Marguerite Drive Update

September 28, 2025 

5:20 p.m.

Today, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ geologist conducted a preliminary geotechnical assessment of the site of land subsidence that occurred off Marguerite Drive near Palos Verdes Drive West on the evening of September 27, 2025. The cause of the land movement remains under investigation, and the situation is considered to be static at this time. The City’s geologist will continue to closely monitor the area in the days and weeks ahead. No homes are threatened, and no evacuations are in place. This isolated incident is unrelated to ongoing land movement in the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, which is located about 4 miles southeast.

The City’s Building Official inspected each of the four properties on Marguerite Drive where backyards were damaged by the land subsidence and is in communication with the property owners. No structural damage was found, and no homes were tagged. As this incident occurred entirely on private property, cleanup and next steps are to be determined by the property owners. Out of an abundance of caution, the City is advising the public to avoid the shoreline in the immediate vicinity of Marguerite Drive as the bluff settles.

The City thanks the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department for their response and coordination.

10 a.m.

On September 27, 2025, at approximately 8:20 p.m., land subsidence was reported along a coastal bluff off Marguerite Drive near Palos Verdes Drive West in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, approximately 300-400 linear feet of the slope sloughed off, dropping approximately 50-60 feet toward the coastline. 

No injuries were reported, and there were no initial signs of structural damage as of September 27. However, significant soil movement has resulted in damage to several backyards. No evacuations are in place. 

The City is working closely with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department and has dispatched the City’s geologist and Building and Safety Division staff to the scene. While a geotechnical assessment is ongoing, this incident occurred outside the boundaries of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, which is located approximately 4 miles southeast. 

The City continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.