any ineligible contractor or 41 9
subcontractor pursuant to Labor Code Sections 1777.1 and 1777.7 may not perform work on this Project.
3.8.5 Trenching Work. If the Total Contract Price exceeds $25,000 and if the Work governed by this Contract entails excavation of any trench or trenches five (5) feet or more in depth, Contractor shall comply with all applicable provisions of the California Labor Code, including Section 6705. To this end, Contractor shall submit for City’s review and approval a detailed plan showing the design of shoring, bracing, sloping, or other provisions to be made for worker protection from the hazard of caving ground during the excavation of such trench or trenches. If such plan varies from the shoring system standards, the plan shall be prepared by a registered civil or structural engineer.
3.8.6 Hazardous Materials and Differing Conditions. As required by California Public Contract Code Section 7104, if this Contract involves digging trenches or other excavations that extend deeper than four (4) feet below the surface, Contractor shall promptly, and prior to disturbance of any conditions, notify City of: (1) any material discovered in excavation that Contractor believes to be a hazardous waste that is required to be removed to a Class I, Class II or Class III disposal site; (2) subsurface or latent physical conditions at the site differing from those indicated by City; and (3) unknown physical conditions of an unusual nature at the site, significantly different from those ordinarily encountered in such contract work. Upon notification, City shall promptly investigate the conditions to determine whether a change order is appropriate.
In the event of a dispute, Contractor shall not be excused from any scheduled completion date and shall proceed with all Work to be performed under the Contract, but shall retain all rights provided by the Contract or by law for making protests and resolving the dispute.
3.8.7 Underground Utility Facilities. To the extent required by Section 4215 of the California Government Code, City shall compensate Contractor for the costs of: (1) locating and repairing damage to underground utility facilities not caused by the failure of Contractor to exercise reasonable care; (2) removing or relocating underground utility facilities not indicated in the construction drawings; and (3) equipment necessarily idled during such work. Contractor shall not be assessed liquidated damages for delay caused by failure of City to provide for removal or relocation of such utility facilities.
3.8.8 Air Quality. Contractor must fully comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in furnishing or using equipment and/or providing services, including, but not limited to, emissions limits and permitting requirements imposed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Although CARB limits and requirements are more broad, Contractor shall specifically be aware of their application to "portable equipment", which definition is considered by CARB to include any item of equipment with a fuel-powered engine. Contractor shall indemnify City against any fines or penalties imposed by CARB, or any other governmental or regulatory agency for violations of applicable laws, rules and/or regulations by Contractor, its subcontractors, or others for whom Contractor is responsible under its indemnity obligations provided for in this Agreement.
3.8.9 State Recycling Mandates. Contractor shall comply with State Recycling Mandates. Any recyclable materials/debris collected by the contractor that can be feasibly diverted via reuse or recycling must be hauled by the appropriate handler for reuse or recycling.
3.9 Completion of Work. When Contractor determines that it has completed the Work required herein, Contractor shall so notify City in writing and shall furnish all labor and material releases required by this Contract. City shall thereupon inspect the Work. If the Work is not acceptable to the City, the City shall indicate to Contractor in writing the specific portions or items of Work which are unsatisfactory or incomplete. Once Contractor determines that it has completed the incomplete or unsatisfactory Work, Contractor may request a reinspection by the City. Once 42 10
the Work is acceptable to City, City shall pay to Contractor the Total Contract Price remaining to be paid, less any amount which City may be authorized or directed by law to retain. Payment of retention proceeds due to Contractor shall be made in accordance with Section 7107 of the California Public Contract Code.
3.10 Claims; Government Code Claim Compliance.
3.10.1 Intent. Effective January 1, 1991, Section 20104 et seq., of the California Public Contract Code prescribes a process utilizing informal conferences, non-binding judicial supervised mediation, and judicial arbitration to resolve disputes on construction claims of $375,000 or less. Effective January 1, 2017, Section 9204 of the Public Contract Code prescribes a process for negotiation and mediation to resolve disputes on construction claims. The intent of this Section is to implement Sections 20104 et seq. and Section 9204 of the California Public Contract Code. This Section shall be construed to be consistent with said statutes.
3.10.2 Claims. For purposes of this Section, “Claim” means a separate demand by the Contractor, after a change order duly requested in accordance with the terms of this Contract has been denied by the City, for (A) a time extension, (B) payment of money or damages arising from Work done by or on behalf of the Contractor pursuant to the Contract, or (C) an amount the payment of which is disputed by the City. Claims governed by this Section may not be filed unless and until the Contractor completes all procedures for giving notice of delay or change and for the requesting of a time extension or change order, including but not necessarily limited to the change order procedures contained herein, and Contractor’s request for a change has been denied in whole or in part. Claims governed by this Section must be filed no later than the date of final payment. The claim shall be submitted in writing to the City and shall include on its first page the following in 16 point capital font: “THIS IS A CLAIM.” Furthermore, the claim shall include the documents necessary to substantiate the claim. Nothing in this Section is intended to extend the time limit or supersede notice requirements otherwise provided by contract for the filing of claims, including all requirements pertaining to compensation or payment for extra Work, disputed Work, and/or changed conditions. Failure to follow such contractual requirements shall bar any claims or subsequent lawsuits for compensation or payment thereon.
3.10.3 Supporting Documentation. The Contractor shall submit all claims in the following format:
3.10.3.1 Summary of claim merit and price, reference Contract Document provisions pursuant to which the claim is made
3.10.3.2 List of documents relating to claim:
(A) Specifications
(B) Drawings
(C) Clarifications (Requests for Information)
(D) Schedules
(E) Other
3.10.3.3 Chronology of events and correspondence
3.10.3.4 Analysis of claim merit
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3.10.3.5 Analysis of claim cost
3.10.3.6 Time impact analysis in CPM format
3.10.4 City’s Response. Upon receipt of a claim pursuant to this Section, City shall conduct a reasonable review of the claim and, within a period not to exceed 45 days, shall provide the Contractor a written statement identifying what portion of the claim is disputed and what portion is undisputed. Any payment due on an undisputed portion of the claim will be processed and made within 60 days after the public entity issues its written statement.
3.10.4.1 If City needs approval from its governing body to provide the Contractor a written statement identifying the disputed portion and the undisputed portion of the claim, and the governing body does not meet within the 45 days or within the mutually agreed to extension of time following receipt of a claim sent by registered mail or certified mail, return receipt requested, City shall have up to three days following the next duly publicly noticed meeting of the governing body after the 45-day period, or extension, expires to provide the Contractor a written statement identifying the disputed portion and the undisputed portion.
3.10.4.2 Within 30 days of receipt of a claim, City may request in writing additional documentation supporting the claim or relating to defenses or claims City may have against the Contractor. If additional information is thereafter required, it shall be requested and provided pursuant to this subdivision, upon mutual agreement of City and the Contractor.
3.10.4.3 City’s written response to the claim, as further documented, shall be submitted to the Contractor within 30 days (if the claim is less than $50,000, within 15 days) after receipt of the further documentation, or within a period of time no greater than that taken by the Contractor in producing the additional information or requested documentation, whichever is greater.
3.10.5 Meet and Confer. If the Contractor disputes City’s written response, or City fails to respond within the time prescribed, the Contractor may so notify City, in writing, either within 15 days of receipt of City’s response or within 15 days of City’s failure to respond within the time prescribed, respectively, and demand an informal conference to meet and confer for settlement of the issues in dispute. Upon receipt of a demand, City shall schedule a meet and confer conference within 30 days for settlement of the dispute.
3.10.6 Mediation. Within 10 business days following the conclusion of the meet and confer conference, if the claim or any portion of the claim remains in dispute, City shall provide the Contractor a written statement identifying the portion of the claim that remains in dispute and the portion that is undisputed. Any payment due on an undisputed portion of the claim shall be processed and made within 60 days after City issues its written statement. Any disputed portion of the claim, as identified by the Contractor in writing, shall be submitted to nonbinding mediation, with City and the Contractor sharing the associated costs equally. City and Contractor shall mutually agree to a mediator within 10 business days after the disputed portion of the claim has been identified in writing, unless the parties agree to select a mediator at a later time.
3.10.6.1 If the Parties cannot agree upon a mediator, each Party shall select a mediator and those mediators shall select a qualified neutral third party to mediate with regard to the disputed portion of the claim. Each Party shall bear the fees and costs charged by its respective mediator in connection with the selection of the neutral mediator.
3.10.6.2 For purposes of this section, mediation includes any nonbinding process, including, but not limited to, neutral evaluation or a dispute review board, in 44 12
which an independent third party or board assists the Parties in dispute resolution through negotiation or by issuance of an evaluation. Any mediation utilized shall conform to the timeframes in this section.
3.10.6.3 Unless otherwise agreed to by City and the Contractor in writing, the mediation conducted pursuant to this section shall excuse any further obligation under Section 20104.4 to mediate after litigation has been commenced.
3.10.6.4 The mediation shall be held no earlier than the date the Contractor completes the Work or the date that the Contractor last performs Work, whichever is earlier. All unresolved claims shall be considered jointly in a single mediation, unless a new unrelated claim arises after mediation is completed.
3.10.7 Procedures After Mediation. If following the mediation, the claim or any portion remains in dispute, the Contractor must file a claim pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 900) and Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 910) of Part 3 of Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code. For purposes of those provisions, the running of the period of time within which a claim must be filed shall be tolled from the time the Contractor submits his or her written claim pursuant to subdivision (a) until the time the claim is denied, including any period of time utilized by the meet and confer conference or mediation.
3.10.8 Civil Actions. The following procedures are established for all civil actions filed to resolve claims subject to this Section:
3.10.8.1 Within 60 days, but no earlier than 30 days, following the filing or responsive pleadings, the court shall submit the matter to non-binding mediation unless waived by mutual stipulation of both parties or unless mediation was held prior to commencement of the action in accordance with Public Contract Code section 9204 and the terms of these procedures.. The mediation process shall provide for the selection within 15 days by both parties of a disinterested third person as mediator, shall be commenced within 30 days of the submittal, and shall be concluded within 15 days from the commencement of the mediation unless a time requirement is extended upon a good cause showing to the court.
3.10.8.2 If the matter remains in dispute, the case shall be submitted to judicial arbitration pursuant to Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure, notwithstanding Section 1114.11 of that code. The Civil Discovery Act of 1986 (Article 3 (commencing with Section 2016) of Chapter 3 of Title 3 of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure) shall apply to any proceeding brought under this subdivision consistent with the rules pertaining to judicial arbitration.
3.10.8.3 In addition to Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure, (A) arbitrators shall, when possible, be experienced in construction law, and (B) any party appealing an arbitration award who does not obtain a more favorable judgment shall, in addition to payment of costs and fees under that chapter, also pay the attorney’s fees on appeal of the other party.
3.10.9 Government Code Claims. In addition to any and all contract requirements pertaining to notices of and requests for compensation or payment for extra work, disputed work, claims and/or changed conditions, Contractor must comply with the claim procedures set forth in Government Code sections 900 et seq. prior to filing any lawsuit against the City. Such Government Code claims and any subsequent lawsuit based upon the Government Code claims shall be limited to those matters that remain unresolved after all procedures pertaining to extra work, disputed work, claims, and/or changed conditions have been followed by Contractor. If no 45 13
such Government Code claim is submitted, or if any prerequisite contractual requirements are not otherwise satisfied as specified herein, Contractor shall be barred from bringing and maintaining a valid lawsuit against the City. A Government Code claim must be filed no earlier than the date the work is completed or the date the Contractor last performs work on the Project, whichever occurs first. A Government Code claim shall be inclusive of all unresolved claims unless a new unrelated claim arises after the Government Code claim is submitted.
3.10.10 Non-Waiver. City’s failure to respond to a claim from the Contractor within the time periods described in this Section or to otherwise meet the time requirements of this Section shall result in the claim being deemed rejected in its entirety. City’s failure to respond shall not waive City’s rights to any subsequent procedures for the resolution of disputed claims.
3.11 Loss and Damage. Except as may otherwise be limited by law, Contractor shall be responsible for all loss and damage which may arise out of the nature of the Work agreed to herein, or from the action of the elements, or from any unforeseen difficulties which may arise or be encountered in the prosecution of the Work until the same is fully completed and accepted by City. In the event of damage proximately caused by an Act of God, as defined by Section 7105 of the Public Contract Code, the City may terminate this Contract pursuant to Section 3.17.3; provided, however, that the City needs to provide Contractor with only one (1) day advanced written notice.
3.12 Indemnification.
3.12.1 Scope of Indemnity. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers free and harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, suits, actions, proceedings, costs, expenses, liability, judgments, awards, decrees, settlements, loss, damage or injury of any kind, in law or equity, to property or persons, including wrongful death, (collectively, “Claims”) in any manner arising out of, pertaining to, or incident to any alleged acts, errors or omissions, or willful misconduct of Contractor, its officials, officers, employees, subcontractors, consultants or agents in connection with the performance of the Contractor’s services, the Project or this Agreement, including without limitation the payment of all consequential damages, expert witness fees and attorneys’ fees and other related costs and expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent required by Civil Code section 2782, Contractor’s indemnity obligation shall not apply to liability for damages for death or bodily injury to persons, injury to property, or any other loss, damage or expense arising from the sole or active negligence or willful misconduct of the City or the City’s agents, servants, or independent contractors who are directly responsible to the City, or for defects in design furnished by those persons.
3.12.2 Additional Indemnity Obligations. Contractor shall defend, with counsel of City’s choosing and at Contractor's own cost, expense and risk, any and all Claims covered by this section that may be brought or instituted against City or its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers. In addition, Contractor shall pay and satisfy any judgment, award or decree that may be rendered against City or its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers as part of any such claim, suit, action or other proceeding. Contractor shall also reimburse City for the cost of any settlement paid by City or its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers as part of any such claim, suit, action or other proceeding. Such reimbursement shall include payment for City's attorney's fees and costs, including expert witness fees. Contractor shall reimburse City and its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers, for any and all legal expenses and costs incurred by each of them in connection therewith or in enforcing the indemnity herein provided. Contractor's obligation to indemnify shall 46 14
not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers.
3.13 Insurance.
3.13.1 Time for Compliance. Contractor shall not commence Work under this Contract until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that it has secured all insurance required under this section. In addition, Contractor shall not allow any subcontractor to commence work on any subcontract until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that the subcontractor has secured all insurance required under this section. Failure to provide and maintain all required insurance shall be grounds for the City to terminate this Contract for cause.
3.13.2 Minimum Requirements. Contractor shall, at its expense, procure and maintain for the duration of the Contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Work hereunder by Contractor, its agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. Contractor shall also require all of its subcontractors to procure and maintain the same insurance for the duration of the Contract. Such insurance shall meet at least the following minimum levels of coverage:
3.13.2.1 Minimum Scope of Insurance. Coverage shall be at least as broad as the latest version of the following: (1) General Liability: Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability coverage (occurrence form CG 00 01) OR Insurance Services Office Owners and Contractors Protective Liability Coverage Form (CG 00 09 11 88) (coverage for operations of designated contractor); (2) Automobile Liability: Insurance Services Office Business Auto Coverage form number CA 00 01, code 1 (any auto); and (3) Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by the State of California and Employer’s Liability Insurance. Policies shall not contain exclusions contrary to this Contract.
3.13.2.2 Minimum Limits of Insurance. Contractor shall maintain limits no less than: (1) General Liability: $5,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000,000 aggregate for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage; (2) Automobile Liability: $5,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage; and (3) Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Workers’ compensation limits as required by the Labor Code of the State of California.
Employer’s Liability limits of $1,000,000 each accident, policy limit bodily injury or disease, and each employee bodily injury or disease. Defense costs shall be available in addition to the limits.
Notwithstanding the minimum limits specified herein, any available coverage shall be provided to the parties required to be named as additional insureds pursuant to this Contract.
3.13.3 Insurance Endorsements. The insurance policies shall contain the following provisions, or Contractor shall provide endorsements (amendments) on forms supplied or approved by the City to add the following provisions to the insurance policies:
3.13.3.1 General Liability. (1) Such policy shall give the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers additional insured status using ISO endorsements CG20 10 10 01 plus CG20 37 10 01, or endorsements providing the exact same coverage, with respect to the Work or operations performed by or on behalf of Contractor, including materials, parts or equipment furnished in connection with such work; (2) all policies shall waive or shall permit Contractor to waive all rights of subrogation which may be obtained by the Contractor or any insurer by virtue of payment of any loss or any coverage provided to any person named as an additional insured pursuant to this Contract, and Contractor agrees to waive all such rights of subrogation; and (3) the insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers, or if excess, shall 47 15
stand in an unbroken chain of coverage excess of Contractor’s scheduled underlying coverage.
Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers shall be excess of Contractor’s insurance and shall not be called upon to contribute with it.
3.13.3.2 Automobile Liability. (1) Such policy shall give the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers additional insured status with respect to the ownership, operation, maintenance, use, loading or unloading of any auto owned, leased, hired or borrowed by Contractor or for which Contractor is responsible; (2) all policies shall waive or shall permit Contractor to waive all rights of subrogation which may be obtained by the Contractor or any insurer by virtue of payment of any loss or any coverage provided to any person named as an additional insured pursuant to this Contract, and Contractor agrees to waive all such rights of subrogation; and (3) the insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers, or if excess, shall stand in an unbroken chain of coverage excess of Contractor’s scheduled underlying coverage. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers shall be excess of Contractor’s insurance and shall not be called upon to contribute with it in any way.
3.13.3.3 Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability Coverage.
The insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers for losses paid under the terms of the insurance policy which arise from work performed by Contractor.
3.13.3.4 All Coverages. Each insurance policy required by this Contract shall be endorsed to state that: (1) coverage shall not be suspended, voided, reduced or canceled except after thirty (30) days prior written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the City; and (2) any failure to comply with reporting or other provisions of the policies, including breaches of warranties, shall not affect coverage provided to the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers.
3.13.4 Separation of Insureds; No Special Limitations. All insurance required by this Section shall contain standard separation of insureds provisions. In addition, such insurance shall not contain any special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers.
3.13.5 Deductibles and Self-Insurance Retentions. Any deductibles or selfinsured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. Contractor shall guarantee that, at the option of the City, either: (1) the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or selfinsured retentions as respects the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers; or (2) the Contractor shall procure a bond or other financial guarantee acceptable to the City guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigation costs, claims and administrative and defense expenses.
3.13.6 Acceptability of Insurers. Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating no less than A:VII, licensed to do business in California, and satisfactory to the City. Exception may be made for the State Compensation Insurance Fund when not specifically rated.
3.13.7 Verification of Coverage. Contractor shall furnish City with original certificates of insurance and endorsements effecting coverage required by this Contract on forms satisfactory to the City. The certificates and endorsements for each insurance policy shall be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf, and shall be on forms 48 16
supplied or approved by the City. All certificates and endorsements must be received and approved by the City before work commences. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, at any time.
3.13.8 Subcontractors. All subcontractors shall meet the requirements of this Section before commencing Work. Contractor shall furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor. Subcontractor policies of General Liability insurance shall name the City, its officials, employees, agents and authorized volunteers as additional insureds using form ISO 20 38 04 13 or endorsements providing the exact same coverage. All coverages for subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements stated herein except as otherwise agreed to by the City in writing.
3.13.9 Reporting of Claims. Contractor shall report to the City, in addition to Contractor’s insurer, any and all insurance claims submitted by Contractor in connection with the Work under this Contract.
3.14 Bond Requirements.
3.14.1 Payment Bond. If required by law or otherwise specifically requested by City in Exhibit “C” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, Contractor shall execute and provide to City concurrently with this Contract a Payment Bond in an amount required by the City and in a form provided or approved by the City. If such bond is required, no payment will be made to Contractor until the bond has been received and approved by the City.
3.14.2 Performance Bond. If specifically requested by City in Exhibit “C” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, Contractor shall execute and provide to City concurrently with this Contract a Performance Bond in an amount required by the City and in a form provided or approved by the City. If such bond is required, no payment will be made to Contractor until the bond has been received and approved by the City.
3.14.3 Bond Provisions. Should, in City’s sole opinion, any bond become insufficient or any surety be found to be unsatisfactory, Contractor shall renew or replace the effected bond within (ten) 10 days of receiving notice from City. In the event the surety or Contractor intends to reduce or cancel any required bond, at least thirty (30) days prior written notice shall be given to the City, and Contractor shall post acceptable replacement bonds at least ten (10) days prior to expiration of the original bonds. No further payments shall be deemed due or will be made under this Contract until any replacement bonds required by this Section are accepted by the City. To the extent, if any, that the Total Contract Price is increased in accordance with the Contract, Contractor shall, upon request of the City, cause the amount of the bond to be increased accordingly and shall promptly deliver satisfactory evidence of such increase to the City. If Contractor fails to furnish any required bond, the City may terminate the Contract for cause.
3.14.4 Surety Qualifications. Only bonds executed by an admitted surety insurer, as defined in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120, shall be accepted. If a California-admitted surety insurer issuing bonds does not meet these requirements, the insurer will be considered qualified if it is in conformance with Section 995.660 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, and proof of such is provided to the City.
3.15 Warranty. Contractor warrants all Work under the Contract (which for purposes of this Section shall be deemed to include unauthorized work which has not been removed and any non-conforming materials incorporated into the Work) to be of good quality and free from any defective or faulty material and workmanship. Contractor agrees that for a period of one year (or the period of time specified elsewhere in the Contract or in any guarantee or warranty provided 49 17
by any manufacturer or supplier of equipment or materials incorporated into the Work, whichever is later) after the date of final acceptance, Contractor shall within ten (10) days after being notified in writing by the City of any defect in the Work or non-conformance of the Work to the Contract, commence and prosecute with due diligence all Work necessary to fulfill the terms of the warranty at its sole cost and expense. Contractor shall act sooner as requested by the City in response to an emergency. In addition, Contractor shall, at its sole cost and expense, repair and replace any portions of the Work (or work of other contractors) damaged by its defective Work or which becomes damaged in the course of repairing or replacing defective Work. For any Work so corrected, Contractor’s obligation hereunder to correct defective Work shall be reinstated for an additional one year period, commencing with the date of acceptance of such corrected Work.
Contractor shall perform such tests as the City may require to verify that any corrective actions, including, without limitation, redesign, repairs, and replacements comply with the requirements of the Contract. All costs associated with such corrective actions and testing, including the removal, replacement, and reinstitution of equipment and materials necessary to gain access, shall be the sole responsibility of Contractor. All warranties and guarantees of subcontractors, suppliers and manufacturers with respect to any portion of the Work, whether express or implied, are deemed to be obtained by Contractor for the benefit of the City, regardless of whether or not such warranties and guarantees have been transferred or assigned to the City by separate agreement and Contractor agrees to enforce such warranties and guarantees, if necessary, on behalf of the City. In the event that Contractor fails to perform its obligations under this Section, or under any other warranty or guaranty under this Contract, to the reasonable satisfaction of the City, the City shall have the right to correct and replace any defective or non-conforming Work and any work damaged by such work or the replacement or correction thereof at Contractor’s sole expense.
Contractor shall be obligated to fully reimburse the City for any expenses incurred hereunder upon demand.
3.16 Employee/Labor Certifications.
3.16.1 Contractor’s Labor Certification. By its signature hereunder, Contractor certifies that he is aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for Worker’s Compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that Code, and agrees to comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the Work. A certification form for this purpose, which is attached to this Contract as Exhibit “D” and incorporated herein by reference, shall be executed simultaneously with this Contract.
3.16.2 Equal Opportunity Employment. Contractor represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and that it shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age or other interests protected by the State or Federal Constitutions. Such non-discrimination shall include, but not be limited to, all activities related to initial employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination.
3.16.3 Verification of Employment Eligibility. By executing this Contract, Contractor verifies that it fully complies with all requirements and restrictions of state and federal law respecting the employment of undocumented aliens, including, but not limited to, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as may be amended from time to time, and shall require all subconsultants and sub-subconsultants to comply with the same.
3.17 General Provisions.
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3.17.1 City’s Representative. The City hereby designates the General Manager, or his or her designee, to act as its representative for the performance of this Contract (“City’s Representative”). City’s Representative shall have the power to act on behalf of the City for all purposes under this Contract. Contractor shall not accept direction or orders from any person other than the City’s Representative or his or her designee.
3.17.2 Contractor’s Representative. Before starting the Work, Contractor shall submit in writing the name, qualifications and experience of its proposed representative who shall be subject to the review and approval of the City (“′Contractor’s Representative”). Following approval by the City, Contractor’s Representative shall have full authority to represent and act on behalf of Contractor for all purposes under this Contract. Contractor’s Representative shall supervise and direct the Work, using his best skill and attention, and shall be responsible for all construction means, methods, techniques, sequences and procedures and for the satisfactory coordination of all portions of the Work under this Contract. Contractor’s Representative shall devote full time to the Project and either he or his designee, who shall be acceptable to the City, shall be present at the Work site at all times that any Work is in progress and at any time that any employee or subcontractor of Contractor is present at the Work site. Arrangements for responsible supervision, acceptable to the City, shall be made for emergency Work which may be required.
Should Contractor desire to change its Contractor’s Representative, Contractor shall provide the information specified above and obtain the City’s written approval.
3.17.3 Termination. This Contract may be terminated by City at any time, either with our without cause, by giving Contractor three (3) days advance written notice. In the event of termination by City for any reason other than the fault of Contractor, City shall pay Contractor for all Work performed up to that time as provided herein. In the event of breach of the Contract by Contractor, City may terminate the Contract immediately without notice, may reduce payment to Contractor in the amount necessary to offset City’s resulting damages, and may pursue any other available recourse against Contractor. Contractor may not terminate this Contract except for cause. In the event this Contract is terminated in whole or in part as provided, City may procure, upon such terms and in such manner as it may determine appropriate, services similar to those terminated. Further, if this Contract is terminated as provided, City may require Contractor to provide all finished or unfinished documents, data, diagrams, drawings, materials or other matter prepared or built by Contractor in connection with its performance of this Contract.
3.17.4 Contract Interpretation. Should any question arise regarding the meaning or import of any of the provisions of this Contract or written or oral instructions from City, the matter shall be referred to City’s Representative, whose decision shall be binding upon Contractor.
3.17.5 Anti-Trust Claims. This provision shall be operative if this Contract is applicable to California Public Contract Code Section 7103.5. In entering into this Contract to supply goods, services or materials, Contractor hereby offers and agrees to assign to the City all rights, title, and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. Section 15) or under the Cartwright Act (Chapter 2, commencing with Section 16700, of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code) arising from purchases of goods, services, or materials pursuant to the Contract. This assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the City tender final payment to Contractor, without further acknowledgment by the Parties.
3.17.6 Notices. All notices hereunder and communications regarding interpretation of the terms of the Contract or changes thereto shall be provided by the mailing 51 19
thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed as follows:
CONTRACTOR:
E.C. Construction Co.
2213 Chico Ave.
So. El Monte, CA 91733
Attn: James Bleecker
CITY:
City of Rolling Hills
2 Portuguese Bend Rd
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Attn: City Manager
Any notice so given shall be considered received by the other Party three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. Mail as stated above and addressed to the Party at the above address. Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice on the date actual notice occurred, regardless of the method of service.
3.17.7 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Contract.
3.17.8 Assignment Forbidden. Contractor shall not, either voluntarily or by action of law, assign or transfer this Contract or any obligation, right, title or interest assumed by Contractor herein without the prior written consent of City. If Contractor attempts an assignment or transfer of this Contract or any obligation, right, title or interest herein, City may, at its option, terminate and revoke the Contract and shall thereupon be relieved from any and all obligations to Contractor or its assignee or transferee.
3.17.9 No Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third party beneficiaries of any right or obligation assumed by the Parties.
3.17.10 Laws, Venue, and Attorneys’ Fees. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. If any action is brought to interpret or enforce any term of this Agreement, the action shall be brought in a state or federal court situated in the County of Los Angeles, State of California.
3.17.11 Counterparts. This Contract may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.
3.17.12 Successors. The Parties do for themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns agree to the full performance of all of the provisions contained in this Contract.
3.17.13 [Reserved]
3.17.14 Solicitation. Contractor maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Contractor, to solicit or secure this Contract. Further, Contractor warrants that it has not paid nor has it agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Contractor, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration 52 20
contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Contract. For breach or violation of this warranty, City shall have the right to terminate this Contract without liability.
3.17.15 Conflict of Interest. Contractor maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Contractor, to solicit or secure this Agreement. Further, Contractor warrants that it has not paid nor has it agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Contractor, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. For breach or violation of this warranty, City shall have the right to rescind this Agreement without liability. For the term of this Contract, no director, official, officer or employee of City, during the term of his or her service with City, shall have any direct interest in this Contract, or obtain any present or anticipated material benefit arising therefrom. In addition, Contractor agrees to file, or to cause its employees or subcontractors to file, a Statement of Economic Interest with the City’s Filing Officer as required under state law in the performance of the Work.
3.17.16 Certification of License.
3.17.16.1 Contractor certifies that as of the date of execution of this Contract, Contractor has a current contractor’s license of the classification indicated below under Contractor’s signature.
3.17.16.2 Contractors are required by law to be licensed and regulated by the Contractors’ State License Board which has jurisdiction to investigate complaints against contractors if a complaint regarding a patent act or omission is filed within four (4) years of the date of the alleged violation. A complaint regarding a latent act or omission pertaining to structural defects must be filed within ten (10) years of the date of the alleged violation. Any questions concerning a contractor may be referred to the Registrar, Contractors’ State License Board, P.O.
Box 26000, Sacramento, California 95826.
3.17.17 Authority to Enter Contract. Each Party warrants that the individuals who have signed this Contract have the legal power, right and authority to make this Contract and bind each respective Party.
3.17.18 Entire Contract; Modification. This Contract contains the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings or agreements. This Contract may only be modified by a writing signed by both Parties.
3.17.19 Non-Waiver. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be considered waived by either party, unless such waiver is specifically specified in writing.
3.17.20 City’s Right to Employ Other Contractors. City reserves right to employ other contractors in connection with this Project or other projects.. [SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
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SIGNATURE PAGE FOR EMERGENCY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
AND E.C. CONSTRUCTION CO.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have entered into this Agreement as of the 24th day of October, 2022.
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS E.C. CONSTRUCTION CO.
By: By:
City Manager Its:
Printed Name:
ATTEST:
By:
City Clerk
54 22
EXHIBIT “A”
SERVICES / SCHEDULE
1. Overview
A. The following work scope addresses methods and procedures for the repair of the storm drain at or near 3 Middleridge Lane North.
2. Scope of Work
A. Storm Drain Repair. Contractor shall coordinate and work with the City and the property owner at 3 Middleridge Lane North to accomplish the following:
(1) Remove existing vegetation to access the City’s storm drain on and around 3 Middleridge Lane North; (2) Remove approximately 20 linear feet of white fencing to access and work on City’s storm drain and replace fencing after work is completed; (3) Remove soil and approximately 55 linear feet of 24” City storm drain that starts from connection of the new 24” pipe at the edge of the property on 1 Middleridge Lane North to the existing concrete head wall structure; (4) install approximately 55 linear feet of new 24” city storm drain and backfill with native soil; and (5) level off and regrade working area and area on 1 Middleridge Lane North.
3. Schedule
A. November 1, 2022 to December 1, 2022
55 - 23 -
EXHIBIT “B”
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
56 BID PROPOSAL AND CONTRACT
2213 CHICO AVE./SO. EL MONTE, CA 91733
Phone: (626) 444-9596 Fax: (626) 444-3077
California Contractors License #366814
DATE: 10/17/2022
TO City of Rolling Hills JOB ADDRESS
2 Portuguese Bend Rd
Rolling Hills, CA 90274 3 Middleridge Lane N
We agree to furnish all labor, materials, equipment and supervision necessary to complete the following:
STORM DRAIN REPAIR
1. Remove existing vegetation as required to access damaged pipe.
2. Remove approx. 20 LF of white fencing and replace fencing after pipe installation.
3. Remove soil and approx. 55 LF of damaged 24” CMP. Damaged pipe removal will be from the connection of the new 24” pipe at the edge of the property on 1 Middleridge N to the existing concrete head wall structure.
4. Install approx. 55 LF of new 24” CMP and backfill with native soil.
5. Level off and regrade our working area on 1 MIddleridge N.
COST……$35,220.00
Exclusions: permits, inspection fees, SWPPP plan, engineering, survey, relocation of underground utilities, night or weekend work, concrete, slurry, and striping.
The above described work will be performed in a workman like manner and in accordance with standard practices.
TERMS: Unless credit arrangements have been made, in writing, in advance, the invoice for the work described herein is due and payable on presentation. 1 ½ % per month will be charged on a daily basis on all accounts or portions thereof not paid within 10 days of the date of the invoice.
Customer agrees to pay reasonable attorney fees and collection costs incurred by E.C. Construction Co. for the collection of both principal and interest due to customer’s failure to pay per this agreement.
Unless otherwise specified, if this proposal is not accepted within______15__________days from bid date, we reserve the right of cancellation.
APPROVE AND ACCEPTED Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________ E.C. CONSTRUCTION CO.
Date__________________20___ By_________________________ 57 - 24 -
EXHIBIT “C”
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
ARTICLE 1. BONDS
Within ten (10) calendar days from the date the Contractor is notified of award of the Contract, the Contractor shall deliver to the City four identical counterparts of the Performance Bond and Payment Bond on the forms supplied by the City and included as Exhibit “F” to the Contract.
Failure to do so may, in the sole discretion of City, result in the forfeiture of Contractor’s bid security. The surety supplying the bond must be an admitted surety insurer, as defined in Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120, authorized to do business as such in the State of California and satisfactory to the City. The Performance Bond and the Payment Bond shall be for one hundred percent (100%) of the Total Contract Price.
58 - 25 -
EXHIBIT “D”
CERTIFICATION
LABOR CODE - SECTION 1861
I, the undersigned Contractor, am aware of the provisions of Section 3700, et seq., of the California Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for Worker’s Compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of the Code, and I, the undersigned Contractor, agree to and will comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the Work on this Contract.
E.C. Construction Co.
By: _________________________
Signature
_________________________
Name (Print)
_________________________
Title (Print)
59 - 26 -
EXHIBIT “E”
PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, or enter into a contract to perform public work must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. See http://www.dir.ca.gov/PublicWorks/PublicWorks.html for additional information.
No bid will be accepted nor any contract entered into without proof of the contractor’s and subcontractors’ current registration with the Department of Industrial Relations to perform public work.
Contractor hereby certifies that it is aware of the registration requirements set forth in Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1 and is currently registered as a contractor with the Department of Industrial Relations.1
Name of Contractor:
DIR Registration Number:
DIR Registration Expiration:_________________________
Small Project Exemption: _____ Yes or _____ No
Unless Contractor is exempt pursuant to the small project exemption, Contractor further acknowledges:
• Contractor shall maintain a current DIR registration for the duration of the project. • Contractor shall include the requirements of Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1 in its contract with subcontractors and ensure that all subcontractors are registered at the time of bid opening and maintain registration status for the duration of the project. • Failure to submit this form or comply with any of the above requirements may result in a finding that the bid is non-responsive.
Name of Contractor
Signature
Name and Title
Dated
1 If the Project is exempt from the contractor registration requirements pursuant to the small project exemption under Labor Code Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, please mark “Yes” in response to “Small Project Exemption.” 60 - 27 -
EXHIBIT “F”
PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE BONDS
61 - 28 -
PERFORMANCE BOND
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS:
THAT WHEREAS, the City of Rolling Hills (hereinafter referred to as “City”) has awarded to ____________________, (hereinafter referred to as the “Contractor”) _______________________ an agreement for ______________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the “Project”).
WHEREAS, the work to be performed by the Contractor is more particularly set forth in the Contract Documents for the Project dated ________________, (hereinafter referred to as “Contract Documents”), the terms and conditions of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference; and
WHEREAS, the Contractor is required by said Contract Documents to perform the terms thereof and to furnish a bond for the faithful performance of said Contract Documents.
NOW, THEREFORE, we, _______________, the undersigned Contractor and _____________________________________________ as Surety, a corporation organized and duly authorized to transact business under the laws of the State of California, are held and firmly bound unto the City in the sum of ___________________________ DOLLARS, ($____________), said sum being not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the total amount of the Contract, for which amount well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators, successors and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.
THE CONDITION OF THIS OBLIGATION IS SUCH, that, if the Contractor, his or its heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, shall in all things stand to and abide by, and well and truly keep and perform the covenants, conditions and agreements in the Contract Documents and any alteration thereof made as therein provided, on its part, to be kept and performed at the time and in the manner therein specified, and in all respects according to their intent and meaning; and shall faithfully fulfill all obligations including the one-year guarantee of all materials and workmanship; and shall indemnify and save harmless the City, its officers and agents, as stipulated in said Contract Documents, then this obligation shall become null and void; otherwise it shall be and remain in full force and effect.
As a condition precedent to the satisfactory completion of the Contract Documents, unless otherwise provided for in the Contract Documents, the above obligation shall hold good for a period of one (1) year after the acceptance of the work by City, during which time if Contractor shall fail to make full, complete, and satisfactory repair and replacements and totally protect the City from loss or damage resulting from or caused by defective materials or faulty workmanship, Surety shall undertake and faithfully fulfill all such obligations. The obligations of Surety hereunder shall continue so long as any obligation of Contractor remains. Nothing herein shall limit the City’s rights or the 62 - 29 -
Contractor or Surety’s obligations under the Contract, law or equity, including, but not limited to, California Code of Civil Procedure section 337.15.
Whenever Contractor shall be, and is declared by the City to be, in default under the Contract Documents, the Surety shall remedy the default pursuant to the Contract Documents, or shall promptly, at the City’s option:
(1) Take over and complete the Project in accordance with all terms and conditions in the Contract Documents; or
(2) Obtain a bid or bids for completing the Project in accordance with all terms and conditions in the Contract Documents and upon determination by Surety of the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, arrange for a Contract between such bidder, the Surety and the City, and make available as work progresses sufficient funds to pay the cost of completion of the Project, less the balance of the contract price, including other costs and damages for which Surety may be liable. The term “balance of the contract price” as used in this paragraph shall mean the total amount payable to Contractor by the City under the Contract and any modification thereto, less any amount previously paid by the City to the Contractor and any other set offs pursuant to the Contract Documents.
(3) Permit the City to complete the Project in any manner consistent with local, California and federal law and make available as work progresses sufficient funds to pay the cost of completion of the Project, less the balance of the contract price, including other costs and damages for which Surety may be liable. The term “balance of the contract price” as used in this paragraph shall mean the total amount payable to Contractor by the City under the Contract and any modification thereto, less any amount previously paid by the City to the Contractor and any other set offs pursuant to the Contract Documents.
Surety expressly agrees that the City may reject any contractor or subcontractor which may be proposed by Surety in fulfillment of its obligations in the event of default by the Contractor.
Surety shall not utilize Contractor in completing the Project nor shall Surety accept a bid from Contractor for completion of the Project if the City, when declaring the Contractor in default, notifies Surety of the City’s objection to Contractor’s further participation in the completion of the Project.
The Surety, for value received, hereby stipulates and agrees that no change, extension of time, alteration or addition to the terms of the Contract Documents or to the Project to be performed thereunder shall in any way affect its obligations on this bond, and it does hereby waive notice of any such change, extension of time, alteration or addition to the terms of the Contract Documents or to the Project, including but not limited to the provisions of sections 2819 and 2845 of the California Civil Code. 63 - 30 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this _______ day of ______________, 20__).
(Corporate Seal)
Contractor/ Principal
By
Title
(Corporate Seal) Surety
By
Attorney-in-Fact
Signatures of those signing for the Contractor and Surety must be notarized and evidence of corporate authority attached.
(Attach Attorney-in-Fact Certificate) Title
The rate of premium on this bond is ____________ per thousand. The total amount of premium charges, $_______________________________.
(The above must be filled in by corporate attorney.)
THIS IS A REQUIRED FORM
Any claims under this bond may be addressed to:
(Name and Address of Surety) ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
(Name and Address of Agent or ___________________________________________ Representative for service of
process in California, if different ___________________________________________ from above)
___________________________________________
(Telephone number of Surety and___________________________________________ Agent or Representative for service
of process in California)
NOTE: A copy of the Power-of-Attorney authorizing the person signing on behalf of the Surety to do so must be attached hereto.
64 - 31 -
Notary Acknowledgment
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ______________
On , 20___, before me, _______________________________, Notary Public, personally appeared , who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature of Notary Public
OPTIONAL
Though the information below is not required by law, it may prove valuable to persons relying on the document and could prevent fraudulent removal and reattachment of this form to another document.
CAPACITY CLAIMED BY SIGNER DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED DOCUMENT Individual
Corporate Officer
Title(s) Title or Type of Document
Partner(s) Limited
General Number of Pages
Attorney-In-Fact
Trustee(s)
Guardian/Conservator Date of Document
Other:
Signer is representing:
Name Of Person(s) Or Entity(ies)
Signer(s) Other Than Named Above
65 - 32 -
PAYMENT BOND
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS That
WHEREAS, the City of Rolling Hills (hereinafter designated as the “City”), by action taken or a resolution passed ___________ , 20____has awarded to ________________ hereinafter designated as the “Principal,” a contract for the work described as follows:
_____________________________________________________ (the “Project”); and WHEREAS, the work to be performed by the Principal is more particularly set forth in the Contract Documents for the Project dated __________________ (“Contract Documents”), the terms and conditions of which are expressly incorporated by reference; and
WHEREAS, said Principal is required to furnish a bond in connection with said contract; providing that if said Principal or any of its Subcontractors shall fail to pay for any materials, provisions, provender, equipment, or other supplies used in, upon, for or about the performance of the work contracted to be done, or for any work or labor done thereon of any kind, or for amounts due under the Unemployment Insurance Code or for any amounts required to be deducted, withheld, and paid over to the Employment Development Department from the wages of employees of said Principal and its Subcontractors with respect to such work or labor the Surety on this bond will pay for the same to the extent hereinafter set forth.
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Principal and __________________________ as Surety, are held and firmly bound unto the City in the penal sum of ______________ Dollars ($___________) lawful money of the United States of America, for the payment of which sum well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.
THE CONDITION OF THIS OBLIGATION IS SUCH that if said Principal, his or its subcontractors, heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, shall fail to pay any of the persons named in Section 9100 of the Civil Code, fail to pay for any materials, provisions or other supplies, used in, upon, for or about the performance of the work contracted to be done, or for any work or labor thereon of any kind, or amounts due under the Unemployment Insurance Code with respect to work or labor performed under the contract, or for any amounts required to be deducted, withheld, and paid over to the Employment Development Department or Franchise Tax Board from the wages of employees of the contractor and his subcontractors pursuant to Section 18663 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, with respect to such work and labor the Surety or Sureties will pay for the same, in an amount not exceeding the sum herein above specified.
This bond shall inure to the benefit of any of the persons named in Section 9100 of the Civil Code so as to give a right of action to such persons or their assigns in any suit brought upon this bond.
It is further stipulated and agreed that the Surety on this bond shall not be exonerated or released from the obligation of this bond by any change, extension of time for performance, addition, alteration or modification in, to, or of any contract, plans, specifications, or agreement pertaining or relating to any scheme or work of improvement herein above described, or pertaining or relating to the furnishing of labor, materials, or 66 - 33 -
equipment therefore, nor by any change or modification of any terms of payment or extension of the time for any payment pertaining or relating to any scheme or work of improvement herein above described, nor by any rescission or attempted rescission of the contract, agreement or bond, nor by any conditions precedent or subsequent in the bond attempting to limit the right of recovery of claimants otherwise entitled to recover under any such contract or agreement or under the bond, nor by any fraud practiced by any person other than the claimant seeking to recover on the bond and that this bond be construed most strongly against the Surety and in favor of all persons for whose benefit such bond is given, and under no circumstances shall Surety be released from liability to those for whose benefit such bond has been given, by reason of any breach of contract between the owner or City and original contractor or on the part of any obligee named in such bond, but the sole conditions of recovery shall be that claimant is a person described in Section 9100 of the Civil Code, and has not been paid the full amount of his claim and that Surety does hereby waive notice of any such change, extension of time, addition, alteration or modification herein mentioned and the provisions of sections 2819 and 2845 of the California Civil Code.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this _______ day of ______________, 20__.
(Corporate Seal)
Contractor/ Principal
By
Title
(Corporate Seal) Surety
By
Attorney-in-Fact
Title
Signatures of those signing for the Contractor and Surety must be notarized and evidence of corporate authority attached. A Power-of-Attorney authorizing the person signing on behalf of the Surety to do so much be attached hereto.
NOTE: A copy of the Power-of-Attorney authorizing the person signing on behalf of the Surety to do so must be attached hereto.
67 - 34 -
Notary Acknowledgment
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ______________
On , 20___, before me, _______________________________, Notary Public, personally appeared , who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Signature of Notary Public
OPTIONAL
Though the information below is not required by law, it may prove valuable to persons relying on the document and could prevent fraudulent removal and reattachment of this form to another document.
CAPACITY CLAIMED BY SIGNER DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED DOCUMENT Individual
Corporate Officer
Title(s) Title or Type of Document
Partner(s) Limited
General Number of Pages
Attorney-In-Fact
Trustee(s)
Guardian/Conservator Date of Document
Other:
Signer is representing:
Name Of Person(s) Or Entity(ies)
Signer(s) Other Than Named Above
68 RESOLUTION NO. 1313
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS. CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING A
FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 BUDGET MODIFICATION
TO APPROPRIATE $40,503.00 IN GENERAL FUND
RESERVES FOR THE EMERGENCY CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT WITH E.C. CONSTRUCTION CO. FOR
STORM DRAIN REPAIRS ON OR AROUND 3
MIDDLERIDGE LANE NORTH
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA,
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals.
A. It is the intention of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills to review the adopted budget from time to time.
B. On October 10, 2022 the City Council received a report regarding the status of the property at 3 Middleridge Lane North and the status of the City’s storm drain on and around the property.
C. After the report the City Council directed staff to commence the emergency work procedures under Public Contract Code section 22035 and 22050t to make necessary repairs to the City’s storm drain.
D. City staff solicited a bid from E.C. Construction Co. for the emergency work and received a bid of $35,220.00 for the work. The City desires to appropriate $40,503.00 (includes a 15% contingency) from the General Fund Reserves to fund the Emergency Construction Contract with E.C. Construction Co. (attached as Exhibit “A”).
Section 2. The sum of forty thousand, five hundred and three dollars ($40,503.00) is hereby appropriated from the General Fund Reserves to fund the Emergency Construction Contract with E.C. Construction Co.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book or original resolutions. 69 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 24th day of October, 2022 ______________________________
DR. JAMES BLACK
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH
CITY CLERK
70 Exhibit A
71 Agenda Item No.: 7.H
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH S&K
CONSULTING SERVICES TO EVALUATE EXISTING CITY HALL
HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) AND
PROVIDE AN ENGINEERING DESIGN TO CONSTRUCT A WORKING
SYSTEM FOR A NOT-TO-EXCEED FEE OF $25,100; ADOPT BY
RESOLUTION NO. 1315 AUTHORIZING A BUDGET MODIFICATION OF $25,100
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
The existing City Hall Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is several decades old and currently not operating adequately to provide the necessary cooling and heating at City Hall. In July 2022, staff noticed that the thermostat was not responsive and called three HVAC contractors to troubleshoot. Two of the three contractors responded to the call and similarly opined that the condenser of the system needs replacement. Additionally, due to the age of the condenser and the need to have a functioning system, the contractors recommended that the furnace be replaced as well. Furthermore, one contractor inspected the duct work conveying the cool air and heat throughout the building and found that one major section of the duct was disconnected. Another set of duct work showed a segment that was crushed, effectively pinching the pipe and restricting airflow. The proposals received for replacement parts and duct work repair ranged from $30,000 to $50,000.
City staff has operated City Hall without proper ventilation since late July. With the recent heat wave, employees were instructed to alter their attire and hydrate often in response to the high temperatures.
After numerous discussions with the HVAC contractors on the quoted prices of replacement parts, staff provided the information to the City Hall ADA Improvement project architectural/engineering team for feedback. The team opined that the suggested replacement parts should be designed to ensure functionality as a complete system. Considering this feedback, staff prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit qualified companies with 72 experience in preparing construction documents and specifications for improvements to public facilities for HVAC systems. Currently the furnace and AC condenser are located in the Mechanical Room. Per the opinions of the HVAC contractors and the architectural/engineering team, some of the equipment should be relocated outside of the mechanical room to properly draw air for the system.
Staff subsequently wrote a Request for Proposal (RFP) with a short turnaround. The selected proposer shall prepare a set of construction documents including all equipment specifications, quantities, locations and project diagrams necessary to solicit construction bids from qualified HVAC contractors for installation of a turnkey system. All proposals were due by 3 pm on September 26, 2022. The City extended the due date to 12 pm on October 4, 2022 due to responses for questions not being posted on the City website. The City received 6 proposals which were evaluated by staff along with Project Manager Alan Palermo.
DISCUSSION:
At the October 10, 2022 City Council meeting, a motion was unanimously passed directing staff to prepare a Professional Services agreement with S&K Consulting Services for a not-toexceed amount of $25,100.00.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The failure of the City Hall's HVAC system was unanticipated and therefore not budgeted in Fiscal Year 2022-2023. This project requires an allocation of $25,100 from General Fund reserves. Reserve balances are well above the amount required by the revised reserve policy, and the use of reserves for this type of unexpected capital cost is in line with the City's budget policies.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 1315 and approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
ResolutionNo1315_HVAC_SKConsulting_BudgetAmendment.pdf
CA_AGR_221024_SKConsulting_HVAC_Design_signed.pdf
73 RESOLUTION NO. 1315
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS. CALIFORNIA
AUTHORIZING A FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023
BUDGET MODIFICATION TO APPROPRIATE
$21,500.00 IN GENERAL FUND RESERVES FOR
THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH S&K CONSULTING SERVICES FOR HVAC
EVALUATION AND DESIGN SERVICES
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA,
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE, AND ORDER AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals.
A. It is the intention of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills to review the adopted budget from time to time.
B. On October 10, 2022 the City Council received a report from staff regarding the status of City Hall’s existing HVAC system and the Request for Proposal for a consultant to evaluate and design a new HVAC system for City Hall.
C. After the report the City Council directed staff to prepare a professional services agreement with S&K Consulting Services in an amount not to exceed $25,100.
D. The City desires to appropriate $21,500 from the General Fund Reserves to fund the Professional Services Agreement with S&K Consulting Services (attached as Exhibit “A”).
Section 2. The sum of twenty one thousand and one hundred dollars ($21,500.00) is hereby appropriated from the General Fund Reserves to fund the Professional Services Agreement with S&K Consulting Services.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book or original resolutions. 74 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 24th day of October, 2022 ______________________________
JAMES BLACK, MD
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH
CITY CLERK
75 Exhibit A
76 - 1 -
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR EVALUATION
OF EXISTING HVAC SYSTEM AND DESIGN TO CONSTRUCT A NEW HVAC SYSTEM THIS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this 24th day of October, 2022 by and between the CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ("City") and S&K CONSULTING SERVICES ("Consultant").
R E C I T A L S
A. The City does not have the personnel able and available to perform the services required under this Agreement.
B. The City desires to retain the services of Consultant to evaluate the current status of the City’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditions (HVAC) system and then design an updated or new system for the approximately 3,420 square foot Rolling Hills City Hall building.
This design and equipment specifications will then be used by the City to solicit construction bids from qualified contractors for the removal of the old system and installation of the new system.
C. Consultant warrants to the City that it has the qualifications, experience, and facilities to perform properly and timely the services under this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreements set forth below, City and Consultant agree as follows:
1. Scope of Services. Consultant shall furnish all materials and perform all work necessary to complete in a manner satisfactory to CITY the services set forth in the scope of work attached as Exhibit A. As explained in Exhibit A, the City is in the preliminary design stage for an approximate 260 square foot expansions of City Hall and ADA renovation. The new HVAC system design shall meet the current needs of the existing City Hall and be expandable or sized to meet the HVAC needs of the soon to be renovated and expanded City Hall facility.
2. Compensation. Compensation shall not exceed twenty five thousand, one hundred dollars ($25,100.00) for all services rendered, and City need not incur twenty five thousand, one hundred dollars ($25,100.00) worth of services. Consultant shall submit to the City, by no later than the 10th day of each month, its invoice for services describing the services, time spent on the services, and the date services were performed and itemizing the fees incurred during the previous month. The City shall pay the Consultant all uncontested amounts set forth in the Consultant's invoice within 30 days after it is received.
3. Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement shall commence upon full execution and terminate after one year of such execution unless extended by mutual written agreement of the parties. City may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause. In such event, Consultant shall be compensated for work satisfactorily accomplished up to the time of termination.
4. Insurance. Without limiting the Consultant’s obligations under paragraph 5 – Indemnity, Consultant shall, at his expense, obtain and keep in force during the term of this 77 - 2 -
Agreement, the following policies of insurance that covers Consultant in connection with the performance of work under this Agreement:
A. Consultant shall maintain and deliver to the City copies of their Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance with a combined single limit of not less than $500,000. Such insurance shall (a) name City of Rolling Hills and its appointed and elected officials, officers, employees, and agents as additional insureds; and (b) be primary with respect to any insurance or self-insurance programs maintained by the City.
B. Consultant shall maintain and deliver to City Copies of Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance with a combined single limit of not less than $300,000 per occurrence. Such insurance shall include coverage for owned, hired and nonowned automobiles.
C. Consultant shall maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance covering their employees for injuries arising out of and in the course of their employment to the extent required by the State of California. Consultant shall provide copies of said policies of Certificate of Insurance.
D. Consultant shall maintain Professional Liability Insurance that at a minimum covers professional misconduct or lack or requisite skill required for the performance of the work contemplated by this Agreements in an amount not less than $500,000 per occurrence.
D. If Consultant, for any reason, fails to maintain insurance coverage, which is required pursuant to this Agreement, the same shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement. City, at its sole option, may forthwith terminate this Agreement and obtain damages from the Consultant resulting from said breach. Alternatively, City may purchase such required insurance coverage, and without further notice to Consultant, City may deduct from sums due to Consultant any premium costs advanced by City for such insurance.
5. Indemnity. Notwithstanding the existence of insurance coverage required of Consultant pursuant to this Agreement, Consultant shall save, keep, indemnify, hold harmless, and defend City and its appointed and elected officials, officers, employees, and agents, from every claim or demand made and every liability, loss, damage or expense of any nature whatsoever and all costs or expenses incurred in connection therewith, which arise at any time, by reason of damage to the property of, or personal injury to, any person, occurring or arising out of the performance by Consultant, its officers, agents or employees, including, but not limited to, its subcontractors (hereinafter collectively "Consultant"), of the work required pursuant to this Agreement, occasioned by any alleged or actual negligence or wrongful act or omission by the Consultant, including any such liability imposed by reason of any infringement or alleged infringement of rights of any person or persons, firm or corporation, in consequence of the use in the performance by Consultant of the work hereunder of any article or material supplied or installed pursuant to this Agreement.
A. Consultant will defend any action or actions filed in connection with any of said claims, damages, penalties, obligations or liabilities and will pay all costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees incurred in connection herewith; 78 - 3 -
B. Consultant will promptly pay any judgment rendered against City, its officers, agents or employees for any such claims, penalties, obligations or liabilities; and, C. In the event City, its officers, agents or employees are made a part to any action or proceeding filed or prosecuted against Consultant for such damages or other claims arising out of or in connection with the sole negligence or wrongful acts of Consultant hereunder, Consultant agrees to pay City, its officers, agents, or employees, any and all costs and expenses incurred by City, its officers, agents of employees in such action or proceeding, including by not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees.
6. Ownership of Data. All data, maps, photographs, and other material collected or prepared under this Agreement shall become the property of the City.
7. Work Schedule. Consultant shall perform the work at times to be determined by the City.
8. Licenses and Permits. Consultant shall maintain all necessary licenses and shall comply with all other license and permit requirements of the City, State and Federal governments, as well as all other requirements of the law.
9. Taxes. Consultant agrees to pay all applicable taxes, including sales tax on material supplies where applicable.
10. General Requirements. Consultant shall comply with all City, State and Federal laws in the performance of its services.
11. Assignment. This Agreement is not assignable nor the performance of either party's duties delegable without the prior written consent of the other party. Any attempted or purported assignment or delegation of any of the rights or obligations of either party without the prior written consent of the other shall be void and of no force and effect.
12. Attorney's Fees. In any action brought to declare the rights granted herein or to enforce any of the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of reasonable attorney's fees in an amount determined by the court.
13. Non-discrimination. Consultant shall not discriminate in the hiring of employees or in the employment of subcontractors on any basis prohibited by law.
14. Independent Contractor. Consultant is and shall at all times remain as to City, a wholly independent contractor. Neither City nor any of its agents shall have control of the conduct of Consultant or any of the Consultant's employees, except as herein set forth.
Consultant shall not at any time or in any manner represent that it or any of its agents or employees are in any manner agents or employees of the City.
15. Notices. Any notice required to be given hereunder shall be deemed to have been given by depositing said notice in the United States mail, postage prepaid, and addressed as follows:
79 - 4 -
CITY: City Manager
City of Rolling Hills
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
CONSULTANT: S&K Consulting Associates, LLC.
Attn: Sam Simon, PE
2233 Via Fernandez,
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
16. Authorized Signature. Consultant affirms that the signatures, titles, and seals set forth hereinafter in execution of this Agreement represents all individuals, firm members, partners, joint ventures, and/or corporate officers having a principal interest herein.
17. Entire Agreement; Modification. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or written, between the parties and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein, and that any other agreement, statements or promise not contained in this Agreement shall not be valid or binding. Any modification of this Agreement will be effective only if signed by the party to be charged. In the event this Agreement conflicts with any other provisions of any work orders or other agreements related to the work contemplated by this Agreement, this Agreement shall control.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto for themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns do hereby agree to the full performance of the covenants herein contained and have caused this Agreement to be executed by setting hereunto their names, titles, hands, and seals this 24th day of October 2022.
CONSULTANT:
______________________________________________________
Sam Simon, P.E., Principal, S & K Consulting
CITY:
______________________________________________________
Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager of the City of Rolling Hills Attested:
______________________________________________________
Christian Horvath, City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills Date: _________________
10/19/2022
80 INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND
ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CA
90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX (310) 377-7288
SECTION 1 - BACKGROUND
Proposals are being solicited from qualified engineers, trade professionals with the expertise needed to design a high efficiency Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system for the approximately 3,420 square foot Rolling Hills City Hall building located at 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA 90274. Upon design and equipment specification completion, Rolling Hills will solicit construction bids from qualified contractors for the removal of the old system and installation of the new system specified by this design.
The existing system is several decades old (exact date when installed is unknown) and not operating to required standards. Additionally, improvements to City Hall are currently in preliminary design (building expansion of approximately 260 square feet, revised layout) with construction of improvements not expected to begin until 2024. The new HVAC system designed under this project shall meet the current needs and be expandable/sized to meet the HVAC needs of the renovated City Hall facility. 81 SECTION 2 - SCOPE OF SERVICES
The City of Rolling Hills is requesting proposals from qualified companies that have mechanical, electrical and plumbing design expertise for public facilities. The existing building layout and proposed future building layout (Schematic Design Set) can be found in Attachment 1. Currently the furnace and AC Condenser are located in the Mechanical Room (See existing building layout in Attachment 1). The City would consider/prefer relocating the mechanical equipment outside the building in the approach for meeting project requirements.
The selected proposer shall prepare a set of construction document including all equipment specification, quantities, locations and project diagrams needed to solicit construction bids from qualified HVAC contractors to install a turnkey system.
Task 1 Design
Project deliverables for this task:
• Evaluate existing facility.
• Prepare and submit 100% construction documents within 30 working days from the Notice to Proceed. • Conduct one review meeting with the City Hall ADA Improvements project team. • Incorporate city’s review comments.
• Submit design plans to Los Angeles County Building Division for permitting. • Achieve all other necessary permits for project.
• Conduct two design review meetings with City
Task 2 Bid Support
Project deliverables for this task:
• Prepare Bid Package.
• Respond to Request for Information (RFIs) during the bid phase. • Review bids and assist the City preparing agenda report for contract award.
Task 3 Construction Support
Project deliverables for this task:
• Provide general construction support services during construction. • Attend three progress meetings with staff and or contractor. • Respond to contractor Request for Information (RFI).
• Review contractor’s request for contract change orders and advise the city on follow up action. • Review contractor’s invoice and advise the city on payment. • Prepare as-built plans.
• Prepare project close out documents for city records. 82 Agenda Item No.: 7.I
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON THE REPLACEMENT OF THE THREE RAIL FENCE,
LOCATED ADJACENT TO PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD NEAR THE
MAIN GATE
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
At the August 22, 2022 City Council Meeting, representatives from the Women's Club Beautification Committee spoke during public comment on the roses and fencing along Portuguese Bend Rd at the City Hall Campus. Mayor Black requested that an agenda item be brought forth at the next meeting.
At the September 12, 2022 City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to have discussion with the Community Association regarding the timing of the fence removal, create an RFP for replacement with vinyl fencing, and bring back the RFP at the next meeting for council approval.
DISCUSSION:
The 3-rail fence was removed the week of September 12th by the RHCA per previous staff requests prior to the meeting. City staff was also in the process of a Landscaping Maintenance RFP and awaiting responses. Staff believed it would be prudent to finalize the Landscaping RFP process and interviews since concerns were expressed over the plantings and irrigation in the same area which inadvertently led to the rotting of the wood fencing.
In another agenda item, staff makes a recommendation for a new Landscaping Maintenance partner, who discussed in detail during an interview the following concerns that should be considered:
1. Outdated irrigation system with incorrect nozzles/spray heads for the pathway adjacent vegetation that contributed to the fence deterioration
2. Improper rose bush maintenance over the years has led to a scenario where they have grown too tall, outlived their useful life span and would require replacement and 83 subsequent proper maintenance.
Staff has closely observed the use of the pathway in the past month and has anecdotally seen no issues with equestrian or pedestrian passage which was a stated concern for replacing the fencing.
Staff would respectfully recommend taking more time to evaluate the need for a fence replacement and instead explore the more pressing need for the campus existing irrigation system upgrades and subsequent update of the plant palette along Portuguese Bend Road.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
ATTACHMENTS:
84 Agenda Item No.: 10.A
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JOHN SIGNO, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY SERVICES THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: RE-ADOPT THE SAFETY ELEMENT TO INCORPORATE THE CITY'S
LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH
ASSEMBLY BILL 2140
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
On March 28, 2022, the City Council adopted an update to the Safety Element (“Safety Element Update”) to comply with recent legislation and effectuate revisions contemplated by funding awarded to the City from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (“CalOES”).
On March 30, 2022, City staff sent a copy of the adopted Safety Element Update to CalOES for review. CalOES review and approval of the Safety Element Update is necessary for the City to receive grant funding under CalOES’s “Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.” Based on the Period of Performance (POP), the City has until January 15, 2023, to complete the grant requirements.
On September 2, 2022, CalOES informed the City that it would not award funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program until the City’s Safety Element satisfied the requirements of Assembly Bill 2140 (“AB 2140”). To do so, CalOES advised that:
1. The Safety Element must include language stating that the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (“LHMP”) is part of the Safety Element;
2. The Safety Element must direct readers to the location of the LHMP (e.g., via a website link); and
3. The City Council resolution updating the Safety Element should confirm that the LHMP is adopted into the Safety Element.
On October 18, 2022, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the update to the Safety Element to incorporate CalOES's requested AB 2140 revisions ("AB 2140 Safety Element Update") and adopted Resolution No. 2022-19 (attached) recommending, 4-0 85 (Cardena absent), that the City Council adopt the AB 2140 Safety Element Update.
DISCUSSION:
City staff prepared an update to the Safety Element to incorporate CalOES’s requested AB 2140 revisions (hereafter the “AB 2140 Safety Element Update”). On September 28, 2022, CalOES staff notified City staff that its draft AB 2140 Safety Element Update complied with AB 2140.
The changes made by staff include:
1. A footnote in the Safety Element indicating the LHMP is part of the Safety Element and available on the City's website. The footnote will be on three pages:
a. Front Cover
b. Introduction section (page 3): The Safety Elements' relationship to other documents including the LHMP
c. Policy 5.12 (page 34): Maintain a LHMP
2. Revised resolution incorporating the City's LHMP in accordance with AB 2140.
Once the amendment has been made and the resolution adopted, the amended Safety Element and resolution will be forwarded to CalOES to complete the City's obligation with the grant funding.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated total project cost to update the Safety Element is $63,499. CalOES awarded the City a grant for $47,624.25 (75%) and the City is obligated to provide $15,875 in local match (25%). To date, the cumulative project expenditures is $57,475 and the City has received $38,795.63 from CalOES. CalOES retains 10% which is released as part of the closeout process.
RECOMMENDATION:
Re-adopt the Safety Element to incorporate the City's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with Assembly Bill 2140.
ATTACHMENTS:
ResolutionNo1314_SafetyElementAmended-c1_D.pdf
ResolutionNo1291_SafetyElement_E.pdf
PL_GPN_221024_Safety Element_Amended_AB2140_LHMP_footnote.pdf PL_GPN_221024_Safety Element_Amended_HighlightedFootnoteLHMP_3pgs.pdf 2022-19_PC_Resolution_SafetyElementAmended-c1_F.pdf
86 Resolution No. 1314 -1- Safety Element
RESOLUTION NO. 1314
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS AMENDING THE SAFETY ELEMENT OF
THE GENERAL PLAN TO INCORPORATE THE CITY’S
LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2140
THE CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY FIND, RESOLVE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals
A. On January 4, 1957, the City of Rolling Hills (“City”) was established as a duly organized municipal corporation of the State of California.
B. The City adopted its current General Plan on June 25, 1990. The General Plan establishes goals, objectives, and strategies to achieve the community’s vision for its future.
C. Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code requires that the General Plan include a “Safety Element” for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically-induced surface rupture, ground shaking, grand failure, tsunami, seiche, and dam failure; slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides; subsidence and other geologic hazards; flooding, and wildland and urban fire. In accordance with state law, the City’s General Plan includes a Safety Element.
D. On March 28, 2022, the City Council adopted an update to the Safety Element (“Safety Element Update”) to comply with recent legislation and effectuate revisions contemplated by funding awarded to the City from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (“CalOES”).
E. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq. and the State CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15000 et seq., the City prepared an initial study in connection with the Safety Element Update, which determined that there was no substantial evidence that adoption of the Safety Element Update may have a significant effect on the environment. Accordingly, the City prepared a negative declaration (“Negative Declaration”), which was adopted by the City Council on March 28, 2022 in conjunction with the adoption of the Safety Element Update.
F. The City Council’s adoption of the Safety Element Update and corresponding Negative Declaration were effectuated through City Council Resolution No. 1291, which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference.
G. On March 30, 2022, City staff sent a copy of the adopted Safety Element Update to CalOES for review. CalOES review and approval of the Safety Element Update 87 Resolution No. 1314 -2- Safety Element
is necessary for the City to receive grant funding under CalOES’s “Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.”
H. On September 2, 2022, CalOES informed the City that it would not award funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program until the City’s Safety Element satisfied the requirements of Assembly Bill 2140 (“AB 2140”). To do so, CalOES advised that: (i) the Safety Element must include language stating that the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (“LHMP”) is part of the Safety Element; (ii) the Safety Element must direct readers to the location of the LHMP (e.g., via a website link); and (iii) the City Council resolution updating the Safety Element should confirm that the LHMP is adopted into the Safety Element.
I. City staff prepared an update to the Safety Element to incorporate CalOES’s requested AB 2140 revisions (hereafter the “AB 2140 Safety Element Update”). On September 28, 2022, CalOES staff notified City staff that its draft AB 2140 Safety Element Update complied with AB 2140.
J. On October 18, 2022, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the AB 2140 Safety Element Update. Thereafter, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2022-19 recommending that the City Council adopt the AB 2140 Safety Element Update.
K. On October 24, 2022, the City Council held a public hearing to consider adopting the AB 2140 Safety Element Update.
Section 2. Findings. Based upon the facts contained in this Resolution, those contained in the staff report and other components of the legislative record, the City Council finds that:
A. The recitals set forth above are true and correct and are hereby incorporated into this Resolution as though fully set forth herein.
B. The AB 2140 Safety Element Update does not constitute a “project” subject to CEQA as it simply amends the Safety Element to clarify that the LHMP is part of the Safety Element (which it already speaks to) and direct readers to the website address whereon the LHMP may be accessed. These amendments will not result in any construction, development, or any other activity that has a potential for resulting in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment.
Accordingly, approval of the AB 2140 Safety Element Update is not subject to CEQA. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)-(3), 15378(a), (b)(5).) Moreover, even if the Safety Element Update did qualify as a project subject to CEQA, it would be exempt under CEQA’s common sense exemption, which provides that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Here, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061, subd. (b)(3).) Finally, even if the AB 2140 Safety Element Update were a non-exempt project subject to CEQA, no further environmental review is necessary under Public Resources Code section 21166 and State CEQA Guidelines section 15162 because the potential 88 Resolution No. 1314 -3- Safety Element
environmental impacts of the updated Safety Element were adequately disclosed and evaluated in the Negative Declaration adopted by the City Council in Resolution No. 1291, attached hereto as Exhibit “A.”
C. The Safety Element—as amended by the AB 2140 Safety Element Update—is consistent with the other elements of the General Plan, including the Land Use Element, Circulation Element, and Open Space and Conservation Element as set forth below:
Land Use Element Goal 3: Accommodate development that is sensitive to the natural environment and accounts for environmental hazards.
The Safety Element is consistent with this goal in that it addresses the natural environmental and accounts for environmental hazards.
Circulation Element Goal 2: Provide a circulation system that contributes to residents’ quality of life and minimizes impacts on the environment.
The Safety Element is consistent with this goal in that it plans for escape routes that utilize the existing circulation system in the event of an emergency.
Open Space and Conservation Element Goal 1: Conserve and enhance the City’s natural resources, facilitating development in a manner which reflects the characteristics, sensitivities and constraints of these resources.
The Safety Element is consistent with this goal in that it considers safety factors and hazard constraints in facilitating development.
D. The safety goals, objectives, and policies stated in the Safety Element—as amended by the AB 2140 Safety Element Update—are appropriate for the City of Rolling Hills. The Safety Element will aid the City’s efforts for the protection of the community and is in the public interest.
E. The City’s Federal Emergency Management Agency-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is adopted into the Safety Element of the General Plan.
Section 3. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills hereby amends the Safety Element as set forth in Exhibit “B,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 24th DAY OF OCTOBER 2022. _______________________________
JAMES BLACK, MD
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK
89 Resolution No. 1314 -4- Safety Element
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 1314 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS RE-ADOPTING THE SAFETY ELEMENT
UPDATE
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on October 24, 2022, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices
____________________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK
90 91
92 93
94 ROLLING HILLS
GENERAL PLAN
SAFETY ELEMENT
prepared by
City of Rolling Hills
Planning and Community Services
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
prepared with the assistance of
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
706 South Hill Street, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, California 90014
March 2022
*The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP or HMP) is a separate document adopted into the Safety Element of the General Plan by resolution in compliance with AB 2140. It is available electronically at https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/planning_and_community_services/index.php. 95 Table of Contents
Safety Element i
Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................1 City Setting......................................................................................................................................1 Regulatory Setting ..........................................................................................................................1 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure................................................................................................3 Hazards of Concern.................................................................................................................................6 Geologic Hazards............................................................................................................................6 Flooding ........................................................................................................................................10 Wildland and Urban Fires.............................................................................................................14 Hazardous Materials.....................................................................................................................17 Community Communication.................................................................................................................17 Emergency Response and Evacuation ..........................................................................................17 Disease Prevention .......................................................................................................................19 Climate Change.....................................................................................................................................20 Vulnerable Populations and Assets..............................................................................................20 Vulnerability Assessment Results.................................................................................................22 Goals, Policies, and Implementation....................................................................................................24 Hazard Mitigation .........................................................................................................................24 Community Communication.........................................................................................................31 Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience..................................................................................39 References............................................................................................................................................41 Tables
Table 1 Rolling Hills Climate Summary ............................................................................................1 Table 2 Rolling Hills Demographic Characteristics...........................................................................2 Table 3 Active Faults Located less than 50 Miles from Rolling Hills................................................9 Figures
Figure 1 Critical Facilities Map ..........................................................................................................5 Figure 2 Landslide Hazard Zones ......................................................................................................7 Figure 3 Faults in the Vicinity of Rolling Hills....................................................................................8 Figure 4 Rolling Hills Earthquake Shaking Potential .......................................................................11 Figure 5 Rolling Hills Liquefaction Hazard Areas.............................................................................12 Figure 6 Dam Inundation Areas......................................................................................................13 Figure 7 Fire Hazard Zones..............................................................................................................15 Figure 8 Existing Evacuation Routes...............................................................................................18 96 City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
ii
Appendices
Appendix A Existing Conditions Report
97 Introduction
Safety Element 1
Introduction
The Safety Element provides the City of
Rolling Hills’ (City’s) goals, policies, and
actions to minimize the hazards to safety in
and around Rolling Hills. The Element
evaluates natural and human-caused safety
hazards that affect existing and future
development and provides guidelines for
protecting the community from harm. The
Element describes existing and potential
future conditions and sets policies for
improved public safety. The goal of the Safety
Element is to reduce the risk of injury, death,
property loss, and other hardships to
acceptable levels.
City Setting
Rolling Hills covers an area of approximately
three square-miles on the Palos Verdes
peninsula, approximately 18 miles south of
downtown Los Angeles. The topography of
the city and peninsula area is unique in that it
rises above the Los Angeles Basin with rolling
hills, steep slopes, and canyons. The city itself
is in the San Pedro Hills. Due to its location
near the coast, the area is generally cooler
and has fewer air quality concerns compared
to the nearby Los Angeles Basin. Table 1
summarizes the climatology of the area.
Rolling Hills City Hall
Rolling Hills is a residential community that
consists of large parcels and ranch-style
homes and has a sizable older adult1
population of about 513 (28% of the city’s
total population). Important community
demographic data for Rolling Hills is included
in Table 2. The city is also an equestrian
community, as many of residents are horse
owners or have horses on their property.
Regulatory Setting
Section 65302(g) of the California
Government Code requires that the General
Plans include a Safety Element for the
protection of the community from any
unreasonable risks associated with the effects
of seismically induced surface rupture,
ground shaking, ground failure, tsunami,
Table 1 Rolling Hills Climate Summary
Climate Character Estimate
Annual Average Observed Maximum Temperature from 1961 - 1990 (Fahrenheit) 71 Annual Average Observed Minimum Temperature from 1961 – 1990 (Fahrenheit) 50 Annual Average Observed Precipitation from 1961 – 1990 (inches) 19 Source: Cal-Adapt 2021
1 An older adult is any adult over the age of 65 years old. 98 City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
2 Table 2 Rolling Hills Demographic Characteristics
Demographic Characteristics Estimate
General
Total Population 1,739
Population under 10 years 7 percent
Population over 65 years 28 percent1
Race 77 percent White, 18 percent Asian, 5 percent Hispanic/Latino Disability (hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory) 12 percent Housing
Total Households 6451
Average Household Size 2.76
Owner-occupied Households 96 percent
Population over 65 years living alone 15 percent of those over 65 years Employment
Unemployment Rate 6 percent
Poverty Rate 2 percent
Median Income $ 239,000
Insurance Coverage 97 percent
Source: U.S. Census 2018
seiche, and dam failure; slope instability
leading to mudslides and landslides;
subsidence and other geologic hazards;
flooding, and wildland and urban fire. In
addition, Safety Elements are required to
address non-hazard specific issues such as
peak load water supply, evacuation routes,
and military installations.
Senate Bill 379, adopted on October 8, 2015,
requires cities to include climate change
adaptation and resilience into the general
plan process. To comply with SB 379, this
Safety Element includes a vulnerability
assessment; adaptation and resilience goals,
polices, and objectives; and feasible
implementation measures.
Senate Bill 99, adopted August 30, 2020,
requires the cities to “identify residential
developments in any hazard area identified in
the safety element that does not have at least
two emergency evacuation routes.” SB 99
does not define neighborhood and cities are
expected to define neighborhoods based on
their community.
Relationship to Other Documents
The Rolling Hills Safety Element is one of
several plans that address safety in the City.
The Safety Element must be consistent with
these other plans to ensure the City has a
unified strategy to address safety issues. The
Safety Element includes information and
policies from the following documents to
ensure consistency.
Other General Plan Elements
The Safety Element is one section of the
Rolling Hills General Plan. Other elements
include Land Use, Transportation, Housing,
99 Introduction
Safety Element 3
Conservation, Open Space and Recreation
and Noise. Policies in these other elements
may be related to safety issues. Information
and policies in the Safety Element should not
conflict with those in other elements.
Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan includes
resources and information to assist the City of
Rolling Hills, its residents, and public and
private sector organizations in planning for
hazard events. The Plan provides a list of
activities that may assist the City in reducing
risk and preventing loss from future hazard
events. The action items address multi-hazard
issues, as well as activities specifically for
reducing risk and preventing losses relating to
earthquake, land movement, wildfire, and
drought.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The City’s Community Wildfire Protection
Plan (CWPP), adopted in July 2020, seeks to
reduce wildfire risk in Rolling Hills. The Plan
was developed collaboratively among
stakeholders including the community, the
City of Rolling Hills, the Rolling Hills
Community Association, and the Los Angeles
County Fire Department, and the Los Angeles
Sheriff’s Department. The Plan includes fire
mitigation and evacuation strategies for the
community.
Critical Facilities and
Infrastructure
Critical facilities are places that provide
emergency services or serve people who
would be impacted by an emergency.
Examples include hospitals, fire stations,
police stations, emergency services facilities,
utility facilities, and communication facilities.
Critical facilities can also include the
transportation system and schools. Due to
the size and composition of Rolling Hills,
many of the critical facilities that serve the
city are located outside of city limits. No areas
in Rolling Hills have been identified as lacking
emergency service. Critical facilities that serve
the city are shown in Figure 1 and include:
Rolling Hills City Hall: 2 Portuguese Bend
Road, Rolling Hills, CA
Rolling Hills Community Association: 1
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA
Rancho Del Mar High School: 38 Crest
Road West, Rolling Hills, CA
Storm Hill Park: Agua Magna Canyon,
Rolling Hills, CA
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lomita
Station: 26123 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita,
CA
Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 56:
12 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills, CA
Los Angeles County Communications
Tower: 5741 Crestridge Road, Rancho
Palos Verdes, CA
Southern California Edison Electrical
Substation: Crestridge Road, Rancho
Palos Verdes, CA
Southern California Edison Electrical
Substation: Tarragon Road, Rancho Palos
Verdes, CA
Southern California Edison Electrical
Substation: 27873 Hawthorn Boulevard,
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: Palos
Verdes Drive North/Palos Verdes Drive
East (SW corner), Rolling Hills Estates, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 3960
East Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: Via
Canada, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 1 Spur
Lane, Rolling Hills, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 60
Eastfield Drive, Rolling Hills, CA
Portuguese Bend Road
Crest Road
*The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP or HMP) is a separate document adopted into the Safety Element of the General Plan by resolution in compliance with AB 2140. It is available electronically at https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/ planning_and_community_services/index.php.
*
100
City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
4 Rolling Hills Community Association
101
Introduction
Safety Element 5
Figure 1 Critical Facilities Map
102
City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
6 Hazards of Concern
Geologic Hazards
Geologic processes that pose a threat to life,
health, property, or infrastructure are
considered geologic hazards. Natural geologic
hazards that have the potential to affect
Rolling Hills include seismic hazards,
landslides, liquefaction, expansive soils, and
weathering. In most cases, these natural
processes cannot be prevented; however, the
magnitude of destruction resulting from
natural geologic hazards can be reduced
through planning policies and measures.
Landslide Hazards
Landslide activity refers to a wide range of
gravity driven downslope earth movement,
including rockslides, rotational slips,
mudslides, and shallow debris flows.
Geological and geomorphological conditions
such as soil type, soil strength, slope angle,
and slope height predispose slopes for failure.
Other factors affecting the susceptibility to
slope failure include the amount of
precipitation, vegetation on the slope,
groundwater seepage, and human
modifications to the slope. Landslides often
result in damage to property and roadways
and can cause them to become unsafe due to
displacement of the subsurface.
Much of the existing development in Rolling
Hills is located on hilly terrain and have a
greater potential to experience landslide
hazards. Many of the canyons in Rolling Hills
exhibit steep slopes with little vegetation
coverage, leaving them susceptible to slope
failure. Figure 2 shows the landslide zones in
the City of Rolling Hills, as mapped by the
California Geological Survey (CGS). Landslide
activity has been well documented in the
region. Relicts of landslides and rockslides are
present throughout the City of Rolling Hills.
2 “Beginning in” is defined as the first noted event of major rock movement
The following major landslides have occurred
in and adjacent to the city. All are in the
landslide hazards areas identified in Figure 2:
▪ Portuguese Bend Landslide: Beginning in2
1956 over approximately 270 acres in
Rancho Palos Verdes
▪ Abalone Cove Landslide: Beginning in
1974 over 80 acres in Rancho Palos
Verdes
▪ Klondike Canyon Landslide: Beginning in
1979 over to the south near the coastline
▪ Flying Triangle Landslide: Beginning in
1970s or 1980s over approximately 70
acres in the southeast area of the city
The Flying Triangle Landslide, shown in Figure
2, continues to impact the southeast portion
of the city through impacts to private roads
and above-ground utility lines. This area is
relatively unsuitable for development due to
the ongoing changes in topography.
Seismic Hazards
Rolling Hills is in a seismically active region of
southern California. The last major
earthquake in the Los Angeles area was the
5.1 magnitude La Habra earthquake in 2014.
Rolling Hills is within 50 miles of the Whittier
fault, Newport-Inglewood fault, Palos Verdes
fault, Malibu Coast fault, Cabrillo fault, Santa
Monica fault, and Redondo Canyon fault.
Analysis of seismic data from the region
indicates that the Whittier and NewportInglewood faults may generate a maximum credible earthquake of magnitude 7.2 and
7.4, respectively (SCEC 2013). Figure 3 shows
the faults in the vicinity of Rolling Hills.
Typically, seismic shaking and fault rupture
are primary hazards as they occur as a direct
result of the interaction between the seismic
wave energy and the earth’s surface.
Secondary hazards, such as liquefaction and
earthquake-induced landslides, occur as a
result of the primary earthquake hazards.
103
Hazards of Concern
Safety Element 7
Figure 2 Landslide Hazard Zones
104
City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
8 Figure 3 Faults in the Vicinity of Rolling Hills
105
Hazards of Concern
Safety Element 9
Often, earthquake activity can result in other
effects such as building damage/collapse,
infrastructure failure, pipeline breakage, and
damage to transportation and
communication facilities. The size of the
earthquake and distance from the fault
rupture zone typically determine the severity
of these events.
Seismic Shaking
Seismic shaking, or ground shaking, refers to
the movement of the earth’s surface resulting
from the energy release by an earthquake.
Seismic shaking is typically the primary cause
of property damage resulting from
earthquake activity. Seismic shaking can
destroy buildings, roadways, powerlines, and
pipelines. Energy transmitted through the
ground can travel hundreds of miles and may
cause damage in many locations
simultaneously. Closer proximity to the fault
rupture area results in stronger shaking in
that location.
The amount of ground shaking that occurs in
a location depends on the magnitude of the
earthquake, the distance from the epicenter,
and local soil conditions. The intensity of
ground shaking is related to the peak ground
velocity during an earthquake. As shown in
Figure 4, the earthquake shaking potential for
Rolling Hills is low to moderate. The intensity
of seismic shaking is measured using the
Modified Mercalli scale.
According to the CGS, an active fault is one
that has experienced surface movement in
the past 11,000 years. The city is located near
a number of active faults, including the
Cabrillo Fault in city limits. Table 3 includes a
list of nearby faults, their respective distance
from the city, the maximum credible
earthquake generated from each fault, and
the likelihood of earthquake occurrence in
each case.
The San Andreas fault is located
approximately 80 miles to the east of Rolling
Hills. Although the San Andreas fault is
located at a greater distance from the city,
seismic shaking originating from earthquakes
occurring along the San Andreas fault poses a
threat to the city. Figure 3 identifies the
active and inactive faults located in the city
and vicinity.
Fault Rupture
Fault Rupture occurs when seismic movement
on a fault break through the earth’s surface.
Hazards related to fault rupture arise when
structures are built near or on top of an active
fault. While there are a number of seismically
active faults in the city and region, there are
no active faults with the potential for ground
rupture, defined by the Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Act and delineated
by CGS. Figure 3 shows the designated
Alquist-Priolo study zones, the closest of
which is the Newport-Inglewood Fault
approximately nine miles northeast of the
city.
Table 3 Active Faults Located less than 50 Miles from Rolling Hills Fault Name* Approximate Distance from Rolling Hills
Whittier 25 miles east
Newport-Inglewood 9 miles east
Palos Verdes <1 mile north
Malibu Coast 20 miles northwest
Cabrillo Located in the City boundaries
Santa Monica 20 miles north-northwest
*All faults listed are active. An active fault is one that has experienced surface movement in the past 11,000 years. 106
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Rolling Hills General Plan
10 Liquefaction and Settlement
Liquefaction is a ground failure phenomenon
that occurs as a result of a seismic event.
Liquefaction increases water content in
surface soils until the soil reaches a semiliquid state, contributing to a reduction in support, and ultimately resulting in shifting or
subsidence of buildings and utilities. Ground
failure typically occurs when the following
conditions exist:
▪ Loose, unconsolidated granular soils
▪ Shallow groundwater
▪ Strong seismic ground shaking
While Rolling Hills has moderate to high
seismic shaking potential, the subsurface soils
generally lack saturated alluvial deposits and
thick, granular soils. Figure 5 shows the
liquefaction hazard areas, which are in the
low-lying areas to the east and north,
generally surrounding the Los Angeles Harbor
and Harbor Lake. Liquefaction potential for
Rolling Hills is low, as shown in Figure 5.
Earthquake Induced Landslides
Ground failure or destabilization of slopes
resulting from an earthquake can also occur
following seismic activity in the form of
Earthquake-Induced Landslides. Earthquakeinduced landslides typically occur in areas with steep slopes or unstable soil conditions.
As discussed above under Landslide Hazards,
the risk of landslide activity in Rolling Hills is
high. Much of the city overlies areas that have
been identified as landslide zones by the CGS.
Risk of landslide activity increases following
rainfall events that result in saturated soils.
Both shallow and deep seeded landslides
have historically occurred in the city.
Flooding
Rolling Hills participates in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA)
National Flood Insurance Program. According
to the FEMA flood maps, the city is not
located in a flood hazard area and currently
has a less than 0.2 percent annual chance to
be inundated by flood waters as a result of a
storm event (FEMA 2008). Overall, the city is
not in any immediate risk from flooding
caused by overflowing water bodies or heavy
rains. However, runoff and minor flooding
pose a risk if drainage systems fail along
canyon bottoms, where natural drainage
leads.
Dam Inundation
No water storage facilities that the State of
California identifies as dams are located in
Rolling Hills. Just outside city limits are three
water storage facilities identified as dams,
which include:
▪ Palos Verdes Reservoir. Owned by the
Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California and located at the southeast
corner of Palos Verdes Drive East and
Palos Verdes Drive North. According to
the California Department of Water
Resources, the reservoir can hold
approximately 1,100 gallons of water and
has an extremely high downstream
hazard.
▪ 10 MG Walteria and 18 MG Walteria.
Two reinforced concrete tanks which are
owned by the City of Torrance and
located at Crenshaw Boulevard and Crest
Road. The tanks can hold 31 and 58 acrefeet (AF) of water, respectively.
Senate Bill 92, adopted in 2017, is a new dam
safety requirement that requires dam owners
to map the downstream inundation areas for
dams governed by the Department of Water
Resources. Figure 6 shows the inundation
areas for the nearby water storage facilities.
Due to their locations and the topography of
the area, the inundation areas do not enter or
affect any portion of the city.
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Hazards of Concern
Safety Element 11
Figure 4 Rolling Hills Earthquake Shaking Potential
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Rolling Hills General Plan
12 Figure 5 Rolling Hills Liquefaction Hazard Areas
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Hazards of Concern
Safety Element 13
Figure 6 Dam Inundation Areas
110
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Rolling Hills General Plan
14 Wildland and Urban Fires
The entire City of Rolling Hills is designated a
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ)
by the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection (CalFire), as shown in Figure 7.
Rolling Hills terrain is comprised of several
large and steep canyons that limit and
challenge vegetation management and
present conditions where a fire can quickly
travels up and downslope to nearby homes.
Due to the rural nature and large residential
lots, many homes are surrounded by more
substantial vegetation and dense brush than
in more suburban settings. The bridle trails
for hikers and equestrian access also contain
dense vegetation and management
difficulties, which contributes to the fire risk
of the city. Electrical power lines pose a
hazard to starting fires in the city if lines are
not automatically de-energized when
knocked down by extreme weather or if the
surrounding vegetation is not adequately
managed.
There is a history of fires in the city and the
surrounding Palos Verdes Peninsula. Three
major fires have been documented on the
Peninsula and in the city in:
▪ 1923: an estimated 4,000 acres burned in
Palos Verdes Hills
▪ 1945: 3,000 acres burned
▪ 1973: approximately 900-925 acres
burned, 12 homes destroyed, and 10
homes damaged
▪ 2005: 212 acres burned near Del Cero
Park
▪ 2009: 230 acres burned, 6 homes
damaged, and forced 1,200 residents on
the Peninsula to evacuate
▪ 2015: 3 acres burned
Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 56
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Safety Element 15
Figure 7 Fire Hazard Zones
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City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
16 For many of the developed residences in the
city that are vulnerable to fires, their risk may
increase with construction techniques that
may not meet current wildfire standards.
Rolling Hills Building Code and Los Angeles
County Fire Department, under the VHFHSZ
standards, require new development to
include more stringent design and material
standards for roofing, eaves, and rafter tails
as well as exterior finishes and fire buffer
zones. While compliance with these
standards reduces the vulnerability to new
structures, existing structures that have not
complied with these standards may be
susceptible to undue fire risk.
Existing Fire Risk Reduction
Strategies
▪ Rolling Hills Municipal Code (RHMC)
Chapter 8.24 Abatement of Nuisances,
Chapter 8.30: Fire Fuel Abatement, and
Chapter 15.20 Fire Code
▪ Los Angeles County Fire Department Fuel
Modification Plans
▪ Los Angeles County Fire Code Section
4908
▪ Rolling Hills Community Wildfire
Protection Plan vegetation management
standard recommendations
▪ Rolling Hills Community Association fire
fuel management strategies
Portuguese Bend Road, south of Crest Road
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Safety Element 17
Hazardous Materials
According to the Department of Toxic
Substances Control (DTSC), there are no
hazardous waste sites or facilities in Rolling
Hills (DTSC 2020). The city and surrounding
area do not contain heavy industrial uses that
would create a hazardous material risk in the
event of a spill, release, or natural disaster.
The city is not located near any major transit
routes involving transport of a substantial
quantity of hazardous material through the
city. However, the nearby oil refineries
(located along Sepulveda Boulevard
approximately six miles northeast) and Port
operations (located approximately three
miles to the east) could create air quality
impacts if wind patterns and release events
occur. Air quality impacts are discussed in the
Open Space and Conservation Element of the
Rolling Hills General Plan.
Community
Communication
Emergency Response and
Evacuation
Police Response and Crime
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
is contracted with the city to provide police
services and protection to the city. The
Lomita Station of the Sheriff’s Department
located at 26123 Narbonne Avenue serves
the city.
According to the Lomita Station crimes report
from January 1, 2020, through December 31,
2020, Rolling Hills had 7 reported crimes
(LACSD 2020). The crimes were related to
theft, burglary, and arson. Outside the city
limits and in the Lomita District, 401 crimes
were reported during this same period, 79 of
which were violent crimes (LACSD 2021). The
difference in crimes in the city and the
surrounding area is attributed to the private
nature of the city. There are three entrances
to the city, all of which are gated and staffed
24 hours a day. Visitors are required to be on
a resident’s guest list to enter city limits,
reducing crime in the city and demand on Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Fire Response
The Los Angeles County Fire Department
provides emergency operations support to
the City and participates in the California
mutual aid system. Mutual aid is emergency
assistance that is dispatched upon request
across jurisdictional boundaries. Fire Station
56, located at 12 Crest Road West, serves the
city under Battalion 14, which also serves the
remaining Palos Verdes Peninsula, Lomita,
and Avalon Canyon. Fire response constraints
in the city include ability to access certain
homes or areas due to inadequate road
widths for fire maneuvering. One of the major
topics of concern related to fire response in
the city relates to vegetation clearing along
roadways. Ten-foot clearance on each side of
the roadway, especially the limited access
roads, is important for fire response and
evacuation during a fire, according to Scott
Hale, Assistant Fire Chief.
Evacuation Strategies and Routes
Because a variety of hazards could affect city
residents, it is vital to identify critical routes
for evacuation in the event of a major event.
Senate Bill 99, adopted August 30, 2020,
requires cities to “identify residential
developments in any hazard area identified in
the safety element that does not have at least
two emergency evacuation routes.” Due to
the size of Rolling Hills and that it has four
evacuation routes, no neighborhoods have
been identified as not having two evacuation
routes. As shown on the Figure 8, the
evacuation routes also connect to major
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Rolling Hills General Plan
18 Figure 8 Existing Evacuation Routes
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Community Communication
Safety Element 19
roadways in the area that are multidirectional such as Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Drive North and Palos Verdes Drive
East.
Figure 8 identifies the existing evacuation
routes in the city, which are:
▪ Main Gate at Rolling Hills Road and Palos
Verdes Drive North
▪ Crest Gate at Crest Road near Crenshaw
Blvd
▪ Eastfield Gate at Eastfield Drive and Palos
Verdes Drive East
▪ Crest Road East Gate at the end of Crest
Road East
Crest Road East Gate has been updated with a
motor and has no guards. This gate is
available as an emergency exit to the city
during emergencies. The City’s recently
adopted CWPP establishes evacuation
strategies and methodologies, including:
▪ Using the City’s Block Captains3 as
important coordinators for residents
▪ Communication goals between the City,
emergency responders, Rolling Hills
Community Association, and residents
▪ Details for residents regarding how
people get notified during an evacuation
▪ Responsibilities and operations of the
Emergency Operations Center
Disease Prevention
As evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic,
unforeseen infectious diseases can be
disastrous for communities, especially
vulnerable groups such as older adults, and
people with compromised immune systems.
The City worked diligently during the
pandemic to minimize risk to community
members. The Block Captains regularly
checked in on old adults in the community,
Fire Station Trail
3 The Rolling Hills Block Captain Program is a city-sponsored, resident-based community program of volunteers. Their role is to get to know neighbors, help them to prepare for an
emergency, and be a liaison between first responders and City of Rolling Hills during an emergency.
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City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
20 finding out what residents needed, helping
run errands, and providing hand sanitizer
Additionally, the City disseminated
information regularly including where to buy
groceries at the beginning of the pandemic,
testing information, and more. Policies
regarding infectious disease can help expedite
recovery and prepare the community for
future risks.
Climate Change
Climate change is expected to affect future
occurrences of natural hazards in and around
Rolling Hills. Some hazards are projected to
become more frequent and intense in the
coming decades, and in some cases, climate
impacts have already begun.
In developing the Safety Element, the City
competed a Climate Change Vulnerability
Assessment consistent with Government
Code Section 65302(g), which assesses how
the populations and assets in Rolling Hills are
vulnerable to different climate hazards. The
full Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
can be found in Appendix A: Existing
Conditions Report. According to the
Vulnerability Assessment, the city is most
vulnerable to wildfire impacts, extreme heat,
and landslide impacts from climate change.
According to the Vulnerability Assessment
and the California’s Fourth Climate Change
Assessment, Rolling Hills can expect the
following changes to natural hazard events:
▪ Projected annual average maximum
temperature is expected to increase in
Rolling Hills between 1.8- and 6.6-degrees
Fahrenheit (°F) compared to 1990,
depending on the greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions scenario.
4 4 The Vulnerability Assessment uses two GHG emissions scenarios: Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. RCP 4.5 describes a scenario in which GHG
▪ Extreme heat events are also expected to
increase in Rolling Hills. The annual
number of average extreme heat days is
projected to increase from a baseline of 4
between 1950 and 2005 to 8 or 14
between 2030 and 2099, depending on
the GHG emissions scenario.
▪ Although only small changes in average
precipitation are projected, the Los
Angeles Region, which includes Rolling
Hills, is expected to experience dry and
wet precipitation extremes and higher
frequency and severity of storms.
Increasing storm intensity may
exacerbate landslide hazards in the city.
Warmer and drier conditions state-wide
could increase the prevalence of drought
conditions that could impact Rolling Hills.
▪ Wildfire is projected to increase over all
of southern California.
Vulnerable Populations
and Assets
As climate change occurs, communities will
be affected to varying degrees and impacts
depending on the hazard as well as how
sensitive the communities are to impacts.
Virtually all people and assets in a community
will be affected by climate change in some
way, but some communities may be more
sensitive. The Vulnerability Assessment
identified the following sensitivities:
Populations
▪ Children. Approximately 6.6 percent of
the total population in Rolling Hills are
ten years old or younger.
▪ Persons in Poverty. This is identified for
people living in households with an
income below the poverty limit, which is
$26,200 for a household of four people.
There are approximately 26 people in
emissions peak around 2050 and then decline. RCP 8.5 is the scenario in which GHG emissions continue to rise through 2050 before leveling off around 2100.
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Climate Change
Safety Element 21
Rolling Hills who live in poverty, or
approximately 1.6 percent of the total
population for whom poverty status can
be determined.
▪ Persons with Chronic Health Conditions.
These are people who have a long-term
or permanent health condition that can
create regular challenges in their day-today lives. These health problems include obesity, cancer, heart disease, and
arthritis. In addition, those with any kind
of disability, including mobility challenges,
hearing, or vision impairments,
behavioral disabilities, and challenges
living independently or taking care of
themselves. Approximately 11.5 percent
of the population have identified having a
disability.
▪ Renters. These are people who live in
homes that they (or the head of their
household) do not own. Approximately 24
housing units, or 4 percent of the housing
units in Rolling Hills, are renter-occupied.
▪ Older Adults. These are persons 65 years
or older are more at risk for climate
change impacts, especially those living
alone. 28 percent of the population of
Rolling Hills are over 65 years, and 15
percent of those over 65 years live alone.
▪ Limited English Proficiency.
Approximately three percent of
households have identified being limited
English-speaking. Of those, a majority
spoke Asian and Pacific Island languages
and Spanish.
Infrastructure
▪ Access Roads. These roadways are one of
a few, or the only, ways in and out of
some communities or neighborhoods.
The single or limited number of entry and
exit points does not make the road itself
more vulnerable than other roads, but
loss of these roadways can effectively cut
off large numbers of people from other
areas in the Palos Verdes Peninsula and
the rest of Los Angeles County.
Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road
are the primary access roads into and out
of the city.
▪ Bridle Trails. Throughout the community
are over 25 miles of trails available to
residents and non-city residents who
obtain permits. The trails are maintained
by the Rolling Hills Community
Association and located primarily in
canyon areas.
▪ Electrical Substations. Electrical
substations are facilities that convert
electricity from one voltage to another,
making it suitable for long-distance
transmission or for use by homes,
businesses, and other electrical
customers. There are no electrical
substations located in city limits, but
three are located near the city in Rancho
Palos Verdes and owned/operated by
Southern California Edison.
▪ Electrical Utility Lines. These lines
transmit and deliver electricity from
Southern California Edison to the city. The
city has both underground and overhead
electric utility lines.
▪ Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines.
Natural gas pipelines carry large volumes
of natural gas between communities.
There are no transmission lines in the
city. One transmission line ends at the
intersection of Rolling Hills Road and
Palos Verdes Drive North, adjacent to city
limits.
▪ Water Reservoirs and System. The
system that stores and supplies drinking
water for residents. Palos Verdes Water
District of the California Water Service
supplies water to Rolling Hills. There are
two California Water Service water
reservoirs in the city limits.
Services
▪ Public Safety Response. Public safety
services are provided by law enforcement
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City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
22 and fire agencies. These agencies include
the Los Angeles County Sheriff and Fire
Departments.
▪ Water Services. These services involve
treating and transporting water to be
used by customers and transporting and
treating wastewater so it can be safely
released into the environment. California
Water Service provides drinking water to
the city.
▪ Energy Delivery. Energy services in
Rolling Hills include electricity and natural
gas delivered through utility lines from
Southern California Edison and Southern
California Gas Company.
Vulnerability Assessment
Results
The Vulnerability Assessment indicates that
the city’s populations, infrastructure, and
services are most vulnerable to wildfire,
extreme heat, and extreme precipitation
events.
Populations
Vulnerable populations such as older adults,
residents with chronic health conditions, and
those with financial trouble are most at risk to
extreme heat and wildfire impacts.
28 percent of the city’s population is over 65
years. Older adults do not adjust as well as
young people to sudden changes in
temperature and are more likely to have
medical conditions that can worsen with
extreme heat (CDC 2017a). Older adults who
are living alone are even more at risk as the
actions necessary to mitigation extreme heat
are more difficult alone. Getting water,
changing clothes, showering, or turning on
the air conditioner may be more difficult for
older adults with physical disabilities and do
not have a partner to assist them. Extreme
heat can be highly dangerous to persons with
chronic health conditions, because very high
temperatures can exacerbate diabetes,
cardiovascular conditions, respiratory
ailments, and other diseases. Some of these
people have weakened immune systems
which can make them more likely to contract
illnesses and vulnerable to human health
hazards. In addition, they may be taking
medications that make the effects of extreme
heat worse (CDC 2017b). While there are not
many households in poverty in the city, those
who are have limited financial resources to
upgrade their homes to have air conditioning
to better resist extreme heat.
Older adults, residents with chronic health
conditions, and those with financial trouble
are the populations most at risk to wildfire
impacts. Older adults are almost three times
more likely to die in a fire than the overall
population (USFA 2017), and typically have
increased mobility or mental health issues.
Therefore, older adults, especially those in
the city living alone, have more difficulties
evacuating to safe areas when there is a
need. Those in Rolling Hills with limited
financial resources are more unlikely to
retrofit their homes to better resist climaterelated hazards such as wildfires. In addition to direct impacts, indirect impacts such as
poor air quality also creates public health
hazards to the city. Recent California wildfires
in August and September 2020 had areas of
California recording the worst air quality in
the world and highlighted the hazards of
secondary impacts from wildfires, which
could impact the city from fires throughout
the State. Older adults and individuals with
chronic health conditions are likely to be
impacted most by these secondary impacts.
Also, those with limited finances or without
air conditioning would be impacted by
secondary smoke impacts that occur during
local and regional wildfires.
Infrastructure
Access roads, residential structures, and
community facilities and government
buildings are the most vulnerable
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Climate Change
Safety Element 23
infrastructure to wildfire and extreme
precipitation impacts from climate change.
All city infrastructure is located in a VHFHSZ.
Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road are
critical for access to and evacuation from
many areas of the city. Wildfires may not
significantly damage the infrastructure, but
they could result in closure or the inability to
travel on them during wildfire events, which
can isolate areas of the city and create severe
health and safety risks. Wildfires are unlikely
to substantially damage trails directly, but
they can force widespread trail closures
which are an important asset to the
community.
The greatest potential impact of life and wellbeing would be to residential structures, which are the primary structures in the city.
In addition, impacts to Rolling Hills
Community Association and City Hall
structures would impact community functions
and government services.
Critical infrastructure most at risk in Rolling
Hills to minor flooding impacts and landslides
from increased storms would be access roads,
bridle trails, electrical utility lines, and water
systems. Because Portuguese Bend Road and
Crest Road are critical for access to and
evacuation from the city, any damage or
closure can effectively isolate areas of the
city, potentially creating severe health and
safety risks. Bridle trails are predominantly
located in canyon areas, which would be
more susceptible to flooding and landslides.
Landslides could impact utilities, as seen in
the existing Flying Triangle Landslide area,
which has moved utility lines above ground in
certain areas due to the continuous
movement of the earth in this area. Due to
the limited accessibility of the city, there is a
medium potential for impacts to access roads
and bridle trails and a low potential impact
for the remaining vulnerable infrastructure.
Services
Energy delivery, specifically electricity
delivery, could be impacted from increased
wildfires. Direct impacts to Southern
California Edison electricity transmission
infrastructure could impact power in the city.
In addition, utility companies have begun
shutting off power to areas to avoid wildfires
during times when weather creates high
wildfire risk. Public safety services could be
strained during wildfire events, which are
expected to increase.
Overall, climate change impacts from wildfire
are projected to have the greatest potential
impact to the city.
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Rolling Hills General Plan
24 Goals, Policies, and Implementation
Hazard Mitigation
Goal 1 Minimization of Loss of Life, Injury, and Property Damage Resulting from Geologic Hazards
Policy 1.1 Ensure that existing structures throughout the City meet seismic safety standards and that new facilities are developed to updated standards.
Implementation Measure 1.1.1: The City will work with Los Angeles County Building and Safety Department and other agencies to ensuring that all proposed structures in the city meet current seismic safety code requirements.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building and Safety Department Funding: General Fund and permit fees
Policy 1.2 Support earthquake strengthening and provision of alternative or backup services, such as water, sewer, electricity, and natural gas pipelines and connections, especially in areas of high seismic or geologic high hazard or where weak segments are identified by existing or future studies.
Implementation Measure 1.2.1: Require future development in active fault areas to provide geotechnical studies indicating the location of the fault trace relative to proposed improvements and identify appropriate mitigation. The City will evaluate the seismic risk to existing infrastructure in these areas and where appropriate, examine the feasibility of mitigating the risk over time.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building and Safety Department Funding: General Fund and private developers
Policy 1.3 Enforce seismic design provisions from the California Building Code into all development and ensure adequate review and inspection.
Implementation Measure 1.3.1: The City will work with Los Angeles County Building and Safety Department and other agencies to ensuring that all proposed structures in the city meet current seismic safety code requirements.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building and Safety Department Funding: General Fund and private developers
Implementation Measure 1.3.2: Require fault investigations along traces of the Palos Verdes and Cabrillo faults to comply with guidelines implemented by the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone Act. Buildings for human occupancy should be set back a minimum of 50 feet from those faults that are shown to be active or from fault traces where the risk cannot be determined.
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Goals, Policies, and Implementation
Safety Element 25
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building and Safety Department Funding: General Fund and private developers
Policy 1.4 Require review by a structural engineer when a critical building or facility undergoes substantial improvements.
Implementation Measure 1.4.1: City staff will review existing ordinances to ensure that the appropriate review requirements are included in them. In addition, the Seismic Safety Ordinance will require a structural engineer to review development proposals in designated Special Studies Zones.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund and private developers
Policy 1.5 Ensure that water supplies are not interrupted by seismic events such as surface rupture, ground shaking or ground failure.
Implementation Measure 1.5.1: The City may conduct a seismic vulnerability assessment of current water supply systems to address peak load water supply requirements. If the vulnerability assessment indicates a potential interruption of water supply due to damage from a seismic event, designate emergency sources of water.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Policy 1.6 Discourage development adjacent to earthquake faults and other geological hazards.
Implementation Measure 1.6.1: All development will comply with the Seismic Hazards Overlay Zone.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund and private developers
Policy 1.7 Continue to require preliminary investigations of tract sites by State-registered geotechnical engineers and certified engineering geologists (Chapter 70 County Building Code) and ensure regular inspection of grading operations.
Implementation Measure 1.7.1: The City will continue to enforce the Building Code and Safety regulations.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
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Rolling Hills General Plan
26 Goal 2 Minimization of Loss of Life, Injury, and Property Damage Due to Flood Hazards
Policy 2.1 Maintain storm drains to prevent local flooding and debris flows, and encourage residents to assist in maintaining those drains that are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Implementation Measure 2.1.1: The City will cooperate with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department to maintain storm drains in the City.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: LA County Building & Safety Department
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 2.1.2: The City will encourage homeowner maintenance of storm drains by developing educational materials to be added to the City website and included in the City’s newsletter.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: LA County Building & Safety Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 2.2 Avoid construction in canyon bottoms and participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Require new development or expansion of existing development adjacent to canyons to assess potential environmental impacts from increased run-off and erosion and evaluate appropriate mitigation. Mitigation measures should address projected impacts from climate change.
Implementation Measure 2.2.1: The City will evaluate the flood hazard potential and address climate change impacts in future environmental review. The City will ensure that development in areas designated as a Flood Hazard Overlay Zone mitigates potential flood impacts.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund and private developers
Implementation Measure 2.2.2: The City will require the submission of soil engineering reports for land development permits when soil erosion problems are suspected.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund and private developers
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Safety Element 27
Goal 3 Minimization of Loss of Life, Injury, and Property Damage Resulting from Fire Hazards
Policy 3.1 Develop stringent initial site design and on-going maintenance standards incorporating adequate mitigation measures into individual developments to achieve an acceptable level of risk, considering the increased risk associated with increased wildland fire hazards due to climate change.
Implementation Measure 3.1.1: The City will work with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Rolling Hills Community Association to review current standards for wildfire prevention and improve standards and/or regulations where required.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 3.1.2: The City will implement recommended fire mitigation strategies from the Community Wildfire Protection Plan including infrastructure hardening and vegetation management for and around existing and new development.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department/Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.2 Reduce potential fire ignition sources.
Implementation Measure 3.2.1: The City will continue to implement the utility undergrounding projects described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 3.2.2: Designate and publicize emergency access routes with the city and sub region. Prioritize undergrounding of utilities to enhance reliability of emergency access routes and minimize conflagration hazards from fallen power lines.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.3 Develop and implement a comprehensive retrofit strategy for existing structures.
Implementation Measure 3.3.1: The City will develop and implement a comprehensive retrofit strategy for existing structures and lifeline utilities in very high fire risk areas to increase public safety and reduce the risk of property loss and damage during wildfires.
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28 Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 3.3.2: Enforce existing ordinances and regulations that apply to roofing materials. The City will enforce a Class A Roofing Ordinance for all structure, as described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The City will require old roofs to be removed prior to reroofing to increase the fire-resistance of the structure.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department/Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.4 Ensure that all new residential development has at least two emergency evacuations.
Implementation Measure 3.4.1: The City will review and update emergency response and evacuation plans and procedures annually to reflect current conditions and community needs.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 3.4.2: Create secondary access in communities with single access.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 3.4.3: Identify special populations and large animals, especially horses, that may need assistance to evacuate.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.5 Whenever feasible, locate the following outside flood and fire hazard zones: health care facilities, emergency shelters, fire stations, emergency command centers, and emergency communications facilities.
Implementation Measure 3.5.1: The City will require review of new essential facilities and, as necessary, development of measures to avoid flood and fire hazard impacts.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund and private developers
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Policy 3.6 Educate residents on fire hazard reduction strategies to employ on their properties, focusing on the most vulnerable populations such as older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Implementation Measure 3.6.1: The City will promote vegetation management strategies outlined in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (i.e., fuel management in canyons and fire fuel management standards for individual properties) in the City's quarterly newsletter, through the website, brochures, videos, and block captain meetings.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.7 Work with the County to ensure that all fire equipment remains operable and adequate to respond to a major disaster.
Implementation Measure 3.7.1: City staff will monitor the City's fire protection rating and cooperate with the Fire Department in the correction of deficiencies.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.8 Require new development to meet or exceed hardening requirements in the most current version of the California Building Codes and California Fire Code.
Policy 3.9 Evaluate evacuation route capacity, safety, and viability under a range of emergency scenarios as part of the next update to the Rolling Hills Hazard Mitigation Plan, in accordance with AB 747.
Policy 3.10 Update the City's development standards to be in conformance with title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2, articles 1-5 (commencing with section 1270) (SRA Fire Safe Regulations) and title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 3, article 3 (commencing with section 1299.01) (Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structures Regulations).
Policy 3.11 Minimize risks to existing development by identifying existing non-conforming development to contemporary fire safe standards, in terms of road standards and vegetative hazard, and requiring all development to meet or exceed CCR, division
1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2, articles 1-5 requirements (SRA Fire Safe Regulations).
Policy 3.12 Require fire protection plans for all new development.
Policy 3.13 Require all properties in the city to enforce precautionary measures to create defensible space including, but not limited to, maintaining a fire break by removing brush and flammable vegetation located within 30 feet of the property, maintaining any tree adjacent to or overhanging any building free of dead or dying wood, and maintaining roofs free of leaves, needles, or other dead vegetation growth, as described in the Rolling Hills Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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30 Policy 3.14 Evaluate the City’s capacity to adequately suppress wildfire, taking into account water supply availability, as part of the next Rolling Hills Hazard Mitigation Plan update.
Policy 3.15 Coordinate with Palos Verdes Water District to support the provision of adequate water availability throughout the City and provision of adequate water storage to meet future peak fire demand during times of peak domestic demands.
Policy 3.16 Maintain emergency roadways and improve them as necessary and appropriate to ensure ongoing serviceability.
Policy 3.17 Establish and maintain community fire breaks and fuel modification/reduction zones, including public and private road clearance.
Policy 3.18 Require that all homes have visible street addressing and signage.
Goal 4 Minimization of Impacts to Life and Property Associated with the Use, Storage, or Transport of Hazardous Materials
Policy 4.1 Restrict the travel of vehicles carrying hazardous material through the city.
Implementation Measure 4.1.1: The City will ensure the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department enforce licensing and current laws regarding the transport of hazardous materials through the city.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 4.2 Work to promote the safe use and disposal of household hazardous wastes.
Implementation Measure 4.2.1: The City will work with agencies responsible for the disposal of household hazardous wastes.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
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Community Communication
Goal 5 Protection of the Community from Disasters and Emergencies Policy 5.1 Designate and develop specific critical facilities as emergency centers to serve the entire City and work with other cities to maintain existing trauma care facilities that serve the region.
Implementation Measure 5.1.1: The City will meet with other communities in the region to discuss the loss of trauma care centers in the region. The City will examine the feasibility of establishing the development of a critical/trauma care unit at one of the local clinics or hospitals in the region.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.2 Cooperate with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to ensure that law enforcement services are ready and available to serve the city in the event of a major disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.2.1: City staff will monitor the City's contract and budget with the Sheriff’s Department to ensure that adequate service levels are maintained.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.3 Develop and coordinate medical assistance procedures in the event of a major disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.3.1: City staff will develop and update the Emergency Operations Plan, which will be distributed to the community. The update of the Emergency Operations Plan will include an assessment of current emergency service and projected emergency service needs, and goals or standards for emergency services training for City staff and volunteers.
Timing: Ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.4 Inventory and, where necessary, acquire supplemental disaster communication equipment and other equipment, tools, and supplies used by Block Captains during an emergency.
Implementation Measure 5.4.1: City staff will complete an inventory of infrastructure needed to support emergency communications and equipment needed for use by Block Captains and the City to communicate during emergencies, as described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
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32 Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.4.2: A survey will be done by the City periodically to establish an inventory of equipment which could be used in the event of a major disaster.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.5 Ensure that adequate provisions are made to supply drinking water for extended periods of time in the event of a major disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.5.1: City staff will inventory sources of potable water that could be used in the event of an emergency and the means to distribute that water to residents and others in the Planning Area.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: LA County Building & Safety Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.6 Develop procedures to follow in the event of wildfire, flooding, erosion, and possible reservoir failure and investigate ways of reducing the likelihood of their occurrence.
Implementation Measure 5.6.1: The City will update the Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years to reduce the risk from hazards by identifying resources, information, and strategies for risk reduction, while helping to guide and coordinate mitigation activities throughout the city.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.6.2: City staff will develop and maintain an Emergency Operations Plan, which will set forth an operating strategy for managing potential emergencies (as described in the Hazard Mitigation Plan) Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.7 Ensure that City Hall maintains a current emergency supply of water, food, blankets, and first aid to provide for all employees for a 3-day period.
Implementation Measure 5.7.1: A City staff person will be assigned the task of compiling a list of supplies and maintaining an adequate stockpile.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.8 Encourage private businesses to develop disaster preparedness plans for their employees.
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Implementation Measure 5.8.1: The City will prepare and distribute a brochure outlining recommendations for stockpiling supplies for employees.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.9 Encourage residents to attend periodic training programs on wildfire mitigation and disaster planning, and to develop disaster preparedness and evacuation plans.
Implementation Measure 5.9.1: The City will work with the RHCA and Block Captains to launch a communication and education program that will include a workshop on How to Develop an Evacuation Plan for your Family, as described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.9.2: The City will work with the RHCA and Block Captains to promote training programs on wildfire mitigation and disaster planning through the newsletter and the City website.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.10 Support the development and further implementation of a peninsula-wide disaster plan.
Implementation Measure 5.10.1: The City will coordinate its disaster planning efforts with neighboring jurisdictions in the region as part of Hazard Mitigation Plan updates
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.11 Increase public awareness of City emergency response plans, evacuation routes and shelters, and in ways to reduce risks at the home and office, focusing on the most vulnerable populations such as older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Implementation Measure 5.11.1: The City will prepare communication materials outlining procedures to follow in the event of a major disaster. These materials will be distributed to every household and business in the city.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.2: The City will maintain the City-wide Neighborhood Watch program.
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34 Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.3: The City will define refuge areas in the event of a wildfire event to include in the Emergency Operations Plan. This effort will be led by the Fire Department and the Sherriff’s Department.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.4: The City will distribute educational materials for large animal evacuation, consistent with Community Wildfire Protection Plan recommendations. This will include adding the information to the City website and including it in the City’s newsletter during the fire season.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.5: The City will work with Block Captains to provide emergency education and information through the City’s newsletter and website and by providing workshops and seminars described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.12 Maintain a Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Implementation Measure 5.12.1: The City will coordinate with the American Red Cross and Los Angeles County Fire, Sheriff, and Public Social Services to develop specific plans for responding to emergencies as part of Hazard Mitigation Plan updates. The City will submit copies of its Hazard Mitigation Plan to the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments for review. The City will review similar plans prepared by neighboring cities.
Timing: Every five years
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
*
*The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP or HMP) is a separate document adopted into the Safety Element of the General Plan by resolution in compliance with AB 2140. It is available electronically at https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/planning_and_community_services/index.php. 131
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Policy 5.13 Ensure maximum accessibility throughout the city in the event of a disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.13.1: The City will ensure that multipurpose trails are maintained in order to be serviceable by emergency vehicles in the event of a disaster.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.14 Ensure the reliability of essential facilities such as communications towers, electrical substations, water services, and first-response buildings in the event of an emergency through promoting grid resilience and energy independence. Work to implement on-site power generation through solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage.
Implementation Measure 5.14.1: The City will work with telecommunication providers to identify opportunities to improve reliability of cell service throughout the city.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.14.2: The City will work with electricity and natural gas providers to identify opportunities to promote grid resilience.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.14.3: The City will seek funding to enhance telecommunication service.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.14.4: The City will provide educational materials to residents (i.e., newsletter, webpage, brochure) to promote solar panels and battery storage installation on existing development.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.15 Minimize the risk of spread of infectious diseases and associated economic disruption.
Implementation Measure 5.15.1: The City will coordinate with the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department to provide testing and contact tracing resources to the Rolling Hills community.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
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36 Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.15.2: The City will maintain up-to-date public health services on the City’s website.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.15.3: The City will explore the need for additional marketing campaigns to promote public safety protocol among City departments.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measures 5.15.4: The City will partner with local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide additional support and services in the city.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measures 5.15.5: The City will partner with community groups and neighborhood organizations to advertise what resources are available to residents.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
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Policy 5.16 Increase access to essential resources and facilitate effective communication in the community to accelerate recovery following such a disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.16.1: The City will connect the newly unemployed with talent-seeking industries, such as through a job portal.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.16.2: The City will supplement federal relief efforts, such as creating a resilience fund for residents to assist those in need.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.17 Provide City officials with a basis for disaster preparedness decision making and establish a public education program for disaster preparedness.
Implementation Measure 5.17.1: The Emergency Services Coordinator will conduct annual meetings with City personnel to ensure they are familiar with procedures outlined in the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.18 Establish a line of command to ensure that the decision-making process will function satisfactorily in the event of a major disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.18.1: The City will implement the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.19 Coordinate with citizen groups, such as Block Captains, and organizations to establish a viable body to provide emergency assistance in the event of a natural disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.19.1: The City Emergency Services Coordinator will work with local equestrian groups and other organizations to establish a Rolling Hills Search and Rescue Team.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
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38 Policy 5.20 Encourage cooperation among adjacent communities to provide back-up law enforcement assistance in emergency situations.
Implementation Measure 5.20.1: The City will submit copies of its Hazard Mitigation Plan updates to the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments for review. The City will review similar plans prepared by neighboring cities.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.21 Incorporate health threats into early warning systems.
Implementation Measures 5.21.1: Partner with the Los Angeles County Vector Control District and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to develop and enhance disaster and emergency early warning systems to incorporate objective data and information for potential health threats such as heat-illness, illnesses complicated by low air quality, precipitation events, and vector borne diseases due to climate change hazards.
Goal 6 Maintenance of Public Safety for All Residents
Policy 6.1 Work with, and support the Sheriff’s Department in crime prevention and law enforcement efforts, to make sure there are adequate resources to meet the needs of the community.
Implementation Measure 6.1.1: The City will conduct an annual review of its contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to ensure current service standards are maintained. Alternatives will be considered if service levels are considered inadequate.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 6.2 Cooperate with neighboring cities, Los Angeles County, California State and U.S.
Federal agencies in crime prevention and law enforcement.
Implementation Measure 6.2.1: The City will continue to regularly coordinate with all law enforcement agencies in combating crime.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 6.3 Evaluate the incidence of crime and develop measures needed to deter crime or apprehend the criminals.
Implementation Measure 6.3.1: The City will monitor crime statistics for the peninsula and the city. The City will meet with Los Angeles County on a regular basis to discuss programs, ordinances, and other measures that will be effective in combating crime.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
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Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
Goal 7 Protection of the Community from the Effects of Climate Change Policy 7.1 The City will continue to enforce updated State-mandated water conservation regulations.
Implementation Measure 7.1.1: The City will continue to update the City’s zoning ordinance as necessary to enforce and implement State-mandated water conservation regulations.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.2 Prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change by considering climate change vulnerability in planning decisions, including those involving new public facilities and private development.
Implementation Measure 7.2.1: The City will:
a. Re-evaluate the City’s Climate Change Vulnerability analysis over time, as new data becomes available
b. Update mitigation strategies and the City’s vulnerability and adaptive capacity, as appropriate
c. Identify opportunities for new goals and policies related to climate change using the best available data.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.3 Amend the local building code to account for climate change stressors.
Implementation Measure 7.3.1: The City will amend the local building code to take into account additional stressors on buildings including, increased storm events and intensity, flood proofing for intermittent inundation, slope/soils, subsidence risk and erosion potential in securing foundations, building materials to reduce the impacts of high heat days, and fireproofing in preparation for increasing fire risk.
Timing: Immediate
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.4 The City will engage surrounding jurisdictions in climate adaptation planning.
Implementation Measure 7.4.1: Ensure the community’s engagement strategy for climate adaptation planning includes surrounding jurisdictions to identify synergies and harmonization of policies.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
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40 Policy 7.5 Partner with the South Bay Cities Council of Government to implement climate adaptation strategies at the sub-regional level.
Implementation Measure 7.5.1: Collaborate with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Senior Services Working Group to ensure that service providers in and around Rolling Hills are educated on the climate risks of the area and steps they can take to better serve and protect vulnerable groups in Rolling Hills.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 7.5.2: Implement climate adaptation strategies that can address issues at a local and sub-regional level and issues in which coordination and pooling of resources (i.e., emergency centers, transit agency support in an emergency, and large animal evacuation centers) is a benefit to all participating communities.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.6 Update emergency/disaster response measures to account for increased heat days.
Implementation Measure 7.6.1: As part of the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations Plan, update response measures to account for an increased number of heat days and their impacts on current and future response mechanisms such as warning systems, emergency response and medical service coordination, and shelters.
Timing: Every five years
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.7 Provide education on heat related illness.
Implementation Measure 7.7.1: Incorporate links and references on the City website and incorporate interpretive signage at multi-use path trailheads providing education on heat related illness and personal care steps.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.8 Require air conditioning alternatives.
Implementation Measure 7.8.1: Require alternatives to air conditioning such as ceiling fans, air exchangers, increased insulation and low-solar-gain exterior materials to reduce peak electrical demands during high heat events to ensure reliability of the electrical grid.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
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References
Safety Element 41
References
California Department of Toxic Substances and Control (DTSC). 2020. EnviroStor. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?myaddress=rolling+hills%2C+ca. Accessed August 2020.
Center for Disease Control (CDC). 2017a. Heat and Older Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.html. Accessed September 2020.
____. 2017b. Heat and People with Chronic Medical Conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/medical.html. Accessed September 2020.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2008. Flood Insurance Rate Map 06037C1940F.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LACSD). 2021. Altadena Station Part I Crimes. https://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Transparency_Crime_Arrest_PatrolCurrentMonth-YTD_2019v2020.pdf. Accessed December 2021. ____. 2019. Hazard Mitigation Plan. January 16, 2019.
____. 2020. Community Wildfire Protection Plan. July 2020.
Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC). 2013. Hazards and Threats Earthquakes List of Major Active Surface Faults in Southern California. March.
U.S. Census Bureau. 2018. Rolling Hills, City 2018 ACS 5-Year Estimates. https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Rolling%20Hills%20city,%20California&g=1600000U S0662602&tid=ACSDP5Y2018.DP05&hidePreview=false.
Western Region Climate Center (WRCC). 2016. Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary. https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca8973. Accessed August 2020. 138
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Appendix A
Existing Conditions Report
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Rolling Hills General Plan Safety Element
Existing Conditions Report
prepared by
City of Rolling Hills
Planning and Community Services
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
prepared with the assistance of
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
706 South Hill Street, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, California 90014
October 2020
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Table of Contents
Existing Conditions Report i
Table of Contents
Summary.................................................................................................................................................1 Key Findings....................................................................................................................................1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................2 Hazards of Concern.................................................................................................................................6 Geologic Hazards............................................................................................................................6 Flooding ..........................................................................................................................................9 Wildland and Urban Fires.............................................................................................................12 Hazardous Materials.....................................................................................................................16 Emergency Response and Evacuation ..........................................................................................16 Climate Change Vulnerability ...............................................................................................................19 Exposure .......................................................................................................................................20 Community Sensitivity..................................................................................................................24 Potential Impacts..........................................................................................................................26 Adaptive Capacity .........................................................................................................................31 Vulnerability Scoring.....................................................................................................................32 Summary of Issues and Opportunities.................................................................................................36 Hazards of Concern and Community Sensitivity ..........................................................................36 Opportunities...............................................................................................................................36 References............................................................................................................................................38 Tables
Table 1 Rolling Hills Climate Summary ............................................................................................2 Table 2 Rolling Hills Demographic Characteristics...........................................................................3 Table 3 Faults Located within 50 Miles of Rolling Hills....................................................................8 Table 4 Changes in Annual Average Precipitation.........................................................................23 Table 5 Rolling Hills Existing Adaptive Capacity.............................................................................31 Table 6 Vulnerability Score Matrix ................................................................................................33 Table 7 Vulnerability Assessment Results .....................................................................................34 Figures
Figure 1 Critical Facilities Map ..........................................................................................................5 Figure 2 Landslide Hazard Zones ......................................................................................................7 Figure 3 Faults in the Vicinity of Rolling Hills..................................................................................10 Figure 4 Rolling Hills Liquefaction Hazard Areas.............................................................................11 Figure 5 Dam Inundation Areas......................................................................................................14 Figure 6 Fire Hazard Zones..............................................................................................................15 142
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ii
Figure 7 Existing Evacuation Routes...............................................................................................18 Figure 8 Historical and Projected Annual Average Maximum Temperature in Rolling Hills ..........21 Figure 9 Number of Extreme Heat Days by Year in Rolling Hills.....................................................22 Figure 10 Changes in Intensity of Extreme Precipitation Events in Rolling Hills...............................24 143
Summary
Existing Conditions Report 1
Summary
Key Findings
The city is most at risks to impacts from wildfire, extreme heat, and landslide events, which are all anticipated to increase as a result of climate change impacts. Vulnerable populations such as older adults and residents with chronic health conditions are most at risk to extreme heat and wildfire impacts. Access roads and residential structures are also the most vulnerable to wildfire and landslide impacts from climate change.
The city has a moderate risk for shaking potential from earthquakes. Flood risks in the city are minimal and limited to natural drainage areas in the canyons. Vegetation clearing along roadways is a concern and major goal for improving fire response and evacuation in the city.
Evacuation strategies and education are important to reduce risk from hazards due to the lack of evacuation routes in the city and the remote development on private roads. The need to further analyze evacuation routes and access is one of the most recent changes in Safety Element requirements. A key opportunity for the Safety Element update is to address specific evacuation needs.
The City has recently adopted a number of planning documents such as the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which seek to reduce the risk of hazards in the city. An opportunity for the Safety Element update would be to utilize existing recommendations from the Community Wildfire Protection Plan as implementation tools for the Safety Element.
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2 Introduction
Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code requires that the General Plan include a Safety Element for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, tsunami, seiche, and dam failure; slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides; subsidence and other geologic hazards; flooding, wildland and urban fire, and climate change adaptation and resilience. In addition, Safety Elements are required to address non-hazard specific issues such as peak load water supply, evacuation routes, and military installations.
This Existing Conditions Report is a comprehensive assessment of natural and man-made hazards for the City of Rolling Hills. The report serves as the foundation for the Safety Element and includes detailed Geographic Information System (GIS) hazard mapping and analyses. The following City plans were also utilized for this report along with existing local data from governmental agencies and scientific research: Hazard Mitigation Plan, Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and the existing Safety Element.
Setting
Rolling Hills covers an area of approximately three square-miles on the Palos Verdes peninsula, approximately 18 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The topography of the city and peninsula area is unique in that it rises above the Los Angeles Basin with rolling hills, steep slopes, and canyons. The city itself is located in the San Pedro Hills. Due to its location near the coast, the area is cooler and has fewer air quality concerns compared to the nearby Los Angeles Basin. Table 1 summarizes the climatology of the area.
Table 1 Rolling Hills Climate Summary
Climate Character Estimate
Annual Average Observed Maximum Temperature from 1961 - 1990 (Fahrenheit) 71 Annual Average Observed Minimum Temperature from 1961 – 1990 (Fahrenheit) 50 Annual Average Observed Precipitation from 1961 – 1990 (inches) 19 Source: Cal-Adapt 2021
Rolling Hills is a residential community that consists of large parcels and ranch-style homes and has a sizable older adult1 population of about 513 (28% of the city’s total population). The city is also an equestrian community, as many of residents are horse owners or have horses on their property.
Important community demographic data for Rolling Hills is included in Table 2. 1 An older adult is any adult over the age of 65 years old. 145
Introduction
Existing Conditions Report 3
Table 2 Rolling Hills Demographic Characteristics
Demographic Characteristics Estimate
General
Total Population 1,8601
Population under 10 years 7 percent
Population over 65 years 28 percent1
Race 77 percent White, 18 percent Asian, 5 percent
Hispanic/Latino
Disability (hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory) 12 percent Housing
Total Households 6451
Average Household Size 2.76
Owner-occupied Households 96 percent
Population over 65 years living alone 15 percent of those over 65 years Employment
Unemployment Rate 6 percent
Poverty Rate 2 percent
Median Income $ 239,000
Insurance Coverage 97 percent
Source: U.S. Census 2018
1Information obtained from the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which is includes more recent data than the U.S Census Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Critical facilities are places that provide emergency services or serve people who would be impacted by an emergency. Examples include hospitals, fire stations, police stations, emergency services facilities, utility facilities, and communication facilities. Critical facilities can also include the transportation system and schools. Due to the size and composition of Rolling Hills, most of the critical facilities that serve the city are located outside of City limits. Critical facilities that serve the city are shown in Figure 1 and include:
Rolling Hills City Hall: 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA Rolling Hills Community Association: 1 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA Rancho Del Mar High School: 38 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills, CA Storm Hill Park: Agua Magna Canyon, Rolling Hills
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lomita Station: 26123 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, CA Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 56: 12 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills, CA Los Angeles County Communications Tower: 5741 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Southern California Edison Electrical Substation: Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Southern California Edison Electrical Substation: Tarragon Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 146
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Rolling Hills General Plan Safety Element
4 Southern California Edison Electrical Substation: 27873 Hawthorn Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: Palos Verdes Drive North/Palos Verdes Drive East (SW corner), Rolling Hills Estates, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 3960 East Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA California Water Service Reservoir: Via Canada, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA California Water Service Reservoir: 1 Spur Lane, Rolling Hills, CA California Water Service Reservoir: 60 Eastfield Drive, Rolling Hills, CA Portuguese Bend Road
Crest Road
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Introduction
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Figure 1 Critical Facilities Map
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6 Hazards of Concern
Geologic Hazards
Geologic processes that pose a threat to life, health, property, or infrastructure are considered geologic hazards. Natural geologic hazards that have the potential to affect Rolling Hills include seismic hazards, landslides, liquefaction, expansive soils, and weathering. In most cases, these natural processes cannot be prevented; however, the magnitude of destruction resulting from natural geologic hazards can be reduced through planning policies and measures.
Landslide Hazards
Landslide activity refers to a wide range of gravity driven downslope earth movement, including rockslides, rotational slips, mudslides, and shallow debris flows. Geological and geomorphological conditions such as soil type, soil strength, slope angle, and slope height predispose slopes to failure.
Other factors affecting the susceptibility to slope failure include the amount of precipitation, vegetation on the slope, groundwater seepage, and human modifications to the slope. Landslides often result in damage to property and roadways and can cause them to become unsafe due to displacement of the subsurface.
A majority of the existing development in Rolling Hills is located on hilly terrain and have a greater potential to experience landslide hazards. Many of the canyons in Rolling Hills exhibit steep slopes with little vegetation coverage, leaving them susceptible to slope failure. Figure 2 shows the landslide zones within the City of Rolling Hills, as mapped by the California Geological Survey.
Landslide activity has been well documented in the region. Relicts of landslides and rockslides are present throughout the City of Rolling Hills. The following major landslides have occurred within and adjacent to the city. All are within the landslide hazards areas identified in Figure 2:
Portuguese Bend Landslide: Beginning in2 1956 over approximately 270 acres in Rancho Palos Verdes
Abalone Cove Landslide: Beginning in 1974 over 80 acres in Rancho Palos Verdes Klondike Canyon Landslide: Beginning in 1979 over to the south near the coastline Flying Triangle Landslide: Beginning in 1970s or 1980s over approximately 70 acres in the south area of the city
The Flying Triangle Landslide continues to impact the southeast portion of the city through impacts to private roads and requiring above-ground utility lines. This area is relatively unsuitable for development due to the ongoing changes in topography.
Seismic Hazards
Rolling Hills is located in a seismically active region of southern California. The last major earthquake in the Los Angeles area was the 5.1 magnitude La Habra earthquake in 2014. Rolling Hills is located within 50 miles of the Whittier fault, Newport-Inglewood fault, Palos Verdes fault, Malibu Coast 2 “Beginning in” is defined as the first noted event of major rock movement 149
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Figure 2 Landslide Hazard Zones
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8 fault, Cabrillo fault, Santa Monica fault, and Redondo Canyon fault. Analysis of seismic data from the region indicates that the Whittier and Newport-Inglewood faults may generate a maximum credible earthquake of magnitude 7.2 and 7.4, respectively (Southern California Earthquake Center 2013).
Figure 3 shows the faults in the vicinity of Rolling Hills.
Typically, seismic shaking and fault rupture are primary hazards as they occur as a direct result of the interaction between the seismic wave energy and the earth’s surface. Secondary hazards, such as liquefaction and earthquake-induced landslides, occur as a result of the primary earthquake hazards. Often, earthquake activity can result in other effects such as building damage/collapse, infrastructure failure, pipeline breakage, and damage to transportation and communication facilities. The size of the earthquake and distance from the fault rupture zone typically determine the severity of these events.
Seismic Shaking
Seismic shaking, or ground shaking, refers to the movement of the earth’s surface resulting from the energy release by an earthquake. Seismic shaking is typically the primary cause of property damage resulting from earthquake activity. Seismic shaking has the ability to destroy buildings, roadways, powerlines, and pipelines. Energy transmitted through the ground has the potential to travel hundreds of miles and may cause damage in many locations simultaneously. Closer proximity to the fault rupture area results in stronger shaking in that location.
The amount of ground shaking that occurs in a location is dependent on the magnitude of the earthquake, the distance from the epicenter, and local soil conditions. The intensity of ground shaking is related to the peak ground velocity during an earthquake. According to the CGS Map Sheet 48, the earthquake shaking potential for Rolling Hills is moderate. The intensity of seismic shaking is measured using the Modified Mercalli scale.
According to the California Geologic Survey, an active fault is one that has experienced surface movement in the past 11,000 years. The city is located near a number of active faults, including the Cabrillo Fault within city limits. Table 3 includes a list of nearby faults, their respective distance from the city, the maximum credible earthquake generated from each fault, and the likelihood of earthquake occurrence in each case.
Table 3 Faults Located within 50 Miles of Rolling Hills Fault Name Approximate Distance from Rolling Hills
Whittier 25 miles east
Newport-Inglewood 9 miles east
Palos Verdes <1 mile north
Malibu Coast 20 miles northwest
Cabrillo Located within the City boundaries in the southwest Santa Monica 20 miles north-northwest
The San Andreas fault is located approximately 80 miles to the east of Rolling Hills. Although the San Andreas fault is located at a greater distance from the city, seismic shaking originating from earthquakes occurring along the San Andreas fault poses a threat to the city. Figure 3 identifies the active and inactive faults located within the city and vicinity. 151
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Fault Rupture
Fault Rupture occurs when seismic movement on a fault breaks through the earth’s surface. Hazards related to fault rupture arise when structures are built near or on top of an active fault. While there are a number of seismically active faults in the city and region, there are no active faults with the potential for ground rupture, defined by the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act and delineated by CGS. Figure 3 shows the designated Alquist-Priolo study zones, the closest of which is the Newport-Inglewood Fault approximately nine miles northeast of the city.
Liquefaction and Settlement
Liquefaction is a ground failure phenomenon that occurs as a result of a seismic event. Liquefaction increases water content in surface soils until the soil reaches a semi-liquid state, contributing to a reduction in support, and ultimately resulting in shifting or subsidence of buildings and utilities.
Ground failure typically occurs when the following conditions exist:
Loose, unconsolidated granular soils
Shallow groundwater
Strong seismic ground shaking
While the Rolling Hills has moderate to high seismic shaking potential, the subsurface soils generally lack saturated alluvial deposits and thick, granular soils. Figure 4 shows the liquefaction hazard areas, which are located in the low-lying areas to the east and north, generally surrounding the Los Angeles Harbor and Harbor Lake. Liquefaction potential for Rolling Hills is low, as shown in Figure 4.
Earthquake Induced Landslides
Ground failure or destabilization of slopes resulting from an earthquake can also occur following seismic activity in the form of Earthquake-Induced Landslides. Earthquake-induced landslides typically occur in areas with steep slopes or unstable soil conditions. As discussed above under Landslide Hazards, the risk of landslide activity in Rolling Hills is high. Much of the city overlies areas that have been identified as landslide zones by the California Geological Survey. Risk of landslide activity increases following rainfall events that result in saturated soils. Both shallow and deep seeded landslides have historically occurred in the city.
Flooding
Rolling Hills participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program. According to the FEMA flood maps, the city is not located in a flood hazard area and currently has a less than 0.2 percent annual chance to be inundated by flood waters as a result of a storm event (FEMA 2008). Overall, the city is not in any immediate risk from flooding caused by overflowing water bodies or heavy rains. However, runoff and minor flooding pose a risk if drainage systems fail along canyon bottoms, where natural drainage leads to. 152
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10 Figure 3 Faults in the Vicinity of Rolling Hills
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Figure 4 Rolling Hills Liquefaction Hazard Areas
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12 Dam Inundation
No water storage facilities that the State of California identifies as dams are located in Rolling Hills.
Just outside city limits are three water storage facilities identified as dams, which include:
Palos Verdes Reservoir: Owned by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and located at the southeast corner of Palos Verdes Drive East and Palos Verdes Drive North.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, the reservoir can hold approximately 1,100 gallons of water and has an extremely high downstream hazard. 10 MG Walteria and 18 MG Walteria: Two reinforced concrete tanks which are owned by the City of Torrance and located at Crenshaw Boulevard and Crest Road. The tanks can hold 31 and 58 acre-feet (AF) of water respectively.
Senate Bill 92, adopted in 2017, is a new dam safety requirement that requires dam owners to map the downstream inundation areas for dams governed by the Department of Water Resources.
Figure 5 shows the inundation areas for the nearby water storage facilities. Due to their locations and the topography of the area, the inundation areas do not enter or affect any portion of the city.
Wildland and Urban Fires
The entire City of Rolling Hills is designated a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), as shown in Figure 6. Rolling Hills terrain is comprised of several large and steep canyons that limit and challenge vegetation management and present conditions where a fire can quickly travels up and downslope to nearby homes. Due to the rural nature and large residential lots, many homes are surrounded by substantial vegetation and dense brush than in more suburban settings. The bridle trails for hikers and equestrian access also contain dense vegetation and management difficulties, which contributes to the fire risk of the city. Electrical power lines pose a hazard to starting fires in the city if lines are not automatically de-energized when knocked down by extreme weather or if the surrounding vegetation is not adequately managed.
There is a history of fires in the city and the surrounding Palos Verdes Peninsula. Three major fires have been documented on the Peninsula and in the city in:
1973: almost 1,000 acres burned, and 13 homes destroyed 2005: 212 acres burned near Del Cero Park
2009: 230 acres burned and forced 1,200 residents on the Peninsula to evacuate For many of the developed residences in the city that are vulnerable to fires, their risk may increase with the presence of construction techniques that may not meet current wildfire standards. Rolling Hills Building Code and Los Angeles County Fire Department, under the VHFHSZ standards, require new development to include more stringent design and material standards for roofing, eaves, and rafter tails as well as exterior finishes and fire buffer zones. While compliance with these standards reduces the vulnerability to new structures, existing structures that have not complied with these standards may be susceptible to undue fire risk.
Existing Fire Risk Reduction Strategies
Rolling Hills Municipal Code (RHMC) Chapter 8.30: Fire Fuel Abatement VHRHSZ building requirements
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Los Angeles County Fire Department property line and structure vegetation buffer requirements Rolling Hills Community Wildfire Protection Plan vegetation management standard recommendations
Rolling Hills Community Association
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14 Figure 5 Dam Inundation Areas
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Figure 6 Fire Hazard Zones
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16 Hazardous Materials
According to the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), there are no hazardous waste sites or facilities in Rolling Hills (DTSC 2020). The city and surrounding area do not contain heavy industrial uses that would create a hazardous material risk in the event of a spill, release, or natural disaster.
The city is not located near any major transit routes involving transport of a substantial quantity of hazardous material through the city. However, the nearby oil refineries (located along Sepulveda Boulevard approximately six miles northeast) and Port operations (located approximately three miles to the east) could create air quality impacts if wind patterns and release events occur. Air quality impacts are discussed in the Open Space and Conservation Element of the Rolling Hills General Plan.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Police Response and Crime
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is contracted with the city to provide police services and protection to the city. The Lomita Station of the Sheriff’s Department located at 26123 Narbonne Avenue, approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the Portuguese Bend Road entrance, serves the city.
According to the Lomita Station crimes report from January 1, 2020, through June 30, 2020, Rolling Hills had three reported crimes (LACSD 2020). The crimes were related to theft, assault, and burglary. Outside the city limits and in the Lomita District, 433 crimes were reported during this same period, 71 of which were violent crimes (LACSD 2020). The difference in crimes in the city and the surrounding area is attributed to the private nature of the City. There are three entrances to the city, all of which are gated and staffed 24 hours a day. Visitors are required to be on a resident’s guest list in order to enter city limits. This reduces crime within the city and demand on Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Fire Response
The Los Angeles County Fire Department provides emergency operations support to the City. Fire Station 56, located at 12 Crest Road West, serves the city under Battalion 14, which also serves the remaining Palos Verdes Peninsula, Lomita, and Catalina Island. Fire response constraints in the city include ability to access certain homes or areas due to inadequate road widths for fire maneuvering.
One of the major topics of concern related to fire response in the city relates to vegetation clearing along roadways. Ten-foot clearance on each side of the roadway, especially the limited access roads, is important for fire response and evacuation during a fire, according to Scott Hale, Assistant Fire Chief.
Evacuation Strategies and Routes
Because a variety of hazards could affect city residents, it is vital to identify critical routes for evacuation in the event of a major event. Figure 7 identifies the existing evacuation routes in the city, which are limited to:
Main Gate at Rolling Hills Road and Palos Verdes Drive North 159
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Crest Gate at Crest Road near Crenshaw Blvd
Eastfield Gate at Eastfield Drive and Palos Verdes Drive East Crest Road East Gate at the end of Crest Road East
Crest Road East Gate at the end of Crest Road East gate has recently been updated with a motor and has no guards. This gate is available as an emergency exit to the city during emergencies. The recently adopted Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the city establishes evacuation strategies and methodologies for the city, which include:
Using the City’s Block Captains as important coordinators and managers of residents in the 24 City zones3
Communication goals between the City, emergency responders, Rolling Hills Community Association, and residents
Details for residents regarding how people get notified during an actual evacuation and the responsibilities and operations of the Emergency Operations Center Traffic control responsibilities and levels
Identification of special need residents who may need specific attention and/or assistance 3 The city is divided into 24 zones and each zone has 2-3 block captains to represent the residents within the zone. 160
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18 Figure 7 Existing Evacuation Routes
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Climate Change Vulnerability
In accordance with Senate Bill 379, this section provides a climate change vulnerability assessment for Rolling Hills, which evaluates the potential impacts of climate change on community assets and populations. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report defines vulnerability as “the propensity or predisposition to be adversely affected.” It adds that vulnerability “encompasses a variety of concepts and elements including sensitivity or susceptibility to harm and lack of capacity to cope and adapt” (IPCC, 2013). Understanding the vulnerabilities that the city may face due to climate change provides a foundation to define future adaptation strategies for the Safety Element update and other planning efforts in Rolling Hills and the region.
Consistent with the California Adaptation Planning Guide (Cal OES 2020) the assessment is comprised of the following five elements:
Exposure – the nature and degree to which the community experiences a stress or hazard; Sensitivity – the aspects of the community (i.e., people, structures, and functions) most affected by the identified exposures;
Potential Impacts – the nature and degree to which the community is affected by a given stressor, change, or disturbance;
Adaptive Capacity – the ability to cope with extreme events, to make changes, or to transform to a greater extent, including the ability to moderate potential damages and to take advantage of opportunities; and
Vulnerability Scoring – systematic scoring based on potential impacts and adaptive capacity, to inform major climate vulnerabilities to address adaptation framework strategies.
In addition to City data, Cal-Adapt was used to complete the assessment. Cal-Adapt is an interactive, online platform developed by the University of California and Berkeley to synthesize climate change projections and climate impact research for California’s scientists and planners. This assessment uses Cal-Adapt to study potential future changes in average and extreme temperatures, precipitation, wildfire, and storms. Cal-Adapt is consistent with State guidance to use the “best available science” for evaluating climate change vulnerability.
This assessment uses two greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions scenarios included in Cal-Adapts analysis: Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. RCP 4.5 describes a scenario in which GHG emissions peak around 2050, decline over the next 30 years and then stabilize by 2100 while RCP 8.5 is the scenario in which GHG emissions continue to rise through the middle of the century before leveling off around 2100. The climate projections used in this report are from four models selected by California’s Climate Action Team Research Working Group and the California Department of Water Resources. These models include:
A warm/dry simulation (HadGEM2-ES)
A cooler/wetter simulation (CNRM-CM5)
An average simulation (CanESM2)
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20 The model that presents a simulation most unlike these three and incorporates 10 other models, for full representation of possible forecasts (MIROC5)4 The average of the model projections is used in this analysis.
Exposure
Climate change is a global phenomenon that has the potential to adversely affect local health, natural resources, infrastructure, emergency response, and many other facets of society. Projected changes to climate are dependent on location. According to Cal-Adapt, climate change could lead to increasing temperatures, temperature extremes, and changes in precipitation patterns in Rolling Hills. These conditions could lead to exposure associated with extreme heat, drought, wildfires, and extreme storms in the region. The climate hazards of concern for Rolling Hills addressed in this analysis are:
Extreme Heat
Storms and Extreme Weather
Drought
Wildfire
Extreme Heat
Figure 8 below shows observed and projected annual average maximum temperature in Rolling Hills. As shown in Figure 8, average temperatures in the city and region have increased, which is a trend at both the local scale and the global scale. Compared to 1990, annual average maximum temperatures in Rolling Hills are expected to rise between 1.8°F and 6.6°F by the end of the century, depending on the GHG emissions scenario (CEC 2020).
4 There were 10 California GCM models that were ranked from 1-10 by California’s Climate Action Team Research Working Group and the California Department of Water Resources for different temperature and precipitation factors. The models ranged from the “warm/dry” model which had all metrics closest to 1 to the “cool/wet” model which had all metrics closest to 10. The MIROC5 displays a pattern of ranking that is most unlike the other 3 models and therefore, is included to represent the full spread of all 10 model simulations. 163
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Figure 8 Historical and Projected Annual Average Maximum Temperature in Rolling Hills5
Extreme heat is a period when temperatures are abnormally high relative to the normal temperature range. There are generally three types of extreme heat events:
Extreme Heat Days: a day during which the maximum temperature surpasses 98 percent of all historic high temperatures for the area, using the time between April and October from 1950 to 2005 as the baseline
Warm Nights: a day between April to October when the minimum temperature exceeds 98 percent of all historic minimum daytime temperatures observed between 1950 to 2005 Extreme Heat Waves: a successive series of extreme heat days and warm nights where extreme temperatures do not abate. While no universally accepted minimum length of time for a heatwave event exists, Cal-Adapt considers four, successive extreme heat days and warm nights to be the minimum threshold for an extreme heatwave
Extreme heat events will feel different from region to region since different areas have different historic high temperatures. For example, an extreme heat day on the coast will feel different than an extreme heat day in the desert. According to Cal-Adapt, an extreme heat day in Rolling Hills involves a temperature that exceeds 91.7 ̊F (CEC 2020).
Historically (between 1950 and 2005), Rolling Hills experienced an average four extreme heat days per year, typically occurring between April and October. As a result of rising average temperatures and climate change as discussed above, the city is projected to experience between 8 and 14 extreme heat days annually from 2030 to 2099 under medium and high emissions projections (CEC 5 Chart shows annual average maximum temperature for Rolling Hills (Grid Cell 33.78125, -118.34375) under RCP 8.5 (emissions continue to rise strongly through 2050 and plateau around 2100)
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22 2020). As shown in Figure 9, the number of extreme heat days each year is variable, but overall they are increasing from historic averages and would continue to increase through the century.
Figure 9 Number of Extreme Heat Days by Year in Rolling Hills6 Extreme heat waves are defined as four or more consecutive extreme heat days. These events have been historically infrequent in Rolling Hills, with the historical average being 0.3 heat waves annually. The city is expected to experience a minor increase in heat wave frequency as the climate changes. Between 2030 and 2099, the city is projected to experience between 0.4 and 1.1 heat waves per year (CEC 2020).
Drought
Droughts are somewhat frequent in California, and currently approximately 42 percent of California’s population are in a drought, or in an abnormally dry area (NIDIS 2020). Changes in weather patterns resulting in increases in global average temperatures are already causing decreases in snowpack, which provides as much as a third of California’s water supply (DWR 2019).
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Los Angeles County and Rolling Hills are not currently experiencing drought conditions based on this mapping (National Drought Mitigation Center 2020).
Southern California is not currently considered to be in a drought condition, while other parts of the State (northern California and the Sierra Nevada mountain range) are experiencing moderate drought conditions due to lower than average precipitation.
The projected changes in annual precipitation for Rolling Hills are shown in Table 4. Under both the medium and high GHG emissions scenarios, Rolling Hills is not expected to experience substantial changes in average precipitation. However, the city would experience increased variability in precipitation. The city’s minimum annual precipitation would decrease while the maximum annual precipitation would increase under both emissions scenarios. 6 Chart shows the number of days in a year when daily maximum temperature is above the extreme hear threshold of 91.7 ̊F for Rolling Hills (Grid Cell 33.78125, -118.34375) under RCP 8.5
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Table 4 Changes in Annual Average Precipitation
Scenario
Annual Precipitation
Minimum (inches) Average (inches) Maximum (inches)
Historical Average (1950-2005) 6.7 19.2 37.0
Medium Emissions Scenario (2030-2099) 6.0 21.3 48.2
High Emissions Scenario (2030-2099) 4.8 22.2 57.0
Source: CEC 2020
While overall precipitation levels are expected to change substantially in the city, a drought may occur when conditions in areas where water sources are located experience drought conditions, even though the local region does not. Rolling Hills obtains its water from the Palos Verdes District of the California Water Service. Water supply from the District to this area is purchased from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which imports its water from the Colorado River and State Water Project from northern California.
Recent research suggests that extended drought occurrence could become more pervasive in future decades (CEC 2020). An extended drought scenario is predicted for all of California from 2051 to 2070 under a climate model using business as usual conditions. The extended drought scenario is based on the average annual precipitation over 20 years. This average value equates to 78 percent of the historic median annual precipitation averaged for the North Coast and Sierra California Climate Tracker regions. Overall precipitation levels in the city are not expected to be significantly impacted. However, variability in precipitation and drought conditions in other areas of the state could impact water supply.
Wildfire
Wildfire hazards to the city are widespread and discussed above under Hazards of Concern.
Wildfires in the city are influenced by a range of factors including droughts, severe winds, wildfire fuel (i.e. dry vegetation), and previous wildfire suppression activity. Climate change is expected to exacerbate wildfire risk by creating hotter and drier landscapes, as discussed above under Extreme Heat, which are more susceptible to burning.
Cal-Adapt provides projections for annual mean hectares burned. This projection only accounts for areas that could experience wildfire events. Los Angeles County wildfire occurrence is anticipated to increase under all emissions and population scenarios from historic averages (CEC 2020). In 2020 alone, California has experienced six of the 20 largest fires in modern history and as of the date of this report, over three million acres of land have burned. These fires arose during extreme fire weather conditions and record-breaking heat waves across California. The observed frequency of autumn days with extreme fire weather, which are associated with extreme autumn wildfires, has more than doubled in California since the early 1980s (Goss et al. 2020). Due to the increases in factors that contribute to wildfires (variability in precipitation, hotter and dryer landscapes) and because the city is in a VHFZSZ, it is expected to see an increase in wildfire hazards due to climate change.
Storms and Extreme Weather
A warming climate is likely to influence the frequency and intensity of storms. Both increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can lead to altered seasons and intense rainstorms in Rolling Hills. As depicted in Figure 10, there is a high degree of variability in these extreme 166
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24 precipitation event projections, with some models projecting little to no change while others project increased intensity (CEC 2020) These projections further vary depending on the return period7 selected. Increasing intensity of rainstorms could result in more flooding, which could adversely affect human safety in Rolling Hills. During years of intense levels of precipitation and storms, the city could also see an increase in the number of landslides or make landslides greater than usual.
Due to the number of landslide hazard zones in the city, as shown in 2, Rolling Hills may see an increase in landslides due to changes in precipitation from climate change.
Figure 10 Changes in Intensity of Extreme Precipitation Events in Rolling Hills8 Community Sensitivity
As climate change occurs, communities will be affected to varying degrees depending on the exposure levels as well as how sensitive the communities are to impacts. Virtually all people and assets in a community will be affected by climate change in some way. However, it is not usually feasible to assess the vulnerability of every population group or every asset in the community. The sensitivity of a community depends on the aspects of the community (i.e., specific populations and assets) most affected by the identified exposures, and how prevalent they are in the community.
As described in the Exposure section above, the most likely primary impacts of climate change that Rolling Hills may experience include extreme heat, increases in wildfire risk and prevalence, and drought conditions affecting water supply. This section of the Vulnerability Analysis identifies the 7 Average time between extreme events (e.g., “1 in 100-year event”) 8 Chart shows estimated intensity (Return Level) of Extreme Precipitation events which are exceeded on average once every 20 years (Return Period) for Rolling Hills (Grid Cell 33.78125, -118.34375) under RCP 8.5 emissions scenario. Extreme precipitation events are described as days during a water year (Oct-Sept) with 2-day rainfall totals above an extreme threshold of 1.02 inches. 167
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sensitive areas of the Rolling Hills community from the demographic and community facility information in the Introduction section above and is based on the following categories:
Populations
Infrastructure
Buildings and Facilities
Services
Populations
The vulnerability assessment considers the following population groups that may be disproportionally harmed by the impacts of climate change in Rolling Hills.
Children: Approximately 6.6 percent of the total population in Rolling Hills are ten years old or younger.
Persons in poverty: This is identified for people living in households with an income below the poverty limit, which is $26,200 for a household of four people. There are approximately 26 people in Rolling Hills who live in poverty, or approximately 1.6 percent of the total population for whom poverty status can be determined.
Persons with chronic health conditions: These are people who have a long-term or permanent health condition that can create regular challenges in their day-to-day lives. These health problems include obesity, cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. In addition, those with any kind of disability, including mobility challenges, hearing, or vision impairments, behavioral disabilities, and challenges living independently or taking care of themselves. Approximately 11.5 percent of the population have identified having a disability.
Renters: These are people who live in homes that they (or the head of their household) do not own.
Approximately 24 housing units, or 4 percent of the housing units in Rolling Hills, are renteroccupied.
Older adults: These are persons 65 years or older are more at risk for climate change impacts, especially those living alone. 28 percent of the population of Rolling Hills are over 65 years, and 15 percent of those over 65 years live alone.
Limited English proficiency: Approximately three percent of households have identified being limited English-speaking. Of those, a majority spoke Asian and Pacific Island languages and Spanish.
Infrastructure
The vulnerability assessment considers the following infrastructure in the city that was identified as bring sensitive to climate change impacts.
Access Roads: These roadways are one of a few, or the only, ways in and out of some communities or neighborhoods. The single or limited number of entry and exit points does not make the road itself more vulnerable than other roads, but loss of these roadways can effectively cut off large numbers of people from other areas in the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the rest of Los Angeles County. Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road are the primary access roads into and out of the city.
Bridle Trails: Throughout the community are over 25 miles of trails available to city residents and non-city residents who obtain permits. The trails are maintained by the Rolling Hills Community Association and located primarily in canyon areas.
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26 Electrical Substations: Electrical substations are facilities that convert electricity from one voltage to another, making it suitable for long-distance transmission or for use by homes, businesses, and other electrical customers. There are no electrical substations located within city limits, but three are located near the city in Rancho Palos Verdes and owned/operated by Southern California Edison.
Electrical Utility Lines: These lines transmit and deliver electricity from Southern California Edison to the city. The city has both underground and overhead electric utility lines.
Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines: Natural gas pipelines carry large volumes of natural gas between communities. There are no transmissions lines in the city. One transmission line ends at the intersection of Rolling Hills Road and Palos Verdes Drive, adjacent to city limits.
Water Reservoirs and System: The system that stores and supplies drinking water for residents.
Palos Verdes Water District of the California Water Service supplies water to Rolling Hills. There are two California Water Service water reservoirs within the city limits.
Building and Facilities
Residential Structures: Residential structures in Rolling Hills consist of single-family dwellings and are the main type of building in the city.
Community Facilities and Government Buildings: Community and government facilities are public properties and are important to the residents as well as the operation of the city. Rolling Hills is a private community. Therefore, community and government facilities are available only to its residents, which are the Rolling Hills Community Association and City Hall.
Community Parks: Storm Hill is an open space area owned by the City which is utilized for equestrian purposes. The City also has two equestrian rings and tennis courts.
Schools: Rancho Del Mar High School is the only school in the city Public Safety Facilities: Public safety facilities include sheriff and fire buildings. Los Angeles County Fire Station 56 is located within the city. The Lomita Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff serves the city but is not located within the city limits.
Services
Public Safety Response: Public safety services are provided by law enforcement and fire agencies.
These agencies include the Los Angeles County Sheriff and Fire Departments.
Water Services: These services involve treating and transporting water to be used by customers and transporting and treating wastewater so it can be safely released into the environment. California Water Service provides drinking water to the city.
Energy delivery: Energy services in Rolling Hills include electricity and natural gas delivered through utility lines from Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Company.
Potential Impacts
Impact vulnerability is the nature and degree to which the community is affected by a given stressor, change, or disturbance. As climate change continues to progress, increased stress to vulnerable community populations, infrastructure, building and facilities, and services are expected.
As described in the Exposure section above, the most likely primary impacts of climate change 169
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Rolling Hills may experience include extreme heat, wildfire, and drought conditions impacting water supply. The vulnerability of Rolling Hills to the primary exposures of climate change is discussed below. The vulnerability scores discussed in the Vulnerability Scoring section are based on the potential impact analysis below. Each of the vulnerable areas in the city were given a low, medium, or high vulnerability to the potential impacts, based off the descriptions in the Vulnerability Scoring section.
Temperature and Extreme Heat
As describe in the Exposure section above, Rolling Hills may experience a variety of impacts from climate change, which include an increase of average annual maximum temperature between 1.8°F and 6.6°F by the end of the century (CEC 2020) This increase in temperature may result in changes in seasonal patterns, an increase in heat waves, drought, and potentially increased storm frequency and intensity. Rolling Hills is expected to experience between 8 and 14 extreme heat days annually.
Overall quality of life in the city would be impacted during extreme heat events as outdoor activities would be limited and overall comfort reduced.
The potential direct and indirect impacts to community populations, infrastructure, building and facilities, and services are described below.
Populations
The vulnerable populations discussed above that are most at risk to extreme heat impacts from climate change are older adults, individuals with chronic conditions such as heart and lung disease, diabetes, and mental illnesses, children, and those who are economically disadvantaged.
The primary vulnerable population to temperature increases and extreme heat in Rolling Hills is older adults, as 28 percent of the city’s population is over 65 years. Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature and are more likely to have medical conditions that can worsen with extreme heat (CDC 2017a). Older adults who are living along are even more at risk as the actions necessary to mitigation extreme heat are more difficult alone.
Getting water, changing clothes, showering, or turning on the air conditioner may be more difficult for older adults with physical disabilities and do not have a living partner to assist them. Children are also at risk to extreme heat impacts, especially those under the age of four, due to their lessdeveloped physiology, immune system, and dependence on others (CDC 2019).
Extreme heat can be highly dangerous to persons with chronic health conditions, because very high temperatures can exacerbate diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory ailments, and other diseases. Some of these people have weakened immune systems which can make them more likely to contract illnesses and vulnerable to human health hazards. In addition, they may be taking medications that make the effects of extreme heat worse (CDC 2017b).
While there are not many households in poverty in the city, those who are have limited financial resources to upgrade their homes and use air conditioning to better resist extreme heat.
Each of the vulnerable populations has a high potential impact from extreme heat.
Infrastructure
Extreme heat and temperature increase due to climate change would not directly impact infrastructure in Rolling Hills. Indirect impacts on electrical substations and utility lines could occur from increased use of the system from running air conditioners, leading to power outages in the 170
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Rolling Hills General Plan Safety Element
28 city. In addition, indirect impacts to the water system through increased evaporation or water use could occur. These infrastructure facilities would have a medium potential impact from extreme heat.
Building and Facilities
Extreme heat and temperature increase due to climate change would not directly affect buildings or facilities in Rolling Hills. Extreme heat and temperature increases could impact the ability for residents to enjoy community park facilities. In addition, extreme heat could create wildfire conditions which could indirectly impact all buildings and facilities within the city. Overall, there is a low potential impact from extreme heat to City buildings and facilities.
Services
The important services discussed above that are most at risk to extreme heat impacts from climate change are water services and energy delivery.
High temperatures would contribute to a reduced water supply. For instance, higher temperatures will melt the Sierra snowpack earlier and drive the snowline higher. In addition to a reduction in precipitation falling as snow, higher temperatures would result in less snowpack to supply water to California users (CNRA 2009). Increased temperatures could therefore result in decreased potable water supply for the city which relies on imported water from the State Water Project and Colorado River water (Cal Water 2016). Therefore, there is a medium potential impact for high temperatures and drought on the city.
Long periods of intense heat may result in increased use of electricity for home cooling purposes that could tax the overall electrical system and result in electricity restrictions or blackouts. During extreme heat events in August 2020, California had its first rolling blackouts since 2001. Therefore, the city will experience greater potential for power outages due to climate change and has a medium potential impact.
Storms/Extreme Weather and Drought
As mentioned in the Exposure section above, the storm and extreme weather projections for Rolling Hills show variability, with some models projecting little to no change while others project increased intensity. This could result in impacts to community populations, infrastructure, building and facilities, and services, particularly related to temporary flooding and landslides which can be triggered from intense rainfall events. The city currently has a less than 0.2 percent annual chance to be inundated by flood waters as a result of a storm event (FEMA 2008). Increases in intense precipitation could result in slope failures in landslide prone areas shown in Figure 2, including the existing Flying Triangle Landslide area.
As discussed in the Exposure section above, Rolling Hills is not expected to experience substantial changes in average precipitation. However, the city receives its water from the Colorado River and State Water Project from northern California, and extended drought scenario is predicted for these areas, which equates to 78 percent of the historic median annual precipitation. Therefore, areas that supply water to Rolling Hills and other jurisdictions are expected to see a 22 percent reduction of their water supply, which could reduce the amount of potable water available for delivery to the city.
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Populations
The city’s older adults and those with chronic health conditions are the populations in Rolling Hills that are more at risk of injury and or death resulting from minor floods or fallen trees created by more intense storms induced by climate change. Indirect impacts to these populations from impacts to the transportation system could include reduced access to emergency response and health centers for those who need consistent medical care. There is a medium potential for impacts to these vulnerable populations.
Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure most at risk in Rolling Hills to minor flooding impacts and landslides from increased storms would be access roads, bridle trails, electrical utility lines, and water systems.
Because Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road are critical for access to and evacuation from the city, any damage or closure can effectively isolate areas of the city, potentially creating severe health and safety risks. Bridle trails are predominantly located in canyon areas, which would be more susceptible to flooding and landslides. Landslides could impact utilities, as seen in the existing Flying Triangle Landslide area, which has moved utility lines above ground in certain areas due to the continuous movement of the earth in this area. Due to the limited accessibility of the city, there is a medium potential impact for access roads and bridle trails and a low potential impact for the remaining vulnerable infrastructure.
Building and Facilities
Buildings and facilities most at risk from impacts of more intense storms would be residential structures and community parks. The proper functioning residential septic systems could be impacted by more intense rainfall and minor flooding. In addition, landslides could be triggered as indirect impacts from more intense storms and rainfall. Residential structures located in landslide hazard areas shown in Figure 2 could be impacted. In addition, the Storm Hill open space area is an important facility in the city and is also located in a landslide area. Due to the variability in weather projections, there is a low potential impact for buildings and facilities.
Services
Increased storm intensity and drought conditions from climate change could impact public safety response, energy delivery and water services in the city. Emergency response systems could be impacted from flooding or landslides within or outside of city limits, which could restrict the ability for emergency response to access the city and impact response times.
More intense storms could adversely affect electricity delivery from Southern California Edison from power outages caused by downed electrical utility lines from wind of landslide events. In addition, water service from the California Water Service Palos Verdes District could be affected by increased drought conditions throughout the state. There is a medium potential impact for buildings and facilities.
Wildfire
Wildfires in Los Angeles County are projected to increase under all emissions and population scenarios. As discussed in the Exposure section above, wildfire hazards to the city are widespread and wildfire conditions are expected to be exacerbated by a range of factors including droughts, 172
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30 more severe winds, wildfire fuel (i.e., dry vegetation), and hotter and drier landscapes from increased temperatures and extreme heat.
Populations
The vulnerable populations discussed above that are most at risk to increases in wildfire from climate change are older adults, persons in poverty, and persons with chronic health conditions.
Older adults are almost three times more likely to die in a fire than the overall population (USFA 2017), and typically have increased mobility issues or mental health. Therefore, older adults, especially those in the city living alone, have more difficulties evacuating to safe areas when there is a need. Those in Rolling Hills with limited financial resources are more unlikely to retrofit their homes to better resist climate-related hazards such as wildfires.
In addition to direct impacts, indirect impacts such as poor air quality also creates public health hazards to the city. Recent California wildfires in August and September 2020 had areas of California recording the worst air quality in the world and highlighted the hazards of secondary impacts from wildfires, which could impact the city from fires throughout the State. Older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions are likely to be impacted most by these secondary impacts. Also, those with limited finances or without air conditioning would be impacted by secondary smoke impacts that occur during local and regional wildfires. There is a high potential for wildfire impacts on the vulnerable populations.
Infrastructure
All city infrastructure is located in a VHFHSZ. The critical infrastructure most at risk to increased wildfire impacts would be access roads, bridle trails, above ground electrical utility lines, and water systems. Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road are critical for access to and evacuation from many areas of the city. Wildfires may not significantly damage the infrastructure, but they could result in closure or the inability to travel on them during wildfire events, which can isolate areas of the city and create severe health and safety risks. There is a high potential for impacts to access roads from wildfires.
Wildfires are unlikely to substantially damage trails directly, but they can force widespread trail closures which are an important asset to the community. Above ground electrical lines are also at risk from wildfires and could impact electricity services to residents in Rolling Hills. Water systems could be directly affected by wildfires in addition to indirect impacts from water use from firefighting activities and peak load water supply in remote portions of the city. There is a medium potential for impact to these infrastructures.
Building and Facilities
As discussed under Hazards of Concern section, all of Rolling Hills is designated a VHFHSZ.
Therefore, all buildings and facilities within the city are at risk of increased wildfires caused by climate change. The greatest potential impact of life and well-being would be to residential structures, which are the primary structures in the city. In addition, impacts to Rolling Hills Community Association and City Hall structures would impact community functions and government services. There is a high potential for impact to buildings and facilities from wildfire. 173
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Services
Energy delivery, specifically electricity delivery, could be impacted from increased wildfires. Direct impacts to Southern California Edison electricity transmission infrastructure could impact power in the city. In addition, utility companies have begun shutting off power to areas to avoid wildfires during times when weather creates high wildfire risk. In addition, public safety services could be strained during wildfire events, which are expected to increase. There is a medium potential for impacts to services in the city from wildfire.
Adaptive Capacity
Adaptive capacity is the current ability to cope with climate change impacts to community populations and assets (Cal OES 2020). Specifically, adaptative capacity is the ability to mitigate the potential impacts and damages or take advantage of the opportunities from climate change. Many communities have adaptive capacity in the form of policies, plans, programs, or institutions. Rolling Hills has actively taken steps to increase the city’s adaptive capacity, which include preparing a community wildfire protection plan, hazard mitigation plan, undergrounding utility lines, and adopting strict new building standards. Table 5 lists various guiding documents, projects, plans, and policies that have an underlying emphasis on adaptive capacity in the city.
Table 5 Rolling Hills Existing Adaptive Capacity
Project, Policy, or Plan Year Established Climate Change Impact City of Rolling Hill Community Wildfire Protection Plan 2020 Wildfire City of Rolling Hills Safety Element 2003 Wildfire, Storms California Water Service Palos Verdes Water District Urban Water Management Plan
2016 Drought
Utility Undergrounding Requirement n/a Wildfire
Fire Prevention Power Line Undergrounding 2020 Wildfire RHMC Chapter 8.30: Fire Fuel Abatement n/a Wildfire
Hazard Mitigation Plan 2019 Wildfire, Drought, Storminduced Landslides Emergency Operations Plan 2020 Wildfire, Storm, Extreme Heat
Emergency Notification and Notify Me n/a Wildfire, Storms VHFHSZ Building Requirements n/a Wildfire
Rolling Hills Municipal Code Requirements for lot slope and lot stability
n/a Storm-Induced Landslides
Rolling Hills has a number of plans and policies specific to wildfire hazards. The city’s recently adopted the Community Wildfire Protection Plan that includes fire mitigation strategies and evacuations strategies specific for the city. In addition, the Hazard Mitigation Plan provides an analysis of historical hazards, a local hazard assessment, hazard impacts on the community, and recommended mitigation strategies. The City requires the undergrounding of utility lines with specific home upgrades and has a reimbursement program for utility pole replacement. In addition, building code requirements for development within VHFHSZ, such as Class A roofing, would help reduce wildfire impacts to structures in the city.
174
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32 The Rolling Hills Building and Zoning Codes include controls on development on steep slopes and canyon bottoms. In addition, development requires proof of stability of the property through geotechnical reports and only a percentage of each lot can be disturbed.
The Palos Verdes Water District’s Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) provides water supply and demand projections and includes a climate change analysis. The 2015 UWMP projected that water supply reductions to the District due to climate change would be small for through the end of the century. In addition, the UWMP includes a water shortage contingency plan and demand reduction measures in the event water supply to the District is impacts from drought due to climate change.
In addition, the city’s population has a high degree of adaptive capacity due to the high levels of home ownership, low poverty levels, and high average income levels. These characteristics improve resident’s ability to upgrade their homes and come back from potential impacts to their property from wildfire and extreme storm events.
Vulnerability Scoring
Vulnerability scores are based on the combination of potential impacts from climate hazards and adaptive capacity in order to identify the climate vulnerabilities in the city to address with additional adaptation strategies. A vulnerability score was determined for each sensitivity area based on the potential impacts and adaptive capacity from climate change in the city. Vulnerability was accessed on a scale from 1 to 5:
V-1: Minimal Vulnerability
V-2: Low Vulnerability
V-3: Moderate Vulnerability
V-4: High
V-5: Severe
Cal OES recommended the following scoring rubric to determine the vulnerability score for the potential impacts and adaptive capacity.
Low Potential Impact: Impact is unlikely based on projected exposure; would result in minor consequences to public health, safety, and/or other metrics of concern Medium Potential Impact: Impact is somewhat likely based on projected exposure; would result in some consequences to public health, safety, and/or other metrics of concern High Potential Impact: Impact is highly likely based on projected exposure; would result in substantial consequences to public health, safety, and/or other metrics of concern Low Adaptive Capacity: The population or asset lacks capacity to manage climate impact; major changes would be required
Medium Adaptive Capacity: The population or asset has some capacity to manage climate impact; some changes would be required
High Adaptive Capacity: The population or asset has high capacity to manage climate impact; minimal to no changes are required
Table 6 shows how the final vulnerability score was determined. To summarize, potential impacts from climate change that are highly likely to occur in the city based on projected exposure would 175
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create a high vulnerability score. However, if the city has a high adaptive capacity to manage the impact, then the overall vulnerability score would be reduced.
Table 6 Vulnerability Score Matrix Potential Impacts
High V-3 V-4 V-5
Medium V-2 V-3 V-4
Low V-1 V-2 V-3
High Medium Low
Adaptive Capacity
The vulnerability scoring for the identified population and assets for each climate impact is included below in Table 7 and based on Cal OES California Adaptation Planning Guide. For those populations and assets that are not anticipated to be impacted directly or indirectly from the identified climate impacts, no vulnerabilty score or color is provided. For example, drought impacts on children were determined to not be a threat in Rolling Hills.
For the purposes of this vulnerability assessment, a score of V-4 or V-5 is considered significant.
Populations and assets that score at least a V-4 for one or more exposures are considered substantially vulnerable. As shown in Table 7, the potential impacts from climate change the city’s population and assets are most vulnerable to are wildfire, extreme heat, and landslides. Vulnerable populations such as older adults, residents with chronic health conditions, and those with financial trouble are most at risk to extreme heat and wildfire impacts and are substantially vulnerable to climate change impacts in the city. Access roads and residential structures are also the most vulnerable to wildfire and landslide impacts from climate change. Overall, climate change impacts on wildfire are the greatest potential impact to the city. While the City has adopted a significant number of adaptation strategies related to wildfire impacts, because they were recently adopted and some of the strategies were included as recommendations, it will be important to determine and monitor if implementation is occurring and which recommendations should be included in the Safety Element update.
This vulnerability assessment and the results in Table 7 will be used to identify specific policies and implementable strategies for adapting to climate change in the Safety Element, thus making the Rolling Hills community more resilient.
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34 Table 7 Vulnerability Assessment Results
Community Sensitivity Storms/Extreme Weather Extreme Heat Wildfire Landslides Population
Children V-3 V-2 V-2
Persons with Chronic Health
Conditions
V-2 V-4 V-4 V-2
Persons in Poverty V-2 V-3 V-4 V-2
Renters V-3 V-2 V-2
Older Adults V-2 V-4 V-4 V-2
Limited English Speaking V-2 V-2
Infrastructure
Access Roads V-2 V-4 V-3
Bridle Trails V-2 V-3 V-2
Electrical Substations V-1 V-2 V-3
Electrical Utility Lines V-2 V-1 V-3 V-2
Natural Gas Transmission
Pipelines
V-2 V-2
Water Reservoirs and Systems V-1 V-2 V-3 V-3
Buildings and Facilities
Residential Structures V-1 V-5 V-3
Community Facilities and
Government Buildings
V-1 V-4 V-1
Community Parks V-1 V-1 V-3 V-3
Schools V-1 V-3 V-1
Public Safety Facilities V-1 V-3 V-1
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Community Sensitivity Storms/Extreme Weather Extreme Heat Wildfire Landslides Services
Public Safety Response V-2 V-3 V-1
Water Services V-2 V-2 V-3 V-2
Energy Delivery V-2 V-3 V-4 V-2
Notes: Drought was not included in this table because the city’s vulnerability to drought is primarily low. White boxes indicate very low to now vulnerability. 178
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36 Summary of Issues and Opportunities
Existing hazards of concern in the city that should be a major focus of the Safety Element update include landslide and wildfire hazards. In addition, emergency response and evacuation should be a focus due to the city’s accessibility issues. Climate change is expected to increase potential hazards the city experiences. From the vulnerability analysis, the city is most vulnerable to wildfire impacts, extreme heat, and landslides impacts from climate change.
Hazards of Concern and Community Sensitivity
While there are a number of hazards that could impacts the city, the following are hazards of concern that pose the greatest challenge to the city.
Wildfire
The greatest hazard of concern for the city is wildfire as the entire city limits are within a VHFHSZ and the city contains many remote areas and limited evacuation routes. Some existing residential and accessory structures are not built to current standards that apply to VHFHSZ and as a result many of these structures may require mitigation and retrofit to reduce this potential threat. The area’s most vulnerable to wildfire impacts include older adults, persons with chronic health conditions, residential structures, government and community buildings, and access roads.
Landslides
Landslides are also a major concern for the city, whether they are earthquake induced, induced from high precipitation events, or occur due to the underlying soil conditions. Existing landslides are impacting the southern portion of the city. Climate change has the potential to create more landslide events if Rolling Hills experiences more intense storms and precipitation events. The area’s most vulnerable to landslide impacts include access roads, residential structures, and community parks.
Extreme Heat
The city is expected to see increases in the number and length of extreme heat days and events due to climate change, which could impact vulnerable people in the city and lead to increased wildfire risks. The area’s most vulnerable to extreme heat impacts from climate change include older adults, persons with chronic health conditions, and the energy system.
Opportunities
The need to further analyze evacuation routes and access is one of the most recent changes in Safety Element requirements. These new requirements focus on the identification of areas where routes are lacking or inadequate. A key opportunity for the Safety Element update is address specific evacuation needs.
The City has recently adopted a number of planning documents, such as the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan, that seek to reduce the risk of hazards in the city. Many of the strategies included in these documents are recommendations and are used for educational purposes. An opportunity for the Safety Element update would be to include the recommendations 179
Summary of Issues and Opportunities
Existing Conditions Report 37
as implementation tools for the Safety Element and to conduct outreach with the community to determine if community preparedness is occurring.
The California Legislature recently adopted Senate Bill 182 (SB 182) and is awaiting Governor approval. SB 182 would require the Safety Element to include a comprehensive retrofit strategy as necessary to reduce the risk of property loss and damage during wildfires. Additionally, in order to reduce development pressures in the VHFHSZ through the Regional Housing Needs Allocation process, SB 182 requires a lower proportion of state housing allocation to jurisdictions that meet specified conditions. The City should monitor and incorporate these elements as necessary. 180
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Rolling Hills General Plan Safety Element
38 References
California Department of Toxic Substances and Control (DTSC). 2020. Envirostor. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?myaddress=rolling+hills%2C+ca. Accessed August 2020.
California Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2019. Climate Change Basics. Available at https://water.ca.gov/Water-Basics/Climate-Change-Basics. Accessed September 2020.
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). 2020. California Adaptation Planning Guide. June 2020.
California Water Service (Cal Water). 2016. 2015 Urban Water Management Plan: Palos Verdes District. June 2016.
Center for Disease Control (CDC). 2017a. Heat and Older Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.html. Accessed September 2020.
____. 2017b. Heat and People with Chronic Medical Conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/medical.html. Accessed September 2020. ____. 2019. Heat and Infants and Children.
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/children.html. Accessed September 2020.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2008. Flood Insurance Rate Map 06037C1940F.
Goss, Michael et al. 2020. Climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme autumn wildfire conditions across California. Environmental Research Letters 15.094016 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 2013. IPCC Fifth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2013. Working Group I: The Physical Science Basis. Accessible at:
http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg1/
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LACSD). 2020. Lomita Station Part I Crimes. http://shq.lasdnews.net/CrimeStats/CAASS/Patrol-CurrentMonth-YTD.PDF. Accessed August 2020.
National Drought Mitigation Center. 2020. U.S. Drought Monitor: California. September 15, 2020. https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?CA. Accessed September 2020.
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). 2020. Drought in California. https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/california. Accessed October 2020.
Rolling Hills, City of. 1990. General Plan Safety Element. June 25, 1990. ____. 2019. Hazard Mitigation Plan. January 16, 2019.
____. 2020. Community Wildfire Protection Plan. July 2020.
Southern California Earthquake Center. 2013. Hazards and Threats Earthquakes List of Major Active Surface Faults in Southern California. March.
University of California, Berkeley and California Energy Commission (CEC). 2020. Cal-Adapt. https://cal-adapt.org/. Accessed August 2020.
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U.S. Census Bureau. 2018. Rolling Hills, City 2018 ACS 5-Year Estimates. https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Rolling%20Hills%20city,%20California&g=1600000U S0662602&tid=ACSDP5Y2018.DP05&hidePreview=false.
Western Region Climate Center (WRCC). 2016. Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary. https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca8973. Accessed August 2020. 182
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183
ROLLING HILLS
GENERAL PLAN
SAFETY ELEMENT
prepared by
City of Rolling Hills
Planning and Community Services
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
prepared with the assistance of
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
706 South Hill Street, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, California 90014
March 2022
*The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP or HMP) is a separate document adopted into the Safety Element of the General Plan by resolution in compliance with AB 2140. It is available electronically at https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/planning_and_community_services/index.php. 184 Introduction
Safety Element 3
Conservation, Open Space and Recreation
and Noise. Policies in these other elements
may be related to safety issues. Information
and policies in the Safety Element should not
conflict with those in other elements.
Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan includes
resources and information to assist the City of
Rolling Hills, its residents, and public and
private sector organizations in planning for
hazard events. The Plan provides a list of
activities that may assist the City in reducing
risk and preventing loss from future hazard
events. The action items address multi-hazard
issues, as well as activities specifically for
reducing risk and preventing losses relating to
earthquake, land movement, wildfire, and
drought.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The City’s Community Wildfire Protection
Plan (CWPP), adopted in July 2020, seeks to
reduce wildfire risk in Rolling Hills. The Plan
was developed collaboratively among
stakeholders including the community, the
City of Rolling Hills, the Rolling Hills
Community Association, and the Los Angeles
County Fire Department, and the Los Angeles
Sheriff’s Department. The Plan includes fire
mitigation and evacuation strategies for the
community.
Critical Facilities and
Infrastructure
Critical facilities are places that provide
emergency services or serve people who
would be impacted by an emergency.
Examples include hospitals, fire stations,
police stations, emergency services facilities,
utility facilities, and communication facilities.
Critical facilities can also include the
transportation system and schools. Due to
the size and composition of Rolling Hills,
many of the critical facilities that serve the
city are located outside of city limits. No areas
in Rolling Hills have been identified as lacking
emergency service. Critical facilities that serve
the city are shown in Figure 1 and include:
Rolling Hills City Hall: 2 Portuguese Bend
Road, Rolling Hills, CA
Rolling Hills Community Association: 1
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA
Rancho Del Mar High School: 38 Crest
Road West, Rolling Hills, CA
Storm Hill Park: Agua Magna Canyon,
Rolling Hills, CA
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lomita
Station: 26123 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita,
CA
Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 56:
12 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills, CA
Los Angeles County Communications
Tower: 5741 Crestridge Road, Rancho
Palos Verdes, CA
Southern California Edison Electrical
Substation: Crestridge Road, Rancho
Palos Verdes, CA
Southern California Edison Electrical
Substation: Tarragon Road, Rancho Palos
Verdes, CA
Southern California Edison Electrical
Substation: 27873 Hawthorn Boulevard,
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: Palos
Verdes Drive North/Palos Verdes Drive
East (SW corner), Rolling Hills Estates, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 3960
East Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: Via
Canada, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 1 Spur
Lane, Rolling Hills, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 60
Eastfield Drive, Rolling Hills, CA
Portuguese Bend Road
Crest Road
*The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP or HMP) is a separate document adopted into the Safety Element of the General Plan by resolution in compliance with AB 2140. It is available electronically at https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/ planning_and_community_services/index.php.
*
185
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Rolling Hills General Plan
34 Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.3: The City will define refuge areas in the event of a wildfire event to include in the Emergency Operations Plan. This effort will be led by the Fire Department and the Sherriff’s Department.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.4: The City will distribute educational materials for large animal evacuation, consistent with Community Wildfire Protection Plan recommendations. This will include adding the information to the City website and including it in the City’s newsletter during the fire season.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.5: The City will work with Block Captains to provide emergency education and information through the City’s newsletter and website and by providing workshops and seminars described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.12 Maintain a Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Implementation Measure 5.12.1: The City will coordinate with the American Red Cross and Los Angeles County Fire, Sheriff, and Public Social Services to develop specific plans for responding to emergencies as part of Hazard Mitigation Plan updates. The City will submit copies of its Hazard Mitigation Plan to the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments for review. The City will review similar plans prepared by neighboring cities.
Timing: Every five years
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
*
*The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP or HMP) is a separate document adopted into the Safety Element of the General Plan by resolution in compliance with AB 2140. It is available electronically at https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/planning_and_community_services/index.php. 186
Resolution No. 2022-19 -1- Safety Element
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS RECOMMENDING THAT
THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND THE SAFETY ELEMENT OF
THE GENERAL PLAN TO INCORPORATE THE CITY’S
LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2140
THE PLANNING COMMISSION DOES HEREBY FIND, RESOLVE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals
A. On January 4, 1957, the City of Rolling Hills (“City”) was established as a duly organized municipal corporation of the State of California.
B. The City adopted its current General Plan on June 25, 1990. The General Plan establishes goals, objectives, and strategies to achieve the community’s vision for its future.
C. Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code requires that the General Plan include a “Safety Element” for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically-induced surface rupture, ground shaking, grand failure, tsunami, seiche, and dam failure; slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides; subsidence and other geologic hazards; flooding, and wildland and urban fire. In accordance with state law, the City’s General Plan includes a Safety Element.
D. In early 2022, the City prepared an update to the Safety Element, including the required environmental review. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq. and the State CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15000 et seq., the City prepared an initial study in connection with the Safety Element Update, which determined that there was no substantial evidence that adoption of the Safety Element Update may have a significant effect on the environment. Accordingly, the City prepared a negative declaration (“Negative Declaration”), which was adopted by the City Council on March 28, 2022 in conjunction with the adoption of the Safety Element Update.
E. On March 28, 2022, the City Council adopted an update to the Safety Element (“Safety Element Update”) to comply with recent legislation and effectuate revisions contemplated by funding awarded to the City from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (“CalOES”).
F. On March 30, 2022, City staff sent a copy of the adopted Safety Element Update to CalOES for review. CalOES review and approval of the Safety Element Update 187
Resolution No. 2022-19 -2- Safety Element
is necessary for the City to receive grant funding under CalOES’s “Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.”
G. On September 2, 2022, CalOES informed the City that it would not award funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program until the City’s Safety Element satisfied the requirements of Assembly Bill 2140 (“AB 2140”). To do so, CalOES advised that: (i) the Safety Element must include language stating that the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (“LHMP”) is part of the Safety Element; (ii) the Safety Element must direct readers to the location of the LHMP (e.g., via a website link); and (iii) the City Council resolution updating the Safety Element should confirm that the LHMP is adopted into the Safety Element.
H. City staff prepared an update to the Safety Element to incorporate CalOES’s requested AB 2140 revisions (hereafter the “AB 2140 Safety Element Update”). On September 28, 2022, CalOES staff notified City staff that its draft AB 2140 Safety Element Update complied with AB 2140.
I. On October 18, 2022, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the AB 2140 Safety Element Update.
Section 2. Findings. Based upon the facts contained in this Resolution, those contained in the staff report and other components of the legislative record, the Planning Commission finds that:
A. The recitals set forth above are true and correct and are hereby incorporated into this Resolution as though fully set forth herein.
B. The AB 2140 Safety Element Update does not constitute a “project” subject to CEQA as it simply amends the Safety Element to clarify that the LHMP is part of the Safety Element (which it already speaks to) and direct readers to the website address whereon the LHMP may be accessed. These amendments will not result in any construction, development, or any other activity that has a potential for resulting in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment.
Accordingly, approval of the AB 2140 Safety Element Update is not subject to CEQA. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (c)(2)-(3), 15378(a), (b)(5).) Moreover, even if the Safety Element Update did qualify as a project subject to CEQA, it would be exempt under CEQA’s common sense exemption, which provides that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Here, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061, subd. (b)(3).) Finally, even if the AB 2140 Safety Element Update were a non-exempt project subject to CEQA, no further environmental review is necessary under Public Resources Code section 21166 and State CEQA Guidelines section 15162 because the potential environmental impacts of the updated Safety Element were adequately disclosed and evaluated in the Negative Declaration adopted by the City Council in Resolution No. 1291, attached hereto as Exhibit “A,” and incorporated herein by reference. 188
Resolution No. 2022-19 -3- Safety Element
C. The Safety Element—as amended by the AB 2140 Safety Element Update—is consistent with the other elements of the General Plan, including the Land Use Element, Circulation Element, and Open Space and Conservation Element as set forth below:
Land Use Element Goal 3: Accommodate development that is sensitive to the natural environment and accounts for environmental hazards.
The Safety Element is consistent with this goal in that it addresses the natural environmental and accounts for environmental hazards.
Circulation Element Goal 2: Provide a circulation system that contributes to residents’ quality of life and minimizes impacts on the environment.
The Safety Element is consistent with this goal in that it plans for escape routes that utilize the existing circulation system in the event of an emergency.
Open Space and Conservation Element Goal 1: Conserve and enhance the City’s natural resources, facilitating development in a manner which reflects the characteristics, sensitivities and constraints of these resources.
The Safety Element is consistent with this goal in that it considers safety factors and hazard constraints in facilitating development.
D. The safety goals, objectives, and policies stated in the Safety Element—as amended by the AB 2140 Safety Element Update—are appropriate for the City of Rolling Hills. The Safety Element will aid the City’s efforts for the protection of the community and is in the public interest.
E. The Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council incorporate the City’s Federal Emergency Management Agency-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan into the Safety Element of the General Plan.
Section 3. The Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills hereby recommends that the City Council amend the Safety Element as set forth in Exhibit “B,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 18th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2022.
BRAD CHELF, CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST:
____________________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK
Any action challenging the final decision of the City made as a result of the public hearing on this application must be filed within the time limits set forth in Section 17.54.070 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code and Civil Procedure Section 1094.6. 189
Resolution No. 2022-19 -4- Safety Element
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §§
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2022-19 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND
THE SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN TO INCORPORATE
THE CITY’S LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2140
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on October 18, 2022, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Cooley, Douglass, Kirkpatrick, Chair Chelf
NOES: None
ABSENT: Cardenas
ABSTAIN: None
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices.
__________________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK
190
RESOLUTION NO. 1291
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING THE SAFETY ELEMENT
UPDATE AND A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE
SAFETY ELEMENT
THE CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY FIND, RESOLVE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1 . Recitals
A. On January 4, 1957, the City of Rolling Hills was established as a duly organized municipal corporation of the State of California.
B. The City of Rolling Hills adopted its current General Plan on June 25, 1990.
The Ger.ieral Plan establishes goals, objectives, and strategies to achieve the community's vision for its future. A Safety Element was adopted as part of the General Plan.
C. Section 65302(9) of the California Government Code requires that the General Plan include a Safety Element for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically-induced surface rupture, ground shaking, grand failure, tsunami, seiche, and dam failure; slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides; subsidence and other geologic hazards; flooding, and wildland and urban fire.
D. Senate Bill 99, effective January 1, 2020, requires the City to identify residential developments in any hazard area identified in the safety element that does not have at least two emergency evacuation routes.
E. Cities and counties in California are required to have a Safety Element that is consistent with all other elements of the General Plan. The City's 5th Cycle Housing Element was certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on July 7, 2021, and the City is currently awaiting comments from HCD on the 6th Cycle Housing Element. The Safety Element has been prepared to be consistent with the Housing Element.
F. On January 18, 2022, the Planning Commission held a workshop to discuss the Safety Element update.
G. On February 15, 2022, the Planning Commission held a public hearing in accordance with law to consider making a written recommendation on the amendment of the General Plan for purposes of the Safety Element update and on adoption of the related Negative Declaration. At that meeting, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2022-02 recommending that the City Council adopt the Safety Element update.
Resolution No. 1291 -1- Safety Element
Exhibit "A"
191
H. Pursuant to the provIsIons of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq. and the State CEQA Guidelines California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15000 et seq., the City prepared an Initial Study (IS) and determined that there was no substantial evidence that adoption of the update to the Safety Element may have a significant effect on the environment.
Accordingly, a draft Negative Declaration (ND) was prepared and notice of that fact was given in the manner required by law. The City subsequently prepared an Errata to the Draft IS/ND to clarify and insignificantly modify the Project. Specifically, the City removed the Housing Element update from the Project. The changes do not affect the overall conclusions of the environmental document; the analysis of the environmental impacts of the Safety Element Update are fully covered in the previously circulated Draft IS/ND. The changes that have been made to the Draft IS/ND in the errata do not constitute a "substantial revision" to the IS/ND because the revisions (1) do not identify a new, avoidable significant effect and mitigation measure or project revisions that must be added in order to reduce the effect to insignificance; or (2) do not result in a change to any mitigation measures that were previously disclosed (none were). (State CEQA Guidelines, section 15073.5.) Because the project revisions do not result in any new avoidable significant effects, recirculation is not required. (Id.) I. On March 14, 2022, the City Council held a public hearing in accordance with law to consider adoption of the Negative Declaration and Safety Element update.
The City Council continued the public hearing to March 28, 2022.
Section 2. Findings. Based upon the facts contained in this Resolution, those contained in the staff report and other components of the legislative record, the City Council finds that:
A. All environmental impacts of the amendment to the Safety Element are either less than significant or no impact as outlined in the Negative Declaration and the Initial Study. There is no substantial evidence in the record supporting a fair argument that the amendment to the Safety Element may result in arw significant environmental impacts. The Negative Declaration contains a complete, objective, and accurate reporting of the environmental impacts associated with the amendment to the Safety Element and reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City.
B. The Safety Element is consistent with the other elements of the General Plan, including the Land Use Element, Circulation Element, and Open Space and Conservation Element as set forth below:
Land Use Element Goal 3: Accommodate development that is sensitive to the natural environment and accounts for environmental hazards.
The Safety Element is consistent with this goal in that it addresses the natural environmental and accounts for environmental hazards.
Circulation Element Goal 2: Provide a circulation system that contributes to residents' quality of life and minimizes impacts on the environment.
Resolution No. 1291 -2- Safety Element
192
The Safety Element is consistent with this goal in that it plans for escape routes that utilize the existing circulation system in the event of an emergency.
Open Space and Conservation Element Goal 1: Conserve and enhance the City's natural resources, facilitating development in a manner which reflects the characteristics, sensitivities and constraints of these resources.
The Safety Element is consistent with this goal in that it considers safety factors and hazard constraints in facilitating development.
C. The safety goals, objectives, and policies stated in the Safety Element are appropriate for the City of Rolling Hills. The Safety Element will aid the City's efforts for the protection of the community and is in the public interest.
Section 3. The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills hereby adopts the Safety Element, provided as Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and adopts the Negative Declaration, provided as Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 28th DAY OF MARCH 2022.
ATTEST:
Resolution No. 1291 -3- Safety Element
193
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 1291 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING THE SAFETY ELEMENT
UPDATE AND A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE
SAFETY ELEMENT
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on March 28, 2022, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Pieper, Mirsch, Wilson, Black, Mayor Dieringer
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices
Resolution No. 1291 -4- Safety Element
194
ROLLING HILLS
GENERAL PLAN
SAFETY ELEMENT
prepared by
City of Rolling Hills
Planning and Community Services
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
prepared with the assistance of
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
706 South Hill Street, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, California 90014
March 2022
*The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP or HMP) is a separate document adopted into the Safety Element of the General Plan by resolution in compliance with AB 2140. It is available electronically at https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/planning_and_community_services/index.php.
Exhibit "B"
195
Table of Contents
Safety Element i
Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................1 City Setting......................................................................................................................................1 Regulatory Setting ..........................................................................................................................1 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure................................................................................................3 Hazards of Concern.................................................................................................................................6 Geologic Hazards............................................................................................................................6 Flooding ........................................................................................................................................10 Wildland and Urban Fires.............................................................................................................14 Hazardous Materials.....................................................................................................................17 Community Communication.................................................................................................................17 Emergency Response and Evacuation ..........................................................................................17 Disease Prevention .......................................................................................................................19 Climate Change.....................................................................................................................................20 Vulnerable Populations and Assets..............................................................................................20 Vulnerability Assessment Results.................................................................................................22 Goals, Policies, and Implementation....................................................................................................24 Hazard Mitigation .........................................................................................................................24 Community Communication.........................................................................................................31 Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience..................................................................................39 References............................................................................................................................................41 Tables
Table 1 Rolling Hills Climate Summary ............................................................................................1 Table 2 Rolling Hills Demographic Characteristics...........................................................................2 Table 3 Active Faults Located less than 50 Miles from Rolling Hills................................................9 Figures
Figure 1 Critical Facilities Map ..........................................................................................................5 Figure 2 Landslide Hazard Zones ......................................................................................................7 Figure 3 Faults in the Vicinity of Rolling Hills....................................................................................8 Figure 4 Rolling Hills Earthquake Shaking Potential .......................................................................11 Figure 5 Rolling Hills Liquefaction Hazard Areas.............................................................................12 Figure 6 Dam Inundation Areas......................................................................................................13 Figure 7 Fire Hazard Zones..............................................................................................................15 Figure 8 Existing Evacuation Routes...............................................................................................18 196
City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
ii
Appendices
Appendix A Existing Conditions Report
197
Introduction
Safety Element 1
Introduction
The Safety Element provides the City of
Rolling Hills’ (City’s) goals, policies, and
actions to minimize the hazards to safety in
and around Rolling Hills. The Element
evaluates natural and human-caused safety
hazards that affect existing and future
development and provides guidelines for
protecting the community from harm. The
Element describes existing and potential
future conditions and sets policies for
improved public safety. The goal of the Safety
Element is to reduce the risk of injury, death,
property loss, and other hardships to
acceptable levels.
City Setting
Rolling Hills covers an area of approximately
three square-miles on the Palos Verdes
peninsula, approximately 18 miles south of
downtown Los Angeles. The topography of
the city and peninsula area is unique in that it
rises above the Los Angeles Basin with rolling
hills, steep slopes, and canyons. The city itself
is in the San Pedro Hills. Due to its location
near the coast, the area is generally cooler
and has fewer air quality concerns compared
to the nearby Los Angeles Basin. Table 1
summarizes the climatology of the area.
Rolling Hills City Hall
Rolling Hills is a residential community that
consists of large parcels and ranch-style
homes and has a sizable older adult1
population of about 513 (28% of the city’s
total population). Important community
demographic data for Rolling Hills is included
in Table 2. The city is also an equestrian
community, as many of residents are horse
owners or have horses on their property.
Regulatory Setting
Section 65302(g) of the California
Government Code requires that the General
Plans include a Safety Element for the
protection of the community from any
unreasonable risks associated with the effects
of seismically induced surface rupture,
ground shaking, ground failure, tsunami,
Table 1 Rolling Hills Climate Summary
Climate Character Estimate
Annual Average Observed Maximum Temperature from 1961 - 1990 (Fahrenheit) 71 Annual Average Observed Minimum Temperature from 1961 – 1990 (Fahrenheit) 50 Annual Average Observed Precipitation from 1961 – 1990 (inches) 19 Source: Cal-Adapt 2021
1 An older adult is any adult over the age of 65 years old. 198
City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
2 Table 2 Rolling Hills Demographic Characteristics
Demographic Characteristics Estimate
General
Total Population 1,739
Population under 10 years 7 percent
Population over 65 years 28 percent1
Race 77 percent White, 18 percent Asian, 5 percent Hispanic/Latino Disability (hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory) 12 percent Housing
Total Households 6451
Average Household Size 2.76
Owner-occupied Households 96 percent
Population over 65 years living alone 15 percent of those over 65 years Employment
Unemployment Rate 6 percent
Poverty Rate 2 percent
Median Income $ 239,000
Insurance Coverage 97 percent
Source: U.S. Census 2018
seiche, and dam failure; slope instability
leading to mudslides and landslides;
subsidence and other geologic hazards;
flooding, and wildland and urban fire. In
addition, Safety Elements are required to
address non-hazard specific issues such as
peak load water supply, evacuation routes,
and military installations.
Senate Bill 379, adopted on October 8, 2015,
requires cities to include climate change
adaptation and resilience into the general
plan process. To comply with SB 379, this
Safety Element includes a vulnerability
assessment; adaptation and resilience goals,
polices, and objectives; and feasible
implementation measures.
Senate Bill 99, adopted August 30, 2020,
requires the cities to “identify residential
developments in any hazard area identified in
the safety element that does not have at least
two emergency evacuation routes.” SB 99
does not define neighborhood and cities are
expected to define neighborhoods based on
their community.
Relationship to Other Documents
The Rolling Hills Safety Element is one of
several plans that address safety in the City.
The Safety Element must be consistent with
these other plans to ensure the City has a
unified strategy to address safety issues. The
Safety Element includes information and
policies from the following documents to
ensure consistency.
Other General Plan Elements
The Safety Element is one section of the
Rolling Hills General Plan. Other elements
include Land Use, Transportation, Housing,
199
Introduction
Safety Element 3
Conservation, Open Space and Recreation
and Noise. Policies in these other elements
may be related to safety issues. Information
and policies in the Safety Element should not
conflict with those in other elements.
Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan includes
resources and information to assist the City of
Rolling Hills, its residents, and public and
private sector organizations in planning for
hazard events. The Plan provides a list of
activities that may assist the City in reducing
risk and preventing loss from future hazard
events. The action items address multi-hazard
issues, as well as activities specifically for
reducing risk and preventing losses relating to
earthquake, land movement, wildfire, and
drought.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The City’s Community Wildfire Protection
Plan (CWPP), adopted in July 2020, seeks to
reduce wildfire risk in Rolling Hills. The Plan
was developed collaboratively among
stakeholders including the community, the
City of Rolling Hills, the Rolling Hills
Community Association, and the Los Angeles
County Fire Department, and the Los Angeles
Sheriff’s Department. The Plan includes fire
mitigation and evacuation strategies for the
community.
Critical Facilities and
Infrastructure
Critical facilities are places that provide
emergency services or serve people who
would be impacted by an emergency.
Examples include hospitals, fire stations,
police stations, emergency services facilities,
utility facilities, and communication facilities.
Critical facilities can also include the
transportation system and schools. Due to
the size and composition of Rolling Hills,
many of the critical facilities that serve the
city are located outside of city limits. No areas
in Rolling Hills have been identified as lacking
emergency service. Critical facilities that serve
the city are shown in Figure 1 and include:
Rolling Hills City Hall: 2 Portuguese Bend
Road, Rolling Hills, CA
Rolling Hills Community Association: 1
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA
Rancho Del Mar High School: 38 Crest
Road West, Rolling Hills, CA
Storm Hill Park: Agua Magna Canyon,
Rolling Hills, CA
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lomita
Station: 26123 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita,
CA
Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 56:
12 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills, CA
Los Angeles County Communications
Tower: 5741 Crestridge Road, Rancho
Palos Verdes, CA
Southern California Edison Electrical
Substation: Crestridge Road, Rancho
Palos Verdes, CA
Southern California Edison Electrical
Substation: Tarragon Road, Rancho Palos
Verdes, CA
Southern California Edison Electrical
Substation: 27873 Hawthorn Boulevard,
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: Palos
Verdes Drive North/Palos Verdes Drive
East (SW corner), Rolling Hills Estates, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 3960
East Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: Via
Canada, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 1 Spur
Lane, Rolling Hills, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 60
Eastfield Drive, Rolling Hills, CA
Portuguese Bend Road
Crest Road
*The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP or HMP) is a separate document adopted into the Safety Element of the General Plan by resolution in compliance with AB 2140. It is available electronically at https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/ planning_and_community_services/index.php.
*
200
City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
4 Rolling Hills Community Association
201
Introduction
Safety Element 5
Figure 1 Critical Facilities Map
202
City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
6 Hazards of Concern
Geologic Hazards
Geologic processes that pose a threat to life,
health, property, or infrastructure are
considered geologic hazards. Natural geologic
hazards that have the potential to affect
Rolling Hills include seismic hazards,
landslides, liquefaction, expansive soils, and
weathering. In most cases, these natural
processes cannot be prevented; however, the
magnitude of destruction resulting from
natural geologic hazards can be reduced
through planning policies and measures.
Landslide Hazards
Landslide activity refers to a wide range of
gravity driven downslope earth movement,
including rockslides, rotational slips,
mudslides, and shallow debris flows.
Geological and geomorphological conditions
such as soil type, soil strength, slope angle,
and slope height predispose slopes for failure.
Other factors affecting the susceptibility to
slope failure include the amount of
precipitation, vegetation on the slope,
groundwater seepage, and human
modifications to the slope. Landslides often
result in damage to property and roadways
and can cause them to become unsafe due to
displacement of the subsurface.
Much of the existing development in Rolling
Hills is located on hilly terrain and have a
greater potential to experience landslide
hazards. Many of the canyons in Rolling Hills
exhibit steep slopes with little vegetation
coverage, leaving them susceptible to slope
failure. Figure 2 shows the landslide zones in
the City of Rolling Hills, as mapped by the
California Geological Survey (CGS). Landslide
activity has been well documented in the
region. Relicts of landslides and rockslides are
present throughout the City of Rolling Hills.
2 “Beginning in” is defined as the first noted event of major rock movement
The following major landslides have occurred
in and adjacent to the city. All are in the
landslide hazards areas identified in Figure 2:
▪ Portuguese Bend Landslide: Beginning in2
1956 over approximately 270 acres in
Rancho Palos Verdes
▪ Abalone Cove Landslide: Beginning in
1974 over 80 acres in Rancho Palos
Verdes
▪ Klondike Canyon Landslide: Beginning in
1979 over to the south near the coastline
▪ Flying Triangle Landslide: Beginning in
1970s or 1980s over approximately 70
acres in the southeast area of the city
The Flying Triangle Landslide, shown in Figure
2, continues to impact the southeast portion
of the city through impacts to private roads
and above-ground utility lines. This area is
relatively unsuitable for development due to
the ongoing changes in topography.
Seismic Hazards
Rolling Hills is in a seismically active region of
southern California. The last major
earthquake in the Los Angeles area was the
5.1 magnitude La Habra earthquake in 2014.
Rolling Hills is within 50 miles of the Whittier
fault, Newport-Inglewood fault, Palos Verdes
fault, Malibu Coast fault, Cabrillo fault, Santa
Monica fault, and Redondo Canyon fault.
Analysis of seismic data from the region
indicates that the Whittier and NewportInglewood faults may generate a maximum credible earthquake of magnitude 7.2 and
7.4, respectively (SCEC 2013). Figure 3 shows
the faults in the vicinity of Rolling Hills.
Typically, seismic shaking and fault rupture
are primary hazards as they occur as a direct
result of the interaction between the seismic
wave energy and the earth’s surface.
Secondary hazards, such as liquefaction and
earthquake-induced landslides, occur as a
result of the primary earthquake hazards.
203
Hazards of Concern
Safety Element 7
Figure 2 Landslide Hazard Zones
204
City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
8 Figure 3 Faults in the Vicinity of Rolling Hills
205
Hazards of Concern
Safety Element 9
Often, earthquake activity can result in other
effects such as building damage/collapse,
infrastructure failure, pipeline breakage, and
damage to transportation and
communication facilities. The size of the
earthquake and distance from the fault
rupture zone typically determine the severity
of these events.
Seismic Shaking
Seismic shaking, or ground shaking, refers to
the movement of the earth’s surface resulting
from the energy release by an earthquake.
Seismic shaking is typically the primary cause
of property damage resulting from
earthquake activity. Seismic shaking can
destroy buildings, roadways, powerlines, and
pipelines. Energy transmitted through the
ground can travel hundreds of miles and may
cause damage in many locations
simultaneously. Closer proximity to the fault
rupture area results in stronger shaking in
that location.
The amount of ground shaking that occurs in
a location depends on the magnitude of the
earthquake, the distance from the epicenter,
and local soil conditions. The intensity of
ground shaking is related to the peak ground
velocity during an earthquake. As shown in
Figure 4, the earthquake shaking potential for
Rolling Hills is low to moderate. The intensity
of seismic shaking is measured using the
Modified Mercalli scale.
According to the CGS, an active fault is one
that has experienced surface movement in
the past 11,000 years. The city is located near
a number of active faults, including the
Cabrillo Fault in city limits. Table 3 includes a
list of nearby faults, their respective distance
from the city, the maximum credible
earthquake generated from each fault, and
the likelihood of earthquake occurrence in
each case.
The San Andreas fault is located
approximately 80 miles to the east of Rolling
Hills. Although the San Andreas fault is
located at a greater distance from the city,
seismic shaking originating from earthquakes
occurring along the San Andreas fault poses a
threat to the city. Figure 3 identifies the
active and inactive faults located in the city
and vicinity.
Fault Rupture
Fault Rupture occurs when seismic movement
on a fault break through the earth’s surface.
Hazards related to fault rupture arise when
structures are built near or on top of an active
fault. While there are a number of seismically
active faults in the city and region, there are
no active faults with the potential for ground
rupture, defined by the Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Act and delineated
by CGS. Figure 3 shows the designated
Alquist-Priolo study zones, the closest of
which is the Newport-Inglewood Fault
approximately nine miles northeast of the
city.
Table 3 Active Faults Located less than 50 Miles from Rolling Hills Fault Name* Approximate Distance from Rolling Hills
Whittier 25 miles east
Newport-Inglewood 9 miles east
Palos Verdes <1 mile north
Malibu Coast 20 miles northwest
Cabrillo Located in the City boundaries
Santa Monica 20 miles north-northwest
*All faults listed are active. An active fault is one that has experienced surface movement in the past 11,000 years. 206
City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
10 Liquefaction and Settlement
Liquefaction is a ground failure phenomenon
that occurs as a result of a seismic event.
Liquefaction increases water content in
surface soils until the soil reaches a semiliquid state, contributing to a reduction in support, and ultimately resulting in shifting or
subsidence of buildings and utilities. Ground
failure typically occurs when the following
conditions exist:
▪ Loose, unconsolidated granular soils
▪ Shallow groundwater
▪ Strong seismic ground shaking
While Rolling Hills has moderate to high
seismic shaking potential, the subsurface soils
generally lack saturated alluvial deposits and
thick, granular soils. Figure 5 shows the
liquefaction hazard areas, which are in the
low-lying areas to the east and north,
generally surrounding the Los Angeles Harbor
and Harbor Lake. Liquefaction potential for
Rolling Hills is low, as shown in Figure 5.
Earthquake Induced Landslides
Ground failure or destabilization of slopes
resulting from an earthquake can also occur
following seismic activity in the form of
Earthquake-Induced Landslides. Earthquakeinduced landslides typically occur in areas with steep slopes or unstable soil conditions.
As discussed above under Landslide Hazards,
the risk of landslide activity in Rolling Hills is
high. Much of the city overlies areas that have
been identified as landslide zones by the CGS.
Risk of landslide activity increases following
rainfall events that result in saturated soils.
Both shallow and deep seeded landslides
have historically occurred in the city.
Flooding
Rolling Hills participates in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA)
National Flood Insurance Program. According
to the FEMA flood maps, the city is not
located in a flood hazard area and currently
has a less than 0.2 percent annual chance to
be inundated by flood waters as a result of a
storm event (FEMA 2008). Overall, the city is
not in any immediate risk from flooding
caused by overflowing water bodies or heavy
rains. However, runoff and minor flooding
pose a risk if drainage systems fail along
canyon bottoms, where natural drainage
leads.
Dam Inundation
No water storage facilities that the State of
California identifies as dams are located in
Rolling Hills. Just outside city limits are three
water storage facilities identified as dams,
which include:
▪ Palos Verdes Reservoir. Owned by the
Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California and located at the southeast
corner of Palos Verdes Drive East and
Palos Verdes Drive North. According to
the California Department of Water
Resources, the reservoir can hold
approximately 1,100 gallons of water and
has an extremely high downstream
hazard.
▪ 10 MG Walteria and 18 MG Walteria.
Two reinforced concrete tanks which are
owned by the City of Torrance and
located at Crenshaw Boulevard and Crest
Road. The tanks can hold 31 and 58 acrefeet (AF) of water, respectively.
Senate Bill 92, adopted in 2017, is a new dam
safety requirement that requires dam owners
to map the downstream inundation areas for
dams governed by the Department of Water
Resources. Figure 6 shows the inundation
areas for the nearby water storage facilities.
Due to their locations and the topography of
the area, the inundation areas do not enter or
affect any portion of the city.
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Hazards of Concern
Safety Element 11
Figure 4 Rolling Hills Earthquake Shaking Potential
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City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
12 Figure 5 Rolling Hills Liquefaction Hazard Areas
209
Hazards of Concern
Safety Element 13
Figure 6 Dam Inundation Areas
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Rolling Hills General Plan
14 Wildland and Urban Fires
The entire City of Rolling Hills is designated a
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ)
by the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection (CalFire), as shown in Figure 7.
Rolling Hills terrain is comprised of several
large and steep canyons that limit and
challenge vegetation management and
present conditions where a fire can quickly
travels up and downslope to nearby homes.
Due to the rural nature and large residential
lots, many homes are surrounded by more
substantial vegetation and dense brush than
in more suburban settings. The bridle trails
for hikers and equestrian access also contain
dense vegetation and management
difficulties, which contributes to the fire risk
of the city. Electrical power lines pose a
hazard to starting fires in the city if lines are
not automatically de-energized when
knocked down by extreme weather or if the
surrounding vegetation is not adequately
managed.
There is a history of fires in the city and the
surrounding Palos Verdes Peninsula. Three
major fires have been documented on the
Peninsula and in the city in:
▪ 1923: an estimated 4,000 acres burned in
Palos Verdes Hills
▪ 1945: 3,000 acres burned
▪ 1973: approximately 900-925 acres
burned, 12 homes destroyed, and 10
homes damaged
▪ 2005: 212 acres burned near Del Cero
Park
▪ 2009: 230 acres burned, 6 homes
damaged, and forced 1,200 residents on
the Peninsula to evacuate
▪ 2015: 3 acres burned
Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 56
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Hazards of Concern
Safety Element 15
Figure 7 Fire Hazard Zones
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City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
16 For many of the developed residences in the
city that are vulnerable to fires, their risk may
increase with construction techniques that
may not meet current wildfire standards.
Rolling Hills Building Code and Los Angeles
County Fire Department, under the VHFHSZ
standards, require new development to
include more stringent design and material
standards for roofing, eaves, and rafter tails
as well as exterior finishes and fire buffer
zones. While compliance with these
standards reduces the vulnerability to new
structures, existing structures that have not
complied with these standards may be
susceptible to undue fire risk.
Existing Fire Risk Reduction
Strategies
▪ Rolling Hills Municipal Code (RHMC)
Chapter 8.24 Abatement of Nuisances,
Chapter 8.30: Fire Fuel Abatement, and
Chapter 15.20 Fire Code
▪ Los Angeles County Fire Department Fuel
Modification Plans
▪ Los Angeles County Fire Code Section
4908
▪ Rolling Hills Community Wildfire
Protection Plan vegetation management
standard recommendations
▪ Rolling Hills Community Association fire
fuel management strategies
Portuguese Bend Road, south of Crest Road
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Community Communication
Safety Element 17
Hazardous Materials
According to the Department of Toxic
Substances Control (DTSC), there are no
hazardous waste sites or facilities in Rolling
Hills (DTSC 2020). The city and surrounding
area do not contain heavy industrial uses that
would create a hazardous material risk in the
event of a spill, release, or natural disaster.
The city is not located near any major transit
routes involving transport of a substantial
quantity of hazardous material through the
city. However, the nearby oil refineries
(located along Sepulveda Boulevard
approximately six miles northeast) and Port
operations (located approximately three
miles to the east) could create air quality
impacts if wind patterns and release events
occur. Air quality impacts are discussed in the
Open Space and Conservation Element of the
Rolling Hills General Plan.
Community
Communication
Emergency Response and
Evacuation
Police Response and Crime
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
is contracted with the city to provide police
services and protection to the city. The
Lomita Station of the Sheriff’s Department
located at 26123 Narbonne Avenue serves
the city.
According to the Lomita Station crimes report
from January 1, 2020, through December 31,
2020, Rolling Hills had 7 reported crimes
(LACSD 2020). The crimes were related to
theft, burglary, and arson. Outside the city
limits and in the Lomita District, 401 crimes
were reported during this same period, 79 of
which were violent crimes (LACSD 2021). The
difference in crimes in the city and the
surrounding area is attributed to the private
nature of the city. There are three entrances
to the city, all of which are gated and staffed
24 hours a day. Visitors are required to be on
a resident’s guest list to enter city limits,
reducing crime in the city and demand on Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Fire Response
The Los Angeles County Fire Department
provides emergency operations support to
the City and participates in the California
mutual aid system. Mutual aid is emergency
assistance that is dispatched upon request
across jurisdictional boundaries. Fire Station
56, located at 12 Crest Road West, serves the
city under Battalion 14, which also serves the
remaining Palos Verdes Peninsula, Lomita,
and Avalon Canyon. Fire response constraints
in the city include ability to access certain
homes or areas due to inadequate road
widths for fire maneuvering. One of the major
topics of concern related to fire response in
the city relates to vegetation clearing along
roadways. Ten-foot clearance on each side of
the roadway, especially the limited access
roads, is important for fire response and
evacuation during a fire, according to Scott
Hale, Assistant Fire Chief.
Evacuation Strategies and Routes
Because a variety of hazards could affect city
residents, it is vital to identify critical routes
for evacuation in the event of a major event.
Senate Bill 99, adopted August 30, 2020,
requires cities to “identify residential
developments in any hazard area identified in
the safety element that does not have at least
two emergency evacuation routes.” Due to
the size of Rolling Hills and that it has four
evacuation routes, no neighborhoods have
been identified as not having two evacuation
routes. As shown on the Figure 8, the
evacuation routes also connect to major
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Rolling Hills General Plan
18 Figure 8 Existing Evacuation Routes
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Community Communication
Safety Element 19
roadways in the area that are multidirectional such as Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Drive North and Palos Verdes Drive
East.
Figure 8 identifies the existing evacuation
routes in the city, which are:
▪ Main Gate at Rolling Hills Road and Palos
Verdes Drive North
▪ Crest Gate at Crest Road near Crenshaw
Blvd
▪ Eastfield Gate at Eastfield Drive and Palos
Verdes Drive East
▪ Crest Road East Gate at the end of Crest
Road East
Crest Road East Gate has been updated with a
motor and has no guards. This gate is
available as an emergency exit to the city
during emergencies. The City’s recently
adopted CWPP establishes evacuation
strategies and methodologies, including:
▪ Using the City’s Block Captains3 as
important coordinators for residents
▪ Communication goals between the City,
emergency responders, Rolling Hills
Community Association, and residents
▪ Details for residents regarding how
people get notified during an evacuation
▪ Responsibilities and operations of the
Emergency Operations Center
Disease Prevention
As evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic,
unforeseen infectious diseases can be
disastrous for communities, especially
vulnerable groups such as older adults, and
people with compromised immune systems.
The City worked diligently during the
pandemic to minimize risk to community
members. The Block Captains regularly
checked in on old adults in the community,
Fire Station Trail
3 The Rolling Hills Block Captain Program is a city-sponsored, resident-based community program of volunteers. Their role is to get to know neighbors, help them to prepare for an
emergency, and be a liaison between first responders and City of Rolling Hills during an emergency.
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City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
20 finding out what residents needed, helping
run errands, and providing hand sanitizer
Additionally, the City disseminated
information regularly including where to buy
groceries at the beginning of the pandemic,
testing information, and more. Policies
regarding infectious disease can help expedite
recovery and prepare the community for
future risks.
Climate Change
Climate change is expected to affect future
occurrences of natural hazards in and around
Rolling Hills. Some hazards are projected to
become more frequent and intense in the
coming decades, and in some cases, climate
impacts have already begun.
In developing the Safety Element, the City
competed a Climate Change Vulnerability
Assessment consistent with Government
Code Section 65302(g), which assesses how
the populations and assets in Rolling Hills are
vulnerable to different climate hazards. The
full Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
can be found in Appendix A: Existing
Conditions Report. According to the
Vulnerability Assessment, the city is most
vulnerable to wildfire impacts, extreme heat,
and landslide impacts from climate change.
According to the Vulnerability Assessment
and the California’s Fourth Climate Change
Assessment, Rolling Hills can expect the
following changes to natural hazard events:
▪ Projected annual average maximum
temperature is expected to increase in
Rolling Hills between 1.8- and 6.6-degrees
Fahrenheit (°F) compared to 1990,
depending on the greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions scenario.
4 4 The Vulnerability Assessment uses two GHG emissions scenarios: Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. RCP 4.5 describes a scenario in which GHG
▪ Extreme heat events are also expected to
increase in Rolling Hills. The annual
number of average extreme heat days is
projected to increase from a baseline of 4
between 1950 and 2005 to 8 or 14
between 2030 and 2099, depending on
the GHG emissions scenario.
▪ Although only small changes in average
precipitation are projected, the Los
Angeles Region, which includes Rolling
Hills, is expected to experience dry and
wet precipitation extremes and higher
frequency and severity of storms.
Increasing storm intensity may
exacerbate landslide hazards in the city.
Warmer and drier conditions state-wide
could increase the prevalence of drought
conditions that could impact Rolling Hills.
▪ Wildfire is projected to increase over all
of southern California.
Vulnerable Populations
and Assets
As climate change occurs, communities will
be affected to varying degrees and impacts
depending on the hazard as well as how
sensitive the communities are to impacts.
Virtually all people and assets in a community
will be affected by climate change in some
way, but some communities may be more
sensitive. The Vulnerability Assessment
identified the following sensitivities:
Populations
▪ Children. Approximately 6.6 percent of
the total population in Rolling Hills are
ten years old or younger.
▪ Persons in Poverty. This is identified for
people living in households with an
income below the poverty limit, which is
$26,200 for a household of four people.
There are approximately 26 people in
emissions peak around 2050 and then decline. RCP 8.5 is the scenario in which GHG emissions continue to rise through 2050 before leveling off around 2100.
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Climate Change
Safety Element 21
Rolling Hills who live in poverty, or
approximately 1.6 percent of the total
population for whom poverty status can
be determined.
▪ Persons with Chronic Health Conditions.
These are people who have a long-term
or permanent health condition that can
create regular challenges in their day-today lives. These health problems include obesity, cancer, heart disease, and
arthritis. In addition, those with any kind
of disability, including mobility challenges,
hearing, or vision impairments,
behavioral disabilities, and challenges
living independently or taking care of
themselves. Approximately 11.5 percent
of the population have identified having a
disability.
▪ Renters. These are people who live in
homes that they (or the head of their
household) do not own. Approximately 24
housing units, or 4 percent of the housing
units in Rolling Hills, are renter-occupied.
▪ Older Adults. These are persons 65 years
or older are more at risk for climate
change impacts, especially those living
alone. 28 percent of the population of
Rolling Hills are over 65 years, and 15
percent of those over 65 years live alone.
▪ Limited English Proficiency.
Approximately three percent of
households have identified being limited
English-speaking. Of those, a majority
spoke Asian and Pacific Island languages
and Spanish.
Infrastructure
▪ Access Roads. These roadways are one of
a few, or the only, ways in and out of
some communities or neighborhoods.
The single or limited number of entry and
exit points does not make the road itself
more vulnerable than other roads, but
loss of these roadways can effectively cut
off large numbers of people from other
areas in the Palos Verdes Peninsula and
the rest of Los Angeles County.
Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road
are the primary access roads into and out
of the city.
▪ Bridle Trails. Throughout the community
are over 25 miles of trails available to
residents and non-city residents who
obtain permits. The trails are maintained
by the Rolling Hills Community
Association and located primarily in
canyon areas.
▪ Electrical Substations. Electrical
substations are facilities that convert
electricity from one voltage to another,
making it suitable for long-distance
transmission or for use by homes,
businesses, and other electrical
customers. There are no electrical
substations located in city limits, but
three are located near the city in Rancho
Palos Verdes and owned/operated by
Southern California Edison.
▪ Electrical Utility Lines. These lines
transmit and deliver electricity from
Southern California Edison to the city. The
city has both underground and overhead
electric utility lines.
▪ Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines.
Natural gas pipelines carry large volumes
of natural gas between communities.
There are no transmission lines in the
city. One transmission line ends at the
intersection of Rolling Hills Road and
Palos Verdes Drive North, adjacent to city
limits.
▪ Water Reservoirs and System. The
system that stores and supplies drinking
water for residents. Palos Verdes Water
District of the California Water Service
supplies water to Rolling Hills. There are
two California Water Service water
reservoirs in the city limits.
Services
▪ Public Safety Response. Public safety
services are provided by law enforcement
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City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
22 and fire agencies. These agencies include
the Los Angeles County Sheriff and Fire
Departments.
▪ Water Services. These services involve
treating and transporting water to be
used by customers and transporting and
treating wastewater so it can be safely
released into the environment. California
Water Service provides drinking water to
the city.
▪ Energy Delivery. Energy services in
Rolling Hills include electricity and natural
gas delivered through utility lines from
Southern California Edison and Southern
California Gas Company.
Vulnerability Assessment
Results
The Vulnerability Assessment indicates that
the city’s populations, infrastructure, and
services are most vulnerable to wildfire,
extreme heat, and extreme precipitation
events.
Populations
Vulnerable populations such as older adults,
residents with chronic health conditions, and
those with financial trouble are most at risk to
extreme heat and wildfire impacts.
28 percent of the city’s population is over 65
years. Older adults do not adjust as well as
young people to sudden changes in
temperature and are more likely to have
medical conditions that can worsen with
extreme heat (CDC 2017a). Older adults who
are living alone are even more at risk as the
actions necessary to mitigation extreme heat
are more difficult alone. Getting water,
changing clothes, showering, or turning on
the air conditioner may be more difficult for
older adults with physical disabilities and do
not have a partner to assist them. Extreme
heat can be highly dangerous to persons with
chronic health conditions, because very high
temperatures can exacerbate diabetes,
cardiovascular conditions, respiratory
ailments, and other diseases. Some of these
people have weakened immune systems
which can make them more likely to contract
illnesses and vulnerable to human health
hazards. In addition, they may be taking
medications that make the effects of extreme
heat worse (CDC 2017b). While there are not
many households in poverty in the city, those
who are have limited financial resources to
upgrade their homes to have air conditioning
to better resist extreme heat.
Older adults, residents with chronic health
conditions, and those with financial trouble
are the populations most at risk to wildfire
impacts. Older adults are almost three times
more likely to die in a fire than the overall
population (USFA 2017), and typically have
increased mobility or mental health issues.
Therefore, older adults, especially those in
the city living alone, have more difficulties
evacuating to safe areas when there is a
need. Those in Rolling Hills with limited
financial resources are more unlikely to
retrofit their homes to better resist climaterelated hazards such as wildfires. In addition to direct impacts, indirect impacts such as
poor air quality also creates public health
hazards to the city. Recent California wildfires
in August and September 2020 had areas of
California recording the worst air quality in
the world and highlighted the hazards of
secondary impacts from wildfires, which
could impact the city from fires throughout
the State. Older adults and individuals with
chronic health conditions are likely to be
impacted most by these secondary impacts.
Also, those with limited finances or without
air conditioning would be impacted by
secondary smoke impacts that occur during
local and regional wildfires.
Infrastructure
Access roads, residential structures, and
community facilities and government
buildings are the most vulnerable
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Climate Change
Safety Element 23
infrastructure to wildfire and extreme
precipitation impacts from climate change.
All city infrastructure is located in a VHFHSZ.
Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road are
critical for access to and evacuation from
many areas of the city. Wildfires may not
significantly damage the infrastructure, but
they could result in closure or the inability to
travel on them during wildfire events, which
can isolate areas of the city and create severe
health and safety risks. Wildfires are unlikely
to substantially damage trails directly, but
they can force widespread trail closures
which are an important asset to the
community.
The greatest potential impact of life and wellbeing would be to residential structures, which are the primary structures in the city.
In addition, impacts to Rolling Hills
Community Association and City Hall
structures would impact community functions
and government services.
Critical infrastructure most at risk in Rolling
Hills to minor flooding impacts and landslides
from increased storms would be access roads,
bridle trails, electrical utility lines, and water
systems. Because Portuguese Bend Road and
Crest Road are critical for access to and
evacuation from the city, any damage or
closure can effectively isolate areas of the
city, potentially creating severe health and
safety risks. Bridle trails are predominantly
located in canyon areas, which would be
more susceptible to flooding and landslides.
Landslides could impact utilities, as seen in
the existing Flying Triangle Landslide area,
which has moved utility lines above ground in
certain areas due to the continuous
movement of the earth in this area. Due to
the limited accessibility of the city, there is a
medium potential for impacts to access roads
and bridle trails and a low potential impact
for the remaining vulnerable infrastructure.
Services
Energy delivery, specifically electricity
delivery, could be impacted from increased
wildfires. Direct impacts to Southern
California Edison electricity transmission
infrastructure could impact power in the city.
In addition, utility companies have begun
shutting off power to areas to avoid wildfires
during times when weather creates high
wildfire risk. Public safety services could be
strained during wildfire events, which are
expected to increase.
Overall, climate change impacts from wildfire
are projected to have the greatest potential
impact to the city.
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Rolling Hills General Plan
24 Goals, Policies, and Implementation
Hazard Mitigation
Goal 1 Minimization of Loss of Life, Injury, and Property Damage Resulting from Geologic Hazards
Policy 1.1 Ensure that existing structures throughout the City meet seismic safety standards and that new facilities are developed to updated standards.
Implementation Measure 1.1.1: The City will work with Los Angeles County Building and Safety Department and other agencies to ensuring that all proposed structures in the city meet current seismic safety code requirements.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building and Safety Department Funding: General Fund and permit fees
Policy 1.2 Support earthquake strengthening and provision of alternative or backup services, such as water, sewer, electricity, and natural gas pipelines and connections, especially in areas of high seismic or geologic high hazard or where weak segments are identified by existing or future studies.
Implementation Measure 1.2.1: Require future development in active fault areas to provide geotechnical studies indicating the location of the fault trace relative to proposed improvements and identify appropriate mitigation. The City will evaluate the seismic risk to existing infrastructure in these areas and where appropriate, examine the feasibility of mitigating the risk over time.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building and Safety Department Funding: General Fund and private developers
Policy 1.3 Enforce seismic design provisions from the California Building Code into all development and ensure adequate review and inspection.
Implementation Measure 1.3.1: The City will work with Los Angeles County Building and Safety Department and other agencies to ensuring that all proposed structures in the city meet current seismic safety code requirements.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building and Safety Department Funding: General Fund and private developers
Implementation Measure 1.3.2: Require fault investigations along traces of the Palos Verdes and Cabrillo faults to comply with guidelines implemented by the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone Act. Buildings for human occupancy should be set back a minimum of 50 feet from those faults that are shown to be active or from fault traces where the risk cannot be determined.
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Goals, Policies, and Implementation
Safety Element 25
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building and Safety Department Funding: General Fund and private developers
Policy 1.4 Require review by a structural engineer when a critical building or facility undergoes substantial improvements.
Implementation Measure 1.4.1: City staff will review existing ordinances to ensure that the appropriate review requirements are included in them. In addition, the Seismic Safety Ordinance will require a structural engineer to review development proposals in designated Special Studies Zones.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund and private developers
Policy 1.5 Ensure that water supplies are not interrupted by seismic events such as surface rupture, ground shaking or ground failure.
Implementation Measure 1.5.1: The City may conduct a seismic vulnerability assessment of current water supply systems to address peak load water supply requirements. If the vulnerability assessment indicates a potential interruption of water supply due to damage from a seismic event, designate emergency sources of water.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Policy 1.6 Discourage development adjacent to earthquake faults and other geological hazards.
Implementation Measure 1.6.1: All development will comply with the Seismic Hazards Overlay Zone.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund and private developers
Policy 1.7 Continue to require preliminary investigations of tract sites by State-registered geotechnical engineers and certified engineering geologists (Chapter 70 County Building Code) and ensure regular inspection of grading operations.
Implementation Measure 1.7.1: The City will continue to enforce the Building Code and Safety regulations.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
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City of Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills General Plan
26 Goal 2 Minimization of Loss of Life, Injury, and Property Damage Due to Flood Hazards
Policy 2.1 Maintain storm drains to prevent local flooding and debris flows, and encourage residents to assist in maintaining those drains that are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Implementation Measure 2.1.1: The City will cooperate with the Los Angeles County Public Works Department to maintain storm drains in the City.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: LA County Building & Safety Department
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 2.1.2: The City will encourage homeowner maintenance of storm drains by developing educational materials to be added to the City website and included in the City’s newsletter.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: LA County Building & Safety Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 2.2 Avoid construction in canyon bottoms and participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Require new development or expansion of existing development adjacent to canyons to assess potential environmental impacts from increased run-off and erosion and evaluate appropriate mitigation. Mitigation measures should address projected impacts from climate change.
Implementation Measure 2.2.1: The City will evaluate the flood hazard potential and address climate change impacts in future environmental review. The City will ensure that development in areas designated as a Flood Hazard Overlay Zone mitigates potential flood impacts.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund and private developers
Implementation Measure 2.2.2: The City will require the submission of soil engineering reports for land development permits when soil erosion problems are suspected.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund and private developers
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Goals, Policies, and Implementation
Safety Element 27
Goal 3 Minimization of Loss of Life, Injury, and Property Damage Resulting from Fire Hazards
Policy 3.1 Develop stringent initial site design and on-going maintenance standards incorporating adequate mitigation measures into individual developments to achieve an acceptable level of risk, considering the increased risk associated with increased wildland fire hazards due to climate change.
Implementation Measure 3.1.1: The City will work with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Rolling Hills Community Association to review current standards for wildfire prevention and improve standards and/or regulations where required.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 3.1.2: The City will implement recommended fire mitigation strategies from the Community Wildfire Protection Plan including infrastructure hardening and vegetation management for and around existing and new development.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department/Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.2 Reduce potential fire ignition sources.
Implementation Measure 3.2.1: The City will continue to implement the utility undergrounding projects described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 3.2.2: Designate and publicize emergency access routes with the city and sub region. Prioritize undergrounding of utilities to enhance reliability of emergency access routes and minimize conflagration hazards from fallen power lines.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.3 Develop and implement a comprehensive retrofit strategy for existing structures.
Implementation Measure 3.3.1: The City will develop and implement a comprehensive retrofit strategy for existing structures and lifeline utilities in very high fire risk areas to increase public safety and reduce the risk of property loss and damage during wildfires.
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Rolling Hills General Plan
28 Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 3.3.2: Enforce existing ordinances and regulations that apply to roofing materials. The City will enforce a Class A Roofing Ordinance for all structure, as described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The City will require old roofs to be removed prior to reroofing to increase the fire-resistance of the structure.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department/Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.4 Ensure that all new residential development has at least two emergency evacuations.
Implementation Measure 3.4.1: The City will review and update emergency response and evacuation plans and procedures annually to reflect current conditions and community needs.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 3.4.2: Create secondary access in communities with single access.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 3.4.3: Identify special populations and large animals, especially horses, that may need assistance to evacuate.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.5 Whenever feasible, locate the following outside flood and fire hazard zones: health care facilities, emergency shelters, fire stations, emergency command centers, and emergency communications facilities.
Implementation Measure 3.5.1: The City will require review of new essential facilities and, as necessary, development of measures to avoid flood and fire hazard impacts.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund and private developers
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Goals, Policies, and Implementation
Safety Element 29
Policy 3.6 Educate residents on fire hazard reduction strategies to employ on their properties, focusing on the most vulnerable populations such as older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Implementation Measure 3.6.1: The City will promote vegetation management strategies outlined in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (i.e., fuel management in canyons and fire fuel management standards for individual properties) in the City's quarterly newsletter, through the website, brochures, videos, and block captain meetings.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.7 Work with the County to ensure that all fire equipment remains operable and adequate to respond to a major disaster.
Implementation Measure 3.7.1: City staff will monitor the City's fire protection rating and cooperate with the Fire Department in the correction of deficiencies.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 3.8 Require new development to meet or exceed hardening requirements in the most current version of the California Building Codes and California Fire Code.
Policy 3.9 Evaluate evacuation route capacity, safety, and viability under a range of emergency scenarios as part of the next update to the Rolling Hills Hazard Mitigation Plan, in accordance with AB 747.
Policy 3.10 Update the City's development standards to be in conformance with title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2, articles 1-5 (commencing with section 1270) (SRA Fire Safe Regulations) and title 14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 3, article 3 (commencing with section 1299.01) (Fire Hazard Reduction Around Buildings and Structures Regulations).
Policy 3.11 Minimize risks to existing development by identifying existing non-conforming development to contemporary fire safe standards, in terms of road standards and vegetative hazard, and requiring all development to meet or exceed CCR, division
1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2, articles 1-5 requirements (SRA Fire Safe Regulations).
Policy 3.12 Require fire protection plans for all new development.
Policy 3.13 Require all properties in the city to enforce precautionary measures to create defensible space including, but not limited to, maintaining a fire break by removing brush and flammable vegetation located within 30 feet of the property, maintaining any tree adjacent to or overhanging any building free of dead or dying wood, and maintaining roofs free of leaves, needles, or other dead vegetation growth, as described in the Rolling Hills Hazard Mitigation Plan.
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30 Policy 3.14 Evaluate the City’s capacity to adequately suppress wildfire, taking into account water supply availability, as part of the next Rolling Hills Hazard Mitigation Plan update.
Policy 3.15 Coordinate with Palos Verdes Water District to support the provision of adequate water availability throughout the City and provision of adequate water storage to meet future peak fire demand during times of peak domestic demands.
Policy 3.16 Maintain emergency roadways and improve them as necessary and appropriate to ensure ongoing serviceability.
Policy 3.17 Establish and maintain community fire breaks and fuel modification/reduction zones, including public and private road clearance.
Policy 3.18 Require that all homes have visible street addressing and signage.
Goal 4 Minimization of Impacts to Life and Property Associated with the Use, Storage, or Transport of Hazardous Materials
Policy 4.1 Restrict the travel of vehicles carrying hazardous material through the city.
Implementation Measure 4.1.1: The City will ensure the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department enforce licensing and current laws regarding the transport of hazardous materials through the city.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 4.2 Work to promote the safe use and disposal of household hazardous wastes.
Implementation Measure 4.2.1: The City will work with agencies responsible for the disposal of household hazardous wastes.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
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Community Communication
Goal 5 Protection of the Community from Disasters and Emergencies Policy 5.1 Designate and develop specific critical facilities as emergency centers to serve the entire City and work with other cities to maintain existing trauma care facilities that serve the region.
Implementation Measure 5.1.1: The City will meet with other communities in the region to discuss the loss of trauma care centers in the region. The City will examine the feasibility of establishing the development of a critical/trauma care unit at one of the local clinics or hospitals in the region.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.2 Cooperate with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to ensure that law enforcement services are ready and available to serve the city in the event of a major disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.2.1: City staff will monitor the City's contract and budget with the Sheriff’s Department to ensure that adequate service levels are maintained.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.3 Develop and coordinate medical assistance procedures in the event of a major disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.3.1: City staff will develop and update the Emergency Operations Plan, which will be distributed to the community. The update of the Emergency Operations Plan will include an assessment of current emergency service and projected emergency service needs, and goals or standards for emergency services training for City staff and volunteers.
Timing: Ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.4 Inventory and, where necessary, acquire supplemental disaster communication equipment and other equipment, tools, and supplies used by Block Captains during an emergency.
Implementation Measure 5.4.1: City staff will complete an inventory of infrastructure needed to support emergency communications and equipment needed for use by Block Captains and the City to communicate during emergencies, as described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
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32 Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.4.2: A survey will be done by the City periodically to establish an inventory of equipment which could be used in the event of a major disaster.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.5 Ensure that adequate provisions are made to supply drinking water for extended periods of time in the event of a major disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.5.1: City staff will inventory sources of potable water that could be used in the event of an emergency and the means to distribute that water to residents and others in the Planning Area.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: LA County Building & Safety Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.6 Develop procedures to follow in the event of wildfire, flooding, erosion, and possible reservoir failure and investigate ways of reducing the likelihood of their occurrence.
Implementation Measure 5.6.1: The City will update the Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years to reduce the risk from hazards by identifying resources, information, and strategies for risk reduction, while helping to guide and coordinate mitigation activities throughout the city.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.6.2: City staff will develop and maintain an Emergency Operations Plan, which will set forth an operating strategy for managing potential emergencies (as described in the Hazard Mitigation Plan) Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.7 Ensure that City Hall maintains a current emergency supply of water, food, blankets, and first aid to provide for all employees for a 3-day period.
Implementation Measure 5.7.1: A City staff person will be assigned the task of compiling a list of supplies and maintaining an adequate stockpile.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.8 Encourage private businesses to develop disaster preparedness plans for their employees.
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Implementation Measure 5.8.1: The City will prepare and distribute a brochure outlining recommendations for stockpiling supplies for employees.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.9 Encourage residents to attend periodic training programs on wildfire mitigation and disaster planning, and to develop disaster preparedness and evacuation plans.
Implementation Measure 5.9.1: The City will work with the RHCA and Block Captains to launch a communication and education program that will include a workshop on How to Develop an Evacuation Plan for your Family, as described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.9.2: The City will work with the RHCA and Block Captains to promote training programs on wildfire mitigation and disaster planning through the newsletter and the City website.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.10 Support the development and further implementation of a peninsula-wide disaster plan.
Implementation Measure 5.10.1: The City will coordinate its disaster planning efforts with neighboring jurisdictions in the region as part of Hazard Mitigation Plan updates
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.11 Increase public awareness of City emergency response plans, evacuation routes and shelters, and in ways to reduce risks at the home and office, focusing on the most vulnerable populations such as older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Implementation Measure 5.11.1: The City will prepare communication materials outlining procedures to follow in the event of a major disaster. These materials will be distributed to every household and business in the city.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.2: The City will maintain the City-wide Neighborhood Watch program.
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34 Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.3: The City will define refuge areas in the event of a wildfire event to include in the Emergency Operations Plan. This effort will be led by the Fire Department and the Sherriff’s Department.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.4: The City will distribute educational materials for large animal evacuation, consistent with Community Wildfire Protection Plan recommendations. This will include adding the information to the City website and including it in the City’s newsletter during the fire season.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.11.5: The City will work with Block Captains to provide emergency education and information through the City’s newsletter and website and by providing workshops and seminars described in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.12 Maintain a Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Implementation Measure 5.12.1: The City will coordinate with the American Red Cross and Los Angeles County Fire, Sheriff, and Public Social Services to develop specific plans for responding to emergencies as part of Hazard Mitigation Plan updates. The City will submit copies of its Hazard Mitigation Plan to the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments for review. The City will review similar plans prepared by neighboring cities.
Timing: Every five years
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
*
*The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP or HMP) is a separate document adopted into the Safety Element of the General Plan by resolution in compliance with AB 2140. It is available electronically at https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/planning_and_community_services/index.php. 231
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Policy 5.13 Ensure maximum accessibility throughout the city in the event of a disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.13.1: The City will ensure that multipurpose trails are maintained in order to be serviceable by emergency vehicles in the event of a disaster.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.14 Ensure the reliability of essential facilities such as communications towers, electrical substations, water services, and first-response buildings in the event of an emergency through promoting grid resilience and energy independence. Work to implement on-site power generation through solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage.
Implementation Measure 5.14.1: The City will work with telecommunication providers to identify opportunities to improve reliability of cell service throughout the city.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.14.2: The City will work with electricity and natural gas providers to identify opportunities to promote grid resilience.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.14.3: The City will seek funding to enhance telecommunication service.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.14.4: The City will provide educational materials to residents (i.e., newsletter, webpage, brochure) to promote solar panels and battery storage installation on existing development.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.15 Minimize the risk of spread of infectious diseases and associated economic disruption.
Implementation Measure 5.15.1: The City will coordinate with the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department to provide testing and contact tracing resources to the Rolling Hills community.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
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36 Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.15.2: The City will maintain up-to-date public health services on the City’s website.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.15.3: The City will explore the need for additional marketing campaigns to promote public safety protocol among City departments.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measures 5.15.4: The City will partner with local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide additional support and services in the city.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measures 5.15.5: The City will partner with community groups and neighborhood organizations to advertise what resources are available to residents.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
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Policy 5.16 Increase access to essential resources and facilitate effective communication in the community to accelerate recovery following such a disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.16.1: The City will connect the newly unemployed with talent-seeking industries, such as through a job portal.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 5.16.2: The City will supplement federal relief efforts, such as creating a resilience fund for residents to assist those in need.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.17 Provide City officials with a basis for disaster preparedness decision making and establish a public education program for disaster preparedness.
Implementation Measure 5.17.1: The Emergency Services Coordinator will conduct annual meetings with City personnel to ensure they are familiar with procedures outlined in the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.18 Establish a line of command to ensure that the decision-making process will function satisfactorily in the event of a major disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.18.1: The City will implement the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.19 Coordinate with citizen groups, such as Block Captains, and organizations to establish a viable body to provide emergency assistance in the event of a natural disaster.
Implementation Measure 5.19.1: The City Emergency Services Coordinator will work with local equestrian groups and other organizations to establish a Rolling Hills Search and Rescue Team.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
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38 Policy 5.20 Encourage cooperation among adjacent communities to provide back-up law enforcement assistance in emergency situations.
Implementation Measure 5.20.1: The City will submit copies of its Hazard Mitigation Plan updates to the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments for review. The City will review similar plans prepared by neighboring cities.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 5.21 Incorporate health threats into early warning systems.
Implementation Measures 5.21.1: Partner with the Los Angeles County Vector Control District and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to develop and enhance disaster and emergency early warning systems to incorporate objective data and information for potential health threats such as heat-illness, illnesses complicated by low air quality, precipitation events, and vector borne diseases due to climate change hazards.
Goal 6 Maintenance of Public Safety for All Residents
Policy 6.1 Work with, and support the Sheriff’s Department in crime prevention and law enforcement efforts, to make sure there are adequate resources to meet the needs of the community.
Implementation Measure 6.1.1: The City will conduct an annual review of its contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to ensure current service standards are maintained. Alternatives will be considered if service levels are considered inadequate.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 6.2 Cooperate with neighboring cities, Los Angeles County, California State and U.S.
Federal agencies in crime prevention and law enforcement.
Implementation Measure 6.2.1: The City will continue to regularly coordinate with all law enforcement agencies in combating crime.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
Policy 6.3 Evaluate the incidence of crime and develop measures needed to deter crime or apprehend the criminals.
Implementation Measure 6.3.1: The City will monitor crime statistics for the peninsula and the city. The City will meet with Los Angeles County on a regular basis to discuss programs, ordinances, and other measures that will be effective in combating crime.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: City Manager
Funding: General Fund
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Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
Goal 7 Protection of the Community from the Effects of Climate Change Policy 7.1 The City will continue to enforce updated State-mandated water conservation regulations.
Implementation Measure 7.1.1: The City will continue to update the City’s zoning ordinance as necessary to enforce and implement State-mandated water conservation regulations.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.2 Prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change by considering climate change vulnerability in planning decisions, including those involving new public facilities and private development.
Implementation Measure 7.2.1: The City will:
a. Re-evaluate the City’s Climate Change Vulnerability analysis over time, as new data becomes available
b. Update mitigation strategies and the City’s vulnerability and adaptive capacity, as appropriate
c. Identify opportunities for new goals and policies related to climate change using the best available data.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.3 Amend the local building code to account for climate change stressors.
Implementation Measure 7.3.1: The City will amend the local building code to take into account additional stressors on buildings including, increased storm events and intensity, flood proofing for intermittent inundation, slope/soils, subsidence risk and erosion potential in securing foundations, building materials to reduce the impacts of high heat days, and fireproofing in preparation for increasing fire risk.
Timing: Immediate
Agency: Planning Department and LA County Building & Safety Department Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.4 The City will engage surrounding jurisdictions in climate adaptation planning.
Implementation Measure 7.4.1: Ensure the community’s engagement strategy for climate adaptation planning includes surrounding jurisdictions to identify synergies and harmonization of policies.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
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40 Policy 7.5 Partner with the South Bay Cities Council of Government to implement climate adaptation strategies at the sub-regional level.
Implementation Measure 7.5.1: Collaborate with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments Senior Services Working Group to ensure that service providers in and around Rolling Hills are educated on the climate risks of the area and steps they can take to better serve and protect vulnerable groups in Rolling Hills.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Implementation Measure 7.5.2: Implement climate adaptation strategies that can address issues at a local and sub-regional level and issues in which coordination and pooling of resources (i.e., emergency centers, transit agency support in an emergency, and large animal evacuation centers) is a benefit to all participating communities.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.6 Update emergency/disaster response measures to account for increased heat days.
Implementation Measure 7.6.1: As part of the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Emergency Operations Plan, update response measures to account for an increased number of heat days and their impacts on current and future response mechanisms such as warning systems, emergency response and medical service coordination, and shelters.
Timing: Every five years
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.7 Provide education on heat related illness.
Implementation Measure 7.7.1: Incorporate links and references on the City website and incorporate interpretive signage at multi-use path trailheads providing education on heat related illness and personal care steps.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
Policy 7.8 Require air conditioning alternatives.
Implementation Measure 7.8.1: Require alternatives to air conditioning such as ceiling fans, air exchangers, increased insulation and low-solar-gain exterior materials to reduce peak electrical demands during high heat events to ensure reliability of the electrical grid.
Timing: Immediate and ongoing
Agency: Planning Department
Funding: General Fund
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References
Safety Element 41
References
California Department of Toxic Substances and Control (DTSC). 2020. EnviroStor. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?myaddress=rolling+hills%2C+ca. Accessed August 2020.
Center for Disease Control (CDC). 2017a. Heat and Older Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.html. Accessed September 2020.
____. 2017b. Heat and People with Chronic Medical Conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/medical.html. Accessed September 2020.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2008. Flood Insurance Rate Map 06037C1940F.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LACSD). 2021. Altadena Station Part I Crimes. https://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Transparency_Crime_Arrest_PatrolCurrentMonth-YTD_2019v2020.pdf. Accessed December 2021. ____. 2019. Hazard Mitigation Plan. January 16, 2019.
____. 2020. Community Wildfire Protection Plan. July 2020.
Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC). 2013. Hazards and Threats Earthquakes List of Major Active Surface Faults in Southern California. March.
U.S. Census Bureau. 2018. Rolling Hills, City 2018 ACS 5-Year Estimates. https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Rolling%20Hills%20city,%20California&g=1600000U S0662602&tid=ACSDP5Y2018.DP05&hidePreview=false.
Western Region Climate Center (WRCC). 2016. Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary. https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca8973. Accessed August 2020. 238
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Appendix A
Existing Conditions Report
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Rolling Hills General Plan Safety Element
Existing Conditions Report
prepared by
City of Rolling Hills
Planning and Community Services
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, California 90274
prepared with the assistance of
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
706 South Hill Street, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, California 90014
October 2020
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Table of Contents
Existing Conditions Report i
Table of Contents
Summary................................................................................................................................................. 1 Key Findings.................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 2 Hazards of Concern................................................................................................................................. 6 Geologic Hazards............................................................................................................................ 6 Flooding .......................................................................................................................................... 9 Wildland and Urban Fires.............................................................................................................12 Hazardous Materials.....................................................................................................................16 Emergency Response and Evacuation ..........................................................................................16 Climate Change Vulnerability ...............................................................................................................19 Exposure .......................................................................................................................................20 Community Sensitivity..................................................................................................................24 Potential Impacts..........................................................................................................................26 Adaptive Capacity .........................................................................................................................31 Vulnerability Scoring.....................................................................................................................32 Summary of Issues and Opportunities.................................................................................................36 Hazards of Concern and Community Sensitivity ..........................................................................36 Opportunities...............................................................................................................................36 References............................................................................................................................................38 Tables
Table 1 Rolling Hills Climate Summary ............................................................................................ 2 Table 2 Rolling Hills Demographic Characteristics........................................................................... 3 Table 3 Faults Located within 50 Miles of Rolling Hills.................................................................... 8 Table 4 Changes in Annual Average Precipitation.........................................................................23 Table 5 Rolling Hills Existing Adaptive Capacity.............................................................................31 Table 6 Vulnerability Score Matrix ................................................................................................33 Table 7 Vulnerability Assessment Results .....................................................................................34 Figures
Figure 1 Critical Facilities Map .......................................................................................................... 5 Figure 2 Landslide Hazard Zones ...................................................................................................... 7 Figure 3 Faults in the Vicinity of Rolling Hills..................................................................................10 Figure 4 Rolling Hills Liquefaction Hazard Areas.............................................................................11 Figure 5 Dam Inundation Areas......................................................................................................14 Figure 6 Fire Hazard Zones..............................................................................................................15 242
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ii
Figure 7 Existing Evacuation Routes...............................................................................................18 Figure 8 Historical and Projected Annual Average Maximum Temperature in Rolling Hills ..........21 Figure 9 Number of Extreme Heat Days by Year in Rolling Hills.....................................................22 Figure 10 Changes in Intensity of Extreme Precipitation Events in Rolling Hills...............................24 243
Summary
Existing Conditions Report 1
Summary
Key Findings
The city is most at risks to impacts from wildfire, extreme heat, and landslide events, which are all anticipated to increase as a result of climate change impacts. Vulnerable populations such as older adults and residents with chronic health conditions are most at risk to extreme heat and wildfire impacts. Access roads and residential structures are also the most vulnerable to wildfire and landslide impacts from climate change.
The city has a moderate risk for shaking potential from earthquakes. Flood risks in the city are minimal and limited to natural drainage areas in the canyons. Vegetation clearing along roadways is a concern and major goal for improving fire response and evacuation in the city.
Evacuation strategies and education are important to reduce risk from hazards due to the lack of evacuation routes in the city and the remote development on private roads. The need to further analyze evacuation routes and access is one of the most recent changes in Safety Element requirements. A key opportunity for the Safety Element update is to address specific evacuation needs.
The City has recently adopted a number of planning documents such as the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which seek to reduce the risk of hazards in the city. An opportunity for the Safety Element update would be to utilize existing recommendations from the Community Wildfire Protection Plan as implementation tools for the Safety Element.
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2 Introduction
Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code requires that the General Plan include a Safety Element for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, tsunami, seiche, and dam failure; slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides; subsidence and other geologic hazards; flooding, wildland and urban fire, and climate change adaptation and resilience. In addition, Safety Elements are required to address non-hazard specific issues such as peak load water supply, evacuation routes, and military installations.
This Existing Conditions Report is a comprehensive assessment of natural and man-made hazards for the City of Rolling Hills. The report serves as the foundation for the Safety Element and includes detailed Geographic Information System (GIS) hazard mapping and analyses. The following City plans were also utilized for this report along with existing local data from governmental agencies and scientific research: Hazard Mitigation Plan, Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and the existing Safety Element.
Setting
Rolling Hills covers an area of approximately three square-miles on the Palos Verdes peninsula, approximately 18 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The topography of the city and peninsula area is unique in that it rises above the Los Angeles Basin with rolling hills, steep slopes, and canyons. The city itself is located in the San Pedro Hills. Due to its location near the coast, the area is cooler and has fewer air quality concerns compared to the nearby Los Angeles Basin. Table 1 summarizes the climatology of the area.
Table 1 Rolling Hills Climate Summary
Climate Character Estimate
Annual Average Observed Maximum Temperature from 1961 - 1990 (Fahrenheit) 71 Annual Average Observed Minimum Temperature from 1961 – 1990 (Fahrenheit) 50 Annual Average Observed Precipitation from 1961 – 1990 (inches) 19 Source: Cal-Adapt 2021
Rolling Hills is a residential community that consists of large parcels and ranch-style homes and has a sizable older adult1 population of about 513 (28% of the city’s total population). The city is also an equestrian community, as many of residents are horse owners or have horses on their property.
Important community demographic data for Rolling Hills is included in Table 2. 1 An older adult is any adult over the age of 65 years old. 245
Introduction
Existing Conditions Report 3
Table 2 Rolling Hills Demographic Characteristics
Demographic Characteristics Estimate
General
Total Population 1,8601
Population under 10 years 7 percent
Population over 65 years 28 percent1
Race 77 percent White, 18 percent Asian, 5 percent
Hispanic/Latino
Disability (hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory) 12 percent Housing
Total Households 6451
Average Household Size 2.76
Owner-occupied Households 96 percent
Population over 65 years living alone 15 percent of those over 65 years Employment
Unemployment Rate 6 percent
Poverty Rate 2 percent
Median Income $ 239,000
Insurance Coverage 97 percent
Source: U.S. Census 2018
1Information obtained from the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which is includes more recent data than the U.S Census Critical Facilities and Infrastructure
Critical facilities are places that provide emergency services or serve people who would be impacted by an emergency. Examples include hospitals, fire stations, police stations, emergency services facilities, utility facilities, and communication facilities. Critical facilities can also include the transportation system and schools. Due to the size and composition of Rolling Hills, most of the critical facilities that serve the city are located outside of City limits. Critical facilities that serve the city are shown in Figure 1 and include:
Rolling Hills City Hall: 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA Rolling Hills Community Association: 1 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA Rancho Del Mar High School: 38 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills, CA Storm Hill Park: Agua Magna Canyon, Rolling Hills
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lomita Station: 26123 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, CA Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 56: 12 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills, CA Los Angeles County Communications Tower: 5741 Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Southern California Edison Electrical Substation: Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Southern California Edison Electrical Substation: Tarragon Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 246
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4 Southern California Edison Electrical Substation: 27873 Hawthorn Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: Palos Verdes Drive North/Palos Verdes Drive East (SW corner), Rolling Hills Estates, CA
California Water Service Reservoir: 3960 East Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA California Water Service Reservoir: Via Canada, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA California Water Service Reservoir: 1 Spur Lane, Rolling Hills, CA California Water Service Reservoir: 60 Eastfield Drive, Rolling Hills, CA Portuguese Bend Road
Crest Road
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Existing Conditions Report 5
Figure 1 Critical Facilities Map
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6 Hazards of Concern
Geologic Hazards
Geologic processes that pose a threat to life, health, property, or infrastructure are considered geologic hazards. Natural geologic hazards that have the potential to affect Rolling Hills include seismic hazards, landslides, liquefaction, expansive soils, and weathering. In most cases, these natural processes cannot be prevented; however, the magnitude of destruction resulting from natural geologic hazards can be reduced through planning policies and measures.
Landslide Hazards
Landslide activity refers to a wide range of gravity driven downslope earth movement, including rockslides, rotational slips, mudslides, and shallow debris flows. Geological and geomorphological conditions such as soil type, soil strength, slope angle, and slope height predispose slopes to failure.
Other factors affecting the susceptibility to slope failure include the amount of precipitation, vegetation on the slope, groundwater seepage, and human modifications to the slope. Landslides often result in damage to property and roadways and can cause them to become unsafe due to displacement of the subsurface.
A majority of the existing development in Rolling Hills is located on hilly terrain and have a greater potential to experience landslide hazards. Many of the canyons in Rolling Hills exhibit steep slopes with little vegetation coverage, leaving them susceptible to slope failure. Figure 2 shows the landslide zones within the City of Rolling Hills, as mapped by the California Geological Survey.
Landslide activity has been well documented in the region. Relicts of landslides and rockslides are present throughout the City of Rolling Hills. The following major landslides have occurred within and adjacent to the city. All are within the landslide hazards areas identified in Figure 2:
Portuguese Bend Landslide: Beginning in2 1956 over approximately 270 acres in Rancho Palos Verdes
Abalone Cove Landslide: Beginning in 1974 over 80 acres in Rancho Palos Verdes Klondike Canyon Landslide: Beginning in 1979 over to the south near the coastline Flying Triangle Landslide: Beginning in 1970s or 1980s over approximately 70 acres in the south area of the city
The Flying Triangle Landslide continues to impact the southeast portion of the city through impacts to private roads and requiring above-ground utility lines. This area is relatively unsuitable for development due to the ongoing changes in topography.
Seismic Hazards
Rolling Hills is located in a seismically active region of southern California. The last major earthquake in the Los Angeles area was the 5.1 magnitude La Habra earthquake in 2014. Rolling Hills is located within 50 miles of the Whittier fault, Newport-Inglewood fault, Palos Verdes fault, Malibu Coast 2 “Beginning in” is defined as the first noted event of major rock movement 249
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Figure 2 Landslide Hazard Zones
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8 fault, Cabrillo fault, Santa Monica fault, and Redondo Canyon fault. Analysis of seismic data from the region indicates that the Whittier and Newport-Inglewood faults may generate a maximum credible earthquake of magnitude 7.2 and 7.4, respectively (Southern California Earthquake Center 2013).
Figure 3 shows the faults in the vicinity of Rolling Hills.
Typically, seismic shaking and fault rupture are primary hazards as they occur as a direct result of the interaction between the seismic wave energy and the earth’s surface. Secondary hazards, such as liquefaction and earthquake-induced landslides, occur as a result of the primary earthquake hazards. Often, earthquake activity can result in other effects such as building damage/collapse, infrastructure failure, pipeline breakage, and damage to transportation and communication facilities. The size of the earthquake and distance from the fault rupture zone typically determine the severity of these events.
Seismic Shaking
Seismic shaking, or ground shaking, refers to the movement of the earth’s surface resulting from the energy release by an earthquake. Seismic shaking is typically the primary cause of property damage resulting from earthquake activity. Seismic shaking has the ability to destroy buildings, roadways, powerlines, and pipelines. Energy transmitted through the ground has the potential to travel hundreds of miles and may cause damage in many locations simultaneously. Closer proximity to the fault rupture area results in stronger shaking in that location.
The amount of ground shaking that occurs in a location is dependent on the magnitude of the earthquake, the distance from the epicenter, and local soil conditions. The intensity of ground shaking is related to the peak ground velocity during an earthquake. According to the CGS Map Sheet 48, the earthquake shaking potential for Rolling Hills is moderate. The intensity of seismic shaking is measured using the Modified Mercalli scale.
According to the California Geologic Survey, an active fault is one that has experienced surface movement in the past 11,000 years. The city is located near a number of active faults, including the Cabrillo Fault within city limits. Table 3 includes a list of nearby faults, their respective distance from the city, the maximum credible earthquake generated from each fault, and the likelihood of earthquake occurrence in each case.
Table 3 Faults Located within 50 Miles of Rolling Hills Fault Name Approximate Distance from Rolling Hills
Whittier 25 miles east
Newport-Inglewood 9 miles east
Palos Verdes <1 mile north
Malibu Coast 20 miles northwest
Cabrillo Located within the City boundaries in the southwest Santa Monica 20 miles north-northwest
The San Andreas fault is located approximately 80 miles to the east of Rolling Hills. Although the San Andreas fault is located at a greater distance from the city, seismic shaking originating from earthquakes occurring along the San Andreas fault poses a threat to the city. Figure 3 identifies the active and inactive faults located within the city and vicinity. 251
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Fault Rupture
Fault Rupture occurs when seismic movement on a fault breaks through the earth’s surface. Hazards related to fault rupture arise when structures are built near or on top of an active fault. While there are a number of seismically active faults in the city and region, there are no active faults with the potential for ground rupture, defined by the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act and delineated by CGS. Figure 3 shows the designated Alquist-Priolo study zones, the closest of which is the Newport-Inglewood Fault approximately nine miles northeast of the city.
Liquefaction and Settlement
Liquefaction is a ground failure phenomenon that occurs as a result of a seismic event. Liquefaction increases water content in surface soils until the soil reaches a semi-liquid state, contributing to a reduction in support, and ultimately resulting in shifting or subsidence of buildings and utilities.
Ground failure typically occurs when the following conditions exist:
Loose, unconsolidated granular soils
Shallow groundwater
Strong seismic ground shaking
While the Rolling Hills has moderate to high seismic shaking potential, the subsurface soils generally lack saturated alluvial deposits and thick, granular soils. Figure 4 shows the liquefaction hazard areas, which are located in the low-lying areas to the east and north, generally surrounding the Los Angeles Harbor and Harbor Lake. Liquefaction potential for Rolling Hills is low, as shown in Figure 4.
Earthquake Induced Landslides
Ground failure or destabilization of slopes resulting from an earthquake can also occur following seismic activity in the form of Earthquake-Induced Landslides. Earthquake-induced landslides typically occur in areas with steep slopes or unstable soil conditions. As discussed above under Landslide Hazards, the risk of landslide activity in Rolling Hills is high. Much of the city overlies areas that have been identified as landslide zones by the California Geological Survey. Risk of landslide activity increases following rainfall events that result in saturated soils. Both shallow and deep seeded landslides have historically occurred in the city.
Flooding
Rolling Hills participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program. According to the FEMA flood maps, the city is not located in a flood hazard area and currently has a less than 0.2 percent annual chance to be inundated by flood waters as a result of a storm event (FEMA 2008). Overall, the city is not in any immediate risk from flooding caused by overflowing water bodies or heavy rains. However, runoff and minor flooding pose a risk if drainage systems fail along canyon bottoms, where natural drainage leads to. 252
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10 Figure 3 Faults in the Vicinity of Rolling Hills
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Figure 4 Rolling Hills Liquefaction Hazard Areas
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12 Dam Inundation
No water storage facilities that the State of California identifies as dams are located in Rolling Hills.
Just outside city limits are three water storage facilities identified as dams, which include:
Palos Verdes Reservoir: Owned by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and located at the southeast corner of Palos Verdes Drive East and Palos Verdes Drive North.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, the reservoir can hold approximately 1,100 gallons of water and has an extremely high downstream hazard. 10 MG Walteria and 18 MG Walteria: Two reinforced concrete tanks which are owned by the City of Torrance and located at Crenshaw Boulevard and Crest Road. The tanks can hold 31 and 58 acre-feet (AF) of water respectively.
Senate Bill 92, adopted in 2017, is a new dam safety requirement that requires dam owners to map the downstream inundation areas for dams governed by the Department of Water Resources.
Figure 5 shows the inundation areas for the nearby water storage facilities. Due to their locations and the topography of the area, the inundation areas do not enter or affect any portion of the city.
Wildland and Urban Fires
The entire City of Rolling Hills is designated a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), as shown in Figure 6. Rolling Hills terrain is comprised of several large and steep canyons that limit and challenge vegetation management and present conditions where a fire can quickly travels up and downslope to nearby homes. Due to the rural nature and large residential lots, many homes are surrounded by substantial vegetation and dense brush than in more suburban settings. The bridle trails for hikers and equestrian access also contain dense vegetation and management difficulties, which contributes to the fire risk of the city. Electrical power lines pose a hazard to starting fires in the city if lines are not automatically de-energized when knocked down by extreme weather or if the surrounding vegetation is not adequately managed.
There is a history of fires in the city and the surrounding Palos Verdes Peninsula. Three major fires have been documented on the Peninsula and in the city in:
1973: almost 1,000 acres burned, and 13 homes destroyed 2005: 212 acres burned near Del Cero Park
2009: 230 acres burned and forced 1,200 residents on the Peninsula to evacuate For many of the developed residences in the city that are vulnerable to fires, their risk may increase with the presence of construction techniques that may not meet current wildfire standards. Rolling Hills Building Code and Los Angeles County Fire Department, under the VHFHSZ standards, require new development to include more stringent design and material standards for roofing, eaves, and rafter tails as well as exterior finishes and fire buffer zones. While compliance with these standards reduces the vulnerability to new structures, existing structures that have not complied with these standards may be susceptible to undue fire risk.
Existing Fire Risk Reduction Strategies
Rolling Hills Municipal Code (RHMC) Chapter 8.30: Fire Fuel Abatement VHRHSZ building requirements
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Los Angeles County Fire Department property line and structure vegetation buffer requirements Rolling Hills Community Wildfire Protection Plan vegetation management standard recommendations
Rolling Hills Community Association
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14 Figure 5 Dam Inundation Areas
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Figure 6 Fire Hazard Zones
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16 Hazardous Materials
According to the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), there are no hazardous waste sites or facilities in Rolling Hills (DTSC 2020). The city and surrounding area do not contain heavy industrial uses that would create a hazardous material risk in the event of a spill, release, or natural disaster.
The city is not located near any major transit routes involving transport of a substantial quantity of hazardous material through the city. However, the nearby oil refineries (located along Sepulveda Boulevard approximately six miles northeast) and Port operations (located approximately three miles to the east) could create air quality impacts if wind patterns and release events occur. Air quality impacts are discussed in the Open Space and Conservation Element of the Rolling Hills General Plan.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Police Response and Crime
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is contracted with the city to provide police services and protection to the city. The Lomita Station of the Sheriff’s Department located at 26123 Narbonne Avenue, approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the Portuguese Bend Road entrance, serves the city.
According to the Lomita Station crimes report from January 1, 2020, through June 30, 2020, Rolling Hills had three reported crimes (LACSD 2020). The crimes were related to theft, assault, and burglary. Outside the city limits and in the Lomita District, 433 crimes were reported during this same period, 71 of which were violent crimes (LACSD 2020). The difference in crimes in the city and the surrounding area is attributed to the private nature of the City. There are three entrances to the city, all of which are gated and staffed 24 hours a day. Visitors are required to be on a resident’s guest list in order to enter city limits. This reduces crime within the city and demand on Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Fire Response
The Los Angeles County Fire Department provides emergency operations support to the City. Fire Station 56, located at 12 Crest Road West, serves the city under Battalion 14, which also serves the remaining Palos Verdes Peninsula, Lomita, and Catalina Island. Fire response constraints in the city include ability to access certain homes or areas due to inadequate road widths for fire maneuvering.
One of the major topics of concern related to fire response in the city relates to vegetation clearing along roadways. Ten-foot clearance on each side of the roadway, especially the limited access roads, is important for fire response and evacuation during a fire, according to Scott Hale, Assistant Fire Chief.
Evacuation Strategies and Routes
Because a variety of hazards could affect city residents, it is vital to identify critical routes for evacuation in the event of a major event. Figure 7 identifies the existing evacuation routes in the city, which are limited to:
Main Gate at Rolling Hills Road and Palos Verdes Drive North 259
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Crest Gate at Crest Road near Crenshaw Blvd
Eastfield Gate at Eastfield Drive and Palos Verdes Drive East Crest Road East Gate at the end of Crest Road East
Crest Road East Gate at the end of Crest Road East gate has recently been updated with a motor and has no guards. This gate is available as an emergency exit to the city during emergencies. The recently adopted Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the city establishes evacuation strategies and methodologies for the city, which include:
Using the City’s Block Captains as important coordinators and managers of residents in the 24 City zones3
Communication goals between the City, emergency responders, Rolling Hills Community Association, and residents
Details for residents regarding how people get notified during an actual evacuation and the responsibilities and operations of the Emergency Operations Center Traffic control responsibilities and levels
Identification of special need residents who may need specific attention and/or assistance 3 The city is divided into 24 zones and each zone has 2-3 block captains to represent the residents within the zone. 260
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18 Figure 7 Existing Evacuation Routes
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Climate Change Vulnerability
In accordance with Senate Bill 379, this section provides a climate change vulnerability assessment for Rolling Hills, which evaluates the potential impacts of climate change on community assets and populations. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report defines vulnerability as “the propensity or predisposition to be adversely affected.” It adds that vulnerability “encompasses a variety of concepts and elements including sensitivity or susceptibility to harm and lack of capacity to cope and adapt” (IPCC, 2013). Understanding the vulnerabilities that the city may face due to climate change provides a foundation to define future adaptation strategies for the Safety Element update and other planning efforts in Rolling Hills and the region.
Consistent with the California Adaptation Planning Guide (Cal OES 2020) the assessment is comprised of the following five elements:
Exposure – the nature and degree to which the community experiences a stress or hazard; Sensitivity – the aspects of the community (i.e., people, structures, and functions) most affected by the identified exposures;
Potential Impacts – the nature and degree to which the community is affected by a given stressor, change, or disturbance;
Adaptive Capacity – the ability to cope with extreme events, to make changes, or to transform to a greater extent, including the ability to moderate potential damages and to take advantage of opportunities; and
Vulnerability Scoring – systematic scoring based on potential impacts and adaptive capacity, to inform major climate vulnerabilities to address adaptation framework strategies.
In addition to City data, Cal-Adapt was used to complete the assessment. Cal-Adapt is an interactive, online platform developed by the University of California and Berkeley to synthesize climate change projections and climate impact research for California’s scientists and planners. This assessment uses Cal-Adapt to study potential future changes in average and extreme temperatures, precipitation, wildfire, and storms. Cal-Adapt is consistent with State guidance to use the “best available science” for evaluating climate change vulnerability.
This assessment uses two greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions scenarios included in Cal-Adapts analysis: Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. RCP 4.5 describes a scenario in which GHG emissions peak around 2050, decline over the next 30 years and then stabilize by 2100 while RCP 8.5 is the scenario in which GHG emissions continue to rise through the middle of the century before leveling off around 2100. The climate projections used in this report are from four models selected by California’s Climate Action Team Research Working Group and the California Department of Water Resources. These models include:
A warm/dry simulation (HadGEM2-ES)
A cooler/wetter simulation (CNRM-CM5)
An average simulation (CanESM2)
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20 The model that presents a simulation most unlike these three and incorporates 10 other models, for full representation of possible forecasts (MIROC5)4 The average of the model projections is used in this analysis.
Exposure
Climate change is a global phenomenon that has the potential to adversely affect local health, natural resources, infrastructure, emergency response, and many other facets of society. Projected changes to climate are dependent on location. According to Cal-Adapt, climate change could lead to increasing temperatures, temperature extremes, and changes in precipitation patterns in Rolling Hills. These conditions could lead to exposure associated with extreme heat, drought, wildfires, and extreme storms in the region. The climate hazards of concern for Rolling Hills addressed in this analysis are:
Extreme Heat
Storms and Extreme Weather
Drought
Wildfire
Extreme Heat
Figure 8 below shows observed and projected annual average maximum temperature in Rolling Hills. As shown in Figure 8, average temperatures in the city and region have increased, which is a trend at both the local scale and the global scale. Compared to 1990, annual average maximum temperatures in Rolling Hills are expected to rise between 1.8°F and 6.6°F by the end of the century, depending on the GHG emissions scenario (CEC 2020).
4 There were 10 California GCM models that were ranked from 1-10 by California’s Climate Action Team Research Working Group and the California Department of Water Resources for different temperature and precipitation factors. The models ranged from the “warm/dry” model which had all metrics closest to 1 to the “cool/wet” model which had all metrics closest to 10. The MIROC5 displays a pattern of ranking that is most unlike the other 3 models and therefore, is included to represent the full spread of all 10 model simulations. 263
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Figure 8 Historical and Projected Annual Average Maximum Temperature in Rolling Hills5
Extreme heat is a period when temperatures are abnormally high relative to the normal temperature range. There are generally three types of extreme heat events:
Extreme Heat Days: a day during which the maximum temperature surpasses 98 percent of all historic high temperatures for the area, using the time between April and October from 1950 to 2005 as the baseline
Warm Nights: a day between April to October when the minimum temperature exceeds 98 percent of all historic minimum daytime temperatures observed between 1950 to 2005 Extreme Heat Waves: a successive series of extreme heat days and warm nights where extreme temperatures do not abate. While no universally accepted minimum length of time for a heatwave event exists, Cal-Adapt considers four, successive extreme heat days and warm nights to be the minimum threshold for an extreme heatwave
Extreme heat events will feel different from region to region since different areas have different historic high temperatures. For example, an extreme heat day on the coast will feel different than an extreme heat day in the desert. According to Cal-Adapt, an extreme heat day in Rolling Hills involves a temperature that exceeds 91.7 ̊F (CEC 2020).
Historically (between 1950 and 2005), Rolling Hills experienced an average four extreme heat days per year, typically occurring between April and October. As a result of rising average temperatures and climate change as discussed above, the city is projected to experience between 8 and 14 extreme heat days annually from 2030 to 2099 under medium and high emissions projections (CEC 5 Chart shows annual average maximum temperature for Rolling Hills (Grid Cell 33.78125, -118.34375) under RCP 8.5 (emissions continue to rise strongly through 2050 and plateau around 2100)
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22 2020). As shown in Figure 9, the number of extreme heat days each year is variable, but overall they are increasing from historic averages and would continue to increase through the century.
Figure 9 Number of Extreme Heat Days by Year in Rolling Hills6 Extreme heat waves are defined as four or more consecutive extreme heat days. These events have been historically infrequent in Rolling Hills, with the historical average being 0.3 heat waves annually. The city is expected to experience a minor increase in heat wave frequency as the climate changes. Between 2030 and 2099, the city is projected to experience between 0.4 and 1.1 heat waves per year (CEC 2020).
Drought
Droughts are somewhat frequent in California, and currently approximately 42 percent of California’s population are in a drought, or in an abnormally dry area (NIDIS 2020). Changes in weather patterns resulting in increases in global average temperatures are already causing decreases in snowpack, which provides as much as a third of California’s water supply (DWR 2019).
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Los Angeles County and Rolling Hills are not currently experiencing drought conditions based on this mapping (National Drought Mitigation Center 2020).
Southern California is not currently considered to be in a drought condition, while other parts of the State (northern California and the Sierra Nevada mountain range) are experiencing moderate drought conditions due to lower than average precipitation.
The projected changes in annual precipitation for Rolling Hills are shown in Table 4. Under both the medium and high GHG emissions scenarios, Rolling Hills is not expected to experience substantial changes in average precipitation. However, the city would experience increased variability in precipitation. The city’s minimum annual precipitation would decrease while the maximum annual precipitation would increase under both emissions scenarios. 6 Chart shows the number of days in a year when daily maximum temperature is above the extreme hear threshold of 91.7 ̊F for Rolling Hills (Grid Cell 33.78125, -118.34375) under RCP 8.5
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Table 4 Changes in Annual Average Precipitation
Scenario
Annual Precipitation
Minimum (inches) Average (inches) Maximum (inches)
Historical Average (1950-2005) 6.7 19.2 37.0
Medium Emissions Scenario (2030-2099) 6.0 21.3 48.2
High Emissions Scenario (2030-2099) 4.8 22.2 57.0
Source: CEC 2020
While overall precipitation levels are expected to change substantially in the city, a drought may occur when conditions in areas where water sources are located experience drought conditions, even though the local region does not. Rolling Hills obtains its water from the Palos Verdes District of the California Water Service. Water supply from the District to this area is purchased from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which imports its water from the Colorado River and State Water Project from northern California.
Recent research suggests that extended drought occurrence could become more pervasive in future decades (CEC 2020). An extended drought scenario is predicted for all of California from 2051 to 2070 under a climate model using business as usual conditions. The extended drought scenario is based on the average annual precipitation over 20 years. This average value equates to 78 percent of the historic median annual precipitation averaged for the North Coast and Sierra California Climate Tracker regions. Overall precipitation levels in the city are not expected to be significantly impacted. However, variability in precipitation and drought conditions in other areas of the state could impact water supply.
Wildfire
Wildfire hazards to the city are widespread and discussed above under Hazards of Concern.
Wildfires in the city are influenced by a range of factors including droughts, severe winds, wildfire fuel (i.e. dry vegetation), and previous wildfire suppression activity. Climate change is expected to exacerbate wildfire risk by creating hotter and drier landscapes, as discussed above under Extreme Heat, which are more susceptible to burning.
Cal-Adapt provides projections for annual mean hectares burned. This projection only accounts for areas that could experience wildfire events. Los Angeles County wildfire occurrence is anticipated to increase under all emissions and population scenarios from historic averages (CEC 2020). In 2020 alone, California has experienced six of the 20 largest fires in modern history and as of the date of this report, over three million acres of land have burned. These fires arose during extreme fire weather conditions and record-breaking heat waves across California. The observed frequency of autumn days with extreme fire weather, which are associated with extreme autumn wildfires, has more than doubled in California since the early 1980s (Goss et al. 2020). Due to the increases in factors that contribute to wildfires (variability in precipitation, hotter and dryer landscapes) and because the city is in a VHFZSZ, it is expected to see an increase in wildfire hazards due to climate change.
Storms and Extreme Weather
A warming climate is likely to influence the frequency and intensity of storms. Both increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can lead to altered seasons and intense rainstorms in Rolling Hills. As depicted in Figure 10, there is a high degree of variability in these extreme 266
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24 precipitation event projections, with some models projecting little to no change while others project increased intensity (CEC 2020) These projections further vary depending on the return period7 selected. Increasing intensity of rainstorms could result in more flooding, which could adversely affect human safety in Rolling Hills. During years of intense levels of precipitation and storms, the city could also see an increase in the number of landslides or make landslides greater than usual.
Due to the number of landslide hazard zones in the city, as shown in 2, Rolling Hills may see an increase in landslides due to changes in precipitation from climate change.
Figure 10 Changes in Intensity of Extreme Precipitation Events in Rolling Hills8 Community Sensitivity
As climate change occurs, communities will be affected to varying degrees depending on the exposure levels as well as how sensitive the communities are to impacts. Virtually all people and assets in a community will be affected by climate change in some way. However, it is not usually feasible to assess the vulnerability of every population group or every asset in the community. The sensitivity of a community depends on the aspects of the community (i.e., specific populations and assets) most affected by the identified exposures, and how prevalent they are in the community.
As described in the Exposure section above, the most likely primary impacts of climate change that Rolling Hills may experience include extreme heat, increases in wildfire risk and prevalence, and drought conditions affecting water supply. This section of the Vulnerability Analysis identifies the 7 Average time between extreme events (e.g., “1 in 100-year event”) 8 Chart shows estimated intensity (Return Level) of Extreme Precipitation events which are exceeded on average once every 20 years (Return Period) for Rolling Hills (Grid Cell 33.78125, -118.34375) under RCP 8.5 emissions scenario. Extreme precipitation events are described as days during a water year (Oct-Sept) with 2-day rainfall totals above an extreme threshold of 1.02 inches. 267
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sensitive areas of the Rolling Hills community from the demographic and community facility information in the Introduction section above and is based on the following categories:
Populations
Infrastructure
Buildings and Facilities
Services
Populations
The vulnerability assessment considers the following population groups that may be disproportionally harmed by the impacts of climate change in Rolling Hills.
Children: Approximately 6.6 percent of the total population in Rolling Hills are ten years old or younger.
Persons in poverty: This is identified for people living in households with an income below the poverty limit, which is $26,200 for a household of four people. There are approximately 26 people in Rolling Hills who live in poverty, or approximately 1.6 percent of the total population for whom poverty status can be determined.
Persons with chronic health conditions: These are people who have a long-term or permanent health condition that can create regular challenges in their day-to-day lives. These health problems include obesity, cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. In addition, those with any kind of disability, including mobility challenges, hearing, or vision impairments, behavioral disabilities, and challenges living independently or taking care of themselves. Approximately 11.5 percent of the population have identified having a disability.
Renters: These are people who live in homes that they (or the head of their household) do not own.
Approximately 24 housing units, or 4 percent of the housing units in Rolling Hills, are renteroccupied.
Older adults: These are persons 65 years or older are more at risk for climate change impacts, especially those living alone. 28 percent of the population of Rolling Hills are over 65 years, and 15 percent of those over 65 years live alone.
Limited English proficiency: Approximately three percent of households have identified being limited English-speaking. Of those, a majority spoke Asian and Pacific Island languages and Spanish.
Infrastructure
The vulnerability assessment considers the following infrastructure in the city that was identified as bring sensitive to climate change impacts.
Access Roads: These roadways are one of a few, or the only, ways in and out of some communities or neighborhoods. The single or limited number of entry and exit points does not make the road itself more vulnerable than other roads, but loss of these roadways can effectively cut off large numbers of people from other areas in the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the rest of Los Angeles County. Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road are the primary access roads into and out of the city.
Bridle Trails: Throughout the community are over 25 miles of trails available to city residents and non-city residents who obtain permits. The trails are maintained by the Rolling Hills Community Association and located primarily in canyon areas.
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26 Electrical Substations: Electrical substations are facilities that convert electricity from one voltage to another, making it suitable for long-distance transmission or for use by homes, businesses, and other electrical customers. There are no electrical substations located within city limits, but three are located near the city in Rancho Palos Verdes and owned/operated by Southern California Edison.
Electrical Utility Lines: These lines transmit and deliver electricity from Southern California Edison to the city. The city has both underground and overhead electric utility lines.
Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines: Natural gas pipelines carry large volumes of natural gas between communities. There are no transmissions lines in the city. One transmission line ends at the intersection of Rolling Hills Road and Palos Verdes Drive, adjacent to city limits.
Water Reservoirs and System: The system that stores and supplies drinking water for residents.
Palos Verdes Water District of the California Water Service supplies water to Rolling Hills. There are two California Water Service water reservoirs within the city limits.
Building and Facilities
Residential Structures: Residential structures in Rolling Hills consist of single-family dwellings and are the main type of building in the city.
Community Facilities and Government Buildings: Community and government facilities are public properties and are important to the residents as well as the operation of the city. Rolling Hills is a private community. Therefore, community and government facilities are available only to its residents, which are the Rolling Hills Community Association and City Hall.
Community Parks: Storm Hill is an open space area owned by the City which is utilized for equestrian purposes. The City also has two equestrian rings and tennis courts.
Schools: Rancho Del Mar High School is the only school in the city Public Safety Facilities: Public safety facilities include sheriff and fire buildings. Los Angeles County Fire Station 56 is located within the city. The Lomita Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff serves the city but is not located within the city limits.
Services
Public Safety Response: Public safety services are provided by law enforcement and fire agencies.
These agencies include the Los Angeles County Sheriff and Fire Departments.
Water Services: These services involve treating and transporting water to be used by customers and transporting and treating wastewater so it can be safely released into the environment. California Water Service provides drinking water to the city.
Energy delivery: Energy services in Rolling Hills include electricity and natural gas delivered through utility lines from Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Company.
Potential Impacts
Impact vulnerability is the nature and degree to which the community is affected by a given stressor, change, or disturbance. As climate change continues to progress, increased stress to vulnerable community populations, infrastructure, building and facilities, and services are expected.
As described in the Exposure section above, the most likely primary impacts of climate change 269
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Rolling Hills may experience include extreme heat, wildfire, and drought conditions impacting water supply. The vulnerability of Rolling Hills to the primary exposures of climate change is discussed below. The vulnerability scores discussed in the Vulnerability Scoring section are based on the potential impact analysis below. Each of the vulnerable areas in the city were given a low, medium, or high vulnerability to the potential impacts, based off the descriptions in the Vulnerability Scoring section.
Temperature and Extreme Heat
As describe in the Exposure section above, Rolling Hills may experience a variety of impacts from climate change, which include an increase of average annual maximum temperature between 1.8°F and 6.6°F by the end of the century (CEC 2020) This increase in temperature may result in changes in seasonal patterns, an increase in heat waves, drought, and potentially increased storm frequency and intensity. Rolling Hills is expected to experience between 8 and 14 extreme heat days annually.
Overall quality of life in the city would be impacted during extreme heat events as outdoor activities would be limited and overall comfort reduced.
The potential direct and indirect impacts to community populations, infrastructure, building and facilities, and services are described below.
Populations
The vulnerable populations discussed above that are most at risk to extreme heat impacts from climate change are older adults, individuals with chronic conditions such as heart and lung disease, diabetes, and mental illnesses, children, and those who are economically disadvantaged.
The primary vulnerable population to temperature increases and extreme heat in Rolling Hills is older adults, as 28 percent of the city’s population is over 65 years. Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature and are more likely to have medical conditions that can worsen with extreme heat (CDC 2017a). Older adults who are living along are even more at risk as the actions necessary to mitigation extreme heat are more difficult alone.
Getting water, changing clothes, showering, or turning on the air conditioner may be more difficult for older adults with physical disabilities and do not have a living partner to assist them. Children are also at risk to extreme heat impacts, especially those under the age of four, due to their lessdeveloped physiology, immune system, and dependence on others (CDC 2019).
Extreme heat can be highly dangerous to persons with chronic health conditions, because very high temperatures can exacerbate diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory ailments, and other diseases. Some of these people have weakened immune systems which can make them more likely to contract illnesses and vulnerable to human health hazards. In addition, they may be taking medications that make the effects of extreme heat worse (CDC 2017b).
While there are not many households in poverty in the city, those who are have limited financial resources to upgrade their homes and use air conditioning to better resist extreme heat.
Each of the vulnerable populations has a high potential impact from extreme heat.
Infrastructure
Extreme heat and temperature increase due to climate change would not directly impact infrastructure in Rolling Hills. Indirect impacts on electrical substations and utility lines could occur from increased use of the system from running air conditioners, leading to power outages in the 270
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28 city. In addition, indirect impacts to the water system through increased evaporation or water use could occur. These infrastructure facilities would have a medium potential impact from extreme heat.
Building and Facilities
Extreme heat and temperature increase due to climate change would not directly affect buildings or facilities in Rolling Hills. Extreme heat and temperature increases could impact the ability for residents to enjoy community park facilities. In addition, extreme heat could create wildfire conditions which could indirectly impact all buildings and facilities within the city. Overall, there is a low potential impact from extreme heat to City buildings and facilities.
Services
The important services discussed above that are most at risk to extreme heat impacts from climate change are water services and energy delivery.
High temperatures would contribute to a reduced water supply. For instance, higher temperatures will melt the Sierra snowpack earlier and drive the snowline higher. In addition to a reduction in precipitation falling as snow, higher temperatures would result in less snowpack to supply water to California users (CNRA 2009). Increased temperatures could therefore result in decreased potable water supply for the city which relies on imported water from the State Water Project and Colorado River water (Cal Water 2016). Therefore, there is a medium potential impact for high temperatures and drought on the city.
Long periods of intense heat may result in increased use of electricity for home cooling purposes that could tax the overall electrical system and result in electricity restrictions or blackouts. During extreme heat events in August 2020, California had its first rolling blackouts since 2001. Therefore, the city will experience greater potential for power outages due to climate change and has a medium potential impact.
Storms/Extreme Weather and Drought
As mentioned in the Exposure section above, the storm and extreme weather projections for Rolling Hills show variability, with some models projecting little to no change while others project increased intensity. This could result in impacts to community populations, infrastructure, building and facilities, and services, particularly related to temporary flooding and landslides which can be triggered from intense rainfall events. The city currently has a less than 0.2 percent annual chance to be inundated by flood waters as a result of a storm event (FEMA 2008). Increases in intense precipitation could result in slope failures in landslide prone areas shown in Figure 2, including the existing Flying Triangle Landslide area.
As discussed in the Exposure section above, Rolling Hills is not expected to experience substantial changes in average precipitation. However, the city receives its water from the Colorado River and State Water Project from northern California, and extended drought scenario is predicted for these areas, which equates to 78 percent of the historic median annual precipitation. Therefore, areas that supply water to Rolling Hills and other jurisdictions are expected to see a 22 percent reduction of their water supply, which could reduce the amount of potable water available for delivery to the city.
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Populations
The city’s older adults and those with chronic health conditions are the populations in Rolling Hills that are more at risk of injury and or death resulting from minor floods or fallen trees created by more intense storms induced by climate change. Indirect impacts to these populations from impacts to the transportation system could include reduced access to emergency response and health centers for those who need consistent medical care. There is a medium potential for impacts to these vulnerable populations.
Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure most at risk in Rolling Hills to minor flooding impacts and landslides from increased storms would be access roads, bridle trails, electrical utility lines, and water systems.
Because Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road are critical for access to and evacuation from the city, any damage or closure can effectively isolate areas of the city, potentially creating severe health and safety risks. Bridle trails are predominantly located in canyon areas, which would be more susceptible to flooding and landslides. Landslides could impact utilities, as seen in the existing Flying Triangle Landslide area, which has moved utility lines above ground in certain areas due to the continuous movement of the earth in this area. Due to the limited accessibility of the city, there is a medium potential impact for access roads and bridle trails and a low potential impact for the remaining vulnerable infrastructure.
Building and Facilities
Buildings and facilities most at risk from impacts of more intense storms would be residential structures and community parks. The proper functioning residential septic systems could be impacted by more intense rainfall and minor flooding. In addition, landslides could be triggered as indirect impacts from more intense storms and rainfall. Residential structures located in landslide hazard areas shown in Figure 2 could be impacted. In addition, the Storm Hill open space area is an important facility in the city and is also located in a landslide area. Due to the variability in weather projections, there is a low potential impact for buildings and facilities.
Services
Increased storm intensity and drought conditions from climate change could impact public safety response, energy delivery and water services in the city. Emergency response systems could be impacted from flooding or landslides within or outside of city limits, which could restrict the ability for emergency response to access the city and impact response times.
More intense storms could adversely affect electricity delivery from Southern California Edison from power outages caused by downed electrical utility lines from wind of landslide events. In addition, water service from the California Water Service Palos Verdes District could be affected by increased drought conditions throughout the state. There is a medium potential impact for buildings and facilities.
Wildfire
Wildfires in Los Angeles County are projected to increase under all emissions and population scenarios. As discussed in the Exposure section above, wildfire hazards to the city are widespread and wildfire conditions are expected to be exacerbated by a range of factors including droughts, 272
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30 more severe winds, wildfire fuel (i.e., dry vegetation), and hotter and drier landscapes from increased temperatures and extreme heat.
Populations
The vulnerable populations discussed above that are most at risk to increases in wildfire from climate change are older adults, persons in poverty, and persons with chronic health conditions.
Older adults are almost three times more likely to die in a fire than the overall population (USFA 2017), and typically have increased mobility issues or mental health. Therefore, older adults, especially those in the city living alone, have more difficulties evacuating to safe areas when there is a need. Those in Rolling Hills with limited financial resources are more unlikely to retrofit their homes to better resist climate-related hazards such as wildfires.
In addition to direct impacts, indirect impacts such as poor air quality also creates public health hazards to the city. Recent California wildfires in August and September 2020 had areas of California recording the worst air quality in the world and highlighted the hazards of secondary impacts from wildfires, which could impact the city from fires throughout the State. Older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions are likely to be impacted most by these secondary impacts. Also, those with limited finances or without air conditioning would be impacted by secondary smoke impacts that occur during local and regional wildfires. There is a high potential for wildfire impacts on the vulnerable populations.
Infrastructure
All city infrastructure is located in a VHFHSZ. The critical infrastructure most at risk to increased wildfire impacts would be access roads, bridle trails, above ground electrical utility lines, and water systems. Portuguese Bend Road and Crest Road are critical for access to and evacuation from many areas of the city. Wildfires may not significantly damage the infrastructure, but they could result in closure or the inability to travel on them during wildfire events, which can isolate areas of the city and create severe health and safety risks. There is a high potential for impacts to access roads from wildfires.
Wildfires are unlikely to substantially damage trails directly, but they can force widespread trail closures which are an important asset to the community. Above ground electrical lines are also at risk from wildfires and could impact electricity services to residents in Rolling Hills. Water systems could be directly affected by wildfires in addition to indirect impacts from water use from firefighting activities and peak load water supply in remote portions of the city. There is a medium potential for impact to these infrastructures.
Building and Facilities
As discussed under Hazards of Concern section, all of Rolling Hills is designated a VHFHSZ.
Therefore, all buildings and facilities within the city are at risk of increased wildfires caused by climate change. The greatest potential impact of life and well-being would be to residential structures, which are the primary structures in the city. In addition, impacts to Rolling Hills Community Association and City Hall structures would impact community functions and government services. There is a high potential for impact to buildings and facilities from wildfire. 273
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Services
Energy delivery, specifically electricity delivery, could be impacted from increased wildfires. Direct impacts to Southern California Edison electricity transmission infrastructure could impact power in the city. In addition, utility companies have begun shutting off power to areas to avoid wildfires during times when weather creates high wildfire risk. In addition, public safety services could be strained during wildfire events, which are expected to increase. There is a medium potential for impacts to services in the city from wildfire.
Adaptive Capacity
Adaptive capacity is the current ability to cope with climate change impacts to community populations and assets (Cal OES 2020). Specifically, adaptative capacity is the ability to mitigate the potential impacts and damages or take advantage of the opportunities from climate change. Many communities have adaptive capacity in the form of policies, plans, programs, or institutions. Rolling Hills has actively taken steps to increase the city’s adaptive capacity, which include preparing a community wildfire protection plan, hazard mitigation plan, undergrounding utility lines, and adopting strict new building standards. Table 5 lists various guiding documents, projects, plans, and policies that have an underlying emphasis on adaptive capacity in the city.
Table 5 Rolling Hills Existing Adaptive Capacity
Project, Policy, or Plan Year Established Climate Change Impact City of Rolling Hill Community Wildfire Protection Plan 2020 Wildfire City of Rolling Hills Safety Element 2003 Wildfire, Storms California Water Service Palos Verdes Water District Urban Water Management Plan
2016 Drought
Utility Undergrounding Requirement n/a Wildfire
Fire Prevention Power Line Undergrounding 2020 Wildfire RHMC Chapter 8.30: Fire Fuel Abatement n/a Wildfire
Hazard Mitigation Plan 2019 Wildfire, Drought, Storminduced Landslides Emergency Operations Plan 2020 Wildfire, Storm, Extreme Heat
Emergency Notification and Notify Me n/a Wildfire, Storms VHFHSZ Building Requirements n/a Wildfire
Rolling Hills Municipal Code Requirements for lot slope and lot stability
n/a Storm-Induced Landslides
Rolling Hills has a number of plans and policies specific to wildfire hazards. The city’s recently adopted the Community Wildfire Protection Plan that includes fire mitigation strategies and evacuations strategies specific for the city. In addition, the Hazard Mitigation Plan provides an analysis of historical hazards, a local hazard assessment, hazard impacts on the community, and recommended mitigation strategies. The City requires the undergrounding of utility lines with specific home upgrades and has a reimbursement program for utility pole replacement. In addition, building code requirements for development within VHFHSZ, such as Class A roofing, would help reduce wildfire impacts to structures in the city.
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32 The Rolling Hills Building and Zoning Codes include controls on development on steep slopes and canyon bottoms. In addition, development requires proof of stability of the property through geotechnical reports and only a percentage of each lot can be disturbed.
The Palos Verdes Water District’s Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) provides water supply and demand projections and includes a climate change analysis. The 2015 UWMP projected that water supply reductions to the District due to climate change would be small for through the end of the century. In addition, the UWMP includes a water shortage contingency plan and demand reduction measures in the event water supply to the District is impacts from drought due to climate change.
In addition, the city’s population has a high degree of adaptive capacity due to the high levels of home ownership, low poverty levels, and high average income levels. These characteristics improve resident’s ability to upgrade their homes and come back from potential impacts to their property from wildfire and extreme storm events.
Vulnerability Scoring
Vulnerability scores are based on the combination of potential impacts from climate hazards and adaptive capacity in order to identify the climate vulnerabilities in the city to address with additional adaptation strategies. A vulnerability score was determined for each sensitivity area based on the potential impacts and adaptive capacity from climate change in the city. Vulnerability was accessed on a scale from 1 to 5:
V-1: Minimal Vulnerability
V-2: Low Vulnerability
V-3: Moderate Vulnerability
V-4: High
V-5: Severe
Cal OES recommended the following scoring rubric to determine the vulnerability score for the potential impacts and adaptive capacity.
Low Potential Impact: Impact is unlikely based on projected exposure; would result in minor consequences to public health, safety, and/or other metrics of concern Medium Potential Impact: Impact is somewhat likely based on projected exposure; would result in some consequences to public health, safety, and/or other metrics of concern High Potential Impact: Impact is highly likely based on projected exposure; would result in substantial consequences to public health, safety, and/or other metrics of concern Low Adaptive Capacity: The population or asset lacks capacity to manage climate impact; major changes would be required
Medium Adaptive Capacity: The population or asset has some capacity to manage climate impact; some changes would be required
High Adaptive Capacity: The population or asset has high capacity to manage climate impact; minimal to no changes are required
Table 6 shows how the final vulnerability score was determined. To summarize, potential impacts from climate change that are highly likely to occur in the city based on projected exposure would 275
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create a high vulnerability score. However, if the city has a high adaptive capacity to manage the impact, then the overall vulnerability score would be reduced.
Table 6 Vulnerability Score Matrix Potential Impacts
High V-3 V-4 V-5
Medium V-2 V-3 V-4
Low V-1 V-2 V-3
High Medium Low
Adaptive Capacity
The vulnerability scoring for the identified population and assets for each climate impact is included below in Table 7 and based on Cal OES California Adaptation Planning Guide. For those populations and assets that are not anticipated to be impacted directly or indirectly from the identified climate impacts, no vulnerabilty score or color is provided. For example, drought impacts on children were determined to not be a threat in Rolling Hills.
For the purposes of this vulnerability assessment, a score of V-4 or V-5 is considered significant.
Populations and assets that score at least a V-4 for one or more exposures are considered substantially vulnerable. As shown in Table 7, the potential impacts from climate change the city’s population and assets are most vulnerable to are wildfire, extreme heat, and landslides. Vulnerable populations such as older adults, residents with chronic health conditions, and those with financial trouble are most at risk to extreme heat and wildfire impacts and are substantially vulnerable to climate change impacts in the city. Access roads and residential structures are also the most vulnerable to wildfire and landslide impacts from climate change. Overall, climate change impacts on wildfire are the greatest potential impact to the city. While the City has adopted a significant number of adaptation strategies related to wildfire impacts, because they were recently adopted and some of the strategies were included as recommendations, it will be important to determine and monitor if implementation is occurring and which recommendations should be included in the Safety Element update.
This vulnerability assessment and the results in Table 7 will be used to identify specific policies and implementable strategies for adapting to climate change in the Safety Element, thus making the Rolling Hills community more resilient.
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34 Table 7 Vulnerability Assessment Results
Community Sensitivity Storms/Extreme Weather Extreme Heat Wildfire Landslides Population
Children V-3 V-2 V-2
Persons with Chronic Health
Conditions
V-2 V-4 V-4 V-2
Persons in Poverty V-2 V-3 V-4 V-2
Renters V-3 V-2 V-2
Older Adults V-2 V-4 V-4 V-2
Limited English Speaking V-2 V-2
Infrastructure
Access Roads V-2 V-4 V-3
Bridle Trails V-2 V-3 V-2
Electrical Substations V-1 V-2 V-3
Electrical Utility Lines V-2 V-1 V-3 V-2
Natural Gas Transmission
Pipelines
V-2 V-2
Water Reservoirs and Systems V-1 V-2 V-3 V-3
Buildings and Facilities
Residential Structures V-1 V-5 V-3
Community Facilities and
Government Buildings
V-1 V-4 V-1
Community Parks V-1 V-1 V-3 V-3
Schools V-1 V-3 V-1
Public Safety Facilities V-1 V-3 V-1
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Community Sensitivity Storms/Extreme Weather Extreme Heat Wildfire Landslides Services
Public Safety Response V-2 V-3 V-1
Water Services V-2 V-2 V-3 V-2
Energy Delivery V-2 V-3 V-4 V-2
Notes: Drought was not included in this table because the city’s vulnerability to drought is primarily low. White boxes indicate very low to now vulnerability. 278
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36 Summary of Issues and Opportunities
Existing hazards of concern in the city that should be a major focus of the Safety Element update include landslide and wildfire hazards. In addition, emergency response and evacuation should be a focus due to the city’s accessibility issues. Climate change is expected to increase potential hazards the city experiences. From the vulnerability analysis, the city is most vulnerable to wildfire impacts, extreme heat, and landslides impacts from climate change.
Hazards of Concern and Community Sensitivity
While there are a number of hazards that could impacts the city, the following are hazards of concern that pose the greatest challenge to the city.
Wildfire
The greatest hazard of concern for the city is wildfire as the entire city limits are within a VHFHSZ and the city contains many remote areas and limited evacuation routes. Some existing residential and accessory structures are not built to current standards that apply to VHFHSZ and as a result many of these structures may require mitigation and retrofit to reduce this potential threat. The area’s most vulnerable to wildfire impacts include older adults, persons with chronic health conditions, residential structures, government and community buildings, and access roads.
Landslides
Landslides are also a major concern for the city, whether they are earthquake induced, induced from high precipitation events, or occur due to the underlying soil conditions. Existing landslides are impacting the southern portion of the city. Climate change has the potential to create more landslide events if Rolling Hills experiences more intense storms and precipitation events. The area’s most vulnerable to landslide impacts include access roads, residential structures, and community parks.
Extreme Heat
The city is expected to see increases in the number and length of extreme heat days and events due to climate change, which could impact vulnerable people in the city and lead to increased wildfire risks. The area’s most vulnerable to extreme heat impacts from climate change include older adults, persons with chronic health conditions, and the energy system.
Opportunities
The need to further analyze evacuation routes and access is one of the most recent changes in Safety Element requirements. These new requirements focus on the identification of areas where routes are lacking or inadequate. A key opportunity for the Safety Element update is address specific evacuation needs.
The City has recently adopted a number of planning documents, such as the Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan, that seek to reduce the risk of hazards in the city. Many of the strategies included in these documents are recommendations and are used for educational purposes. An opportunity for the Safety Element update would be to include the recommendations 279
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Existing Conditions Report 37
as implementation tools for the Safety Element and to conduct outreach with the community to determine if community preparedness is occurring.
The California Legislature recently adopted Senate Bill 182 (SB 182) and is awaiting Governor approval. SB 182 would require the Safety Element to include a comprehensive retrofit strategy as necessary to reduce the risk of property loss and damage during wildfires. Additionally, in order to reduce development pressures in the VHFHSZ through the Regional Housing Needs Allocation process, SB 182 requires a lower proportion of state housing allocation to jurisdictions that meet specified conditions. The City should monitor and incorporate these elements as necessary. 280
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38 References
California Department of Toxic Substances and Control (DTSC). 2020. Envirostor. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?myaddress=rolling+hills%2C+ca. Accessed August 2020.
California Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2019. Climate Change Basics. Available at https://water.ca.gov/Water-Basics/Climate-Change-Basics. Accessed September 2020.
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). 2020. California Adaptation Planning Guide. June 2020.
California Water Service (Cal Water). 2016. 2015 Urban Water Management Plan: Palos Verdes District. June 2016.
Center for Disease Control (CDC). 2017a. Heat and Older Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.html. Accessed September 2020.
____. 2017b. Heat and People with Chronic Medical Conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/medical.html. Accessed September 2020. ____. 2019. Heat and Infants and Children.
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/children.html. Accessed September 2020.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2008. Flood Insurance Rate Map 06037C1940F.
Goss, Michael et al. 2020. Climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme autumn wildfire conditions across California. Environmental Research Letters 15.094016 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 2013. IPCC Fifth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2013. Working Group I: The Physical Science Basis. Accessible at:
http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg1/
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LACSD). 2020. Lomita Station Part I Crimes. http://shq.lasdnews.net/CrimeStats/CAASS/Patrol-CurrentMonth-YTD.PDF. Accessed August 2020.
National Drought Mitigation Center. 2020. U.S. Drought Monitor: California. September 15, 2020. https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?CA. Accessed September 2020.
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS). 2020. Drought in California. https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/california. Accessed October 2020.
Rolling Hills, City of. 1990. General Plan Safety Element. June 25, 1990. ____. 2019. Hazard Mitigation Plan. January 16, 2019.
____. 2020. Community Wildfire Protection Plan. July 2020.
Southern California Earthquake Center. 2013. Hazards and Threats Earthquakes List of Major Active Surface Faults in Southern California. March.
University of California, Berkeley and California Energy Commission (CEC). 2020. Cal-Adapt. https://cal-adapt.org/. Accessed August 2020.
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U.S. Census Bureau. 2018. Rolling Hills, City 2018 ACS 5-Year Estimates. https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=Rolling%20Hills%20city,%20California&g=1600000U S0662602&tid=ACSDP5Y2018.DP05&hidePreview=false.
Western Region Climate Center (WRCC). 2016. Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary. https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca8973. Accessed August 2020. 282
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Agenda Item No.: 11.A
Mtg. Date: 10/24/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: VANESSA HEVENER, SENIOR MANAGEMENT ANALYST
THRU: ELAINE JENG P.E., CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM CAL WATER ON THE OUTDOOR SIREN
PROJECT, AND APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HQE SYSTEMS IN
THE AMOUNT OF $6,095 FOR SITING VIABLE OUTDOOR SIREN POLE
LOCATIONS
DATE: October 24, 2022
BACKGROUND:
In Fiscal Years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, the City Council provided funding for the Block Captain Program to investigate communication platforms in the event of complete power failure in the community. The Block Captains and City staff used funds to purchase two-way radios and when the handheld radio option proved to be ineffective, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued in February 2021 to solicit proposals on other communication systems. The City received one proposal from HQE Systems (HQE), Inc.
On April 26, 2021, Staff recommended that City Council engage the services of HQE. The City Council directed Councilmember Pieper to work with Staff to better understand the evolution of the communication project and the scope of the feasibility study. As directed, Staff met with Councilmember Pieper on four occasions: May 20, 2021, July 15, 2021, July 23, 2021 and August 12, 2021. Some of the meetings with Councilmember Pieper included the Lead Block Captains Arlene and Gene Honbo. Staff also worked with Project Manager Alan Palermo and HQE to provide technical information requested by Councilmember Pieper. The Lead Block Captains, along with members of the Block Captains were in support of a feasibility study. The City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with HQE to prepare a feasibility study that would identify the hardware, location of the hardware, software, system integration, and a detailed cost estimate to install a siren system for the community.
At the January 10, 2022, City Council meeting Staff presented the final Feasibility Study and recommended to City Council to conduct a community survey to gauge interest for an outdoor siren system. In review of the Feasibility Study, the City Council requested information relating to the annual maintenance cost of the proposed outdoor siren system. The City Council also requested a street level map of Solution A and Solution B presented in the Feasibility Study. 284
On March 14, 2022, the City Council unanimously voted to amend the PSA with HQE allocating an additional not to exceed $3,500 to investigate potential co-location sites of the poles. On June 16, 2022, HQE Staff and Block Captain Leads Arlene and Gene Honbo conducted a site visit at the Main Gate, Crest Gate, Eastfield Gate and the Radar Station. In early July, HQE submitted the revised Feasibility Study that included two additional options:
Solution C includes the three gates and the Radar Station and Solution D includes only the three gates.
At the August 8, 2022, City Council meeting, Staff presented the potential site locations and to consider Solution D. Representatives from HQE were present to answer questions from Council and members of the public. HQE informed City Council that they had completed the remaining tasks of the Feasibility Study at no cost to the City, a savings of $22,814 and invited the Council to observe a demonstration of the proposed system, if desired. City Council directed Staff to seek approval from the Rolling Hills Community Association to place the siren poles at the three gate locations.
On September 1, 2022, Staff and Councilmember Mirsch attended a demonstration of the proposed outdoor siren system equipment at HQE headquarters. The demonstration included a tour of their facility where manufacturing of the equipment was conducted in-house and a demonstration simulated a test warning that would be sent out in case of an emergency. The equipment used consisted of a single 4' speaker mounted on a pole 25 feet above ground (for Rolling Hills, there would be 4-4' speakers mounted 50 feet above ground at each gate). The quality of the intelligible voice was clear and could be easily heard. The speakers could be adjusted to rotate a few degrees at a time through the use of a software application to ensure the best sound coverage.
In our discussion with HQE, it was conveyed that they were recently awarded a contract with the City of Paradise to install 21 poles and are in the process of installing them.
On September 1, 2022, Staff also attended the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA) Board meeting. Per Council direction, the City Manager asked that the RHCA Manager present to the Board of Directors the City's request to place the siren poles at the three gatehouse locations. During that meeting, the City's question was not presented as requested.
As a result, the Board of Directors began asking questions with respect to public safety, an area outside the purview of the RHCA. The Board of Directors ultimately did not discuss the City's request to place siren poles at the three gates. Instead the Board of Directors requested that the RHCA Manager meet with City Staff and that the RHCA Liaisons meet with the City Council Subcommittee to discuss why the Board of Directors were not informed of the project, if the project was warranted, and concerns relating to only having one proposer submit a proposal for the project.
In addition, per Council direction, Staff reached out to the five homes adjacent to the three gates to inform them of the project. The two residences were in support, one was opposed, and the other two did not respond.
At the September 12, 2022 City Council meeting, the City Council directed the Subcommittee members to follow up with their counterparts at RHCA.
On September 15, 2022, Staff made a presentation at the Rolling Hills Community Association 285
Board meeting requesting an approval to place the siren system at the three gates. The RHCA Board expressed concerns about the health of the guard attendants who would be exposed to high levels of sound emitting from the sirens, interference with the operations of the guardhouses, and aesthetics and noise impacts on residents. The RHCA Board ultimately voted to not support the the City's request of placing the siren system at the gates.
Following the RHCA Board meeting, Staff contacted HQE to seek additional information on noise levels that could be heard at the base of the poles. Based on HQE’s response, the speakers will emit up to 124 decibels 50’ above ground; however, at the base of the pole, the decibel is 90 or equivalent to a hairdryer. Included in the packet is additional information on sound prepared by HQE.
At the September 26, 2022 City Council meeting, the City Council directed Staff to do the following:
seek input from the First Responders on usage scenarios when the siren system is deployed for evacuation and non-evacuation purposes and system with voice capability vs siren only
obtain information on easement requirements from the Rolling Hills Community Association
Staff contacted Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Bennett and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Powers to seek their input on the proposed usage scenarios and whether siren only system or a system with siren tone and intelligible voice would be the preferred option. Based on feedback received from the First Responders, their preferred option is the combined siren tone and intelligible voice because it could provide information to residents that are comprehensible regardless of the scenario (e.g., shelter in Place or mandatory evacuation). Staff has also created a flow chart to activate the siren.
In addition, on September 28, 2022, Staff submitted a letter to the RHCA requesting easement requirements for siting of poles at locations identified in Solution A and Solution B in easements held by RHCA (attached to said letter to RHCA) with a response date of October 6, 2022. It is important to note that RHCA staff was present when pole locations were identified in Solution A and Solution B.
At the October 6, 2022 RHCA Board meeting, the Board discussed the item and requested that the City follow these procedures:
1. Obtain permission from the owner of the property where the siren will be placed,
2. Submit a written request to the Board for a license(s) to use the Association easement for Board review and approval. The request should include:
Site plan with the location of the pole and any ground mounted equipment indicated,
Specifications of the height and size of the pole and any pole mounted equipment Site plans should include property and easement lines, edge of pavement and property address. If the license is approved by the Board, the City would be responsible for legal and recording fees incurred for the license agreement(s). RHCA would waive fees for excavation permits.
Per Council direction, the pole locations are identified based on the "Outdoor Siren Location286 Street Level" prepared by HQE:
Solution A - Proposed Pole Locations
Siren A-1: On Blackwater Canyon Trail (behind 13 Portuguese Bend Rd) between Lower Blackwater Canyon Rd and Portuguese Bend Road
Siren A-2: In front of 9 Upper Black Canyon Rd
Siren A-3: In front of 57 Saddleback Rd
Siren A-4: On Storm’s Ridge Trail/Buggy Whip Trail (near 4 Storm Hill Ln) Siren A-5: In the canyon behind 4 Possum Ridge Road
Siren A-6: Near 4 Poppy Trail
Siren A-7: In the canyon behind 1 Hackamore Rd
Siren A-8: Near 74 Portuguese Bend Rd
Siren A-9: On Crest Rd East (near 63 Crest Road East)
Solution B- Proposed Pole Locations
Siren B-1: On Pine Tree Lane (adjacent to 10 Pine Tree Ln) Siren B-2: Corner of Portuguese Bend Road and Fuld’s Furlong Trail Siren B-3: In the canyon on Crest Road East (east of 38 Crest Road East) DISCUSSION:
Based on the discussion from the October 10, 2022 City Council meeting, Staff was directed to the do following:
seek permission from CalWater to place 50' poles at their water facilities identify City properties where the poles could be placed On October 19, 2022, Staff held a virtual meeting with CalWater representatives to discuss whether there is a possibility of installing poles in their three water facilities. CalWater representatives were open to the discussion and asked that the City provide additional information such as the specification of poles to be installed, length of access needed at their facilities, and any electronic equipment placed on poles. The requested information will assist CalWater to determine if the proposed poles would interfere with their current operations and/or any future planned activities at their sites. It may take up to the end of this year or early next year for CalWater to decide if their sites are viable options to install the poles.
HQE has been a generous partner with the City in providing additional information requested by Staff without receiving additional compensation. Given the new locations to investigate, it was necessary to obtain another proposal from HQE in order to conduct a site survey, perform a sound propagation analysis, provide systems option and cost to provide technical support to third-party entities. HQE submitted a proposal in the amount of $6,095 to evaluate up to four sites and correspond directly with CalWater on behalf of the City on technical matters (attached).
Staff is recommending that the City Council approve the Second Amendment to the PSA in the amount of $6,095 (attached). A map of the proposed CalWater facilities, City owned properties, and the Crest Road East Gate is also attached.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is sufficient funding in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). 287
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report and approve the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with HQE Systems in the amount of $6,095 for siting viable outdoor siren pole locations.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_CC_221024_Siren Locations_CalWater.pdf
CL_AGN_CC_221024_ScopeOfWork2_HQE 221020.pdf
CL_AGN_221020_CC_PSA_HQE_Amendment02.pdf
CL_AGN_221024_CC_OutdoorSirenSystemAmendment2.pdf
288
CalWater Reservoir 22
CalWater Reservoir 12
CalWater
4 City Properties 3 CalWater Water Facilities 1 RHCA Crest Rd East Gate RHCA
289
Item Type Description Quantity Unit Price Amount
Services
1.00 $4,195.00 $4,195.00
Estimate Total
Notes
Prices are firm until expiration date above unless shown otherwise. Upon acceptance, prices are firm for 30 days. This quotation is expressly subject to acceptance by Buyer of all Terms stated in the attached Terms document, and any exception to or modification of such Terms shall not be binding on Seller unless expressly accepted in writing by an authorized agent or Officer of Seller. Any order submitted to Seller on the basis set forth above, in whole or in part, shall constitute an acceptance by Buyer of the Terms. Any such order shall be subject to acceptance by Seller in its discretion. If the total price for the items set forth above exceeds $50,000 then this quotation IS ONLY VALID if countersigned below by a representative of HQE Systems, Inc.. Installation is not included unless specifically quoted as a line item above. See attached Terms sheet.
Payment Terms: Prior to Shipment
Quote Approved by: __________________________ Date: _______________ Subject
Estimate
From HQE Systems, Inc.
27419 Via Industria
Temecula, CA 92590
1 (800) 967-3036
Estimate For City of Rolling Hills, CA Estimate Id RHCA - 4231 Issue Date 10/12/2022
City of Rolling Hills - Feasibility Study