Rancho Palos Verdes is declaring a new state of emergency for the ongoing land movement impacting the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex.
In addition to this, the city aims to declare a new local emergency with help from the state of California and the federal government, in the hopes of helping over 130 homes that have had their gas cut off since July 29 because of the ongoing landslide.
Ara Mihranian, the city manager for Rancho Palos Verdes, told KNX News’ Nataly Tavidian the city council initially declared a local state of emergency in October.
“And then in February, February 20th, the council sent a letter to the governor requesting the governor declare a state of emergency for our city and then ask that the president declare a federal disaster,” he said.
Mihranian said the city council heard back three days later “basically saying that was not necessary” since Gov. Gavin Newsom had already declared a state of emergency for all of Los Angeles County because of the winter storms.
Residents are concerned about their power being shut off next. SoCal Edison crews did a temporary shutoff overnight for about 50 homes in the area Monday as crews did work nearby.
SoCal Edison representatives notified residents after the gas shutoff that if the landslide gets to a point where a shutoff is warranted, it’ll give as much advance notice as possible.
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Residents have expressed frustration with the city over the last couple of weeks.
"Frustration with the way that the city has handled this really for the last 20 years, frustration with the way SoCal Gas has handled this. Also with the unknown,” one resident told KNX News’ Karen Adams.
On Tuesday, city officials organized a large group of emergency preparedness resources from L.A. County, the state, and nonprofits.
Another meeting to provide residents with information and connect them to resources will be held Thursday.
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