Art Jury The Art Jury, comprised of six members, was established in 1923 to monitor all building specifications and property changes to the developing peninsula. Dan Withee Vice President BIO Stuart Magruder Member BIO Joseph Spierer Member BIO Domingo Ottolia Member BIO

Board of Directors The Board of Directors consists of five annually elected members charged with managing Association finances, holding public meetings and elections, keeping meeting minutes, approving amendments, and adopting resolutions. Christine McNamara President BIO Keith Geiger Vice-President BIO Mahmoud Farzaneh Treasurer BIO Philippe Kassouf Secretary BIO Alex Howe Director BIO

Staff PVHA’s staff is available to answer questions and provide guidance on all aspects of the residences and properties in Palos Verdes Estates. Milet Libunao Senior Architectural Analyst BIO

The Palos Verdes Peninsula is a peninsular subregion of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, located within southwestern Los Angeles County, California. It is often called simply "Palos Verdes", and is made up of a group of cities in the Palos Verdes Hills, including Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and the unincorporated community of Westfield/Academy Hill, as well as the Los Angeles City neighborhood of San Pedro. A Proud History A paradise on the peninsula with a vibrant history. Situated in Los Angeles County just 26 miles southwest of Downtown L.A., our beloved community, encompassing Palos Verdes Estates, and Miraleste, is a paradise on the peninsula like none other, encapsulating a proud and vibrant history with unique architectural character that we week seek to preserve for generations to come. "Yet the most exciting part was that this gorgeous scene was not a piece of Italy at all but was in America, an unspoiled sheet of paper to be written on with loving care." – Frank A. Vanderlip, Sr., 1913 1913: The Initial Vision In 1913. Frank A. Vaderlip, Sr., then a successful banker based in New York, purchases the land of Palos Verdes, some 16,000 acres. Though the peninsula had been utilized for crops and cattle since the 1880s, Vanderlip envisions the rural farming community of Palos Verdes as a location with great potential for development as a residential city by the sea even more significant than those on the Italian coastline. The green-patched hills, sweeping ocean views, and ranches that dotted the coastline catalyzed Vanderlip's excitement and his vision. Photo courtesy of: Phillips, John. Palos Verdes Estates (Images of America)(p.9). Arcadia Publishing Inc. 1913: Frank A. Vanderlip, Sr. Begins Assembling the Team Vanderlip select the Olmsted Brothers of Brookline, Massachusetts, a renowned landscape design firm with whom he had previously worked, to prepare plans for a "high class residential district." The photo is a picture of Frank A. Vanderlip in 1918. Source: Palos Verdes Estates (Images of America) by John Phillips, Arcadia Publishing Inc. Photo courtesy of: Phillips, John. Palos Verdes Estates (Images of America)(p.14). Arcadia Publishing Inc. Landscape Design: Frederick Olmsted Vanderlip had selected the Olmsted Brothers to design the grounds for an 18-acre subdivision beside Beechwood, his 147-acre family estate at Scarborough-on-the-Hudson, New York. John C. Olmsted, stepbrother of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., took the lead on the project initially, but progress was interrupted by the events of World War I. Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. joined the war effort, but John had physical ailments that prevented him from enlisting and eventually led to his demise in 1920. With the project recommencing under the direction of E. G. Lewis in 1921, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. took control of the Olmsted Brothers firm and carried on with the work at Palos Verdes. He was instrumental in drafting the far-reaching protective restrictions that would shape the city of Palos Verdes Estates. Reprinted with permission from: Phillips, John. Palos Verdes Estates (Images of America). Arcadia Publishing Inc. Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. is seen in a photograph from 1925. Photo courtesy of: Phillips, John. Palos Verdes Estates (Images of America) (p. 22). Arcadia Publishing Inc. 1923: Establishment of the Art Jury To protect this utopian landscape, resident homeowners, and future property values in the area, an Art Jury is created to monitor all building specifications and property changes to the developing peninsula, with architect Myron Hunt at the helm. City planners had already set aside 4000 acres for parks and playgrounds, 100 acres for a university campus, and space for 120 miles of paved roads. The Art Jury would oversee the construction of twenty houses across six-hundred residential lots that had already been purchased. Pictured here are the first members of the Art Jury. The group first met on November 21, 1922, at the Hotel Redondo. Shown in the rear courtyard of the Gard residence are members of the Art Jury, March 1929. From left to right are Charles H. Cheney (city planner), Jay Lawyer (general manager), David Allison (architect), James F. Dawson (landscape architect), and Robert Farquhar (architect). The Gard residence, designed by Kirtland Cutter, was selected by the Art Jury as the most notable example of residential architecture of 1927. View the Articles of Incorporation Shown in the rear courtyard of the Gard residence are members of the Art Jury, March 1929. From left to right are Charles H. Cheney (city planner), Jay Lawyer (general manager), David Allison (architect), James F. Dawson (landscape architect), and Robert Farquhar (architect). Architecture & Planning: Charles Cheney Charles H. Cheney (1884–1943) was a well-respected city planner who, from the 1910s, was associated with E. G. Lewis and his Atascadero development. Cheney was planning consultant for several California cities, among them Rancho Santa Fe, Santa Barbara, Alameda, Monterey, Palo Alto, Long Beach, and Fresno. Once Cheney was involved in the Palos Verdes Project, he dedicated himself to its evolution for the rest of his life. He served on the Art Jury and played an important role in Palos Verdes Estates. Reprinted with permission from: Phillips, John. Palos Verdes Estates (Images of America). Arcadia Publishing Inc. 1923: Myron Hunt’s Tenure as President Myron Hunt, a prolific, innovative architect who designed over 400 buildings across California throughout his career, writes about the beginnings of the Art Jury: “The first six months of the Jury’s work was devoted to weekly meetings that lasted all day and often far into the night. At these meetings, the current work of the Olmsted Brothers, the landscape architects in charge of laying out the project, and of H.C. Cheney, city planner, was discussed and criticized. Then Mr. Olmsted and his partner, with Mr. Cheney and their chief assistants would join in the Jury’s general discussions. They made many most helpful suggestions in the drawing and making of restrictions.” Under Hunt’s guidance during his seventeen years as Art Jury President, a California style of architecture was established in Palos Verdes, characterized by stucco and adobe, light colors, and tiled roofs. Hunt himself designed one such archetypal Palos Verdes building, the Malaga Cove Library. Photo courtesy of: Phillips, John. Palos Verdes Estates (Images of America) (p. 53). Arcadia Publishing Inc. 1924: The First Palos Verdes Bulletin is Published In November 1924, the very first Palos Verdes Bulletin is published by Palos Verdes Homes Association. READ NOVEMER 1924 ISSUE Read other select historical PVHA Bulletins here: JULY 1925 ISSUE AUGUST 1928 ISSUE SPRING 2002 – FALL 2007 1925: The City Begins to Take Shape By 1925, the first store building in Malaga Cove Plaza is completed. Storm drains, electricity, and a community water system have been installed in preparation for city residents. Roads are nearing completion, and 100,000 trees and shrubbery have been planted. With the opening of a post office, the Palos Verdes community becomes an officially recognized city. Home construction continues across the area, with lots in the Valmonte area selling in the $600 range and construction costs for an average home falling between $6,000-$12,000. Photo courtesy of: Phillips, John. Palos Verdes Estates (Images of America) (p. 51). Arcadia Publishing Inc. 1927: Peacocks are Introduced to the Palos Verdes Peninsula Peacocks were introduced to the Palos Verdes Peninsula when 16 peacocks were gifted to the Vanderlip Family. 1940: H.F.B. Roessler is Elected as the First Mayor of Palos Verdes Estates He held the position from 1940 to 1965 and was named "Father of the City." Pictured is a memorial erected in his honor at City Hall. 2005: Lunada Bay Park Opens Lunada Bay Park in Palos Verdes Estates is an established, open neighborhood park and community space known for its scenic, dramatic blufftop views, pergola, and grassy areas. The area frequently hosts community events, including upcoming Diwali celebrations and serves as a, popular spot for coastal viewing. 2018: Beautify Lunada Bay Pilot Project Completed This landmark project features native plants specific to Lunada Bay, with stone-lined walking trails. All of the plant selections were vetted by both the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC) and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), and the park is an excellent example of Olmsted’s ‘Country in the City’ concept. The project is maintained entirely by volunteers, in partnership with the PVPLC. 2021: Malaga Cove Plaza Is Added to the National Register of Historic Places Charming Colonial-style plaza featuring businesses and restaurants plus a marble fountain.

Director < BACK Mahmoud Farzaneh Treasurer Mahmoud Farzaneh has been a resident of PVE since 2021. He is a father of two young children and raising them in a great neighborhood was part of the reason he and his wife moved to PVE. He is a structural engineer and has practiced engineering in Southern California for about two decades. His focus has been on large commercial and residential projects as well as renovation of historic buildings. He has worked with many renowned architects throughout the region and he manages a group of 20 engineers and drafters. He is delighted to be part of the board of directors of Palos Verdes Homes Association and be working with the board members. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Director < BACK Alex Howe Director Alex has lived in the South Bay for over eight years and, in 2022, fulfilled a long-held goal by moving with his family to Palos Verdes Estates. He and his wife chose this beautiful community for its idyllic views, incredible schools, welcoming neighborhoods, and the timeless appeal of its architecture and tree-lined streets. A 20-year marketing executive and entrepreneur with a focus on the real estate industry, Alex has a passion for enhancing user experiences and crafting compelling storytelling. A graduate of the University of Virginia with a double major in marketing and history, he is focused on improving communication and accessibility for community members. He is committed to helping preserve the unique character and high standards that make Palos Verdes Estates such an extraordinary place to call home. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Election 2026 Candidates < BACK Christine McNamara Vice President < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Election 2026 Candidates < BACK Keith Geiger Treasurer < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Staff < BACK Milet Libunao Senior Architectural Analyst Milet brings with her over 20 years of design practice experience in Architecture/Urban Design, Commercial Interiors, Master Planning and Landscape involving private and public entities. She was involved in projects that included commercial offices, retail, higher education, healthcare, public parks and recreation, and residential clients. Milet has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, and was a licensed architect in Manila before moving to Los Angeles. Milet completed her Graduate Certificate in Landscape Architecture with Distinction at UCLA while working at various architectural offices in Southern California and before joining the PVHA. She is a LEED AP BD+C certified professional. She is also a docent‐in‐training and garden volunteer at the LA County National History Museum, and recently certified as a UC Master Gardener. Milet frequents the South Bay beaches and gardens with her husband and young son for local nature trips. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Jurist < BACK Domingo Ottolia Member Domingo Ottolia is a California-licensed architect with more than thirty years of experience in residential, multi-family, and commercial design. His practice is grounded in a deep understanding of building codes, construction methods, and site-responsive design strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a Master of Architecture from the University of California, Los Angeles. His extensive work in coastal and hillside communities has informed a design approach that is attentive to neighborhood character, scale, massing, and materiality. Domingo runs his architectural practice in partnership with his wife, Dorothy Barnes. They reside in Palos Verdes and have two children. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys reading, road biking, and hiking. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Election 2026 Candidates < BACK Philippe Kassouf IT and Technical Philippe and his wife, Julie, moved to PVE in 2021 to start their family. They fell in love with PVE for its strong sense of community; and are excited about the roots they are putting down in a one-of-a-kind place. Philippe is an accomplished aerospace engineer. He received his bachelor’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California in 2002. He was recruited to develop avionics for, at the time, a small startup called SpaceX. In 2008, he attained a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California. Since then, he has led several Aerospace Engineering companies and now serves on a handful of advisory boards for space startups. As a director of the PVHA, Philippe aims to bring some process efficiencies and assist with automation and online services to help expand PVHA’s capacity to serve our community. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Director < BACK Christine McNamara President Fortunate to have lived in PVE for 36 years and raise two sons here, Christine answered the call to serve the community and friends that she and her family are grateful to call home. With her executive background in finance, consulting, and operations, Christine brings a dedicated sense of purpose and urgency to her work on behalf of all Homes Association members. Open to all challenges, her immediate focus includes protecting our enviable, bucolic single-family residential neighborhoods, fiscal management, and enhanced communications. < PREVIOUS NEXT >