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 Keith Geiger President For the last 18 years Keith has lived in the South Bay, but just two years ago finally moved with his family to Palos Verdes. For many years it was a goal to move the family to Palos Verdes Estates in 2021 that dream finally came true. After graduating from UCSB with a double major in finance and communications he completed graduate school at CSUN, earning a master’s in business administration. Keith has volunteered at Cedars Sinai and served on the board of directors for several chambers of commerce including Simi Valley, Calabasas, and Redondo Beach. Some of Keith’s achievements include earning the Eagle Scout rank, obtaining the Series 7 General Securities Representative designation and reaching a black belt rank in jiu jitsu where he helps teach young children self-defense. Keith plans to use decades of experience in asset management and property management to uphold the policies and regulations that make Palos Verdes such an unequalled and cherished place to live. Keith understands the comprehensive and careful planning involved in the original vision of Palos Verdes has sustained the peninsula’s majesty for the last century. Keith offers his mindfulness and attention to detail for future years of protecting the high standards and aesthetics of Palos Verdes. Additionally, He plans to help facilitate efforts to improve office systems and operations in order to productively streamline workflows and ensure each project receives the attention and dedication deserved. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Jurist < BACK Stuart Magruder Vice-President Art Jury Term: 2 years, December 2025. Stuart Magruder, Architect, is the founding principal of Studio Nova A Architects, an architecture and design practice based in Redondo Beach. The Studio’s work includes residential and commercial projects, and specializes in highly sustainable contemporary architecture. The Studio has built projects all over Southern California, and has developed excellent relationships with building departments and with quality contractors who can get your project built. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

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 >

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 Keith Geiger President < PREVIOUS NEXT >

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