Local News in Brief : Pedestrian Trail Is Approved

The Rancho Palos Verdes City Council has directed city staff to incorporate a pedestrian trail into any future development plans for Crestridge Road, but not a bridle path to link horse trails in Rolling Hills Estates with those in Rolling Hills.

The unanimous decision Thursday came after 2 hours of testimony from residents and church representatives who opposed a multipurpose trail that would have allowed equestrian use. Opponents argued that a horse trail along Crestridge would be unsafe and unsanitary, as well as an expense that benefits a small number of residents.

Representatives of Congregation Ner Tamid, the Palos Verdes Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Peninsula Baptist Church and The Canterberry, a senior-citizen residence, opposed the horse trail because they said it was incompatible with the number of people and cars along Crestridge on Saturdays and Sundays. Congregation Ner Tamid and Peninsula Baptist have preschools, and its representatives said it would be dangerous to have very young children around horses.

Three people of the 17 who addressed the council spoke in favor of the multipurpose trail, saying a link to other trails on the Peninsula was needed.

Councilman Mel Hughes said that a bridle path along Crestridge is “the last chance . . . to effectively complete a loop” that links with the rest of the Peninsula. He said he is concerned whether the local equestrian community can survive if the area lacks trails from one part of the Peninsula to another.

The pedestrian trail will be built when the Marriott Corp. develops a senior-citizen residence at the corner of Crestridge and Crenshaw.