Frequently Asked Questions

Since SoCalGas suspended gas service to the Portuguese Bend community, the City has heard from many residents who are interested in switching to alternatives for natural gas service. SCE’s announcement of potential de-energization in the landslide area has also prompted many inquiries about solar power.

To help guide residents, the City has created informational handouts about the Community Development Department’s expedited permitting programs for these projects:

Alternatives for Natural Gas Service (PDF)

Residential Solar Energy Systems (PDF)

If you have questions, please contact the Building and Safety Division at at 310-544-5280 or BuildingSafety@rpvca.gov.

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.

The City is communicating with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), LA County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and all utility providers to understand their plans for this emergent situation, and coordinate joint response efforts.

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. 

On Aug. 6 and 8, 2024, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the City hosted an information center at Ladera Linda Community Center. This center helped connect impacted residents with services and emergency preparedness resources.

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, the City began conducting windshield assessments of properties in the landslide areas of Seaview, Portuguese Bend Community, and Portuguese Bend Beach Club. These assessments are now complete. If a follow-up with a homeowner is needed due to signs of potential structural stress, City staff will reach out via a letter requesting a voluntary assessment be scheduled.

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.

Generally, a building inspector determines whether a structure is safe to inhabit based on a combination of factors, such as structural stability and utility connection. Some examples of why a house would be red tagged include: foundation problems, inadequate egress, insufficient or blocked exits, severe structural damage, utility failures, fire damage, gas leaks, etc.

A home that is identified as being yellow-tagged displays signs of damage to a particular area of the home. This area of the property may be restricted from use, while other portions of the home remain accessible to a homeowner.

In late October 2024, the City began conducting voluntary inspections at the request of property owners as part of the application process for the Voluntary Property Buyout Program. More information about the program is available on the Voluntary Property Buyout Program page.

In addition to keeping an emergency supply kit, evacuation packing list 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’ new 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.

A list of recommended evacuation packing list items is available here.