Bond Measure Would Aid Park Projects

A host of South Bay projects would be funded by an $817-million bond measure placed on the November ballot Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

The measure, the largest bond act in the county’s history, gives voters the chance to decide whether to increase property taxes to improve local park, recreation and cultural facilities.

Although widely supported by South Bay cities, the measure has sparked strong opposition from officials in Palos Verdes Estates. Council members there have contended that residents of the city would face a hefty increase in property taxes but receive little in return.

Palos Verdes Estates City Manager Jim Hendrickson said Wednesday council members will study the final version of the measure and may decide next week whether to continue to oppose it. Councilwoman Ruth Gralow said this week she supports the measure in philosophy and now believes county residents should be allowed to vote on it.

The omnibus bond act would pay for projects ranging from a restoration of trout and steelhead habitats to a $35-million refurbishing of the Hollywood Bowl.

If approved by two-thirds of the voters, the measure would also distribute $140 million to the county’s 86 cities and to unincorporated areas to spend as they see fit. Each community’s portion of this money would be based on its population. For example, the city of Los Angeles, with a population of 3.4 million, would get nearly $52 million; tiny Hidden Hills, with just 1,981 residents, would draw $32,703.

Palos Verdes Estates, with 14,600 residents, would receive $214,019.

Additionally, the proposal includes $50 million to upgrade facilities at county beaches. This work is to include improvements to public restrooms and lifeguard towers.

Much of the rest of the money has already been designated for specific smaller projects, including many in the South Bay:

* 10 million for acquisition of natural lands and wildlife habitats in Rancho Palos Verdes.

* $6 million for acquisition of the Valley greenbelt in Hermosa Beach.

* $5 million for development of Pt. Vicente Regional Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.

* $4 million for development of Friendship Park in San Pedro.

* $4 million for restoration along the waterfront in Avalon.

* $4 million for rehabilitation of the Redondo Beach Pier.

* $2.7 million for development of the Harbor Walkway in San Pedro.

* $2.5 million to preserve natural lands and wildlife habitats in Rolling Hills Estates.

* $2 million for improvements at Charles H. Wilson Park in Torrance.

* $1.5 million for restoration and rehabilitation of the Hermosa Beach Pier.

* $1.2 million for improvement of Moonstone Park in Redondo Beach.

* $1.7 million for improvement of park facilities on Santa Catalina Island.

* $850,000 to restore the Willows Wetlands Wildlife Preserve in Gardena.

* $840,000 to restore Madrona Marsh in Torrance.

* $500,000 to Hawthorne to improve the Sherman Youth Camp Lodge.