Update on Landslide Emergency and Utility Impacts

Potential SCE Power Shutoff Information

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes knows many of our residents are concerned about whether additional utility services may be discontinued in the landslide area since yesterday’s SoCalGas shutoff in the Portuguese Bend community. 

This evening, Southern California Edison (SCE) issued a notification to customers in the landslide area "to advise that Southern California Edison’s service to [their] property may be discontinued if conditions warrant.”

No shutoffs are currently in effect. The City remains in communication with SCE to ensure advance notice of any potential de-energization in the landslide area is provided to residents.

SCE has created a dedicated webpage with updates and resources at sce.com/rpv. 

The City is in continual discussions with SCE and all other utilities (Cal Water, L.A. County Sanitation Districts, L.A. County Public Works) and public safety partners to stay apprised of the dynamic situation.

Potential utility shutoffs would impact not only residents, but City services. We are making every effort to be prepared for a range of scenarios, and you should, too. In addition to keeping an emergency supply kit, evacuation packing list (PDF) and having a plan for your family, make sure you are signed up for Alert SouthBay emergency alerts by texting “alertrpv” to 888-777 or registering at AlertSouthBay.com. Get familiar with the Peninsula cities’ Know Your Zone evacuation information platform. Go to PVPready.gov to find your zone number, then save it in your phone or write it down and keep it somewhere that’s easy to find in an emergency, such as on your refrigerator or near the front door. In an emergency, such as a landslide or wildfire, check the zone map at PVPready.gov to see if your zone is under an evacuation warning or order.

SoCalGas Shutoff Resources and Information Booth

SoCalGas has shared that it will continue to staff an information booth for residents impacted by shut-offs in the Portuguese Bend Community at the intersection of Narcissa Drive and Fruit Tree Road, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., through at least Thursday, Aug. 1. SoCalGas has created a dedicated website for this incident at socalgas.com/rpv with more information.

SoCalGas reminds impacted residents to please NOT attempt to restore service or to connect alternative fuels like propane to your natural gas meter. Doing so is unsafe.

Landslide Community Q&A July 31

Residents are invited to attend a Landslide Neighborhood Q&A meeting on Wednesday, July 31 from 6-9 p.m. at the Ladera Linda Community Center. Held in a Q&A format (different from the April 2024 landslide town hall), the event will provide an opportunity for the public to share their questions and concerns with the City and utilities, plus get the latest updates on the landslide and utility impacts. Ladera Linda Community Park is located at 32201 Forrestal Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes. To participate virtually, join the Zoom link at: ow.ly/pySn50SNKY0 

Please note that this week’s RPV Landslide Complex Working Group meeting on July 31 is canceled due to the Q&A.

City Resources and Property Inspections

The City is working swiftly to implement contingency plans to support residents impacted by land movement, including securing agreements for temporary housing accommodations and continuing to request state and federal financial assistance for individuals. We are also finding temporary solutions to help homeowners stabilize and level their houses through this emergency. This includes bridging separating rooflines and providing alternative foundations that may move with the shifting land. Additionally, the City is exploring expanding the permissible use of temporary housing, such as manufactured homes, in the landslide area while repairs are made to permanent homes so they can be salvaged. More information will be provided when it is available.

On Thursday, August 1, the City will begin conducting voluntary home inspections in the landslide areas of Seaview, Portuguese Bend Community, and Portuguese Bend Beach Club. Our inspectors may ask for homeowners’ permission to access their property to identify any signs of structural stress or damage that are readily apparent, so they can ensure their safety. The City’s objective is to work with property owners to ensure their safety. If our inspectors see any concerning signs of damage or structural stress, they will work with homeowners to identify strategies to save structural integrity and prevent further damage, with the public’s health and safety being paramount.

The City also remains in communication with the L.A. County Fire Department about the impacts of the landslide on emergency access and response times. The Fire Department is committed to serving, at all times, the entire City, including the landslide area, and has purchased equipment to help access areas that have become more difficult to reach. Despite those efforts, the Fire Department has indicated that properties impacted by the landslide may experience a delay in emergency response times.

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.