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2024 Community Updates Archive
See below for 2024 Community Updates.
December
RFPs Issued for Voluntary Property Buyout Program
Today, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Community Development Department issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from qualified consulting firms to perform a number of professional services related to the City’s Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Voluntary Property Buyout Program. The RFPs include:
- Real Estate Land Appraisals
- Escrow Services
- Surveyor Services
- Title Services
The RFPs are available on the City website. The Community Development Department will accept responses through Monday, January 20, 2025 at 4 p.m. If you have questions, please contact Senior Administrative Analyst Lisa Garrett at 310-544-5236 or via email at LisaG@rpvca.gov.
Please note that Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall will be closed for winter holiday break from December 23, 2024-January 1, 2025.
December 17 City Council Meeting
At last night’s City Council meeting, City geologist Mike Phipps presented the latest land movement data showing the overall average rate of movement across the landslide area has reached 2.7 inches per week. City staff continues to line canyons with protective material and fill fissures as part of “winterization” efforts to prepare for the rainy months. Both local emergency declarations in the landslide area were extended through February 17, 2025.
Prohibition of Bicycles and Motorcycles Extended for 2-Mile Stretch of Palos Verdes Drive South
The Council extended the temporary prohibition of bicycles, motorcycles and other similar wheeled devices along Palos Verdes Drive South in the Portuguese Bend landslide area for an additional 90 days (thru mid-March 2025) due to ongoing land movement creating hazardous riding conditions.
Although ground movement in the area has decreased since then, the land is still moving up to 4 inches per week in certain areas along the roadway, and pavement conditions remain poor. The Council will revisit the temporary prohibition and consider whether to lift or extend it in 90 days.
Voluntary Property Buyout Program Update
City staff gave an update on the Voluntary Property Buyout Program in the landslide area. Of the 85 applications received, 16 red-tagged properties and 20 yellow-tagged properties were prioritized and provided to FEMA for further review. Applicants will receive letters by mail this week notifying them of whether or not they made the priority list for this round. The City anticipates being able to offer buyouts for an estimated 20 homes during this round of program funding.
Of the 16 red-tagged properties, 11 are located in the Portuguese Bend Community Association (PBCA) neighborhood, and five are in Seaview. Of the 20 yellow-tagged properties, 10 are in PBCA, seven are in Seaview, and three are in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club. The yellow-tagged properties are prioritized based on alignment with the path of fissures, sewers and drainage, or whether they are in imminent danger of being red-tagged.
Some red-tagged properties were excluded due to different eligibility criteria. For example, one red-tagged home was deemed ineligible due to being bank-owned. Three other red-tagged properties were deemed ineligible, as they were part of past litigation challenging the City’s building moratorium in the landslide area. The lawsuit prevailed, and owners at the time signed hold harmless agreements with the City, allowing for their properties to be developed with homes.
Over the next few months, City staff will enter contracts for appraisal, surveying, titling, and escrow services to prepare to further advance the buyout program, while FEMA further evaluates the applications.
Dewatering Wells Update
During the meeting, the Council allocated another $1.1 million toward maintaining the City’s network of 11 deep dewatering wells, which have extracted approximately 83 million gallons of groundwater from the toe of the Portuguese Bend Landslide. The wells are running on costly, fuel-powered generators due to the SCE electricity shutoffs. The Council is scheduled to consider the potential of deprioritizing other City capital projects to expand the network of wells, on January 21.
RPV Requests CPUC Discuss Utility Shutoffs at Public Meeting
Today, City Manager Ara Mihranian sent a letter (PDF) to California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) President Alice Reynolds requesting the commission schedule a discussion at its January meeting regarding ongoing gas and electricity shutoffs in the Portuguese Bend Landslide area. While City staff has been in communication with various executives and personnel from Southern California Edison (SCE) and SoCalGas, the City feels both utilities are not doing enough to communicate with the City, and the CPUC should discuss this matter in a public setting to provide direction to the utilities with the public’s interest in mind. Mr. Mihranian also requested an in-person meeting with President Reynolds when the City participates in the California Contract Cities Association’s Sacramento Legislative Tour in January.
December 17 City Council Meeting
On December 17, the City Council will receive an update on the City’s efforts to slow movement in the Portuguese Bend landslide area, ongoing preparation for the rainy months, and the City’s Voluntary Property Buyout Program.
The Council will also consider extending by 90 days the temporary prohibition of bicycles, motorcycles, and other similar wheeled vehicles from an approximately 2-mile stretch of Palos Verdes Drive South from Wayfarers Chapel to Schooner Drive. This temporary prohibition was put in place in June 2024 to prevent injuries due to the poor condition of the roadway. Although ground movement in the area has decreased since then, the land is still moving up to 4 inches per week in certain areas along the roadway and pavement conditions remain poor. If the temporary prohibition is extended, the Council will revisit it in three months.
Whether or not the Council extends the prohibition, bicyclists and motorcyclists should consider voluntarily avoiding this stretch of Palos Verdes Drive South out of an abundance of caution.
Finally, the Council will consider the extending the local emergency declarations in the landslide area that were put in place to bolster the City’s response to the land movement and utility shutoffs. Both declarations must be extended every 60 days to remain in effect.
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on December 17 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live on RPVtv’s YouTube channel, at rpvca.gov, or on Cox 33/FiOS 38. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on this topic to cc@rpvca.gov.
RPV Urges SCE to Identify Thresholds for Restoring Power in Landslide Area
Earlier this week, City Manager Ara Mihranian sent a letter (PDF) to Edison International President and CEO Steve Powell regarding indefinite power shutoffs in the landslide area. The letter noted that shutoffs not only affect residents, but the ability to power the City’s sewer system in the area as well as the operation of the City’s and the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District’s (ACLAD) dewatering wells, an undertaking which has been very costly to both agencies. The City Manager requested an in-person meeting with the Mayor before year-end to learn firsthand Southern California Edison’s (SCE) short-term and long-term efforts to restore power and to discuss the specific thresholds for restoring power immediately.
November
November 19 City Council Meeting
At last night’s meeting, the City Council received the latest updates on land movement data in the Portuguese Bend landslide area, the City’s deep dewatering and winterization efforts, the financial impacts of the landslide response, and the Voluntary Property Buyout Program.
City staff provided an updated tally of damaged properties that have been red- and yellow-tagged and whose owners are seeking buyouts. Of the 85 applications, 20 properties have been red-tagged, 37 have been yellow-tagged, and 14 were deemed to be in good condition. Another 14 property owners who submitted applications have not requested inspections, but may still do so by contacting the Building and Safety Division.
City staff also clarified what is included in the buyout program’s cost share formula, with 75% of eligible costs being covered by FEMA and 25% covered by the property owner via a reduction in sales price. A full list of eligible costs is available on the program webpage. A hypothetical example illustrating the cost share formula is broken down below:
A recording of the landslide item discussion will be available on the City website.
Terranea Resort to Provide Thanksgiving Dinners to Residents Impacted by Land Movement 
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is pleased to announce that in an effort to help bring a smile to the residents affected by land movement who have lost basic utilities, Terranea Resort is generously providing complimentary Thanksgiving dinners. Impacted residents may request individual Thanksgiving meals by emailing landmovement@rpvca.gov by Monday, November 25 at 5:30 p.m.
Individual dinners will be packaged compliments of Terranea Resort and delivered by volunteers to residences from 1-2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 28.
"Our hearts go out to the Rancho Palos Verdes community residents affected by the recent landslides,” said Ralph Grippo, President of Terranea Resort. “During this season of gratitude, we are especially thankful to be part of such a resilient and cherished coastal community. We value our connection with our neighbors and hope to bring a sense of comfort and joy during the holiday season.”
The donation is part of the ongoing Mend the Bend relief effort serving impacted residents, many of whom have been without gas and/or electricity since the summer. Organized by the Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula, Mend the Bend has hosted weekly dinners for impacted residents with meals generously donated by local restaurants.
"For the past 15 years, Terranea Resort has embodied what it means to be a community partner. On behalf of the City, we express our deepest gratitude for this act of generosity ensuring residents whose lives have been disrupted by land movement and utility shutoffs will enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal during one of the most difficult times in their lives," said Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor John Cruikshank. "We also thank the volunteers who will be delivering the meals and all those in our community who have contributed to the Mend the Bend meal program over the past two months."
Mend the Bend dinners have been made possible by volunteers from the Peninsula Rotary Club, Community’s Child, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Association of REALTORS, the RPV Council of Homeowners Associations, Portuguese Bend Community Association, Portuguese Bend Beach Club Homeowners Association, Seaview Residents Association, St. Peter’s by the Sea Presbyterian Church, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, and the Rotary Club of San Pedro. In addition to Terranea Resort, participating restaurants have included The Depot, Gaetano’s Restaurant, Shore Grille, Mickey’s Deli, Baran’s 2239, The Red Onion, Good Stuff, Piccini, Torrance Bakery, Avenue Italy, Casa Luigi, and Later Days Coffee Co.
If you are interested in volunteering to deliver meals on Thanksgiving Day, please email landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Celebrating The Mend the Bend Meal Program
The City Council recognized the Mend the Bend Meal Program at its November 19 meeting. This program has provided complimentary meals to City residents affected by the land movement. Seven dinners have been hosted so far, and three more are scheduled on November 20, Thanksgiving Day, and December 4. The City Council acknowledged the numerous volunteers and restaurants that have contributed to this wonderful program.
RPVtv News Update – Winterization Efforts
In this RPVtv news update, Deputy Public Works Director David Copp highlights the City’s efforts to prepare the landslide area for the rainy months. This work includes lining canyons, filling fissures and grabens, and repaving vulnerable streets in the Seaview neighborhood. Watch on Cox 33/Frontier FiOS 38 or RPVtv’s YouTube channel.
Door Hanger Update
Last week, the City distributed hundreds of door hangers with magnetic cards to homes in the landslide area (excluding those red-tagged) containing key phone numbers and web links related to the land movement emergency. This includes hotlines to report utility leaks, websites and phone numbers for utility updates, the City’s land movement webpage, Alert SouthBay emergency alerts, and the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office for tax relief resources. Door hangers have been mailed to two dozen properties that were not accessible. A limited number of extra copies are available at City Hall.
November 19 City Council Meeting
On November 19, the City Council will receive an update on the City’s efforts to slow movement in the Portuguese Bend landslide area and prepare for the rainy months. Dewatering efforts by the City and the geological hazard abatement districts in combination with a dry summer have significantly reduced ground movement.
Since early September, the overall average rate of movement has decelerated by 76% to 3.3 inches per week. The Klondike Canyon Landslide stopped moving in mid-October. The landslide complex as a whole is still moving approximately 25 times faster than it was two years ago.
The Council will also receive an update on the City’s Voluntary Property Buyout Program and a comprehensive look at the costs of responding to the landslide emergency. Staff anticipates that by the end of this fiscal year in June 2025, the City’s landslide response will reach an estimated $43.6 million since October 2022.
Finally, the Council will consider the extending the local emergency declarations in the landslide area that were put in place to bolster the City’s response to the land movement and utility shutoffs. Both declarations must be extended every 60 days to remain in effect.
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on November 19 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on this topic to cc@rpvca.gov.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
Voluntary Property Buyout Program Update
With the November 8 deadline for the Voluntary Property Buyout Program now passed, the City and Cal OES are reviewing the 85 eligible applications that were submitted. As part of this process, the Building and Safety Division conducted 69 inspections, red-tagging 18 properties and yellow-tagging 34. Sixteen property owners submitted applications without requesting an inspection. Please note that while the City is no longer accepting applications, those who applied without requesting an inspection may still request one from Building and Safety at buildingsafety@rpvca.gov or 310-544-5280. Inspections are not required, but red- and yellow-tagged homes will be given priority.
Many applicants are eager to know when properties will be selected to proceed with escrow. While the City does not have a definitive timeline, we anticipate the review and selection process will take at least several months. Please know City staff is working as quickly as possible to determine whether the properties meet FEMA's eligibility requirements and pass cost-effectiveness, environmental and historic preservation reviews. Each application must be carefully vetted for compliance with program rules and regulations.
Reminder: Decline-in-Value Review Filing Period Ends November 30
If you believe that your property value warrants review due to a decline in market value, you may file an application for Decline-in-Value Review by the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office.
In 1978, California voters passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that allows a temporary reduction in assessed value when a property suffers a “Decline-in-Value.” A Decline-in-Value occurs when the current market value of your property is less than the current assessed value as of January 1. The annual Decline-in-Value filing period is July 2 through November 30.
For more information about Decline-in-Value and how property value is assessed, go to assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/decline-in-value.
Voluntary Property Buyout Program Applications due November 8 
Reminder: Applications for the Voluntary Property Buyout Program in the landslide area are due this Friday, November 8, 2024. Completed applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. and can be sent via email to landmovement@rpvca.gov or in person at City Hall. Please make sure that all forms in the application are signed by all owners of the property.
Established with $42 million from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the Voluntary Property Buyout Program is intended to help eligible homeowners relocate to safer areas by offering a fair market value for their properties based on pre-disaster appraisals. Properties acquired by the City through this program will be permanently converted to open space and deed-restricted, protecting them from future redevelopment risks.
As of close of business on November 6, the City has received 57 applications. The Building and Safety Division has conducted dozens of home inspections as part of the application process.
The City and Cal OES will review all applications to ensure they meet FEMA's eligibility criteria. Properties will be prioritized for selection based on factors such as safety concerns, structural condition, and utility statuses.
If selected for a grant under the program, the City will purchase the property for a price determined by an appraisal that is based on the fair market value of the land on Dec. 1, 2022, prior to the acceleration of the landslide. The FEMA grant will pay for 75% of the sale, and property owners will contribute the remaining 25% through a reduction of the fair market value payment. Property owners who have been selected to proceed with the purchase of their property may withdraw at any time prior to sale closing.
For more information, please visit rpvca.gov/landmovement. If you have questions about the program, please email landmovement@rpvca.gov.
$1.9 Million in Relief Grants Distributed to Landslide Property Owners
Over the past month, the City has distributed $1.9 million in emergency relief grants to residents impacted by land movement and utility shutoffs. The City’s Finance Department has been working diligently to get grants to those in need as soon as possible, typically issuing checks in five days.
Eligible property owners can still apply for up to $10,000 to cover critical expenses such as purchasing supplies, home repairs, temporary housing and other related costs due to land movement or utility interruptions. This program was made possible thanks to $5 million from Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, which included $2.8 million for individual assistance, and $2.2 million to help the City’s ongoing landslide response and stabilization efforts.
For more information about the relief grant program and to apply, visit rpvca.gov/landmovement.
Coming Soon: Land Movement Door Hangers
In the coming weeks, the City will be distributing door hangers with magnetic cards to homes in the landslide area containing key phone numbers and web links related to the land movement emergency. This includes hotlines to report utility leaks, websites and phone numbers for utility updates, the City’s land movement webpage, Alert SouthBay emergency alerts, and the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office for tax relief resources. If a property is not able to be safely accessed, the door hanger will be mailed. Extra door hangers will be available at City Hall.
October
October 29, 2024
ICYMI: Landslide Town Hall
In case you missed it, you can watch a recording of last night's Landslide Town Hall on RPVtv's YouTube channel. During the town hall, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, FEMA, and Cal OES announced a $42 million voluntary buyout program for property owners in the Greater Portuguese Bend landslide area whose homes have been damaged or threatened by land movement. The program guidelines and application are available at rpvca.gov/landmovement.
The PowerPoint presentation (PDF) from the town hall is also available on the City website.
Program Deadline Reminder
Property owners interested in applying for the buyout program must request a voluntary property inspection from the City by 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 4 by e-mailing buildingsafety@rpvca.gov or calling 310-544-5280. Program applications are due to the City by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024 and may be submitted via e-mail to landmovement@rpvca.gov or in person at City Hall.
October 28, 2024
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) today announced a $42 million voluntary buyout program for property owners in the Greater Portuguese Bend landslide area whose homes have been damaged or threatened by land movement.
Established with funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the Voluntary Property Buyout Program is intended to help eligible homeowners relocate to safer areas by offering a fair market value for their properties based on pre-disaster appraisals. Properties acquired by the City through this program will be permanently converted to open space and deed-restricted, protecting the community from future redevelopment risks in these vulnerable areas.
Slow-moving, ancient landslides in the City have significantly accelerated since 2023 following two consecutive heavy rainy seasons that caused damage to homes, roads, and utilities, resulting in indefinite gas and electricity shutoffs for hundreds of residents.
“For the past two years, our residents have endured extraordinary hardships as a result of this landslide, with some facing the real prospect of losing their homes entirely,” said Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor John Cruikshank. “This buyout program provides a viable pathway forward for our most vulnerable community members, offering the opportunity to relocate and rebuild with meaningful compensation. On behalf of the entire City, I express my deep appreciation to FEMA and Cal OES for working with the City to establish this program. We understand the complexity and emotional weight of this for our residents and are committed to making the process as transparent and compassionate as possible.”
The Rancho Palos Verdes City Council announced the program at a special town hall meeting on Oct. 28, sharing program details and answering resident questions with support from FEMA and Cal OES representatives in attendance. FEMA has allocated funding for this program based on the federally declared California disaster for the winter storms between Jan. 31 and Feb. 9, 2024. Additional program cycles may become available in the future.
This evening’s announcement represents the largest grant amount in the City’s history and comes as the City continues to see promising signs that the unprecedented land movement is slowing. The deceleration is the result of dewatering efforts by the City, the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District, and the Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District, in combination with drier weather conditions.
Property owners interested in applying for the buyout program must request a voluntary property inspection from the City by Monday, Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. and submit a completed program application by Friday, Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m. The City and Cal OES will review all applications to ensure they meet FEMA's eligibility criteria. Properties will be prioritized for selection based on factors such as safety concerns, structural condition, and utility statuses.
If selected for a grant under the program, the City will purchase the property for a price determined by an appraisal that is based on the fair market value of the land on Dec. 1, 2022, prior to the acceleration of the landslide. The FEMA grant will pay for 75% of the sale, and property owners will contribute the remaining 25% through a reduction of the fair market value payment. Property owners who have been selected to proceed with the purchase of their property may withdraw at any time prior to sale closing. At closing, the property will be deed-restricted as open space, and the City cannot sell it to private individuals or develop it.
Residents with questions about the Voluntary Property Buyout Program can contact the City at LandMovement@RPVca.gov or visit RPVca.gov/LandMovement.
October 25, 2024
On October 28, the City Council will hold a Special City Council meeting in the form of a town hall at 6 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center and via Zoom regarding the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex.
Residents are invited to attend the town hall to get the latest updates on land movement, the City’s ongoing efforts to slow it and prepare for the winter, plus updates from Cal OES and FEMA.
Please bring your questions and concerns. Refreshments will be provided.
Ladera Linda Community Park is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. To participate virtually, click on the Zoom link below or at rpvca.gov/participate.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
Questions?
If you have questions, please email the City at landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Media Inquiries
If you have a media inquiry related to land movement in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, please contact the City’s communications partner, Tripepi Smith, with your questions at RPVMedia@TripepiSmith.com. They will also add you to our media list so you receive our listserv updates, press releases and media advisories.
Federal and State Legislators Tour Landslide Area
On October 22, Councilmember Dave Bradley, Councilmember Paul Seo, and City Manager Ara Mihranian led a tour of the landslide area for federal, state, and local legislators. The group included Rep. Ted Lieu, Rep. Adam Schiff, State Sen. Ben Allen, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, representatives from the offices of Sen. Laphonza Butler and L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, and Rolling Hills Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Pieper, Councilmember Patrick Wilson, and City Manager Karina Bañales.
The lawmakers and staff got an up-close look at damage to neighborhoods in the landslide area and learned about the City’s efforts to slow the landslide with dewatering wells removing millions of gallons of deep groundwater per week to reduce water pressure that is fueling the slide.
The tour came after the City last week submitted an appropriations request to Rep. Lieu seeking $20 million for continued landslide stabilization and winterization efforts. This includes fissure filling to prevent rain runoff from recharging the groundwater table, constructing surface drains to properly convey rain runoff to the ocean or storm drains, and installing additional dewatering wells.
The City thanks our legislators for their continued attention to the landslide crisis and for their collaboration in identifying assistance for impacted residents and the City’s remediation efforts.
Federal Legislators Sign Joint Letter Urging FEMA to Provide Support to Residents Impacted by Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Movement
On October 21, Rep. Lieu led a joint letter with Sen. Alex Padilla, Sen. Butler, and Rep. Schiff urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to identify any assistance and funding that can be made available to residents impacted by land movement in Rancho Palos Verdes and on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. In the letter, the Members called on Administrator Deanne Criswell to consider ways in which FEMA can help impacted communities in conjunction with other local, state and federal efforts to mitigate the dangerous ground movements and provide relief for impacted homeowners.
A copy of the letter (PDF) is available on Rep. Lieu’s website.
RPV Urges SCE and SoCalGas to Restore Service in Neighborhoods with No New Land Movement
According to the most recent set of GPS monitoring data from the landslide area taken earlier this month, no new land movement was recorded in the Seaview and Portuguese Bend Beach Club neighborhoods. The continued slowing trend is believed to be the result of a combination of highly productive dewatering wells by both the City and the Klondike Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD) and the dry summer months.
Because of the lack of new movement, last week, Mayor Cruikshank signed letters to Southern California Edison (SCE) and SoCalGas urging the utilities to commit to providing timelines for restoring service in, at a minimum, the Seaview and PBBC neighborhoods.
In response, SoCalGas Senior Vice President and Chief Infrastructure Officer Rodger Schwecke wrote that “given the dynamic nature of the land movement and the significant safety risks posed by broken gas lines, the safety of the community dictates that a determination to restore gas service be based on a careful evaluation of the totality of the data obtained over a sustained period of time.”
SCE responded requesting more time to analyze the data in comparison with its data, but notified the City that 16 properties in the Portuguese Bend Community Association on Fruit Tree Road, Plumtree Road, and the western portion of Narcissa Drive will be re-energized this week.
Questions?
If you have questions, please email the City at landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Media Inquiries
If you have a media inquiry related to land movement in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, please contact the City’s communications partner, Tripepi Smith, with your questions at RPVMedia@TripepiSmith.com. They will also add you to our media list so you receive our listserv updates, press releases and media advisories.
SCE Helicopter Activity in Seaview and PBCA on October 4
On October 4, Southern California Edison (SCE) will be performing emergent pole work via helicopter air operations in the Seaview and Portuguese Bend Community Association neighborhoods from approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. SCE has notified customers who will be temporarily impacted by this work. If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 310-544-5252.
Rancho Palos Verdes City Council Allocates Emergency Relief Funds for Residents Affected by Land Movement and Utility Shutoffs
On Oct. 1, the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council unanimously approved an emergency financial assistance program that allocates $5 million in landslide relief funding from the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn to deliver immediate aid to City residents impacted by land movement and utility shutoffs.
The Council’s vote authorized the City to provide up to $10,000 to each affected property owner, with an estimated total of $2.8 million allocated for up to 280 eligible homeowners. The funds may be used to cover critical expenses such as purchasing supplies, home repairs, temporary housing and other related costs due to land movement or utility interruptions. The remaining $2.2 million will be deployed to bolster the City’s ongoing landslide response and stabilization efforts.
"Our community has faced unfathomable challenges in the face of this landslide disaster, and it's critical that we swiftly deploy this funding to support our residents who have been most impacted," said Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor John Cruikshank. "These emergency grants will deliver long-overdue immediate assistance to those whose lives have been upended by land movement and utility shutoffs, helping them cover essential costs like home repairs and temporary housing. We extend our gratitude and appreciation to Supervisor Hahn for helping secure this vital funding for our community.”
Individual grants will be made available to homeowners in the Portuguese Bend Community Association, Seaview and Portuguese Bend Beach Club neighborhoods. To date, an estimated 280 households in these areas have indefinitely lost electricity and/or natural gas service or suffered damage due to the landslide. To ensure program accountability, recipients of the grant must provide documentation for eligible expenses. The City’s Finance Department will oversee the program, and once applications are approved, residents can expect to receive reimbursement within a week. Information on how to apply will be shared with property owners in the coming days via their homeowners’ associations.
The City continues to advocate for more local, state and federal assistance to mitigate the skyrocketing costs of the landslide response and the devastating impacts felt by individual residents and homeowners. The Council voted unanimously on Oct. 1 to extend through Nov. 30 its two local emergency declarations related to the landslide and utility shutoffs, and the City will continue to pursue all potential avenues for financial support.
The City Council also received an update from staff on City efforts to stabilize the landslide. In recent weeks, the City has successfully drilled six new deep dewatering wells that are now collectively pumping out 7.2 million gallons of water — the equivalent of 11 Olympic-sized swimming pools — per week. The wells are located at the toe of the landslide along the shoreline, helping relieve built-up water pressure that is fueling the slide. The emergency project represents a shift in strategy away from the horizontal hydrauger well project, a change driven by the discovery of the deeper and faster-moving Altamira Landslide.
Early indications are that the deep wells are having a positive effect on slowing the rate of land movement. On Oct. 1, the Council voted to allocate $6.1 million to continue emergency work, up to $4 million for additional critical dewatering wells, and $4 million for winterization efforts to prepare for the next rainy season. This includes lining canyons and filling fissures and grabens to prevent water from percolating underground and worsening land movement. While using a combination of Supervisor Hahn’s relief funds, excess reserves, emergency reserves, and American Rescue Plan Act funds for this investment, the City will continue to pursue all avenues for potential financial assistance from the county, state and federal governments.
Recent landslide data presented to the City Council on Oct. 1 shows a continued slowing trend across the landslide complex. Between Aug. 1 to Sept. 4, the average movement velocity decelerated by 13%, with an overall movement of 8 inches per week. Land movement remains 80 times faster than in October 2022, and it continues to severely impact public and private roads, private property, including hundreds of residential structures, utility infrastructure and trails and open space areas.
RPVtv News Update – Dewatering Wells
In this RPVtv News Update, Deputy Director of Public Works David Copp highlights the six new vertical dewatering wells at the toe of the Portuguese Bend Landslide that are removing up to 1 million gallons of water per day that is trapped deep underground and fueling unprecedented land movement. Watch on Cox 33/Frontier FiOS 38 or RPVtv’s YouTube channel.
Questions?
If you have questions, please email the City at landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Media Inquiries
If you have a media inquiry related to land movement in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, please contact the City’s communications partner, Tripepi Smith, with your questions at RPVMedia@TripepiSmith.com. They will also add you to our media list so you receive our listserv updates, press releases and media advisories.
September
October 1 City Council Meeting
At the October 1 City Council meeting, the City’s geologist will present the latest land movement data in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex. Since August, the overall average rate of movement has decelerated 13% to 8 inches per week, with a range of 1% acceleration to 27% deceleration, depending on the area.
The Council will discuss various efforts to continue slowing the movement and prepare for the next rainy season. This includes the recent activation of five deep vertical dewatering wells at the toe of the Portuguese Bend Landslide that are removing about 600 gallons of water per minute to relieve water pressure that is fueling the sliding. Preliminary data shows movement has slowed down at a greater rate in the area since the wells were activated.
The City Council will consider how to allocate $5 million in landslide relief funding recently received from the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Hahn. City staff is proposing providing $10,000 in individual financial assistance to property owners of residences impacted by the landslide in the Portuguese Bend Community Association, including Vanderlip Drive, Seaview and the Portuguese Bend Beach Club. The remaining funds could be used for the City’s landslide response and stabilization efforts.
The Council will also consider the extending the local emergency declarations in the landslide area that were put in place to bolster the City’s response to the land movement and utility shutoffs. Both declarations must be extended every 60 days to remain in effect.
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on October 1 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on this topic to cc@rpvca.gov.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
SCE State of Emergency Update
Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent state of emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes provides certain customer protections to residents impacted by land movement for the period of August 29, 2024, through September 3, 2025. As such, Southern California Edison (SCE) is providing emergency customer protections intended to help navigate through the challenges from this natural disaster. Customers may be eligible to receive support from SCE in a variety of ways including:
- If SCE has determined that electricity can be safely provided to a resident’s relevant account or newly established account within SCE’s service area, SCE will waive deposit requirements and expedite move-in and move-out service requests for residents who seek to re-establish service;
- If SCE has determined that electricity can be safely provided to a relevant account, SCE will suspend disconnection and associated fees for non-safety related reasons, such as for nonpayment, and will waive deposits and late fees; SCE will not bill for the time period of de-energization;
- For low-income customers, SCE will suspend CARE and FERA recertification and verification requirements through September 3, 2025; and for homes that are re-energized, SCE will provide Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) assessments for energy-efficient measures and services, upon request.
Additionally, affected customers may qualify for one of their payment plans to help ease the financial impacts resulting from the disaster event. You can explore payment arrangement options using SCE’s automated phone system, or online through My Account.
Should there be questions, SCE has a dedicated Customer Support Team to help customers impacted by this disaster. Please call SCE at 1-800-250-7339 Monday through Friday (7 a.m.-7 p.m.), and Saturdays (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) for the most up-to-date information on the situation.
Residents can learn more about ongoing changes due to land movement and view useful tips and links to customer programs and support services at its dedicated website: sce.com/rpv
Federal and State Agencies Tour Landslide Area
On September 26, representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 9, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and State Geologist Jeremy Lancaster visited Rancho Palos Verdes to tour the landslide area. The group got an up-close look at the destruction caused by accelerated land movement and met with City staff, the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District, and the Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District to discuss how they can provide technical assistance to each agency in their efforts to slow the movement. Representatives from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) are scheduled to tour the landslide area in early October.
Rotary Club Land Movement Relief Fund Online Donation Link Now Available
An online donation link is now available for the Rotary Club's relief fund for Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills residents who have been affected by land movement. The link is available by scanning the QR code to the right or by visiting: ow.ly/Ph4450Tsc1P
Check donations can be made to "The Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Foundation." Please add in the memo line: Portuguese Bend Landslide Relief Fund and your email address on the checks and mail them to PVP Rotary Foundation, 904 Silver Spur Road, Box 270, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.
L.A. County Assessor Tax Relief Resources
If your home has suffered damage or you believe your property value warrants review due to land movement, the L.A. County Assessor’s Office has resources. The Disaster Relief and Decline-in-Value programs provide property tax relief in the event of physical damage and economic loss of value. Learn more about these programs on the City’s Land Movement webpage.
Questions?
If you have questions, please email the City at landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Media Inquiries
If you have a media inquiry related to land movement in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, please contact the City’s communications partner, Tripepi Smith, with your questions at RPVMedia@TripepiSmith.com. They will also add you to our media list so you receive our listserv updates, press releases and media advisories.
Dewatering Wells Update
In May, the City Council approved the installation of two hydraugers in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex as an emergency measure to remove water underground that is contributing to accelerated movement. Borehole samples revealed a deeper slide plane that is moving at a much faster rate than the shallow slide plane. This discovery meant the City’s project team had to change its landslide remediation strategy to prioritize the deeper slip plane over the shallow plane targeted by the horizontal hydraugers.
In August, the City Council authorized City staff to proceed with a pilot program drilling deep vertical dewatering wells at the toe of the Portuguese Bend Landslide to provide immediate relief from water pressure.
Over the past week, the first two wells were installed along the shoreline between the South Bay Archery Club and the Portuguese Bend Beach Club. Both wells, energized using generators, are now operational and pumping a combined approximately 200 gallons of water per minute. Three more deep dewatering wells are anticipated to be installed and operational by the end of next week. Underground instruments are being installed and GPS surveys are being taken to measure the effectiveness. While these wells will be sheared over time at the deep slip plane, City staff anticipates they can be re-drilled quickly and efficiently until movement slows to the point that they will last longer.
For updates on the dewatering wells, please read the City Manager’s Weekly Administrative Report and watch the October 1 City Council meeting, where City staff is scheduled to provide an update.
How to Get a Permit for Your Alternative Utility Service
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes reminds residents in the landslide area who have lost gas and/or electricity service that permitting for generators, propane conversions, and solar projects is free, expedited, and required with safety in mind.
It is critical for the safety of your household and your neighborhood that alternative utility services — especially generators and propane tanks — are properly installed by a licensed professional and inspected by the City. Improperly installed equipment may cause fire, electrocution, or other health and safety threats.
The Building and Safety Division is here to help. Our inspectors will work with you to ensure your safety and secure a permit. Schedule an appointment today by calling 310-544-280 or emailing BuildingSafety@rpvca.gov.
Handouts with information about the expedited permitting process are available on the Building and Safety Division page on the City website at rpvca.gov/building.
As a reminder, portable generators do not require a permit or inspection. Please refer to the equipment’s manufacturer list of operational requirements for additional information. NEVER run a portable generator indoors or close to windows and doors. For all generator systems, keep a fire extinguisher on site and easily accessible, and make sure you have carbon monoxide alarms on all levels of your home.
For additional information, visit rpvca.gov/building. Questions? Email BuildingSafety@rpvca.gov.
What is Know Your Zone?
In May 2023, the four cities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula began using the Know Your Zone evacuation platform, which is available at PVPready.gov. This website features a map with preestablished evacuation zones across the Peninsula. Please note that the term “evacuation zones” does not refer to evacuation centers. Rather, the zones are a way to identify neighborhoods with unique numbers, so authorities can more easily notify them with real-time information about an emergency in their zone, such as a wildfire or earthquake.
The City encourages all residents of the Palos Verdes Peninsula to go to PVPready.gov to learn your evacuation zone and save it in your smartphone or write it down and keep it somewhere that’s easy to find in an emergency, such as your refrigerator or front door. Knowing your zone can help you evacuate more quickly, which can save your life in an emergency. At PVPready.gov, residents can also learn more about making an evacuation plan and preparing supplies.
Please note that while the intent of the Know Your Zone platform is to assign residents with set zones that can help them better prepare for and stay safe during emergencies, depending on the nature of any future emergency, zone numbers may change or be divided to better support a response to an emergency. For this reason, you should always check PVPready.gov for the most up-to-date information and real-time updates.
Learn more at PVPready.gov.
Reminder: Always Verify Licenses When Considering Hiring a Contractor
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes reminds residents to always verify licenses when considering hiring a contractor.
How can I verify that my contractor is state-licensed?
You can look up your contractor’s license with the California Contractors State License Board at cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800-321-2752. Then, verify that your contractor has a photo ID that matches the name on their license.
How can I verify that my contractor has a business license with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes?
You can find a list of active business licenses on the City website at the following link: https://www.rpvca.gov/677/Business-License-List
For additional contractor scam tips, download a Tip Sheet (PDF) from the City website.
Don't Get Scammed After a Disaster Information
For tips on avoiding scams after disasters, visit the California Department of Insurance’s webpage with information guides.
Applications Now Available for Home Stabilization Projects in Landslide Area
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has established regulations and procedures to help homeowners in the landslide area stabilize and level their houses.
Temporary solutions include placing homes on cargo structures and other leveling systems, such as I-beams, installing alternative foundation systems, and using temporary modular housing and storage while repairs are made.
Permit applications for these projects are now available on the City website at rpvca.gov/building. Fees are being waived during the emergency.
For more information, please contact the City’s Planning Division at 310-544-5228 or via email at Planning@rpvca.gov.
Rotary Club Portuguese Bend Landslide Relief Fund
The Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula has stepped forward to organize donation efforts for RPV residents who have been affected by the landslide.
Currently, the Rotary Club is accepting check donations made to "The Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Foundation". Please add in the memo line: Portuguese Bend Landslide Relief Fund and your email address on the checks and mail them to PVP Rotary Foundation, 904 Silver Spur Road, Box 270, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. An online donation option will be available in the coming days.
If you are a resident impacted by land movement who needs assistance, or if you have any questions about relief efforts, please email Julia Parton at jparton@malagabank.com.
How to Report Price Gouging
If you suspect overcharging for goods, services, or housing, keep your records and receipts and file a price gouging complaint using DCBA’s “Stop Price Gouging” online reporting tool. You can also call (800) 593-8222.
The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) is monitoring listed prices of goods and services in Rancho Palos Verdes and surrounding communities and will work with local prosecutors to investigate reports. For more information on price gouging and other consumer issues after a disaster, visit dcba.lacounty.gov/disasterready.
Reminder: Extended Hours at Ladera Linda Community Center
The Ladera Linda Community Center is now open for extended hours from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Residents, families, and students affected by the situation are encouraged to use the facility's resources — such as seating areas, a TV, and Wi-Fi — providing a comfortable living room or den away from home to recharge. If you lost electricity due to recent power shutoffs, a charging station for cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices is also available at the Ladera Linda Community Center. Stop by anytime from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily to recharge your devices. The Ladera Linda Community Center is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Questions?
If you have questions, please email the City at landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Media Inquiries
If you have a media inquiry related to land movement in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, please contact the City’s communications partner, Tripepi Smith, with your questions at RPVMedia@TripepiSmith.com. They will also add you to our media list so you receive our listserv updates, press releases and media advisories.
Land Movement Resource Center September 11
Residents impacted by utility shutoffs due to land movement are invited to the City’s Resource Center on Wednesday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center.
The City and other county, state, and local agencies will be available to answer questions about the current emergency situation, hotels with discounted rates, pet and animal relocation, mental health support, emergency preparedness and other needs. Southern California Edison will be available for questions and resources. Agencies in attendance will include:
- L.A. County Department of Aging and Disabilities
- L.A. County Department of Mental Health
- L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control
- L.A. County Fire Department
- L.A. County Sheriff's Department
- Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District
- RPV Emergency Preparedness Committee
- Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
- Southern California Edison
The City will have a station with information on permitting for generator installation, solar, gas conversion, and holding tank projects, as well as Public Works requests.
The Ladera Linda Community Center is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Extended Hours at Ladera Linda Community Center
Starting today, Sept. 10, the Ladera Linda Community Center will be open for extended hours from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Residents, families, and students affected by the situation are encouraged to use the facility's resources — such as seating areas, a TV, and Wi-Fi — providing a comfortable living room or den away from home to recharge. If you lost electricity due to recent power shutoffs, a charging station for cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices is also available at the Ladera Linda Community Center. Stop by anytime from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily to recharge your devices. The Ladera Linda Community Center is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Find a full archive of past Community News Updates here.
September 9, 2024 - 5:40 p.m.
The City continues to monitor the status of utility shutoffs in the landslide area and work closely with utilities, emergency management personnel and our public safety partners responding to the emergency.
As of today, Sept. 9, only the Portuguese Bend Community Association (PBCA) neighborhood is under an evacuation warning pending continuity of sewer system operation. No evacuation warnings have been issued for the Seaview or Portuguese Bend Beach Club neighborhoods. However, this situation is dynamic, so be prepared.
SCE/Cox Communications Update
At around 6 p.m. this evening, SCE is expected to de-energize 54 customers in the lower Portuguese Bend Beach Club, while Cox Communication is expected to disconnect 146 customers in the Portuguese Bend Community Association. Both utilities notified affected customers of this on Sept. 6.
At this time, there is no evacuation warning or order for the Portuguese Bend Beach Club. In contrast to the Portuguese Bend Community Association, the Beach Club’s sewage collection system is gravity fed and can be operated/maintained using generators. As a result, there is no imminent public health concern related to the sewer system. However, please identify your specific zone, in the event authorities need to issue an evacuation notice in the future.
For SCE updates, visit energized.edison.com/rpv.
For Cox impacted customers, text at 54512 or call (888) 269-9693 for more information.
Rotary Relief Efforts
The Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula has stepped forward to organize donation efforts for RPV residents who have been affected by the landslide.
Currently, the Rotary Club is accepting check donations made to "The Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Foundation". Please add in the memo line: Portuguese Bend Landslide Relief Fund and your email address on the checks and mail them to PVP Rotary Foundation, 904 Silver Spur Road, Box 270, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. An online donation option will be available in the coming days.
If you have any questions, please email Julia Parton at jparton@malagabank.com.
Land Movement Resource Center September 11
Residents impacted by utility shutoffs due to land movement are invited to the City’s Resource Center on Wednesday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center.
The City and other county and state agencies will be available to answer questions about the current emergency situation, hotels with discounted rates, pet and animal relocation, mental health support, emergency preparedness and other needs. SCE will be available for questions and resources. Agencies in attendance will include the Los Angeles County Departments of Animal Care, Mental Health, Aging and Disabilities and Fire; the American Red Cross and others. Sheriffs from the Lomita Station will be in attendance to answer security questions.
The Ladera Linda Community Center is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. For additional information about the Resource Center, please email landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Extended Hours at Ladera Linda Community Center
Starting tomorrow, Sept. 10, Ladera Linda Community Center will be open for extended hours from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Residents, families, and students affected by the situation are encouraged to use the facility's resources — such as seating areas, a TV, and Wi-Fi — providing a comfortable living room or den away from home.
If you lost electricity due to recent power shutoffs, a charging station for cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices is also available at the Ladera Linda Community Center. Stop by anytime from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily to recharge your devices.
The Ladera Linda Community Center is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Showers, AC and Wi-Fi at the Ann & Steve Hinchliffe San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA
The Ann & Steve Hinchliffe San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA (301 S Bandini St, San Pedro) is offering its facilities, including showers, locker rooms, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned study rooms, to families affected by the utility shutoffs. For entry, visitors must check in at the front desk with a driver’s license, sign a waiver, and ensure children under 12 are accompanied by an adult. No pets are allowed.
For questions and more information, contact Executive Director Josh Chan at joshchan@ymcala.org or 310-221-3796. The YMCA is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-9 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Backup Generators
If you’re interested in installing backup generators, please refer to the following links:
City of Rancho Palos Verdes Residential Generator Systems
Southern California Edison's Understanding Backup Generation
Questions?
If you have questions, please email the City at landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Media Inquiries
If you have a media inquiry related to land movement in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, please contact the City’s communications partner, Tripepi Smith, with your questions at RPVMedia@TripepiSmith.com. They will also add you to our media list so you receive our listserv updates, press releases and media advisories.
September 6, 2024 - 5:00 p.m.
The City continues to monitor the status of utility shutoffs in the landslide area and work closely with utilities, emergency management personnel, and our public safety partners responding to the emergency.
As of today, September 6, only the Portuguese Bend Community Association (PBCA) neighborhood is under an evacuation warning pending continuity of sewer system operation. No evacuation warnings have been issued for the Seaview or Portuguese Bend Beach Club neighborhoods. However, this situation is dynamic, so be prepared.
SoCalGas Update
Today at 3 p.m. SoCalGas shutoff natural gas service to 28 homes in the western Seaview area and 24 homes in Portuguese Bend Beach Club. At this time, SoCalGas does not know when it will be safe to restore service to these communities.
If your natural gas service is turned off, please do NOT attempt to restore service or to connect alternative fuels like propane to your natural gas meter. Doing so is unsafe.
For SoCalGas updates, visit socalgas.com/rpv.
SCE/Cox Communication Update
On Monday, September 9 at approximately 6 p.m., SCE will de-energize 54 customers in the lower Portuguese Bend Beach Club, and Cox Communication will disconnect 146 customers in the Portuguese Bend Community Association. All affected customers have been notified by both utilities.
Charging stations for cellphones, laptops, and other electronic devices are available at the Ladera Linda Community Center from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. In addition, the City is coordinating with cellular providers to bring temporary cell communication facilities to affected areas in the days to come.
For SCE updates, visit https://energized.edison.com/rpv
Rotary Club Relief Efforts
The Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula has stepped forward to organize donation efforts for RPV residents who have been affected by the landslide. Currently, the Rotary Club is accepting check donations made to "The Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Foundation". Please add in the memo line: Portuguese Bend Landslide Relief Fund and your email address on the checks and mail them to PVP Rotary Foundation, 904 Silver Spur Road, Box 270, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. An online donation option will be available in the coming days.
If you have any questions, please email Julia Parton at jparton@malagabank.com.
Backup Generators
If you’re interested in installing backup generators, please refer to the following link:
- City of Rancho Palos Verdes Residential Generator Systems
- Southern California Edison's Understanding Backup Generation
Mental Health Assistance
For mental health assistance or support, please visit Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
September 5, 2024 - 6:30 p.m.
The City continues to monitor the status of utility shutoffs in the landslide area and work closely with utilities, emergency management personnel, and our public safety partners responding to the emergency.
As of today, September 5, only the Portuguese Bend Community Association (PBCA) neighborhood is under an evacuation warning pending continuity of sewer system operation. No evacuation warnings have been issued for the Seaview or Portuguese Bend Beach Club neighborhoods. However, this situation is dynamic, so be prepared.
SoCalGas Update
The City has no new information regarding SoCalGas’ planned shutoff of natural gas service to 29 homes in the western Seaview area and 24 homes in Portuguese Bend Beach Club. Natural gas service will be discontinued to those homes indefinitely, effective Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at approximately 3 p.m. At this time, SoCalGas does not know when it will be safe to restore service to these communities. SoCalGas is notifying impacted customers.
If your natural gas service is turned off, please do NOT attempt to restore service or to connect alternative fuels like propane to your natural gas meter. Doing so is unsafe.
For SoCalGas updates, visit socalgas.com/rpv.
SCE Update
Today as of 4 p.m., Southern California Edison (SCE) completed the engineering re-design in the Seaview neighborhood resulting in the re-energization of 34 homes in the area along Dauntless Drive near Ladera Linda Community Park. Due to the collaborative partnership of all involved, the re-energization occurred within 70 hours when it was anticipated to take 1-3 weeks. Please note that this does not include the 30 Seaview homes that have been de-energized indefinitely.
For SCE updates, visit sce.com/rpv.
State of Emergency Update
Since Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in the City due to power shutoffs, the City continues working with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management on the next steps in the process to help bolster the City’s emergency response. As a reminder, individual assistance is not currently available under the state of emergency. Governor Newsom would need to request President Joe Biden issue a federal disaster declaration and then the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would need to make a determination to make individual assistance available.
Price Gouging Consumer Alert
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a consumer alert following the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to protect public safety amid ongoing landslides that have resulted in disrupted utility services and evacuation warnings for impacted residents.
Please see this link for more information.
The City will continue to provide regular updates at rpvca.gov/landmovement.
September 5, 2024 - 11 a.m.
SoCalGas Announces Additional Gas Shutoffs
SoCalGas has determined it is unsafe to continue providing natural gas service to 29 homes in the western Seaview area and 25 homes in Portuguese Bend Beach Club. Unfortunately, natural gas service will be discontinued to those homes indefinitely, effective Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at approximately 3 p.m.
At this time, SoCalGas does not know when it will be safe to restore service to these communities.
If your natural gas service is turned off, please do NOT attempt to restore service or to connect alternative fuels like propane to your natural gas meter. Doing so is unsafe.
Read the full announcement at socalgas.com/rpv.
No evacuation warning is in place at this time for Seaview or the Portuguese Bend Beach Club. Residents in these neighborhoods can choose to remain in their homes without gas and/or electricity service. However, this situation is dynamic, so be prepared.
For SoCalGas updates, visit socalgas.com/rpv. For customer service inquiries, please contact 1-877-238-0092 or email projectinfo@socalgas.com.
If you suspect a natural gas leak, evacuate the area immediately, and from a safe location, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200.
For SCE updates, visit sce.com/rpv. You may also call 1-800-250-7339 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Handouts with information on residential generator installation, propane conversion, solar, and sewer projects is available on the City website.
Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency in RPV Amid Power Shutoffs Due to Land Movement
Today, Sept. 3, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in the City amid ongoing severe land movement that has disrupted utility services and prompted evacuation warnings to approximately 140 households in the Portuguese Bend Community Association (PBCA).
This proclamation opens up State resources, including emergency personnel, equipment, services and financial assistance, to the City as it responds to the de-energization of residences in PBCA and portions of the Seaview neighborhood.
“The City has been navigating this crisis for almost two years, and the skyrocketing costs of responding to this emergency are taking a toll on our coffers,” said Rancho Palos Verdes City Manager Ara Mihranian. “For months, we have been asking for public assistance from every level of government. Today’s announcement of a state of emergency declaration brings much needed financial assistance for the City to respond to recent power shutoffs that are upending our residents’ lives. We look forward to working with Cal OES and the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management on the next steps in this process.”
The Governor's declaration as of today does not open up individual financial assistance to affected residents. The City continues to strongly call on Gov. Newsom and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to ask President Joe Biden to declare a federal disaster in the City, which would trigger the deployment of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources and potentially individual assistance.
At a 3 p.m. special meeting, the City Council voted to amend the state of emergency declaration adopted on Aug. 6 to include the Sept. 1-2 power shutoffs and expand the covered area to include the Seaview neighborhood. As part of this action, the Council authorized the Mayor to sign a letter to Cal OES, Gov. Newsom and FEMA requesting individual assistance for residents impacted by the accelerated movement in the landslide.
Read the Governor’s full proclamation at the following link: https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/9.3.2024-Rancho-Palos-Verdes-SOE.pdf
At 7 p.m., the City Council will hold its regular meeting, where it will consider extending the building moratorium that was put in place in the landslide area when a state of emergency was declared in October 2023 due to accelerated land movement. If approved, the moratorium would remain in effect through October 2, 2025. The Council will also consider establishing regulations and procedures to help homeowners in the landslide area stabilize and level their houses. These temporary solutions include placing homes on cargo structures and other leveling systems, such as I-beams, and installing alternative foundation systems to help maintain the integrity of the structure as the land shifts.
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting is taking place tonight, September 3, at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on agenda items to cc@rpvca.gov.
The City will continue to provide regular community updates at rpvca.gov/landmovement.
Questions?
If you have questions, please email landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Media Inquiries
If you have a media inquiry related to land movement in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, please contact the City’s communications partner, Tripepi Smith, with your questions at RPVMedia@TripepiSmith.com. They will also add you to our media list so you receive our listserv updates, press releases and media advisories.
Advisory for SeaView – Upcoming Power Shutoff Starting Monday, September 2 at 7 PM
Last night, Southern California Edison (SCE) notified the City and 105 out of 270 Seaview homes that their electricity service will be discontinued for varying lengths of time, due to the risk of utility equipment igniting a wildfire and other hazards caused by downed wires or damaged equipment impacted by landslide movement. The power shutoff will start on Monday, September 2, 2024 at approximately 7 p.m. to the following:
- 47 homes will be without power for 24 hours
- 38 properties will be without power for 1 to 3 weeks
- 20 properties will be without power indefinitely
Each of the affected 105 homes has received an individual notice from SCE that identifies the length of time they will be without power. Households should carefully reference that notification for details.
SCE has stationed a Community Care Vehicle at the corner of Narcissa Drive and Fruit Tree Road today, September 2 to offer support to the PBCA. The Community Care Vehicle will also be stationed at the Ladera Linda Community Center at 32201 Forrestal Drive on Tuesday, September 3 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
At this time, there is no evacuation warning or order for Seaview. In contrast to the Portuguese Bend Community, Seaview’s sewage collection system is gravity fed and operated/maintained by LA County Department of Public Works using generators. As a result, there is no imminent public health concern related to the sewer system. However, please identify your specific zone, in the event authorities need to issue an evacuation notice in the future.
Without gas and/or electricity service, many residents may choose to seek alternative housing arrangements for the foreseeable future. The City is identifying hotels and other accommodations that can offer discounted rates for residents. A list (PDF) will be updated on the City website.
For resources and incident updates, visit rpvca.gov/landmovement. Find your zone at PVPready.gov or https://protect.genasys.com/search.
3:30 p.m.
Evacuation Warning Remains in Effect for PBCA Due to Power Shutoff
An Evacuation Warning remains in effect for the Portuguese Bend Community Association (PBCA) neighborhood, pending the continuity of sewer operation, in the following zones due to today’s power shutoff:
- RPV-E0160
- RPV-E0155-A
- RPV-E0155-B
- RPV-E0150
Electricity service was discontinued indefinitely in these zones at 12 p.m. PST today, September 1. The City and PBCA have installed generators to keep the sewer system operational. However, an Evacuation Warning remains in effect in the event of a sewer failure in the interest of public health and safety.
Residents who choose to remain in their homes are asked to limit their use of water and plumbing, especially overnight when generators may be turned off for periods at a time. Examples of ways to limit use include taking short 3-minute showers, avoiding unnecessary flushes, turning off the tap while doing dishes, and running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
Without gas and electricity service, many residents may choose to seek alternative housing arrangements for the foreseeable future. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is increasing its presence and patrols in the PBCA neighborhood.
The City is identifying hotels and other accommodations that can offer discounted rates for residents. A list (PDF) will be updated on the City website.
For resources and incident updates, visit rpvca.gov/landmovement. Find your zone at PVPready.gov or https://protect.genasys.com/search.
Evacuation Warning vs. Evacuation Order – What's the difference?
What’s the difference between an evacuation warning and an evacuation order?
⚠️ Evacuation Warning: If you receive an evacuation warning, this means you need to start preparing to leave. If you have animals, children, or need additional time evacuating, this is the time to leave.
‼️ Evacuation Order: If you receive an evacuation order, this means you need to leave immediately. Emergency responders have determined there is an imminent life safety risk and you need to evacuate.
Always remember, you don’t have to wait to evacuate. If you feel unsafe, LEAVE.
Charging Station Available at Ladera Linda Community Center
If you lost electricity due to recent power shutoffs, a charging station for cellphones, laptops, and other electronic devices is available at the Ladera Linda Community Center.
Stop by Classroom 1 anytime from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to recharge your devices.
The Ladera Linda Community Center is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes.
August
UPDATE 4:15 PM: The Know Your Zone website, PVPready.gov, may be experiencing disruptions due to high traffic. If the website does not load for you, you may alternatively find your zone by searching an address on the genasys Protect website at: https://protect.genasys.com/search or on the genasys Protect app.
Evacuation Warning in Effect for PBCA Due to Upcoming Power Shutoff
An Evacuation Warning is in effect for the Portuguese Bend Community Association (PBCA) neighborhood due to an upcoming power shutoff. The following zones are under an Evacuation Warning:
- RPV-E0160
- RPV-E0155-A
- RPV-E0155-B
- RPV-E0150
SCE has determined there is a public safety threat. Electricity service will be discontinued in these zones effective Sunday, September 1 at 12 p.m. PST. DO NOT USE WATER OR PLUMBING AFTER THE POWER IS SHUT OFF – THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEWER SPILL. All persons in these zones should prepare to evacuate and seek alternative housing. Pack important documents, medications, and essential items. Make arrangements for pets and animals.
The City is identifying hotels and other accommodations that can offer discounted rates for residents. Download current list (PDF).
For incident updates, visit rpvca.gov/landmovement.
Emergency Assistance Center Available
Residents impacted by the power shutoffs in the Portuguese Bend Community Association (PBCA) neighborhood are invited to the City’s Emergency Assistance Center on September 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center.
The City and other agencies will be available to answer questions about the current emergency situation, hotels with discounted rates, pet and animal relocation, mental health support, emergency preparedness, and other needs. SCE will be available for questions and resources.
The Ladera Linda Community Center is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes.
For additional information about the Emergency Assistance Center, please email landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Incident updates are available at rpvca.gov/landmovement.
Sewer Update
Over the weekend, land movement caused an approximately 10,000-gallon sewer spill on private property along Palos Verdes Drive South near Narcissa Drive. The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD), the agency that operates the main trunk sewers that transport wastewater out of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, quickly responded to stop the spill and make an emergency repair.
It is the City’s understanding that this incident was the first significant break in LACSD’s infrastructure due to ongoing land movement. We continue to work closely with LACSD to expedite permitting for repair work, as needed, as well as efforts to install an above-ground by-pass sewer pipe along Palos Verdes Drive South.
Saturday morning’s incident underscores the urgent need to slow the land movement and prevent a major sewer failure, which would have a far-reaching impact across the Peninsula.
As a reminder, in the event of unforeseen land movement that severely compromises LACSD infrastructure on the Peninsula, LACSD has created a webpage with information for residents about what to expect and what to do: lacsd.org/rpv. The website contains information that will be updated frequently in accordance with any major disruption. It also contains information pertaining to potential disruption, not current circumstances. In the event of future catastrophic land movement, residents will be directed to access the information on this page frequently for updates. Please bookmark the link on your phone or computer.
Please report sewage overflows or sewer emergencies to LACSD by calling its 24-hour number, 562-437-6520.
September 3 City Council Meeting
On September 3, the City Council will consider extending the building moratorium that was put in place in the landslide area when a state of emergency was declared in October 2023 due to accelerated land movement. If approved, the moratorium would remain in effect through October 2, 2025.
The Council will also consider establishing regulations and procedures to help homeowners in the landslide area stabilize and level their houses. These temporary solutions include placing homes on cargo structures and other leveling systems, such as I-beams, and installing alternative foundation systems to help maintain the integrity of the structure as the land shifts.
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on September 3 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on this topic to cc@rpvca.gov.
SB 1461 Update
Senator Ben Allen’s landslide legislation, SB 1461, continues to move through the state Legislature, which adjourns this weekend. The bill, scheduled for a vote in the Assembly today, would add "landslide" as a condition constituting a state of emergency or local emergency in the Emergency Services Act. A status update will be provided in the next community update. The City continues to await word from the state on whether Governor Gavin Newsom will declare a state of emergency in response to SoCalGas’ shutoffs in the Portuguese Bend community. The City requested a state of emergency under one of the existing conditions in the Emergency Services Act, a “sudden and severe energy shortage.”
The City will continue to provide regular community updates at rpvca.gov/landmovement.
Questions?
If you have questions, please email landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Media Inquiries
If you have a media inquiry related to land movement in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, please contact the City’s communications partner, Tripepi Smith, with your questions at RPVMedia@TripepiSmith.com. They will also add you to our media list so you receive our listserv updates, press releases and media advisories.
Geologist Update
At last night’s City Council meeting, the City’s geologist, Mike Phipps of Cotton, Shires and Associates, gave an update on the latest land movement data in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex.
Across 680 acres, the overall rate of movement is leveling off, decelerating by 1% from July to August. Movement ranged from 13% acceleration, to -13% deceleration, depending on location. Generally, movement on the north and west ends of the landslide complex is slowing down, while movement at the south end continues to accelerate, as shown in the map below.
Percent Change in Displacement Rate Map - July-August 2024. Red represents acceleration and green represents deceleration. Click image to open PDF.
Mr. Phipps called the overall deceleration a “positive sign,” but cautioned that the land is still moving 3.5-4.5 feet per month, about 88 times faster than it was in October 2022. He likened the situation to a car going from accelerating on a freeway to cruising.
Mr. Phipps still does not believe there is risk for a sudden, catastrophic landslide. He also noted that recent data shows the boundaries of the active landslide area have not expanded beyond 680 acres. The City is carefully monitoring the current boundaries of movement for any signs of expansion.
Watch a recording of the full presentation on the City website.
Hydraugers Project Update
In June, crews began drilling boreholes in the landslide area as the first step in the City’s project to install two emergency hydraugers — one that will remove water underground contributing to land movement, and another that will intercept water to prevent recharging of groundwater. This test borehole drilling has proven highly beneficial. Samples taken from as deep as approximately 350 feet showed that there is movement on a deeper slide plane in the landslide complex, which had not been previously known. The deeper slide plane is moving much faster than the shallower slide plane targeted by the hydrauger project.
This new information means City staff and the team of geologists and engineers working to slow the land movement must change their strategy. At last night’s meeting, the Council authorized City staff to take a more holistic approach by expanding the project area to encompass the entire landslide complex, prioritizing the deeper slide.
City Staff will return to the Council with emergency construction contracts to install deeper, vertical dewatering wells as a pilot program at the toe of the landslide to provide immediate relief from water pressure. Drilling of these wells is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The team will continue to work on developing drainage improvements and assessing the timing of the hydraugers. The City also plans to drill more boreholes throughout the larger landslide area to help the team get a more complete picture of what’s happening underground, as the samples collected to date were isolated to the south end of the Portuguese Bend Landslide.
How to Sign Up for SCE Outage Alerts
On August 19, SCE informed the City of a temporary repair outage in the Seaview neighborhood due to emergency work related to land movement. As a reminder, in the event of a power outage, residents can check sce.com/outage for the latest updates, including an estimated restoration time. Report an outage at sce.com/outage or by calling 1-800-611-1911.
To sign up for outage alerts, go to sce.com/outagealerts. Sign in to your account, click on Profile Settings, and navigate to Contacts for Notifications to add contact information. Then navigate to Preference Center and under Account Preferences, select what notifications you want to receive.
If you have noticed SCE helicopters in the landslide area, please note that this is related to ongoing aerial monitoring, as SCE has added the landslide area to its regular route for situational awareness related to landslide activities.
The City will continue to provide regular community updates at rpvca.gov/landmovement.
Questions?
If you have questions, please email landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Media Inquiries
If you have a media inquiry related to land movement in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, please contact the City’s communications partner, Tripepi Smith, with your questions at RPVMedia@TripepiSmith.com. They will also add you to our media list so you receive our listserv updates, press releases and media advisories.
State of Emergency Request
Since the City requested Governor Gavin Newsom declare a state of emergency in response to natural gas shutoffs in the Portuguese Bend community, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has requested staff submit preliminary cost estimates for damages related to the emergency. These estimates will help Cal OES determine whether a state of emergency will be declared at the state level and what potential assistance can be made available (i.e. public and/or individual assistance).
With help from the Portuguese Bend Community Association, City staff is finalizing the damage estimates, which include costs incurred by residents who have reported spending tens of thousands of dollars on propane and solar energy conversion projects, as well as the City’s emergency expenses. The final estimates will be submitted to Cal OES before the August 16 deadline.
The City’s goal in seeking a state of emergency due to a sudden and severe energy shortage is to emphasize the need for individual financial assistance for residents who have been without gas service for over two weeks. Cal OES’s determination will be shared with the community as soon as it is available.
SCE Update
On the afternoon of August 14, the City heard from residents in the Seaview neighborhood seeking information about a power outage that was later resolved. The City continues to urge Southern California Edison (SCE) to notify customers of repair outages, if possible, as we know many of our residents in the landslide area are on edge about potentially losing their electricity service indefinitely due to land movement. In the event of a power outage, please check sce.com/outage for the latest updates, including an estimated restoration time. You can also sign up for outage alerts at sce.com/outagealerts. Report an outage at sce.com/outage or by calling 1-800-611-1911.
In case you missed it, SCE has updated its dedicated RPV webpage with frequently asked questions about the potential of discontinuing electricity in the landslide area. Explore this new section at: sce.com/rpv.
On August 2, the City sent a letter to SCE Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jill C. Anderson raising serious concerns about the potential of cutting electricity to the landslide area and urging efforts to minimize any disruptions as much as possible. On August 9, Ms. Anderson provided a response, noting that SCE is “moving forward with urgency to reconfigure portions of the electric system and install devices in the area to limit the impact of potential future outages should the hazardous conditions worsen.” Ms. Anderson also stated that “to the extent conditions continue to deteriorate, SCE may be required to temporarily de-energize some circuits or portions of circuits, and we will continue to work on alternate service options. In addition, we may further be required to permanently discontinue service to some locations if necessary to maintain public safety.”
The City remains in regular contact with SCE and has requested the earliest possible notice of any potential temporary or long-term electricity shutoffs. Copies of both letters are available on the City website:
Letter to Elon Musk
Last week, Mayor John Cruikshank sent a letter to Tesla CEO Elon Musk seeking assistance for homeowners in the landslide area impacted by the gas shutoffs and potential electricity shutoffs. Mayor Cruikshank stated that a potential partnership to equip impacted homes with solar panels and Powerwall batteries would not only provide these residents with immediate relief, but also demonstrate the viability of clean energy solutions in a real-world scenario, further solidifying Tesla's role as a leader in the green energy revolution. Read the letter on the City website:
New LACSD Webpage
The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) is the wastewater utility provider for Rancho Palos Verdes residents. LACSD’s main sewer trunk lines transport all wastewater out of the area to be processed at its treatment plants. All local resident sewer lines flow to LACSD trunk lines. The operation and preservation of these sewer trunk lines is imperative for handling wastewater and sewage appropriately to protect the health and wellbeing of residents and the environment. Currently, LACSD’s sewer lines continue to operate normally. In the event of unforeseen land movement that severely compromises LACSD infrastructure in the Peninsula area, LACSD has created a webpage with information for residents about what to expect and what to do: lacsd.org/rpv.
The website contains information that will be updated frequently in accordance with any major disruption. It also contains information pertaining to potential disruption, not current circumstances. In the event of future catastrophic land movement, residents will be directed to access the information on this page frequently for updates.
Communications will also be sent broadly across all City and LACSD communication platforms as frequently as necessary. LACSD staff may also be active onsite depending on the severity of the situation. Follow LACSD on social media: @SanitationDistrictsLACounty, @sandistricts, @SanDistricts, YouTube
Please note that LACSD’s webpage contains information related to possible future scenarios and does not apply to current conditions. This is your best source of information for any unforeseen sewer emergencies in the future. LACSD encourages residents to bookmark this link on their phone or computer.
August 20 City Council Meeting
On August 20, the City’s geologist will present the City Council with the latest land movement data in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex. City staff will update the Council on efforts to install two emergency hydraugers — also called dewatering wells — to slow the movement. Because test boreholes drilled as deep as 350 feet into the earth have confirmed the presence of a much deeper active slide plane than previously thought, the Council will be asked to consider expanding the scope of the project to include the Abalone Cove, Klondike Canyon, and Beach Club Landsides, and to explore additional strategies to slow the movement in a united and coordinated effort with the Abalone Cove and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement Districts (ACLAD and KCLAD).
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on August 20 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on this topic to cc@rpvca.gov.
The City will continue to provide regular community updates at rpvca.gov/landmovement.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
Rancho Palos Verdes City Council Urges Governor Newsom to Declare State of Emergency for Gas Shutoffs
Days after SoCalGas abruptly discontinued natural gas service to approximately 135 homes in the Portuguese Bend community due to land movement, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is urging Governor Gavin Newsom declare a state of emergency to help impacted residents.
On August 6, the City Council voted to declare a local state of emergency due to a sudden and severe energy shortage, as defined in the California Emergency Services Act. For over one week, residents in the Portuguese Bend Community Association have been scrambling to find alternate means of heating water, cooking meals, and warming homes in preparation for a potentially rainy winter season. The day after gas service was cut, Southern California Edison put even more customers in the wider landslide area on notice that, due to land movement, it may discontinue electricity in the future, if conditions warrant. The City now faces two emergencies: the ongoing landslide and mass utility shutoffs.
In a letter (PDF) to Governor Newsom, Mayor John Cruikshank requested a state of emergency be declared to make public and individual financial and in-kind assistance — such as from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — available to the community. The letter requested permitting requirements be waived or suspended for projects to help impacted residents.
At last night’s meeting, the Council also voted to extend the City’s existing local emergency in the landslide area. Both local declarations must be renewed every 60 days to remain in effect. Watch a recording of the discussion, which included an update on property inspections, on the City website.
Please know that the City is exploring every avenue to slow the land movement and to assist residents impacted by this crisis. We are #RPVtogether.
Reminder: Land Movement Information Center August 8
Residents impacted by land movement are invited to an Information Center on August 8 from 2-8 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center. This event will feature Los Angeles County services, state agencies, nonprofits, and emergency preparedness resources, including:
- L.A. County Assessor’s Office
- L.A. County Department of Aging and Disabilities
- L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control
- L.A. County Fire Department
- L.A. County Department of Mental Health
- L.A. County Department of Public Health
- L.A. County Department of Public Social Services
- L.A. County Department of Public Works
- L.A. County Treasurer and Tax Collector
- California Department of Insurance
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
The City will have a station with information on permitting for gas conversion and solar projects, as well as Public Works requests. Concurrently, the Portuguese Bend Community Association will host a fair with contractors and professionals who provide services for these and other projects that may be needed.
Now Available: Handout for Sewage Holding Tank Installations
At yesterday’s Land Movement Information Center at the Ladera Linda Community Center, many residents visited the City’s station to learn about the expedited permitting process for propane conversion and solar energy projects. Information is now available about permitting for switching to above ground sewage holding tanks. Download the handout on the City website (PDF) or pick up a copy at the Information Center on Thursday from 2-8 p.m.
Tax Relief Resources
The L.A. County Assessor's Office table also saw many interested residents at Day 1 of the Information Center. Please visit the Land Movement page on the City website for resources from the Assessor’s Office, including handouts about the Disaster Relief and Decline-in-Value programs, which provide property tax relief in the event of physical damage and economic loss of value.
SoCalGas Work in Seaview Neighborhood
On August 2, SoCalGas began work to install a series of isolation valves in the Seaview community. If it becomes necessary, these valves would allow SoCalGas to safely turn off natural gas to individual streets most impacted by the land movement, potentially reducing the impact to surrounding streets. This work is not expected to disrupt service to customers in the Seaview community. Read the latest update from SoCalGas at socalgas.com/rpv.
The City will continue to provide regular community updates at rpvca.gov/landmovement.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes continues to monitor the landslide emergency and its impacts to utilities. We understand many residents in the landslide area are seeking guidance on whether they should invest in gas and solar conversion, or a backup generator. While the City cannot make recommendations for your property, homeowners are advised to work with a licensed professional when considering switching to propane gas service or solar power, or installing a backup generator. The City’s Building & Safety Division will work with them to expedite your project so it can be installed as soon as possible. Handouts with more information are available on the City website.
Always verify licenses when considering hiring a contractor. You can verify a contractor’s license by looking it up with the California Contractors State License Board at cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800-321-2752. Then, verify that your contractor has a photo ID that matches the name on their license.
The City’s building inspectors have completed windshield safety inspections of properties in the Portuguese Bend Community Association, Portuguese Bend Beach Club, and Seaview neighborhoods. If a follow-up with a homeowner is needed due to signs of potential structural stress, City staff will reach out beginning next week via a letter requesting a voluntary inspection be scheduled within 10 days of receiving the notice. If voluntary compliance is not achieved, the City will seek an inspection warrant.
Overnight Power Outage due to SCE Work
Southern California Edison will perform overnight utility work along Palos Verdes Drive South west of Schooner Drive from approximately 10:00 p.m. on August 5, to 6:00 a.m. on August 6. This will require a temporary power outage during work hours for all customers in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club and approximately 50 residences on Dauntless and Admirable Drives in the Seaview neighborhood. Please note that a previous version of this traffic alert erroneously stated that SCE would provide advance notice to impacted customers.
Separately, the City will be performing roadway repairs along Palos Verdes Drive South in the landslide area on August 6 from approximately 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Expect delays and consider an alternate route. If you must drive through this area during this time, please proceed slowly, yield to workers and obey traffic control at the site.
Reminder: Land Movement Information Center August 6 & 8
Residents impacted by land movement are invited to an Information Center on August 6 and 8 from 2-8 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center. This event will feature Los Angeles County services, state agencies, nonprofits, and emergency preparedness resources, including:
- L.A. County Assessor’s Office
- L.A. County Department of Aging and Disabilities
- L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control
- L.A. County Fire Department
- L.A. County Department of Mental Health
- L.A. County Department of Public Health
- L.A. County Department of Public Social Services
- L.A. County Department of Public Works
- L.A. County Treasurer and Tax Collector
- California Department of Insurance
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
The City will have a station with information on permitting for gas conversion and solar projects, as well as Public Works requests.
Concurrently, the Portuguese Bend Community Association will host a fair with contractors and professionals who provide services for these and other projects that may be needed.
For additional information, please email landmovement@rpvca.gov or call 310-544-5200.
Reminder: Ongoing SCE Drone Inspections Start This Week in Seaview and Upper Portuguese Bend
As part of its landslide response, starting August 5-6, Southern California Edison (SCE) will be performing regular drone inspections the Seaview neighborhood and Upper Portuguese Bend. These inspections will occur every other Monday and Tuesday during daytime hours. SCE anticipates they will continue through at least the end of 2024. If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 310-544-5252.
August 6 City Council Meeting
Tomorrow night, August 6, the City Council will consider declaring a new local emergency in response to recent gas shutoffs in the Portuguese Bend community. By declaring a local emergency for this incident, the City aims to try to secure individual financial assistance from the federal government for residents who were blindsided by the loss of gas service. City staff will provide updates on resources for residents, including the upcoming Information Center, and the process for ongoing property safety inspections. Finally, the Council will consider renewing the City’s existing local emergency declaration in the landslide area.
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on August 6 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on this topic to cc@rpvca.gov.
The City will continue to provide regular community updates at rpvca.gov/landmovement.
Questions?
If you have questions, please email landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Media Inquiries
If you have a media inquiry related to land movement in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, please contact the City’s communications partner, Tripepi Smith, with your questions at RPVMedia@TripepiSmith.com. They will also add you to our media list so you receive our listserv updates, press releases and media advisories.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
Land Movement Information Center August 6 & 8
Residents impacted by land movement are invited to an Information Center on August 6 and 8 from 2-8 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center.
This event will feature Los Angeles County services, state agencies, nonprofits, and emergency preparedness resources. The City will have a station with information on permitting for gas conversion and solar projects, as well as Public Works requests.
Concurrently, the Portuguese Bend Community Association will host a fair with contractors and professionals who provide services for these and other projects that may be needed.
For additional information, please email landmovement@rpvca.gov or call 310-544-5200.
August 6 City Council Meeting
On August 6, the City Council will consider declaring a new local emergency in response to recent gas shutoffs in the Portuguese Bend community. By declaring a local emergency for the sudden and severe loss of energy, the City aims to emphasize the need for individual financial assistance from the federal government for residents who were blindsided by the loss of gas service. City staff will provide updates on resources for residents, including the upcoming Information Center, and the process for ongoing property safety inspections. Finally, the Council will consider renewing the City’s existing local emergency declaration in the landslide area.
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on August 6 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on this topic to cc@rpvca.gov.
The City will continue to provide regular community updates at rpvca.gov/landmovement. Unless there is a significant development over the weekend, updates will resume on Monday, August 5.
Have questions about propane conversions and solar energy?
Since Monday’s SoCalGas shutoffs in the Portuguese Bend community, the City has heard from many residents who are interested in switching to alternatives for natural gas service. SCE’s announcement Tuesday evening of potential de-energization in the landslide area has also prompted many inquiries about solar power.
To help guide residents, the City has created informational handouts about the Community Development Department’s expedited permitting programs for these projects:
If you have questions or to schedule an appointment to obtain a permit (recommended), please contact the Building and Safety Division at 310-544-5280 or BuildingSafety@rpvca.gov.
July 31, 2024 Landslide Q&A Recording
A recording of the Landslide Community Q&A hosted by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes at the Ladera Linda Community Center on July 31, 2024 is now available on RPVtv's YouTube channel.
Coming Soon: Information Center
City staff is coordinating with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to establish an information center featuring county services, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and emergency preparedness resources to support impacted residents. This may include a station to submit over-the-counter permit applications to the City’s Building and Safety Division for propane conversions and solar projects and to submit requests to Public Works. Stay tuned for details in the coming days on this popup center planned for the Ladera Linda Community Center.
The City is assisting the Portuguese Bend Community Association with concurrently conducting a resource fair for contractors and vendors on products and services for impacted residents.
Ongoing Requests to State and Federal Officials for Financial Assistance
The City continues to plead with our state and federal officials for financial assistance to help individuals impacted by the landslide emergency and assist the City cover skyrocketing costs to maintain critical infrastructure. Yesterday, City staff sent letters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) urgently requesting individual financial assistance, and to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) seeking financial assistance for the repair and maintenance of Palos Verdes Drive South. Copies of the letters are available on the City website:
Letter to FHWA (PDF)
Be Ready, RPV.
We know the uncertainty posed by the landslide emergency is distressing, and your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Please take time now to prepare your family for an emergency:
Keep an emergency supply kit
Download our evacuation packing list (PDF)
Make a plan for your family
Sign up for Alert SouthBay emergency alerts by texting “alertrpv” to 888-777
Go to PVPready.gov to Know Your Zone
Check socalgas.com/rpv for the latest updates from SoCalGas
Check sce.com/rpv for the latest updates from SCE
As a reminder, it’s critical for the safety of you and your neighbors to report utility emergencies. If you see a downed power line, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1, then call SCE at 1-800-611-1911. If you suspect a natural gas leak, evacuate the area immediately, and from a safe location, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. Report water leaks to Cal Water at 855-RPV-LEAK (855-778-5325).
July
Landslide Community Q&A Tonight
Reminder: Residents are invited to attend a Landslide Neighborhood Q&A meeting TONIGHT, July 31 from 6-9 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center. Due to the anticipated high volume of attendees for tonight's Landslide Community Q&A, the City encourages virtual participation. If you are attending the meeting in person, please consider carpooling or walking if you live nearby.
Held in a Q&A format (different from the April 2024 landslide town hall), the event will provide an opportunity for the public to share their questions and concerns with the City and utilities, plus get the latest updates on the landslide and utility impacts. Ladera Linda Community Park is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. A recording of the meeting will be made available.
Potential SCE Power Shutoff Update
We know many of our residents are taking in SCE’s announcement last night that, due to the ongoing land movement, electricity service may be discontinued in the landslide area in the future, if conditions warrant.
The City is taking in this news, too. While we appreciate SCE sharing this update with the community sooner rather than later, we have concerns about its many implications for the hundreds of residents living in neighborhoods in the landslide area, as well as City services. The City is also an SCE customer. A power shutoff would be detrimental to the entire community, as electricity powers critical communication lines, our sewer system, and much-needed existing and planned dewatering wells and hydraugers used to remove groundwater to decelerate the very land movement impacting utilities.
The City urges SCE to act now to do everything possible to minimize any potential shutoffs, including exploring circuit splitting. The earliest possible notice to the community of any potential shutoffs is paramount. Our residents’ livelihood and homes are at stake.
As a reminder, SCE has created a dedicated webpage with updates and resources, sce.com/rpv.
SoCalGas also continues to share updates regarding natural gas shutoffs in the Portuguese Bend community at socalgas.com/rpv.
Partial BRIC Award Notification
Amid this challenging week, today, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) notified the City that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $1.1 million in Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant funding toward the first phase of the City’s long-term Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project, which aims to significantly slow the Portuguese Bend Landslide. This grant award, which requires a $432,165 match from the City, will cover the design and development phase. This is welcome news as the City continues to navigate the landslide crisis.
Update on Landslide Emergency and Utility Impacts
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes knows many of our residents are concerned about whether additional utility services may be discontinued in the landslide area since yesterday’s SoCalGas shutoff in the Portuguese Bend community.
This evening, Southern California Edison (SCE) issued a notification to customers in the landslide area "to advise that Southern California Edison’s service to [their] property may be discontinued if conditions warrant.”
No shutoffs are currently in effect. The City remains in communication with SCE to ensure advance notice of any potential de-energization in the landslide area is provided to residents.
SCE has created a dedicated webpage with updates and resources at sce.com/rpv.
The City is in continual discussions with SCE and all other utilities (Cal Water, L.A. County Sanitation Districts, L.A. County Public Works) and public safety partners to stay apprised of the dynamic situation.
Potential utility shutoffs would impact not only residents, but City services. We are making every effort to be prepared for a range of scenarios, and you should, too. In addition to keeping an emergency supply kit, evacuation packing list (PDF) and having a plan for your family, make sure you are signed up for Alert SouthBay emergency alerts by texting “alertrpv” to 888-777 or registering at AlertSouthBay.com. Get familiar with the Peninsula cities’ Know Your Zone evacuation information platform. Go to PVPready.gov to find your zone number, then save it in your phone or write it down and keep it somewhere that’s easy to find in an emergency, such as on your refrigerator or near the front door. In an emergency, such as a landslide or wildfire, check the zone map at PVPready.gov to see if your zone is under an evacuation warning or order.
SoCalGas Shutoff Resources and Information Booth
SoCalGas has shared that it will continue to staff an information booth for residents impacted by shut-offs in the Portuguese Bend Community at the intersection of Narcissa Drive and Fruit Tree Road, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., through at least Thursday, Aug. 1. SoCalGas has created a dedicated website for this incident at socalgas.com/rpv with more information.
SoCalGas reminds impacted residents to please NOT attempt to restore service or to connect alternative fuels like propane to your natural gas meter. Doing so is unsafe.
Landslide Community Q&A July 31
Residents are invited to attend a Landslide Neighborhood Q&A meeting on Wednesday, July 31 from 6-9 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center.
Update 7-31-24: Due to the anticipated high volume of attendees for tonight's Landslide Community Q&A, the City encourages virtual participation. If you are attending the meeting in person, please consider carpooling or walking if you live nearby.
Held in a Q&A format (different from the April 2024 landslide town hall), the event will provide an opportunity for the public to share their questions and concerns with the City and utilities, plus get the latest updates on the landslide and utility impacts. Ladera Linda Community Park is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. To participate virtually, join the Zoom link at: ow.ly/pySn50SNKY0
Please note that this week’s RPV Landslide Complex Working Group meeting on July 31 is canceled due to the Q&A.
City Resources and Property Inspections
The City is working swiftly to implement contingency plans to support residents impacted by land movement, including securing agreements for temporary housing accommodations and continuing to request state and federal financial assistance for individuals. We are also finding temporary solutions to help homeowners stabilize and level their houses through this emergency. This includes bridging separating rooflines and providing alternative foundations that may move with the shifting land. Additionally, the City is exploring expanding the permissible use of temporary housing, such as manufactured homes, in the landslide area while repairs are made to permanent homes so they can be salvaged. More information will be provided when it is available.
On Thursday, August 1, the City will begin conducting voluntary home inspections in the landslide areas of Seaview, Portuguese Bend Community, and Portuguese Bend Beach Club. Our inspectors may ask for homeowners’ permission to access their property to identify any signs of structural stress or damage that are readily apparent, so they can ensure their safety. The City’s objective is to work with property owners to ensure their safety. If our inspectors see any concerning signs of damage or structural stress, they will work with homeowners to identify strategies to save structural integrity and prevent further damage, with the public’s health and safety being paramount.
The City also remains in communication with the L.A. County Fire Department about the impacts of the landslide on emergency access and response times. The Fire Department is committed to serving, at all times, the entire City, including the landslide area, and has purchased equipment to help access areas that have become more difficult to reach. Despite those efforts, the Fire Department has indicated that properties impacted by the landslide may experience a delay in emergency response times.
Update on SoCalGas Service Interruption to Portuguese Bend Community
Today, the City held a nearly five hour-long, all-hands meeting with representatives from utilities and local, state and federal agencies to discuss the state of the landslide in light of SoCalGas’ decision to shut off natural gas service to 135 homes in the Portuguese Bend community. During this meeting, the City requested, and the utilities agreed, to improve and provide advanced communication with the community on their future plans, including potential shutoffs.
Mayor John Cruikshank, Councilmember Dave Bradley, and City staff were joined by officials including Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler, Rep. Ted Lieu, State Sen. Ben Allen, and Asm. Al Muratsuchi. The meeting was also attended by representatives from SoCalGas, Cal Water, Southern California Edison, L.A. County Public Works, the L.A. County Sanitation Districts, Frontier Communications, Cox Communications, the California Public Utilities Commission, the L.A. County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and the L.A. County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments.
Residents are invited to attend a neighborhood Q&A meeting on July 31 from 6-9 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to share their questions and concerns with the City and get the latest updates. Please stay tuned for information in tomorrow’s update on how to participate virtually.
The City continues to coordinate with our partner agencies to implement contingency plans and mobilize disaster resources for impacted residents. This includes securing agreements for temporary housing accommodations, organizing a future local assistance center with OEM at the Ladera Linda Community Center, and continuing to request state and federal financial assistance for individuals. Additionally, we are developing a program to help residents shore up and harden their homes through expedited permits. Detailed information will be shared with the community as soon as it is available.
SoCalGas has created a dedicated webpage for this incident with a list of impacted streets, frequently asked questions, and updates at socalgas.com/rpv. An information booth for residents at the intersection of Narcissa Drive and Fruit Tree Road will remain available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on July 30. SoCalGas has announced it will provide each impacted account holder with $2,500 to help residents who do not have natural gas service due to the land movement.
SoCalGas reminds impacted residents to please NOT attempt to restore service or to connect alternative fuels like propane to your natural gas meter. Doing so is unsafe.
Update on SoCalGas Service Interruption to Portuguese Bend Community
Since learning of SoCalGas’s decision to shut off natural gas service to the Portuguese Bend community, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes has repeatedly requested that SoCalGas provide residents with more time to prepare for the service shutoff. As of this posting, SoCalGas has confirmed that it remains unsafe to do so and will continue with the planned shutoff on Monday, July 29, 2024 at approximately 9:00 a.m. The City continues to request a delay in the shutoff as we share residents’ frustration with the short notice provided to the public. However, the safety and well-being of our residents are our top priorities. No gas leaks have been detected, and no evacuation warnings or orders are in place at this time.
SoCalGas has created a dedicated webpage with a list of impacted streets, frequently asked questions, and updates at socalgas.com/rpv. They have also set up an information booth for residents at the intersection of Narcissa Drive and Fruit Tree Road from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m from 7/28 -7/30. For customer service inquiries, please contact SoCalGas at 1-877-238-0092 or projectinfo@socalgas.com.
At this time, to the City’s knowledge, SoCalGas is the only utility with plans to discontinue service in the Portuguese Bend community. However, the City is in continual discussions with all other utilities (i.e. SCE, Cal Water, L.A. County Sanitation Districts) and public safety partners to stay apprised of the dynamic situation. We are continuing to identify disaster resources and will provide another update to the community tomorrow, July 29.
SoCalGas to Shut Off Service to Portuguese Bend Community on July 29
Due to worsening land movement, SoCalGas has determined it is unsafe to continue providing natural gas service to approximately 135 homes in the Portuguese Bend community. Natural gas service is scheduled to be discontinued to these properties effective Monday, July 29, 2024, at approximately 9 a.m. The City is working with SoCalGas to discuss the potential of delaying shutoffs, if safe to do so. No gas leaks have been detected at this time.
SoCalGas has created a dedicated webpage with a list of impacted streets, frequently asked questions, and updates at socalgas.com/rpv. For customer service inquiries, please contact SoCalGas at 1-877-238-0092 or projectinfo@socalgas.com.
The City is closely monitoring the situation and is working with SoCalGas, the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and our public safety partners to implement contingency plans and mobilize resources for impacted residents. Residents can choose to stay in their homes without gas service. No evacuation warnings or orders are in place at this time.
However, in the coming days, the City will begin property inspections through voluntary compliance in the interest of public safety. We are communicating with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), OEM, and all utilities to understand their plans for this emergent situation and coordinate joint response efforts.
The City is working swiftly to identify disaster resources, including temporary housing accommodations and individual financial assistance from state and/or federal agencies. We are exploring all avenues to assist residents in every way possible during this evolving situation. Regular updates will be provided at rpvca.gov/landmovement and via the Land Movement listserv as they become available. Subscribe at rpvca.gov/notify. Sign up for Alert SouthBay emergency alerts by texting “alertsb” to 888-777 or going to alertsouthbay.com.
Ski Jump Update
At last night’s meeting, the City Council considered options for the repair and maintenance of the “ski jump” — the steep section of Palos Verdes Drive South between Narcissa and Peppertree Drives that frequently cracks due to accelerated land movement.
The ski jump was most recently repaved yesterday. Roadwork is scheduled to continue on Palos Verdes Drive South in the landslide area next week on July 22-26, from approximately 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Expect delays.
The ski jump spans two sub-slides of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex that are pulling apart from each other and moving at different speeds, resulting in a recurring large crack running across the roadway. While the west side of the ski jump is rising at a rate of about 1.4 feet per year, the east side is subsiding at about 1.5 feet per year.
A map shows the location where the boundary of the Abalone Cove Landslide and the Western Sub-Slide of the Portuguese Bend Landslide are pulling apart, resulting in cracking on the steep section of Palos Verdes Drive South known as the “ski jump.”
A graph showing the vertical displacement of the west and east sides of the ski jump is shown below.
Click image to enlarge.
Council previously directed City staff to research the possibility of completely regrading the ski jump using innovative materials such as geofoam blocks. However, at last night’s meeting, after hearing staff’s analysis that this work would likely exceed $5 million, necessitate roadway closures for several weeks, and require significant maintenance due to the risk of the ski jump continuing to pull apart, the Council decided against regrading the ski jump.
Instead, the City will continue to regularly perform asphalt repairs while exploring additional engineering strategies and awaiting landslide mitigation measures to significantly slow the landslide movement. This work is now expected to cost $500,000 to $1 million over the course of a year.
A roadway closure to bicycles, motorcycles, and all other two-wheeled vehicles remains in effect on Palos Verdes Drive South from Wayfarers Chapel to Schooner Drive for public safety due to the poor condition of the roadway. The Council is expected to revisit this prohibition in December and consider whether to lift or extend it.
The Council is scheduled to receive its next comprehensive landslide update and consider renewing the City’s local emergency declaration on August 20.
Wildlife Agencies Tour Landslide Complex
Earlier this week, City staff and the consultant team working on the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Emergency Hydraugers Project met with representatives from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a tour of the project site. The group received an update on the progress of the project, viewed the test boring sites and proposed hydrauger locations, and discussed impacts to habitat and wildlife, with a focus on avoidance measures and precautions for sensitive habitat and species, such as the Palos Verdes blue butterfly.
Palos Verdes Drive South Repair Discussion July 16
On July 16, the City Council will consider planned repairs to the steep section of Palos Verdes Drive South between Narcissa and Peppertree Drives, also known as the “ski jump.” The stretch spans two sub-slides in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex that are pulling away from each other, causing cracks that have made the roadway more difficult to traverse and in need of frequent repairs.
At the direction of the Council, City staff has explored the possibility of completely re-grading the ski jump using innovative materials such as geofoam blocks, which are synthetic lightweight blocks with similar compression strength as traditional fill materials. Staff has determined this work would likely exceed $5 million, necessitate roadway closures for several weeks, and require significant maintenance due to the risk of the ski jump continuing to pull apart. Therefore, this option is not recommended at this time.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Council will consider the recommended option to continue asphalt repairs on a regular basis, while awaiting the City’s landslide mitigation measures to significantly slow the landslide movement. Regular repaving of the ski jump section of Palos Verdes Drive South is estimated to cost $750,000 to $1 million over the course of a year.
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The City Council meeting will take place on July 16 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38.
Share your thoughts on this topic with the City Council before the meeting by emailing them to cc@rpvca.gov. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
Abalone Cove Beach, Sacred Cove Beach, and Beach Access Trails Temporarily Closed
Starting today, July 9, Abalone Cove Beach, Sacred Cove Beach, and all beach access trails in the Abalone Cove Reserve are closed to the public until further notice due to impacts of accelerated land movement in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex.
Abalone Cove Park remains open for its regular hours from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Parking lot hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For up-to-date information on trail conditions and closures, please check rpvca.gov/trailalerts or call the Open Space and Trails Division at 310-491-5775.
July 2 City Council Meeting
Council Approves Financial Assistance for Landslide Mitigation Work
At last night’s meeting, the City Council approved financial assistance packages for RPV’s two geological hazard abatement districts to fund their landslide mitigation work. The Mayor was authorized to execute a $1.9 million loan agreement and $1.6 million loan agreement with the Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD) and Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD), respectively. Each loan includes a 12-year term and a 2.5% interest rate, with terms and conditions to ensure accountability, transparency, and additional oversight.
Latest Land Movement Data
The City’s geologist, Mike Phipps of Cotton, Shires and Associates, presented the City Council with the latest GPS surveying data tracking land movement, which was summarized in last week’s community update. Mr. Phipps noted that accelerated movement in the landslide complex has expanded by 5 acres to 680 acres, with the southwest toe of the Portuguese Bend Landslide pushing up the seafloor. A report (PDF) and maps summarizing the most recent monitoring data have been uploaded to the Land Movement page on the City website.
Temporary Housing Guidelines
In response to concerns about the potential for some residents in the landslide complex to be displaced from their homes due to movement, the Council directed City staff to explore amending the Zoning and Building Codes to expand the permissible use of temporary housing on impacted properties and to protect existing structures from further damage. This could include using cargo containers or manufactured homes while repairs and stabilization work is made to permanent residences.
Local Emergency Declaration Extended
Finally, the Council extended the City’s local emergency declaration in the landslide complex through August 31. The declaration must be renewed every 60 days to remain in effect.
LACPW Seaview Sewer Repairs Update
The City continues working with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACPW), which operates and maintains the sanitary sewers in the Seaview neighborhood, to address the displacement of the underground sanitary sewer main line on Dauntless Drive near Exultant Drive. According to LACPW, there have been no discharges of sewage aboveground. At this time, LACPW is installing a sewer bypass line for a segment of the sewer until repairs are completed. Longer term strategies are being considered and include re-directing sewer flow away from the intersection of Dauntless and Exultant Drives, bringing sewer pipes above ground, or using hazard-resilient pipe that is more flexible than typical pipe material. However, each of these options has drawbacks. Currently, the most viable approach is to continue to inspect the sewer lines and repair displacement as it is discovered.
LACSD Emergency Work Update
Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) crews performed emergency work earlier this week along Palos Verdes Drive South bringing aboveground a section of sewer line damaged by ongoing land movement. Over the next several weeks, LACSD will be moving additional sewer lines aboveground along the roadway from approximately 2,000 feet north of Schooner Drive. Notices were provided to households along the work path and a landing page with more information is available on LACSD’s website.
SBA Financial Assistance Applications for Property Damage Due July 16
Reminder: The deadline for California businesses and residents to apply for a low-interest loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for property damage from recent severe winter storms is July 16.
Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize damage from occurring in the future.
A Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center is available with SBA customer service representatives who can answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help complete applications. No appointment is necessary.
Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Monday – Friday (5 days/week)
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(916) 735-1501
The deadline to apply for property damage is July 16, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is February 18, 2025.
For more info, go to sba.gov/disaster.
June
Extending the Local Emergency
On July 2, the City Council will consider extending the City’s local emergency declaration in the landslide complex through August 31, 2024. The Council will also hear the City geologist’s latest findings and receive updates on land movement mitigation projects.
The City continues to closely monitor the land movement and work on an expedited timeline to implement emergency measures to slow the sliding and address its impacts, while working towards advancing the long-term Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project.
Current Conditions
According to the latest surveying data, since April 2024, average land movement velocity across the landslide complex has accelerated an additional 41% — or 1.41 times — above the velocity in March-April 2024.
Recent land movement rates are approximately 7-11 inches per week in the Abalone Cove Landslide, 9-12 inches per week in the Portuguese Bend Landslide, and 2-7 inches per week in the Klondike Canyon Landslide. The middle of the landslide complex is moving the fastest, at over 13 inches per week.
Landslide movement continues to manifest in the form of scarps, fissures, grabens/sinkholes, tensional cracking, shear zones and thrust features, and due to the accelerated movement, those continue to enlarge, expand, widen and grow. Based upon recent field mapping, the total area of the active Landslide Complex has expanded by approximately five acres.
Emergency Hydraugers Project
On July 2, Council will receive an update on the Emergency Hydraugers Project. The Emergency Hydraugers Project involves the installation of two horizontally-drilled dewatering wells that will extract water underground in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex and slow the land movement.
Since May 2024 - when the project was approved - the hydrauger contractor has completed drilling on two test boreholes and has started drilling a third test borehole. These test boreholes are necessary to understand underground conditions and determine the best locations for the two hydraugers and their drains.
Due to difficult soil conditions created by the land movement, the third and fourth boreholes will require additional equipment, and the timeline for drilling those and analyzing the resultant data is now approximately six to eight weeks instead of four to six weeks.
While the precise location of the two hydraugers has yet to be determined, one will be installed near Burma Road at the north end of the landslide complex where it will intercept water at higher elevations. The other well will be installed on the south end, at the toe of the landslide, and will relieve artesian pressure that forces groundwater to the surface without pumping.
Palos Verdes Drive South
The City continues to inspect Palos Verdes Drive South and public roadways in the Seaview Neighborhood on a regular basis. Repairs continue to be conducted as needed.
On June 27, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts crews began work to repair and bring aboveground a section of sewer line near the Seaview neighborhood damaged by land movement. As of now, there are no known sewage leaks associated with the damage. Work will take place from approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily, with completion expected on or before July 3.
Staff continues to develop plans to re-grade the area known as the “ski jump” near Altamira Canyon. Travel at the ski jump is becoming more difficult due to the elevation difference between the east side and west side as the two sides are subsiding at different rates. A construction plan is being developed and will be presented to the City Council at a future date this summer.
Financial Assistance Loans to KCLAD and ACLAD
On July 2, Council will consider approving financial assistance loans to Rancho Palos Verdes’ two geological hazard abatement districts to fund landslide mitigation work. The Council will consider approving a $1.9 million loan agreement with the Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD) and a $1.5 million loan agreement with the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD).
The loans include a 12-year term and a 2.5% interest rate. The terms and conditions of the proposed loans include accountability, transparency, and additional oversight. As requested by the City Council, City staff and the Districts have also developed a 10-Year Financial Model based on assumptions to illustrate the District’s planned expenditures and necessary funding sources to maintain financial solvency.
July 2 City Council Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on July 2 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38.
To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on agenda items to cc@rpvca.gov.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Bicycles and Motorcycles Prohibited on 2-Mile Stretch of Palos Verdes Drive South due to Land Movement
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has temporarily prohibited bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and all other two-wheeled vehicles from an approximately 2-mile stretch of Palos Verdes Drive South due to land movement.
On June 18, the City Council implemented the temporary ban along Palos Verdes Drive South from Wayfarers Chapel to Schooner Drive to prevent injuries due to the poor condition of the roadway, where the land is moving at a rate of 7 to 12 inches per week. The Council will revisit the prohibition and consider whether to lift or extend it in six months.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as the City works to slow the accelerated movement and protect public safety. If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 310-544-5252.
RPVtv Public Works Update – Borehole Drilling
In this Public Works update, RPVtv highlights borehole drilling that recently began in a turnout area along Palos Verdes Drive South as part of the City’s Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Emergency Hydraugers Project. Watch on Cox 33/Frontier FiOS 38 or RPVtv’s YouTube channel.
The boreholes are the first step in the $9.6 million project to install two dewatering wells — called hydraugers — to remove water that is trapped underground and contributing to accelerated land movement following heavy rainy seasons.
Samples collected at the borehole sites will be analyzed by the project team to determine the optimal locations to drill the hydraugers on the north and south ends of the landslide complex.
Palos Verdes Drive South Bicycle and Motorcycle Prohibition Discussion June 18
On June 18, the City Council will consider temporarily prohibiting bicycles and motorcycles on Palos Verdes Drive South in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex due to accelerated land movement.
City Staff is recommending the Council prohibit bicyclists and motorcyclists from using an approximately 2-mile stretch of the road from Wayfarers Chapel to Schooner Drive to prevent injuries due to the poor condition of the roadway, where the land is moving at a rate of 5 to 8 inches per week. Riders would be directed to a detour route using Hawthorne Boulevard/Palos Verdes Drive North/Western Avenue. The closure would remain in effect until the land movement is significantly reduced and the roadway condition improves.
Whether or not the Council implements the prohibition, bicyclists and motorcyclists should consider voluntarily avoiding this stretch of Palos Verdes Drive South out of an abundance of caution.
A staff report (PDF) for this topic is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on June 18 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38.
To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Share your thoughts on this topic with the City Council by emailing cc@rpvca.gov.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
Traffic Alert: Intermittent Delays Along Palos Verdes Drive South due to Emergency Work
Mobilization and staging operations have started for the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Emergency Hydraugers Project at the "Gateway" turnout area along Palos Verdes Drive South near the Seaview and Beach Club neighborhoods. Expect intermittent minor traffic delays in the area between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. over the next few weeks as equipment and materials are delivered to the site. If you must drive through this area during this time, please proceed slowly, yield to workers and obey traffic control at the site. Thank you for your patience. If you have questions, please call Public Works on 310-544-5252.
May
Abalone Cove Beach Access Temporarily Closed June 1
Beach access at Abalone Cove will be temporarily closed on June 1 due to landslide remediation work. Abalone Cove Park will remain open for its regular hours from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. However, all trails to the beach will be closed. Parking lot hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For up-to-date information on trail conditions and closures, please check rpvca.gov/trailalerts or call Open Space Management at 310-491-5775.
In addition to the Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center that opened on May 20, today, the U.S. Small Business Administration opened an in-person Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Los Angeles to meet the needs of businesses and individuals who were affected by winter storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred Jan. 31-Feb. 9. The center will remain open through June 5, 2024.
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
510 S Vermont Ave., Ste G-100
Ground Floor Conference Room
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 5
See press release below for details.
SBA Opens Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Los Angeles
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, announced the opening of its Disaster Loan Outreach Center to meet the needs of businesses and individuals who were affected by winter storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred Jan. 31-Feb. 9. The center will be located at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health beginning Wednesday, May 29, in Los Angeles.
“SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their electronic loan application,” Sánchez continued. The center will be open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
510 S Vermont Ave., Ste G-100
Ground Floor Conference Room
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 29
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 5
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
SBA disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to apply for property damage is July 16, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Feb. 18, 2025.
Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that disaster assistance is now available to California businesses and residents affected by recent severe winter storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides. A Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center will be available starting Monday, May 20. The deadline to apply for property damage is July 16, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Feb. 18, 2025.
See press release below for details.
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to California Businesses and Residents Affected by the Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides and Mudslides
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California businesses and residents affected by the severe winter storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred Jan. 31 – Feb. 9, announced Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward of the California Office of Emergency Services, on May 16.
The SBA Rural disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available to both rural and non-rural areas of Butte, Los Angeles and Santa Cruz counties.
“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help California’s small businesses and residents impacted by the severe winter storms, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”
“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration.
“Beginning Monday, May 20, SBA customer service representatives will be available at the Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete their application,” Sánchez continued. The virtual center will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary.
Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Opens at 8:00 a.m., Monday, May 20
Monday – Friday (5 days/week)
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
(916) 735-1501
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize damage from occurring in the future.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to apply for property damage is July 16, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Feb. 18, 2025.
City to Begin Work on Emergency Hydraugers
At last night’s meeting, the City Council approved construction contracts for two emergency dewatering wells — also called hydraugers — that will remove water underground in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex to slow damaging land movement.
With the contracts now in place, the project team can begin work on the next steps. In the coming weeks, boreholes will be drilled 150 feet or more underground to gather data to validate computer modeling assumptions and better estimate the quantity and quality of groundwater to be removed. This process is expected to take 2-3 weeks to complete. Based on the data, the project team will update the computer model key assumptions and design calculations.
Each hydrauger consists of an array of five directionally-drilled drains that extend up to about 1,200 feet, plus temporary water storage tanks and drainage discharge lines, as shown in the diagram below.
One well will be installed near Burma Road at the north end of the landslide complex, and the other will be installed on the south end at one of two potential locations: in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club near Yacht Harbor Drive and Seawall Road, or in the turnout area along Palos Verdes Drive South formerly known as “Gateway Park.”
The hydrauger on the south side will be drilled first, and the hydrauger on the north side will be drilled second. Construction of each is expected to last 6-8 weeks.
The City will seek reimbursement under the federal disaster declaration related to February’s storms and explore additional funding opportunities to help offset costs for this $9.6 million project.
For more information on the project plans, read the May 7 City Council staff report (PDF) and watch the City Council meeting video.
Geologist Update
During the meeting, the City’s geologist, Mike Phipps of Cotton, Shires and Associates, presented the latest GPS monitoring survey data, noting that the landslides are now moving by inches per week – 76% above velocity from January-March.
Compared to measurements from November 2019, average land movement velocities have increased 95x, 31x and 41x for the Abalone Cove, Portuguese Bend, and Klondike Canyon Landslides, respectively.
Maps showing the latest movement data collected through mid-April are available on the Land Movement page.
City Council Explores Financial Assistance Packages for Agencies
The City Council continues to explore potentially providing financial assistance to the Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD) and Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD) to assist them complete landslide mitigation work. KCLAD has requested a $1.9 million loan to implement a five-step landslide mitigation plan, and ACLAD plans to request a loan in an amount to be determined, as its mitigation plan is being finalized. Any assistance would be contingent on the plans being endorsed by a licensed geotechnical engineering company. The assistance packages will be presented to the Council at a future meeting. Additionally, last night, the Council directed City staff to further vet a request from the Portuguese Bend Community Association — which maintains roads in the private community — for a nearly $500,000 loan to fund unforeseen road repairs due to land movement.
Local Emergency Declaration Extended
Finally, the Council extended the City’s local emergency declaration in the landslide complex through July 6. The declaration must be renewed every 60 days to remain in effect.
Senator Allen Tours Landslide Complex, Wayfarers Chapel
On May 3, Senator Ben Allen visited RPV for an up-close look the latest conditions in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex. City Manager Ara Mihranian and leaders from the City’s geological hazard abatement districts led the Senator and his staff on a tour of the Portuguese Bend and Seaview neighborhoods, the Portuguese Bend Beach Club, and Wayfarers Chapel to see the progression of damage that is expected to continue following another heavy rainy season. The City thanks Senator Allen for his attention and support helping us respond to this crisis and for introducing Senate Bill (SB) No. 1461, which would add "landslide" as a condition constituting a state of emergency or local emergency in the Emergency Services Act.
Rainy season may be coming to an end, but as we know, the impacts of rainfall on the City’s ancient landslides are felt weeks and months after the fact. According to the latest surveying data, since March, average land movement velocity across the landslide complex has accelerated an additional 76% — or 1.76 times — above velocity from January-March. Recent land movement rates are approximately 6-9 inches per week in the Abalone Cove Landslide, 5-9 inches per week in the Portuguese Bend Landslide, and 1-4 inches per week in the Klondike Canyon Landslide. The middle of the landslide complex is moving the fastest, at over 9 inches per week.
The City continues to closely monitor the movement and work on an expedited timeline to implement emergency measures to slow the sliding and address its impacts, while working toward making progress on the long-term Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project.
May 7 City Council Meeting
On May 7, the City Council will consider extending the City’s local emergency declaration in the landslide complex through July 6, 2024. The Council will also hear the City geologist’s latest findings and consider construction contracts for two emergency dewatering wells that will remove water that is trapped underground and contributing to movement.
One well will be installed near Burma Road at the north end of the landslide complex, and the other will be installed on the south end at one of two potential locations: in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club (PBC) near Yacht Harbor Drive and Seawall Road, or in the turnout area along Palos Verdes Drive South formerly known as “Gateway Park.” The PBC location was identified as a preferred option for the south end because it is most likely to yield the greatest benefit. However, the City will need to secure authorization from PBC to access the site.
Installing these dewatering wells — also called hydraugers — is expected to cost about $9.6 million in total. If approved by the City Council, the work will be funded by the Capital Infrastructure Program Fund while City staff seeks reimbursement under the federal disaster declaration related to February’s storms to help offset costs, as well as other funding opportunities. Construction could begin as early as June.
During the meeting, City staff will also give an update on trail conditions, plans to regrade the “ski jump” on Palos Verdes Drive South, and request the City Council provide an additional $875,000 in funding needed for repairs along Palos Verdes Drive South and roads in the Seaview neighborhood, as the City has gone over budget for this fiscal year due to the unprecedented land movement requiring frequent repaving.
Staff will also give an update on discussions with the Abalone Cove and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement Districts regarding potentially providing them with financial and in-kind assistance to help them complete landslide stabilization work.
Finally, the Council will consider a request from the Portuguese Bend Community Association — which maintains roads in the private community — for a nearly $500,000 loan to fund unforeseen road repairs due to land movement.
A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on May 7 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38.
To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message. Email your comments on agenda items to cc@rpvca.gov.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
April
Landslide Town Hall Meeting Q&A Follow-up
Last week, RPVtv host Liz Brown Swanson sat down with City Manager Ara Mihranian and Public Works Director Ramzi Awwad for an extended Q&A session featuring questions submitted during the City's April 17 Landslide Town Hall Meeting. Watch on RPVtv’s YouTube channel.
ICYMI: Landslide Town Hall Meeting
In case you missed it, you can watch a recording of last night's Landslide Town Hall Meeting on RPVtv's YouTube channel. Thanks to everyone who participated in this informative event bringing together the community and the government agencies and utilities responding to accelerated land movement in the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex. City staff is preparing a document with responses to questions that were submitted during this event, which will be posted on the City's dedicated land movement webpage, rpvca.gov/landmovement, so be sure to check back.
April 16 City Council Meeting Update
On March 19, the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council approved moving forward with emergency measures to slow accelerated movement in the Portuguese Bend landslide complex, including installing two emergency dewatering wells — known as hydraugers — to remove water that is trapped underground and contributing to sliding.
Construction contracts for the hydraugers were scheduled to be considered at the April 16 City Council meeting. However, because more time is needed to finalize the project design, including exploring alternative locations for the emergency hydraugers that may be more optimal, City staff is recommending the Council continue this item to the May 7 meeting. The agenda item also includes potentially providing an assistance package in the form of financial and in-kind assistance to the Abalone Cove and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement Districts to help them complete landslide stabilization work.
Continuing this item to May 7 will not delay emergency work, as the City Manager has authority under RPV’s local emergency declaration to sign contracts for emergency work that can be later ratified by the Council.
More information is available in a staff report (PDF) on the City website.
President Biden Declares Federal Disaster in Response to February Storms
Over the weekend, President Biden approved Governor Newsom’s request to issue a Major Disaster Declaration to support ongoing recovery efforts following widespread flooding, mudslides and debris flows during early February storms in several counties, including Los Angeles.
The declaration makes available federal public assistance funding to help state, tribal and local governments cover emergency response and recovery costs. It also includes funding for hazard mitigation efforts statewide.
The City thanks President Biden and Governor Newsom for their attention and help to communities affected by the storms, including RPV. City staff will be working closely with our emergency management partners as well as the Abalone Cove and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement Districts on the next steps in this process.
It should be noted that the federal declaration makes assistance available to public agencies, but not to individuals. However, the City is working with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to identify potential opportunities for individual assistance.
Landslide Town Hall Meeting
Don’t forget to join the City this Wednesday, April 17, for an informative and interactive Landslide Town Hall Meeting at 6 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center and via Zoom.
Get the latest updates from the City, utility companies, the Abalone Cove and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement Districts, and others on what’s happening in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex and efforts to slow accelerated land movement to protect homes, roads, utilities, and trails. Please bring your questions and concerns to a question-and-answer session following the presentation. Refreshments will be provided.
Ladera Linda Community Park is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. To participate virtually, complete a form at rpvca.gov/participate.
RPV Meets with County, State, and Federal Officials to Discuss Landslide Emergency Response
Last week, Councilmember Dave Bradley, City Manager Ara Mihranian, and Public Works Director Ramzi Awwad had a collaborative and productive meeting with officials from the county, state and federal levels of government regarding the City’s response to the ongoing emergency in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex. The representatives included Rep. Ted Lieu, Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Nancy Ward, Director of Cal OES, Katie Lipiecki and Stephanie Stephens of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Kevin McGowan, Director of the L.A. County Office of Emergency Management.
During the meeting, FEMA representatives reiterated their support for the City’s landslide remediation efforts, including the selection of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project for a $23.3 million Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant. They stated that the City can move forward with installing two emergency hydraugers in the landslide complex without jeopardizing grant eligibility, but that staff must submit a revised project scope (including boundary limits that remove the two hydraugers) and an updated benefit-cost analysis. The BRIC grant will not fund the two emergency hydraugers and the City will have to find alternative funding sources.
Cal OES clarified that Governor Newsom’s request to President Biden for a federal disaster in response to February’s storms would make federal assistance available to public agencies, but not individuals.
Senator Allen discussed his proposed legislation, Senate Bill No. 1461, which would add "landslide" as a condition constituting a state of emergency or local emergency in the Emergency Services Act. This may help bring financial assistance to the City. (The City Council will consider supporting the bill at tomorrow night’s meeting. A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.)
The message was clear that all levels of government support efforts to assist the City and the geological hazard abatement districts on the Portuguese Bend Landslide crisis. The City expresses its gratitude to these officials and agencies for their attention and support as we navigate this emergency.
Wayfarers Chapel Update
Wayfarers Chapel recently announced that due to land movement that has damaged the historic chapel and led to its temporary closure, the Board of Directors is considering dismantling the chapel building and moving it to a new location that has yet to be identified. The City treasures Wayfarers Chapel’s cultural significance and place in our community. We welcome discussions with the chapel’s leaders on this proposal and continue to support them as they navigate this challenging time. Due to continuing damage, last week, the City’s building official red-tagged the administrative office building adjacent to Wayfarers Chapel. City staff coordinated with church representatives to ensure the office building was cleared before it was declared unsafe to inhabit. The chapel building, which remains closed to the public, has not been yellow- or red-tagged.
March
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes remains laser-focused on remediating accelerated movement in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex with short- and long-term solutions.
At its most recent meeting on March 19, the City Council approved two new dewatering hydraugers (consisting of five arrays each) to be installed as an emergency measure to remove water that is trapped underground and contributing to movement. One hydrauger will be installed near Burma Road at the north end of the landslide complex, and the other will be installed along Palos Verdes Drive South on the south end in the turnout area formerly known as “Gateway Park.”
The Council also extended RPV’s local emergency declaration and voted to explore ways the City can provide assistance to the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD) and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD) for their landslide stabilization efforts, such as no-interest loans, grants, and/or in-kind services.
The Council was set to consider a construction contract for the emergency wells on April 2, but the meeting has been canceled due to a lack of quorum. This will not delay emergency work, as the City Manager has authority under RPV’s local emergency declaration to sign contracts for emergency work that can be later ratified by the Council. No contracts have been signed at this time, as plans for the emergency dewatering hydraugers are still being finalized. The City Council will consider these items at its meeting on April 16.
Staff continues to work toward completion of the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the long-term Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project, which is expected to be released in the coming weeks before going to the City Council for certification.
Palos Verdes Drive South Roadwork
Roadway repairs began last week along Palos Verdes Drive South in the landslide area and will continue through March 29. City Staff is planning a more substantial project to regrade the steep dip between Narcissa and Peppertree Drives known as the “ski jump.” This work will require a temporary closure of Palos Verdes Drive South, which the City aims to keep to a minimum to limit disruptions, as the road is used by 15,000 vehicles daily. Construction details, including a timeline and detours, will be provided as soon as they are available and shared widely to give commuters advance notice.
Gov. Newsom Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for L.A. County
On March 22, Gov. Newsom announced he has requested President Biden declare a federal disaster in response to February’s storms in several counties, including Los Angeles. If the federal disaster is declared, the City could potentially utilize federal resources and funding to respond to the landslide. Staff is closely monitoring updates.
Landslide Town Hall Meeting on April 17
Join the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for an informative and interactive Landslide Town Hall Meeting on April 17 at 6 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center and via Zoom.
Get the latest updates from the City, utility companies, the Abalone Cove and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement Districts and others on what’s happening in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex and efforts to slow accelerated land movement to protect homes, roads, utilities, and trails. Please bring your questions and concerns to a question-and-answer session following the presentation. Refreshments will be provided.
Ladera Linda Community Park is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. To participate virtually, complete a form at rpvca.gov/participate.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities, and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982 adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes continues to respond to accelerated movement in the landslide complex that is damaging homes, trails, utilities, and infrastructure.
After the City Council requested Gov. Newsom declare a state of emergency last month, the state clarified that RPV can proceed with emergency measures on an expedited basis under an existing Feb. 4 storm-related emergency declaration.
While the City continues to await news on whether Gov. Newsom will request a federal disaster declaration from President Biden that could make federal assistance available, City staff has been at work planning emergency measures that can be implemented soon.
Trails Update
About 8 miles of trails remain closed in the Portuguese Bend, Abalone Cove, Filiorum, and Forrestal Reserves for public safety due to land movement. Park Rangers continue to monitor trail conditions and fill fissures. Last week, Southern California Edison began work on a project to remove 40 de-energized utility poles from within the Portuguese Bend Reserve because the land movement has made maintenance untenable. Any necessary reserve closures to accommodate this work will be shared via the Land Movement listserv and on the City website at rpvca.gov/landmovement. Incidentally, this project will help the City reduce wildfire risk. Bringing down power lines that could spark wildfires in the fire-prone Preserve has long been a City goal.
March 19 City Council Meeting
On March 19, the City Council will hear the City geologist’s latest findings and consider installing two new dewatering wells in the landslide complex to remove water that is trapped underground and contributing to movement. One well would be installed near Burma Road at the north end of the landslide complex, and the other would be installed along Palos Verdes Drive South on the south end in the turnout area formerly known as “Gateway Park.” If approved by the Council, a construction contract would be presented at its April 2 meeting and work could begin in May. These dewatering wells, also called hydraugers, are expected to cost about $8 million in total. The Capital Infrastructure Program Fund could be used to initiate work while the City explores grant funding opportunities to help offset or reimburse costs. This could include potential funding from a federal disaster declaration if one is declared.
These dewatering wells are components of the long-term Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project, but are proposed to be urgently installed in response to the state of emergency in the same general location as originally proposed to stabilize the area. City staff has been assured that the installation and placement of these wells will not jeopardize a $23.3 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project. While the project was selected by FEMA for its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program last summer, funds have been allocated but cannot be awarded until the City completes the grant administration process, which could take 2-3 years. Starting work on these two wells before the rest of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project is approved for construction does, however, mean the BRIC grant funds cannot be used for this emergency portion of the project. Besides the FEMA grant, Supervisor Hahn’s Office has pledged $5 million to help the City slow the landslide. The Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project is expected to be released this spring and go before the City Council for certification in May 2024.
Assistance to Geological Hazard Abatement Districts
Also at the March 19 meeting, the City Council will consider exploring ways to provide assistance to the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD) and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD). These geological hazard abatement districts (GHADs) are separate government agencies independent from the City that levy assessments on property owners in their boundaries for landslide mitigation, including operating dewatering wells. Assistance from the City could include no-interest loans, grants, and/or in-kind services, such as geology, engineering, and project management. Any assistance would be contingent on the GHADs’ landslide mitigation plans being endorsed by a licensed geotechnical engineering company.
Extending the Local Emergency
Finally, the Council will consider extending the local emergency declaration that was put in place in October 2023 to bolster the City’s landslide response through May 18. The declaration must be renewed every 60 days to remain in effect.
A staff report (PDF) with more information about this agenda item is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The City Council meeting will take place on March 19 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38.
Share your thoughts on this topic with the City Council by emailing them to cc@rpvca.gov. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
GHAD Dewatering Wells Update
Separate from the two new dewatering wells planned by the City to respond to the emergency conditions, ACLAD and KCLAD have been working on expanding their own systems. KCLAD now has four operational wells and is repairing a fifth to bring it into service. All four City-funded dewatering wells south of Palos Verdes Drive South within the ACLAD are now operational and two more ACLAD-funded wells north of Palos Verdes Drive South are expected to come on line in the coming weeks.
Landslide Data Update
In early March, the City conducted another round of survey point monitoring to track the latest movement in the landslide complex. A report summarizing the data is expected to be available by the end of the month. Initial raw data has been shared with the City’s geologist, who will provide an update on land movement at the March 19 City Council meeting. The geologist now estimates that major movement in the landslide complex has grown to encompass 675 acres.
Helicopter Work within Portuguese Bend Reserve March 8 and March 11-13
4:30 PM
Please note that as part of this work, Forrestal Reserve (including Main Sail Drive and Forrestal Drive behind the gate) will also remain fully closed through March 13.
10:10 AM
Helicopter operations will be taking place in the vicinity of the Portuguese Bend Reserve March 8 and March 11-13 as part of a high-priority project to remove Southern California Edison distribution equipment from utility poles within the Portuguese Bend Reserve. This is part of a larger project to remove 40 utility poles from the Portuguese Bend Reserve due to the accelerated land movement. Flight will take place from 9 a.m. until sundown each day. Please note that Portuguese Bend Reserve will remain fully closed through March 13. If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 310-544-5252.
How Property Owners Can Apply for a Decline-in-Value Review
If you believe that your property value warrants review due to a decline in market value, you may file an application for Decline-in-Value Review by the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office.
The annual Decline-in-Value filing period is July 2 through November 30.
California’s Proposition 13 established the base year value for property tax assessment. It also caps the growth of a property’s assessed value at no more than 2% a year unless the market value of a property falls below the base year value.
In 1978, California voters passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that allows a temporary reduction in assessed value when a property suffers a “Decline-in-Value.” A Decline-in-Value occurs when the current market value of your property is less than the current assessed value as of January 1.
It is important to keep in mind that owners that experienced a reduction in property taxes in prior years, could see their property tax bill go up by more than 2% in markets where property values have increased. Property owners are encouraged to go to assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/decline-in-value for more information about Decline-in-Value and how property value is assessed.
February
February 29, 11:30 a.m.
How to submit disaster damages information to LA County related to February storm
On February 4, 2024, the County of Los Angeles proclaimed a local emergency due to the early February 2024 Winter Storm. This powerful, slow moving atmospheric river storm system struck a large portion of the State of California including Los Angeles County. Impacts are expected to be seen for the next several days, even weeks. The County is in the process of assessing damage to infrastructure and private properties countywide, as well as supporting residents with their individual recovery efforts.
Homeowners who experienced damage as a result of the recent winter storms, the Damage Collection Survey link below will assist the County of Los Angeles in collecting damage information and estimated costs that are a direct result of the February 2024 Winter Storm. This information will be used to determine if the estimated dollar amount of disaster damages within Los Angeles County meets the established thresholds to qualify for various disaster assistance programs.
Review and complete the Damage Collection Survey
Completion of this survey does not guarantee a disaster declaration will be received and it does not guarantee the County or its residents will be eligible to receive disaster assistance. This document is intended for information gathering purposes and will be used to determine eligibility based on the total amount of damages countywide. If you have any questions regarding information being collected or this form, email DisasterAssistance@ceooem.lacounty.gov.
On February 20, 2024, the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council requested the Governor consider proclaiming a State of Emergency to suspend and waive state permitting requirements to allow the City to immediately begin work on landslide stabilization measures. The City Council’s request included requesting the President declare a federal disaster to deploy FEMA resources.
The recent storms in Los Angeles County have brought widespread impacts countywide, in particular to the land movement occurring in Rancho Palos Verdes. The City, County and State have been maintaining a close watch with safety being the top priority. Ensuring coordination and collaboration at all levels of government is vital to the response and recovery efforts after any disaster and all community members across L.A. County should have the confidence that all levels of government and non-governmental partners are working together collectively.
Identifying the necessary response and recovery activities is a critical step in setting a solid roadmap for how our community members, jurisdictions and County get back to normal after any disaster. On February 4, 2024, prior to the start of the February rainstorms, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency, and the County proclaimed a local emergency. These proclamations are applicable to portions of the County that may have experienced loss or damage from mudslides, flooding, land movement or debris flows.
For weeks, the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been working closely with partners from all levels of government to collect critical data to support the need for state and federal assistance to local jurisdictions. These efforts will continue as we work through the established processes that apply to all disasters.
While both the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and County work through response and recovery processes, the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has determined that the City is able to utilize the current February 4 State of Emergency to implement immediate emergency measures to help reduce further damage to the landslide area, including:
- The installation of additional drainage systems and wells to extract groundwater and
- Other measures that would prevent surface water from adding to the saturation.
The road to recovery is not always fast or easy. However, impacted community members should feel secure in knowing all agencies are continually working together to advocate for the necessary assistance communities need to get the critical support and resources available.
What does this mean for the City and the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project?
Now that the City has received clarity from the state, Staff is determining what immediate emergency measures can be implemented, with the goal of starting work by the end of March or early April. This involves meeting with government agencies such as L.A. County OEM, Cal OES, the California Coastal Commission, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to name a few, regarding next steps, including how permitting and environmental review requirements can be bypassed under the existing state of emergency. Those conversations are ongoing, and updates will be provided in the coming weeks. If the Governor requests a federal disaster be declared in response to February’s storms, federal assistance and funding could become available as part of the City’s response and recovery including stabilizing the landslide.
City staff continues to work toward completion of the long-term Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project’s Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which is expected to go before the City Council this spring. Staff will provide an update on the Final EIR at the next regular City Council meeting on March 19, when the City’s local emergency declaration will be considered for extension. Stay tuned for meeting information.
Amid unprecedented land movement impacting local residences, landmarks and public infrastructure, the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 20 to submit a letter (PDF) urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in the City to waive and/or suspend state permitting requirements for critical landslide remediation efforts. An emergency declaration by the state would allow the City to significantly expedite the landslide mitigation measures identified in the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project.
When declaring a state of emergency, the governor has the ability to waive and/or suspend certain state permitting requirements in order to protect against immediate threats to life and property. In this case, a suspension of certain state permitting requirements would allow the City and local Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts to immediately proceed with critical measures needed to stabilize the landslide, without the costs and time delays typically experienced with obtaining permits.
Read a press release (PDF) about the Council's action at the link below.
Wayfarers Chapel Fundraiser Link
Following last week's announcement of the temporary closure of Wayfarers Chapel due to land movement, the Chapel has established an official fundraiser supporting disaster recovery efforts at the following link: gofundme.com/f/wayfarers
Contributions support the nonprofit established by Wayfarers Chapel specifically to fund Chapel restoration efforts.
Thursday, February 15, 9:40 p.m.
In February 2023, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes released a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) studying potential environmental impacts of the proposed Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project, a major public works project designed to significantly slow the landslide and prevent further damage to roads, utilities, and homes.
One unusually wet year later, we are seeing that damage happen in real time. Movement in the Portuguese Bend, Abalone Cove, and Klondike Canyon landslides (referred to as “the landslide complex”) has accelerated by a factor of three to four times in just the past few months compared to the entire previous year. The movement is expanding beyond the boundaries of the historically mapped landslides.
While the City continues to work on short-term measures, the long-term Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project remains in the EIR process and has not yet been approved for construction. In August 2023, in response to public feedback on the Draft EIR, the City Council decided to explore making changes to the project to reduce environmental impacts to native habitat. This added time to the EIR process, delaying the anticipated release of the final EIR to September 2024. After the final EIR is released, the City Council will need to certify it and approve final design and construction documents before the project can go through permitting and construction, which is expected to start in 2025.
Recognizing the growing urgency of the need to reduce the land movement as soon as possible, at its February 6, 2024 meeting, the City Council requested a report from City staff on what can be done to expedite the EIR and engineering process.
That report will be presented at the February 20 City Council meeting. That evening, the Council will consider a recommendation from City staff to proceed with completing final engineering and the Final EIR based on the original project design. With this approach, City staff expects to move up the Final EIR release to May 2024. This alternative approach could still allow the City to make changes to the project based on a concurrent analysis of options to reduce environmental impacts, particularly the flow reduction area. However, instead of approving the project based on known modifications, the project would be approved based on a “worst-case scenario” from an environmental impact perspective, with the hope that the impacts could be reduced before construction is completed. The analysis to reduce environmental impacts could continue throughout the permitting and bidding process, and possibly through the start of construction.
In addition to potentially expediting the EIR timeline, the Council will consider sending a letter to Governor Newsom requesting he declare a state of emergency, which could potentially suspend or waive some state requirements for the project so it can move forward as soon as possible. Additionally, the Council will consider asking the Governor to request the President declare a federal disaster, which may make available federal assistance and funding. A staff report (PDF) with more information about this agenda item is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The meeting will take place on February 20 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38.
Share your thoughts on this topic with the City Council by emailing them to cc@rpvca.gov. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message.
If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in programs, services, activities and meetings, contact the City's ADA Coordinator/Risk Manager at 424-327-3982, adarequests@rpvca.gov, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, at least 48 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.
6:15 PM
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is saddened by the announcement of the temporary closure of Wayfarers Chapel, a national landmark and iconic cultural treasure of the City and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Over the past several months, the City has been in communication with Wayfarers Chapel regarding impacts of accelerated movement in the landslide complex and efforts to remediate them. Last week, chapel officials requested an inspection by the City’s Building Official. While damage and signs of movement were observed, no structures were yellow- or red-tagged. The City was informed on February 14 that the Wayfarers Chapel Board of Directors made the voluntary decision to close the chapel and grounds to the public while repairs can be made. The City stands ready to support Wayfarers Chapel in any way possible to safely reopen this sacred space to the community.
Wednesday, February 7, 9 PM
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning through Thursday, February 8 at 3 a.m. PST that covers the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown!
Visit PVPready.gov to find your zone.
6:30 PM
With this week’s historic atmospheric river now passed, the City would like to thank our residents, fire and law enforcement agencies, fellow Peninsula cities, homeowners associations, Neighborhood Watch, and other community partners for helping us get the word out about storm preparedness. We also thank residents for alerting our Public Works team to clogged storm drains, flooding, mudslides, and fallen trees. In all, 100 cubic yards of sand and 2,500 loose sandbags were distributed to residents, and 3,700 prefilled bags were deployed to slide/flooded areas.
An archive of updates provided during the storm, as well as important emergency preparedness links, can found on a dedicated webpage that will be utilized again for future major rain events: rpvca.gov/storm.
As was discussed during last night’s City Council meeting (more on that below), the City’s geologist believes the impacts of the heavy amount of rain the Peninsula received this past week will be experienced in the landslide complex within days to weeks, and likely extend for months after the rainy season ends, as was the case last year.
It's important to stay prepared. Have an emergency plan for your family, keep supplies for a go-bag, Know Your Zone on the zone map at PVPready.gov, and sign up for Alert SouthBay emergency alerts.
February 6 City Council Meeting Recap
At last night’s City Council meeting, RPV’s local emergency declaration in the landslide complex — which goes up for renewal every 60 days — was extended through April 6, 2024. The Council also moved to explore asking Governor Newsom to declare a state of emergency to help the City leverage additional resources.
The City’s geologist, Mike Phipps of Cotton, Shires and Associates, presented an update on landslide activity, cautioning that the situation “is going to get worse before it gets better.” He expressed concerns about how the recent record rainfall will further accelerate movement in the landslide complex and impact infrastructure, especially roads, sewer lines, and water lines.
Reminder
- Please report water leaks to Cal Water at 855-RPV-LEAK (855-778-5325).
- If you suspect a natural gas leak, evacuate the area immediately, and from a safe location, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200.
- For urgent matters or observation of any sudden shifts on your property, please call 9-1-1.
Mr. Phipps shared the most recent GPS monitoring data showing that average land movement velocities since October 2023 have accelerated by a factor of three to four times compared to the previous 12-month monitoring period. In other words, we have seen as much movement (and in some cases, more movement) in the landslide complex in the past three months as we did from October 2022 to October 2023. City staff is developing heat maps to better visualize the City’s land movement data.
Given the landslide complex’s large size and long history of slow-moving behavior, Mr. Phipps does not believe there is risk for a sudden catastrophic landslide.
You can watch a recording of the geologist’s presentation and the entire City Council discussion about the landslide on the meeting video archive on the City website.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Council requested a report at the next meeting on February 20 about what can be done to expedite progress toward implementing the long-term Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project, which remains in the environmental review stage while modifications are being explored.
Stay tuned for details on meeting info.
The City is also working with the state on additional potential short-term measures that can proceed before the project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is released later this year.
Short-Term Mitigation Measures
During the meeting, the City Council also received an update on the various short-term mitigation measures that are underway to slow the land movement and address its impacts. Below you’ll find a summary of that recent work.
Dewatering Wells
Dewatering wells are a critical tool to slow land movement activity, as they reduce the amount of water percolated below ground contributing to land destabilization. In recent months, the City, alongside the Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD) and Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD), have taken the following steps to expand the dewatering well network in the landslide complex:
Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD)
- Recently installed a new dewatering well south of Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club, increasing its network to three operational well locations pumping at a combined rate of 182 gallons per minute. These wells are consistently lowering the water table depths in the area at a rate of three to four feet per week.
- Working on a repair plan for a fourth existing well that is currently not operational.
- Considering installing additional new wells.
Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD)
- Completed the drilling and development of four City-funded dewatering wells south of PVDS. Pumps are planned to be installed starting this week. ACLAD is working with Southern California Edison to provide power to the wells.
- Two ACLAD-funded wells were drilled and developed north of PVDS. Pumps for these wells are also planned to be installed starting this week.
Roads Repairs and Fissure Filling
The City is working to fill as many landslide fissures as possible. The City continues to inspect PVDS and roadways in the Seaview neighborhood on a regular basis. Repairs continue to be conducted as needed, particularly on PVDS. A review of existing signs and pavement markings, as well as the speed limit, is planned.
KCLAD recently completed filling a fissure identified by geologists as the highest priority fissure, because it is located at the boundary of the landslide where water infiltration causes greatest movement. KCLAD is working to identify additional measures needed in this area as a long-term solution to preventing water intrusion.
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy Volunteer Trail Crew is assisting Recreation, Parks and Open Space with repairing fissures and erosion on trails to keep as many trails within the landslide area open as possible.
Water Pipelines
In recent months, Cal Water has completed work bringing water mainlines at select locations above ground and plans to do the same in other areas of the City. Moving water pipelines above ground is a key strategy to protecting utility infrastructure from the impacts of land movement.
To date, Cal Water has completed work moving water mainlines above ground at these locations:
- Dauntless Drive
- Exultant Drive
- Admirable Drive
Other streets and neighborhoods where Cal Water has plans to move water mainlines above ground include:
Portuguese Bend Community Association
- Clovetree Place (work is expected to be complete in four to six weeks)
- Vanderlip Drive (a schedule is being developed for the work)
- Cal Water plans to install swing joints for the water distribution pipes that are already above ground on PVDS near Wayfarers Chapel. Materials have been ordered and the work is expected to be complete in four to six weeks.
- In certain areas of the Portuguese Bend Community Association, Cal Water is planning to replace all water distribution pipes with new pipes made of flexible materials.
Seaview
- Cal Water plans to replace all water distribution pipes with new pipes made of flexible materials west of Schooner Drive. In consultation with the City, Cal Water is also studying the possibility of bringing additional pipes above ground in this area, if advised to do so by geologists. A schedule for this work is under development.
- Cal Water, in consultation with the City, is studying the possibility of bringing additional pipes above ground in this area, if advised to do so by geologists. A schedule for this work is under development.
Drainage
The City and its partners are working to improve local drainage systems to reduce water percolation. Below is a summary of the recent steps taken:
- KCLAD developed a concept plan to install a drainage pipe in the area beneath the Seaview neighborhood and above PVDS. This is to drain a localized low area and prevent surface water infiltration into the ground which is believed to be contributing to the ground water table. KCLAD is proceeding with design documents to obtain construction bids.
- Repairs to the culvert carrying Altamira Canyon under PVDS have been completed. The repairs were made to 11 large cracks ranging from 1 to 6 inches.
- ACLAD and the City are working to clear vegetation to provide access to the Kelvin Canyon Spring and assess potential actions to drain water from the spring so that it does not infiltrate into the ground.
- The ACLAD and the City continue to hold discussions with Los Angeles County Public Works and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to develop a plan for Altamira Canyon.
Sandbags Update
A limited amount of sandbags are back in stock at RPV City Hall on a first-come, first served basis.
Unfilled sandbags are located at the City Hall info desk and are available to RPV residents during regular business hours (7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday). There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household with valid ID or proof of residency. Fill sand is located at City Hall in a designated area for residents to use. Please bring your shovels and tools as they are not provided. If you need additional bags, they can be purchased at local hardware stores. For sandbag placement tips, please visit: ow.ly/yh0O50H9HuC
Storm Damage Relief for Property Owners Now Available
In the aftermath of the storm, the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office is providing critical financial relief to property owners who have experienced damage due to natural disasters through the Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief program. This initiative aims to mitigate the financial impact on affected homeowners by offering a reassessment of their property's value, reflecting the damage incurred and potentially lowering their tax obligations.
To be eligible for this relief, property owners must submit an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (Form ADS-820) (PDF) within 12 months of the damage occurrence. The program stipulates that the property loss must amount to more than $10,000 in current market value to qualify.
Key Aspects of the Relief Program
• Filing Requirements: Eligibility hinges on filing the reassessment application within the 12-month window following the damage, ensuring that losses meet the minimum financial threshold.
• Tax Bill Adjustment: Qualifying properties will see a reduction in tax liability for the portion of the property that was damaged or destroyed, effective from the damage date and maintained until the property is repaired or rebuilt.
• Reconstruction Considerations: Rebuilding efforts that closely resemble the original structure will not result in an increased property tax rate, maintaining the pre-disaster tax base value. However, any enhancements or expansions will be assessed at their full market value.
For detailed information on how to apply for the Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief, visit the Los Angeles County Assessor's website at: assessor.lacounty.gov/disaster-relief
Monday, February 5, 11AM
Reminder: Local Emergency Declaration Renewal Discussion February 6
On February 6, the City Council will consider renewing the local emergency declaration that was put in place in October to bolster the City’s response to accelerated movement in the landslide complex. The declaration must be renewed every 60 days to remain in effect. It was most recently renewed in December.
The City geologist will present his latest findings and City staff will provide an update on various activities and solutions to address the land movement since the local state of emergency was declared, as well as the latest trail conditions. A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The City Council meeting will take place on February 6 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38.
Share your thoughts on this topic with the City Council before the meeting by emailing them to cc@rpvca.gov. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message.
Sunday, February 4, 5:15PM
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning through Monday, February 5 at 12 a.m. PST that covers the Peninsula.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown! Stay safe indoors when possible.
- Avoid non-essential travel.
- Know Your Zone in case of an evacuation or Shelter in Place warning or order. Visit PVPready.gov to find your zone.
6PM
Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall is OUT of sandbags. Please visit Los Angeles County Fire Department Stations for sandbags. However, please note that supplies may be limited. A list of fire stations on the Peninsula is provided below.
- Station No. 53: 6124 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 | (310) 377-3333
- Station No. 83: 83 Miraleste Plaza, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 | (310) 831-4624
- Station No. 56: 12 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills, CA 90274 | (310) 377-1584
- Station No. 106: 27413 Indian Peak Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 | (310) 377-9523
- Station No. 2: 340 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 | (310) 373-6539
11:10 
AM
The National Weather Service is forecasting a second and likely much stronger storm approaching Southern California this weekend, which will continue into next week. The strongest impacts are expected Sunday evening, February 4, through Monday evening, February 5. The upcoming storm is anticipated to be significantly stronger and longer in duration than Thursday’s storm, with flash flooding and 3-6 inches of rain expected.
Coastal areas in Rancho Palos Verdes and the Landslide Complex may be vulnerable to flooding and potential debris flows in the upcoming storm. No warnings or orders have been issued to shelter-in-place or evacuate at this time. Be prepared, should the situation change.
When preparing for the storm, take the following actions:
- Have an emergency plan for your family, friends and neighborhood so that you can stay safe and connected during an emergency. This includes making a list of emergency contacts, identifying meeting points if you are separated, and having two ways to get in and out of your home and neighborhood.
- Gather emergency supplies that will allow you to either shelter in place during the storm, including food, water, radios, medication, and pet supplies, or create a go bag if you need to evacuate. Think of the FIVE Ps:
- People
- Pets
- Pills (medications)
- Photos (including photo documentation of your home for insurance purposes)
- Papers (documents such as utility bills, birth certificates, etc.)
For a comprehensive list, please visit rpvca.gov/storm.
- Prepare for power outages with batteries, flashlights, backup cell phone chargers, and charging cables. Check outage status at sce.com/outage.
- Sign up to receive text, email, and phone call emergency alerts for your home, work, and school at www.alertsouthbay.com or by texting “alertsb” to 888-777. Important alerts and evacuations, road closures and other hazards will be communicated through the City’s Alert SouthBay emergency alerting system.
For info and updates, go to: rpvca.gov/storm
January
With severe storms forecasted in the coming days, the City is in storm prep mode, with special attention to our landslide areas. We continue to closely monitor land movement, fill fissures, and have made sandbags and tarps available to residents in the landslide complex (sandbags are also available to all residents at City Hall).
The Los Angeles County Fire Department is patrolling the landslide complex for public safety and our Park Rangers are checking our open space areas for new fissures and signs of movement. You may have noticed roadway repairs were recently completed along Palos Verdes Drive South, including a stretch below Wayfarers Chapel.
Disaster preparedness resources, including links to the Know Your Zone evacuation platform and an evacuation packing list (PDF), are available on the City’s land movement webpage.
Trails Update
About 8 miles of trails in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve remain temporarily closed at the recommendation of the City’s geologist. While most of these closures are in Portuguese Bend Reserve, in recent months, they have expanded to include portions of Abalone Cove, Filiorum, and Forrestal Reserves. We ask members of the public to please stay off trails that have been closed, and we thank them for their patience and cooperation. In hiking areas that remain open to the public, our Park Rangers continue to monitor trail conditions for public safety, perform maintenance, and fill fissures. Check rpvca.gov/trailalerts for the latest trail updates, including anticipated rain-related closures.
Dewatering Wells Update
In Abalone Cove, the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD) has installed four new dewatering wells south of Palos Verdes Drive South and two north. And in Klondike Canyon, the Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD) has installed one new well south of Palos Verdes Drive South. Pumps for all of these wells are expected to be installed starting next week. We are hopeful that the wells, including four paid for by the City, will help slow land movement.
Landslide Data and Map Update
The City’s most recent GPS monitoring data — which has been added to the land movement webpage — shows that average land movement velocities within the landslide complex since October 2023 have accelerated by a factor of three to four times compared to the previous 12-month monitoring period. In other words, we have seen as much movement (and in some cases, more movement) in the past three months as we did from October 2022 to October 2023. City staff is working to finalize heat maps to visualize the City’s land movement data. The heat maps are expected to be presented at the April 2 City Council meeting and will be added to the City website. Updated field maps showing the historic and expanding boundaries of the landslide complex have also been added to the City website.
February 6 City Council Meeting
You can learn more about everything happening with the landslide complex and the City’s short-term and long-term response by attending or tuning into the February 6 City Council meeting. That evening, the Council will consider renewing the local emergency declaration that was put in place in October, which must be renewed every 60 days to remain in effect. The City geologist will present his latest findings and City staff will provide an update on various activities and solutions to address the land movement since the local state of emergency was declared, as well as the latest trail conditions. A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the City website.
Meeting Info
The City Council meeting will take place on February 6 at 7 p.m. in McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom. Watch live at rpvca.gov or on Cox 33/FiOS 38.
Share your thoughts on this topic with the City Council before the meeting by emailing them to cc@rpvca.gov. To participate in public comment during the meeting, fill out a speaker slip if you are attending in person, or complete a form online at rpvca.gov/participate to participate virtually or leave a pre-recorded voice message.