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
Valmonte Playground
A new playground for the Valmonte Early Learning Center is currently in the planning stages, bringing much-needed updates to the aging play area used by local preschoolers and families. The project aims to create a safer, more accessible, and more engaging space for young children, supporting early development while enhancing this beloved community spot. Once completed, the upgraded playground will feature modern equipment, improved surfaces, and a welcoming environment for families to enjoy for years to come.
Fire protection gear bags for the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department
The PVE Foundation is raising funds to provide fire protection gear bags for the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department, ensuring officers have proper equipment when responding to fire emergencies. The need for this support has become increasingly clear, as PVEPD officers are often first on scene during fires, most recently at incidents on Via Sonoma and the PVE RPV border, where they began evacuations, assisted with hose deployment, and used fire extinguishers before fire crews arrived. These situations place officers directly in harm’s way without adequate protective gear, a challenge also seen during the 2017 Woolsey Fire when personnel faced extreme conditions in standard uniforms. Gear bags containing essentials such as a brush jacket, wildland facemask, goggles, gloves, eye drops, and a fire shelter will better protect our officers on the front lines.
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
Light Up the Plazas 2025!
On December 7th, the City of Palos Verdes Estates Tree Lighting event brought the community together at Malaga Plaza for a wonderful holiday celebration. The Palos Verdes Estates Foundation once again raised the funds to light up the plaza, creating a beautiful seasonal display for all to enjoy.
Santa’s helpers, local high school students volunteering through community charities, added to the magic by passing out candy and spreading cheer throughout the evening. We are truly grateful for all of our donors, including Malaga Bank, Malaga Cove Beautification Project, Malaga Cove Ranch Market, Neptune’s Frozen Treats and Tony Trutanich, whose generosity made the beautiful holiday lights possible at both Malaga Plaza and Lunada Bay.
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.