[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6527553,"mediaKeyId","3577617-147d4fa4289e79d3388babbcccf92710","parentId",3577617,"title","Resident urges city to demand Cal Water details on wildfire readiness, leaks and Palos Verdes reservoir","audioSeconds",277,"startMs",73000,"endMs",350000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577617-147d4fa4289e79d3388babbcccf92710&start=73&end=350","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577617-147d4fa4289e79d3388babbcccf92710/thumbnail_73000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6527553/Rolling-Hills-Estates/Los-Angeles-County/California/Resident-urges-city-to-demand-Cal-Water-details-on-wildfire-readiness-leaks-and-Palos-Verdes-reservoir","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527553-4f5800809a744847af5a006c7f1ab443/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078798&Signature=YSgdPnvY96UHAVAQvU0C88IfdkuGmm97-8YMb3O4ufs5rTYILaZQ1ehHxuwr0wvUxS9UDFueMakuJgmFjkkpDp5Fb0TmoZFyQrz209jbmDUEsTl3txvjm9Myy~oVQnEmfgu7ArZmaXfgxY3bpaYK7Vo8zhZB30FIP9NbTG~10CidR1hOd1i2X6YT1YVPKsM9flTC-MPecqCnC2jazpVQm~GTdOO5C93nka9MtZQS9h7pkcAw2EoYvF0deD-7W6DV4twJ8~NeUmrfYun3uusZZTm4N5ynlWPh57j5lAALLFntQJT~0AJo7UbWn7G4ExdkdSTMdKTbDqjudhfF2dQP6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-28T20:48:12Z","article","Resident Fred Visco used the public‑comment period to press the council to require California Water Service Company (Cal Water) and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to provide detailed information on water infrastructure, leak monitoring and wildfire response readiness.

Visco said Cal Water presented a wildfire hardening and reliability project for Appaloosa and Upper Blackwater at a prior council meeting and that the company had said the project would improve fire‑flow capacity and be completed in April 2025. Visco said Cal Water had told the city it would prepare a geotechnical report and provide it to the city. He asked whether the city had requested details on how the project improves fire flow capacity and for complete monitoring and historical leak/break data predating land movement in 2024.

Visco told council: “I strongly urge the city to require Cal Water supply complete information concerning how they are monitoring their infrastructure for breaks and leaks.” He also urged the city to send a letter to the Metropolitan Water District asking whether the Palos Verdes Reservoir (which Visco said can store about 360,000,000 gallons and has been out of service since March 2022) could be placed back into service to support wildfire response, including aerial applications and water for hydrants.

Visco enumerated specific requests: an investigation into a tree fallen near 3 Quail Ridge Road South, follow‑up on a sinkhole on Citrine Road, a timeline for replacing underground infrastructure on Quail Ridge Road South and Century Road, and an explanation of Cal Water’s monitors for low pressure and vibration that indicate breaks or leaks. He asked the council to insist Cal Water provide a comprehensive timeline and monitoring data showing the system’s ability to respond to a major wildfire in Rolling Hills.

Council acknowledged the comments and said staff would note them; the speaker list shows Visco’s statements during the public‑comment segment and the council moved on to agenda business after receiving comments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting May 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment, resident Fred Visco asked the council to demand detailed monitoring data and timelines from California Water Service (Cal Water) and the Metropolitan Water District regarding infrastructure, leaks, sinkholes and the out‑of‑service Palos Verdes Reservoir.","taxTitle","Rolling Hills Estates, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",77661,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6527558,"Council approves revised salary schedule, creates planning manager role and consolidates code enforcement position",1043,5357000,6400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577617-147d4fa4289e79d3388babbcccf92710&start=5357&end=6400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577617-147d4fa4289e79d3388babbcccf92710/thumbnail_5357000.jpg","/articles/6527558/Rolling-Hills-Estates/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-approves-revised-salary-schedule-creates-planning-manager-role-and-consolidates-code-enforcement-position","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527558-a5d5cf61cd8282a3854ef34c918e6792/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078798&Signature=NdSn4gKVMii1ylA~LomBIyHepiNXQSF063979KKBCEOZAAII4u6Ke3j-1KIPRjyv2slXIHfbo3WEifXAQmC1E4Y2oMd9YTzXVJro2NaldLhXnn2iEXCk2MFp9es1OMNH2GGvS44Rgfc36hUMpKj1JDXCtzwrEsY~Kjug3OsYkm~ZZQjVs5bqjB1ufbzzEYWYfu~p5u3BPtl5JNrYXB4LTn~aLXNXx~qPNioSpPaLTTXybj~0eSb8wpax6pUqWhQyXpQPKiOBt~tqCvKsl~6nrj3aJoC9wyV6BzbB2o9lbZxFFjRKuLY3RXtvQg6t1~Mfii5pcxqiPsVIcj5kz4aEgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rolling Hills City Council approved a revised salary schedule and modifications to job classifications that add a planning manager title and consolidate code‑enforcement functions into a code‑compliance officer/planning technician classification.

City staff presented a salary survey comparing nearby and comparable jurisdictions and recommended using median salaries with a 10% reduction at the bottom of the range for most classifications; the council also agreed to preserve the previously adopted ranges for two positions (administrative assistant and management analyst) so incumbents’ growth was not constrained. Staff said retaining competitiveness for planning leadership roles is essential, and that the planning manager classification is intended as a pathway to a future planning‑director role.

The personnel ad‑hoc group and staff recommended omitting larger jurisdictions (Carson and Hermosa Beach) from the comparison set and adding smaller, structurally similar cities such as Bradbury and Avalon when preparing the median ranges. The council voted to adopt the updated schedule, to proceed with recruitment for the planning manager and the consolidated code‑compliance officer/planning technician classification, and to change the city clerk title to “City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager.”

The motion passed on a roll call: Council Member Mersch — yes; Council Member Black — no; Mayor Pro Tem Derringer — yes; Mayor Piper — yes. Staff said any future classification or range changes required by the city’s personnel handbook would return to council for authorization.","The council approved changes to the city’s classification and salary schedule, creating a planning manager classification and consolidating code enforcement duties into a new code‑compliance officer/planning technician role; the council also directed recruitment to fill those positions.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6527563,"Council introduces ordinance setting numeric height limits for homes, stables and barns; critics call limits arbitrary",1790,3600000,5390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577617-147d4fa4289e79d3388babbcccf92710&start=3600&end=5390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577617-147d4fa4289e79d3388babbcccf92710/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6527563/Rolling-Hills-Estates/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-introduces-ordinance-setting-numeric-height-limits-for-homes-stables-and-barns-critics-call-limits-arbitrary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527563-94f90e54f27f4cf386f4c3a024f36356/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078798&Signature=OAWToh6CVF48NCgRAYxwV83IgR8J3g8OMeHaw9DczVaIp1tFHNsPY2CHysAPmvfuWSESf~fUcHTp9D0~LEAMJhtouB7Wr7O7KFHnxBkxVO4nS16TpJ6cRvQNsGPtUc50sbDScGzyncW142IyY7kdVC9XwGwFI1JBcZhc6A1F~S1jpI-FX3klr1yJSU0ub7suYQB3QxZEfxdRFhwjJG-q4Q2V17lJPr5VFkO6QVB38I0~TAEUNkFMwPrFacf1IIdegFats633~qEySqEOrysBHUUY6KWVdXDMjMdqWVNxzXk21NXOpbcY2JWttLG9EqGytlxwAt5BRBnDA-w3VMCRiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council introduced ordinance No. 386 to amend chapter 17.16 of the municipal code and set numeric height limits for single‑family residences and for stables and barns, with a first-reading motion passing on a 3–1 roll call.

Staff said the planning commission reviewed trends showing modest increases in plate and ridge heights in recent years and recommended numeric limits to preserve the city’s one‑story, ranch-style character. The draft ordinance sets a maximum finished-floor-to-peak height of 18 feet for single‑family residences and 20 feet for stables and barns; staff said the measure is statutorily exempt from CEQA under Public Resources Code section 21080.17. The ordinance must return for a second hearing; staff said adoption would take effect 30 days after final approval.

At least three Planning Commission meetings and outreach to the Rolling Hills Community Association preceded the proposal. Association manager Kristen Rigg briefed the council about the association’s approach to plate-height guidance, saying the HOA offers plate-height formulas and an Architectural Committee review to keep new projects consistent with the city’s ranch‑style character.

During public comment, longtime resident Fred Visco and others strongly criticized the specific numeric limits as too low and said the figures appeared arbitrary. Visco asked whether a rebuilt home after damage would be limited to the new height caps and said he did not believe many existing homes have peaks under 18 feet.

Council discussion acknowledged competing goals: some members said a numeric cap provides applicants and reviewers a clear parameter to avoid gradual increases in structure size; others said the proposed caps might be restrictive for barns and historic structures. A roll-call vote recorded: Council Member Mersch — yes; Council Member Black — no; Mayor Pro Tem Derringer — yes; Mayor Piper — yes.

Staff said the ordinance introduction reflects collaborative work with the Planning Commission and the Community Association and noted that variances and adjustments remain available under the municipal code for special circumstances. The ordinance will return to council for a second reading and final action; if adopted at second reading, staff expects the ordinance to take effect 30 days after that approval.","The council introduced Ordinance No. 386 to add numeric height limits (18 feet for single‑story homes; 20 feet for stables and barns) to the municipal code and scheduled a second hearing. The planning commission and Rolling Hills Community Association participated in the study; some residents called the proposed caps arbitrary or too low.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":90,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6527567,"Rolling Hills Council adopts updated CAL FIRE fire hazard severity map, says inspections will target ‘very high’ zones",2887,713000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3577617-147d4fa4289e79d3388babbcccf92710&start=713&end=3600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3577617-147d4fa4289e79d3388babbcccf92710/thumbnail_713000.jpg","/articles/6527567/Rolling-Hills-Estates/Los-Angeles-County/California/Rolling-Hills-Council-adopts-updated-CAL-FIRE-fire-hazard-severity-map-says-inspections-will-target-very-high-zones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6527567-857708bd6edd37cb24f4e53611e23f6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078798&Signature=KWdCtKv85dCQci-uIPP~Tjl2vdY0-ei8IaRnB80YF~orudjbzYk4EhKgkGepEJ9e671qEkGKtZbNjGHRxhysvPt-7U0Df6sVXGAV4zEJ1H~OiswKZlVvxo5Qd9IzrFeSDlWh1A54-QcEyGLlzu0bLhQePGtFy4z1rFeqViq9Tt1Mnvn97Rbm7g5gBXnq57ZxtF299NKcL9KmKNNxzTbOQ14Pfm4bH8qu7rVSXafLOp-7xQ3KqEmFR9UY~J3cl-DT22M9icp~~NHrQDEaggFBQBzH5dxNwEelxcnSby7g9FmA3r5SQjuu2AxwP9TEij~jipRho~pV~l7jMORASqqbyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rolling Hills City Council voted unanimously to adopt updated fire hazard severity maps prepared by CAL FIRE and introduced ordinance No. 387 at the meeting, council members said during a roll-call vote.

Council members and county fire officials told residents the maps are based on updated modeling and climate inputs; the Los Angeles County Fire Department said only areas designated “very high” on the CAL FIRE maps will be subject to annual defensible-space inspections and enforcement.

The new maps, described by Assistant Fire Chief Bridal Kane of the Los Angeles County Fire Department as CAL FIRE’s updated LRA (Local Responsibility Area) maps, use a 2-kilometer grid of climate data covering about 2003–2018 and refine how ember transport and extreme-weather fire behavior are modeled. Kane said the maps evaluate “hazards, not risk,” and that hazard classifications reflect long-term physical conditions over a 30- to 50-year period without accounting for mitigation such as home hardening or recent fuel reduction.

Kane told the council, “Only in red, those areas inclusive in the red, will be inspected and or, mandated to comply with anything within the defensible space.” He and other officials said the maps were released in phases and that local agencies may request additions to the very-high zone if they can provide “substantial evidence of record,” such as fuel-modification projects or local fire history. Kane also said cities cannot use the CAL FIRE process to reduce mapped hazard levels but can choose to adopt maps that are more stringent than CAL FIRE’s recommendation.

During public comment and council discussion, residents raised insurance and enforcement concerns. Resident Fred Visco urged the city to press utilities and regional agencies to provide detailed infrastructure and monitoring data and to hold a public hearing with California Water Service (Cal Water) about water-supply readiness for a major wildfire. Several residents and council members said they worry about the insurance consequences of being mapped “very high.” Council discussion noted a 120-day window for adopting or rejecting the recommended maps after release and that the new mapping would be in effect for the 2026 fire season once the statutory process is complete.

Council member comments recorded during roll call show unanimous approval: Council Member Mersch — yes; Council Member Black — yes; Mayor Pro Tem Derringer — yes; Mayor Piper — yes.

The council and county fire officials also discussed an emerging Zone 0 concept that would apply to the first 0–5 feet next to a structure and could impose new restrictions on combustible materials and vegetation attached to exterior walls. Kane said the county will phase in enforcement and begin this season by requiring that “nothing growing on or attached to the house” be addressed in inspections conducted under existing Zone 1 authority. He cautioned that Zone 0 implementation raises practical questions — for example, how to treat shade structures or gates attached to homes — and that Sacramento is still finalizing precise Zone 0 rules.

The council voted to adopt the ordinance establishing the CAL FIRE-recommended LRA maps and to proceed with the local ordinance required by state law. Staff said the ordinance must be returned for a second hearing and that local adjustments remain possible if the council can assemble the substantial evidence CAL FIRE requires to expand very-high-designated areas.

Looking ahead, staff and county fire officials said the community can expect additional outreach and phased enforcement before the map’s provisions become active for the 2026 fire season.","The Rolling Hills City Council voted unanimously to adopt updated Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire hazard severity maps as provided by CAL FIRE and to introduce related ordinance No. 387, with staff and the Los Angeles County Fire Department explaining how the maps were produced and how inspections will be phased in.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges city to demand Cal Water details on wildfire readiness, leaks and Palos Verdes reservoir

Council approves revised salary schedule, creates planning manager role and consolidates code enforcement position

Council introduces ordinance setting numeric height limits for homes, stables and barns; critics call limits arbitrary

Rolling Hills Council adopts updated CAL FIRE fire hazard severity map, says inspections will target ‘very high’ zones