RANCHO PALOS VERDES – (INT) – Governor Newsom has expanded on a local State of Emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes because shifting land movement and its impact on potentially more homes that are losing public services.

The proclamation allows the state government to “utilize and employ” state resources to provide assistance.

The seaside community is situated on a series of ‘sub-slides’ that comprise the Greater Portuguese Landslide Complex. Land movement has significantly accelerated following severe winter storms in 2023 and ‘24.

The land movement that has disrupted utility services and resulted in evacuation warnings for some neighborhoods.

State help provides technical assistance, supports a local assistance center, facilitates a federal mitigation grant for groundwater work in the area, and helps officials with initial damage estimates.

Shifting ground is threatening utility poles and underground gas lines raising the risk of fires. Several homes have been ‘red tagged’.

“The movement has accelerated dramatically over the last 12 months, where some areas are moving up to 10 inches a week,” said city council member David Bradley. “You can almost see the ground move.”

Rancho Palos Verdes has been under a local state of emergency since October 2023.

County Supervisor Janice Hahn Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn said that Los Angeles County has set aside an additional $5 million to respond to the disaster.

Story Date: September 22, 2024