Land Movement Update

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.