PV About Town
RPV Wants You!
The city of Rancho Palos Verdes has put out the call for candidates in upcoming city council elections on Nov. 5.
Both councilmen Bryan Campbell and Anthony Misetich, who are completing terms, have said they will seek re-election. The nomination period extends from July 15 to Aug 9 unless either of the two decline to run, at which the time frame will extend another week. Election manuals can be obtained at the RPV City Hall. To contact the city clerk call 310-544-5208.
PVE group sues over open space
A group of Palos Verdes Estates residents filed a lawsuit objecting to a complex land deal that transferred public property to a private owner. The deal involved a homeowner that had illegally encroached on a 1.7 acre section of parkland near their Via Panorama home. Owner Robert and Delores Lugliani paid the school district $1.5 million to end the legal dispute. The donation ensured the land would remain as open space, and it allowed the district to sell another acre elsewhere to a developer. But now the neighborhood group is crying foul, alleging the deal violates the city’s strict land-use covenants. The lawsuit filed on May 14 in Los Angeles Superior Court can be viewed at PVEopenspace.com.
West Nile Virus
Up to nine dead crows on the Palos Verdes Peninsula tested positive for West Nile virus last month, according to the Los Angeles West Vector Control District. West Nile virus, which is potentially deadly to humans, is typically transmitted by mosquitoes that bite infected crows or other animals. Three crows with the virus were found in the Dapplegray Lane area in Rolling Hills Estates, one in Rancho Palos Verdes and five in Lomita. Inspectors were surveying the area in recent weeks for mosquito swarms and advising residents to limit standing water, which attracts mosquitoes. Residents who spot dead crows are urged to call 877-WNV-BIRD.
New principals
Last month the Palos Verdes Peninsula School District announced several new principals and the rotation of some of its existing principals including Kevin Allen who will be moving from Soleado Elementary to Miraleste Intermediate. Principal Jeff Keeney will move from Mira Catalina Elementary to Cornerstone. Beth Hadley goes from Miraleste to Point Vicente. And Gina Stutzel, an instructional coach and elementary school teacher since 2002, will become principal of Soleado. Other new appointments included Grace Le Tegola, a former principal outside the district, as principal of Mira Catalina Elementary, Rebecca Egan as principal of Montemalaga Elementary, Jane Tasker as principal of Silver Spur Elementary, and William MacDonald as principal of Rancho Vista Elementary, effective July 1, 2013.
Unlicensed contractors swept up
Three illegal contractors were caught in a sting in Rolling Hills Estates by the Contractors State License Board last month. Eight individuals were arrested for allegedly contracting without a state license and other legal infractions. The state board conducted the one-day investigation on June 19 with the assistance of the LA County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Consumer Affairs Division of Investigation. Investigators sought bids on Craigslist for flooring, concrete, fencing, tree-trimming and garage doors at a residential property. Board officials urge the public to check licenses on-line at the CSLB’s web site. First conviction penalties include up to six months in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines. ER