Photo by Erik Jay
Welcome to the
Palos Verdes Estates Foundation
The Palos Verdes Estates Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization created to enrich the lives of PVE residents while maintaining the unique characteristics of our city. We’ve made it our motto: Honoring our history, securing our future. We do this by funding community projects critical to the city, but outside the budget commitments of PVE.
The community of Palos Verdes Estates was established nearly 100 years ago. Carefully master-planned and built by a group of visionaries, it has remained a residential haven that embraces graceful living and the beauty of nature. The PVE Foundation was established to ensure this vision is maintained.
Since its’ inception in 2020, the PVE Foundation has funded numerous beautician, restoration and safety projects throughout PVE. All of this was possible because of generous partnerships and donations almost exclusively from residents.
a community organization
Our Mission
Our goal is to enhance the lives of PVE residents while maintaining the unique characteristics of our city. We’ve even made it our motto: Honoring our history. Securing our future.
Want to be involved? We are always looking for volunteers!
Current projects
The Crime Deterrent Initiative
The PVE Foundation is excited to announce that we have successfully reached our goal for The Crime Deterrent Initiative. This accomplishment would not have been possible without all the incredible support from our community.
We want to share the recent steps we are taking in collaboration with the City of Palos Verdes Estates and the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department regarding the integration of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) throughout our city.
Over the past few months, our team has been working diligently with city officials and law enforcement representatives to finalize the ALPR installations. We’ve conducted several site assessments to ensure optimal coverage and effectiveness in key areas of interest for public safety and traffic management.
Furthermore, we’ve been in continuous discussions with technology providers to ensure that the ALPR systems we choose meet our specifications and budget requirements while complying with laws and regulations.
Our projected timeline for the initial rollout of the ALPR systems is still on track for 2024. We understand the importance of transparency and will continue to keep you updated on our progress every step of the way. We greatly appreciate your support and collaboration throughout this initiative. Your involvement has been instrumental in achieving our goal and making our community a safer place.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding this project.
Recent Projects
Neptune Fountain restoration
The Neptune Fountain, a cherished landmark in Palos Verdes Estates since its installation in 1930, recently underwent a major renovation thanks to a $75,000 fundraising effort led by the Palos Verdes Estates Foundation. The project began when resident Maria Peters approached Foundation President and City Councilmember David McGowan with the idea to restore the aging fountain. Recognizing its cultural and historical significance, the Foundation took on the project, raising the necessary funds through generous community donations.
the crime deterrent initiative aLPR's cameras have been installed
The Palos Verdes Estates Foundation, in collaboration with the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department, has successfully expanded the city’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system. A total of 23 new cameras have been installed at strategic locations throughout the city, now fully operational to enhance public safety. This expanded network improves real-time monitoring of vehicle traffic, helping law enforcement quickly identify vehicles tied to crimes, locate stolen property, and respond more effectively to incidents.
2025 Events
Neptune Fountain Restoration
On Thursday, July 17, the Palos Verdes Estates Foundation held a donor appreciation event at Malaga Bank to celebrate the completed renovation of the historic Neptune Fountain in Malaga Cove Plaza. The project began when foundation president and city councilmember David McGowan met with resident Maria Peters to address the fountain’s deteriorating condition, leading to a grassroots campaign that raised $75,000. Fundraising began in November, construction started in May, and the full restoration included replacing plumbing and wiring, stripping old paint, and repairing damaged features like a cherub’s head.
At the event, McGowan noted that the Greek god of the sea has “endured many trials during a stoic reign,” referencing the fountain’s long history of wear, vandalism, and restorations dating back to a major rebuild in 1969 after a collapse. The project reflects the foundation’s broader mission to preserve community landmarks and support civic improvement through local engagement.