Land Movement Update

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.

PVPready.gov is shown on the screen of a smartphone. A headline says How to Use Your Zone. Become familiar with your evacuation zone at PVPready.gov. Subheads say Find Your Zone, View Zone Info, Locate Routes, Find Your Way, and Learn Exits.

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.

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.