Land Movement Update

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.

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.