Volunteering your time to the Palos Verdes Estates community is vital to the city's growth and well-being. Not only does volunteering fill gaps in public service, but it brings a sense of compassion to the PVE community that promotes civic pride, a key to social cooperation.

Palos Verdes Police Department and Parkland Rangers

The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) conduct random and direct uniformed vehicular and foot patrols; provide a visible presence; identify public hazards and promote community relations. In addition, VIPS serve as “eyes and ears” of the Police Department to identify suspicious activity, report crimes in progress, and report conduct or conditions requiring intervention by officers of the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department, or the attention of Streets and Parks.  

The Parkland Rangers (Rangers) conduct random and direct uniformed vehicular and foot patrols of the Parkland; provide a visible presence; identify public hazards and promote community relations. In addition, Rangers serve as “eyes and ears” of the Police Department to identify suspicious activity, report crimes in progress, and report conduct or conditions requiring intervention by officers of the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department, or the attention of Streets and Parks.

To volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Services Application and return to:

Palos Verdes Estates Police Department
Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
340 Palos Verdes Drive West
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

For more information, please contact mherrera@pvestates.org or abelda@pvestates.org

Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy

Volunteering with the Conservancy is a rewarding way to give back to the local community and environment. The peninsula is a green oasis in L.A. County, providing volunteers with the opportunity to escape the hustle and stress of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. By giving your time and energy, you will be rewarded with the knowledge you have made a difference and helped the Conservancy fulfill its mission.

Palos Verdes Library District

The Palos Verdes Library District welcomes volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering with the Palos Verdes Library District and are at least 14 years old, please complete the online volunteer application and indicate skills/interest and availability

Palos Verdes Estates Foundation

The Palos Verdes Estates Foundation is a community organization which thrives with its enthusiastic volunteers. Their goal is to enhance the lives of PVE residents while maintaining the unique characteristics of our city.  Whether you want to be an ongoing volunteer or a one-time volunteer for upcoming events, there are many roles in which your unique skills and experience would be appreciated.

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District

PVPUSD has been very fortunate over the years to have had so many amazing volunteers willing to give their time and talents to our schools and our students. Most of the schools' events, activities, and programs are made possible because of these volunteers' willingness to help. PVPUSD strongly encourages parents to come to school and help in the education of their children. You can help in many different ways such as:

• Volunteer in the workroom (no student interaction)
• Volunteer in the classroom, library, garden or support areas
• Volunteer to tutor students
• Serve as a room parent
• Volunteer during special events

Palos Verdes Estates Neighborhood Watch

There are a number of ways that you can be involved in PVE Neighborhood Watch. It is rewarding and a tremendous service to our community. You will be working with a number of fantastic volunteers and receive help in your role.

Palos Verdes Estates Neighborhood Amateur Radio Team

If a severe emergency should hit our City, the ability to communicate with all departmental entities by the Emergency Operations Center at City Hall is vital. Officials might also have to contact other South Bay cities for mutual aid. Finally, there is a need for the various City and county agencies to communicate with one another. The systems that are in place to accomplish all these needs will quickly become overwhelmed when a large-scale emergency hits. Fortunately, the City has a group of Amateur Radio Operators (Hams) who have been trained to help solve these problems. The group is called the Palos Verdes Estates Neighborhood Amateur Radio Team or PVE/NART for short. The City and Neighborhood Watch group have provided funding for the complete VHF/UHF Ham stations in City Hall and PVE Police Department Mobile Command Unit that can act as a back up Emergency Operations Center if City Hall becomes unavailable.

We have the organization and we have the equipment. However, we need more operators. If you are a licensed ham and could help, please call Marcelle Herrera at (310) 378-4211, or e-mail Bob Sylvest at ab6sy@me.com. There are no dues and the demand on your time will be minimal–about 30 minutes a week after being trained on emergency procedures and radio equipment. Your support could make the difference if, and when, a disaster hits. If you would like to help but do not have a ham license, there are classes offered locally to help you pass the FCC tests.

South Coast Botanic Garden

With 87 acres to take care of, South Coast Botanic Garden is always in need of gardening help! Join Green Team or Hort Support and work alongside our expert gardening team. Volunteer with our Learning & Engagement Team and help with seasonal exhibits, such as our tropical butterfly exhibit. Or help out our Special Events Team at one of our highly popular public programs, like Lunar New Year or Dogtoberfest. There's always something going on at the Garden.

Palos Verdes Peninsula Community Response Team

PVP CERT is a resident volunteer organization that is unique to the four cities and unincorporated areas in our Peninsula area. Resident volunteer members, when deployed, can provide an effective first response to a disaster when professional emergency personnel cannot provide an adequate and timely response due to over-demand caused by a large scale disaster. Members are provided initial and ongoing training provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, as well as continuing education related to emergency readiness.

CERT training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to protect yourself and maximize your capability to help for the greatest number of people after a potential disaster. 

Palos Verdes Peninsula Village

Palos Verdes Peninsula Village is a membership based organization that creates a sense of community for older adults wishing to remain in the homes they love. Volunteers will help foster friendships and opportunities to engage and thrive. They offer social, educational and fun activities based on member needs and interests. Their volunteer services include transportation, technical help, handyman assistance and much more.

County of Los Angeles

While community service within the peninsula is indispensable, involvement with the broader LA community is just as pertinent. The County of Los Angeles provides opportunities to help our most vulnerable and at-risk groups. From Veteran Affairs, The Arts, and Social Services, to LA County Fire, and the Superior Courts, your time and skills can have a wide-reach.