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Councilmember Ortiz directs staff to address errant golf-ball damage from Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course
Summary
Councilmember Ortiz asked the committee to accept a memo directing the city manager to work with course operator Courseco and affected residents to reduce property damage from errant golf balls at city-owned Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course; PRNS reported three incidents in the past six months and the committee approved the direction.
Councilmember Ortiz asked the Rules and Open Government Committee to accept a memorandum that would direct the city manager to work with the golf course operator and residents to identify practical solutions to recurring property damage from errant golf balls at the city-owned Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course.
"For years, families living adjacent to the Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course have been dealing with repeated property damage, from broken windows to safety concerns caused by errant golf balls," Ortiz said. He said the memo is intended to identify and implement practical solutions that reduce harm and improve quality of life for nearby residents.
Councilmember Dwan asked whether the course operator (Courseco) is a revenue-sharing lessee and whether liability for damage rests with the operator. Ortiz said his conversations with residents and the operator indicate the operator is not willing to assume liability. PRNS staff said they are clarifying protocol and are already convening Courseco and residents to pursue remedies, such as "golf proofing" exposed homes, and to clarify how liability and responsibility will be handled.
PRNS reported three reported incidents in the last six months that were recorded as complaints or reports. During discussion Dwan cited a court precedent — "Hellman v. La Cumbre" — describing cases where courts found homeowners who built after a golf course accepted some risk; Dwan urged staff to consider legal parameters while also seeking a practical solution.
Vice Mayor Foley moved approval of the Ortiz memo; Councilmember Dwan seconded. Committee members said they want a permanent fix for affected residents and the motion passed.
Why it matters: The golf course is city-owned, which council members said creates a responsibility for the city to limit harm to nearby residents. Committee direction asks the city manager and PRNS to engage the operator and the HOA to identify repair, mitigation and liability frameworks.
Next steps: PRNS will continue convening the operator and residents, assess property-specific mitigations such as nets or barriers, and clarify liability protocols. The committee did not adopt a budget allocation at this meeting.
