Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes due to worsening landslide issues that have led utility companies to halt electrical and gas services to numerous homes. This declaration aims to expedite state resources to aid in addressing the utility disruptions linked to the land movement.
In an official statement, Newsom’s office emphasized the importance of protecting public safety amidst ongoing land shifts that have resulted in the interruption of utility services and evacuation alerts for affected residents.
The emergency order followed requests from Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and local officials to involve the state in addressing the crisis. Hahn, representing the Fourth District that includes the Palos Verdes Peninsula, expressed her frustration over the lack of preparation time given to residents before service interruptions occurred. She commended Newsom for his timely action.
“This declaration comes at a crucial moment as residents face not only the deterioration of their homes but also the loss of power,” Hahn said. “This is a situation that extends beyond the local level, and I appreciate the state’s acknowledgment of the severity of this crisis.”
State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who also represents the Peninsula, shared his approval of the governor’s declaration and called for a personal visit to the affected area. He highlighted the urgency of the situation as residents are losing both their homes and essential services.
City Manager Ara Mihranian noted that the emergency declaration allows Rancho Palos Verdes to seek reimbursement for expenses already incurred, although he clarified that the emergency status is specifically related to the utility shutdowns.
Residents in the Portuguese Bend area expressed relief at the governor’s announcement. However, there are still concerns regarding the implications of the declaration and the available assistance.
State emergency declarations are typically enacted in response to natural disasters, allowing quicker access to resources and funds to address urgent issues. Although such declarations are common following events like wildfires or floods, Rancho Palos Verdes has sought state assistance regarding land movement for several months.
The landslide acceleration has been attributed to severe storms that impacted the region over the past two winters, causing significant damage. In recent developments, more than 100 homes lost power on Labor Day, adding to the challenges faced by residents in the already affected areas.
Southern California Edison reported shutting off power to homes in the Seaview neighborhood amid ongoing land instability, following earlier disruptions in the Portuguese Bend community. Utility representatives described the situation as “dangerous” due to the unpredictability of the land movement.
The situation continues to evolve, with local officials considering regulations to assist residents facing unsafe housing conditions and the potential extension of a moratorium on new construction within affected areas.
Raising concerns about the critical need for state and federal assistance, Mayor John Cruikshank emphasized that addressing the land movement crisis requires collaboration beyond local efforts.
In response to the dynamic situation, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local authorities and FEMA to assess the next steps. The emergency declaration is expected to facilitate the deployment of state personnel and resources to aid residents and improve safety amid ongoing challenges.
Residents affected by the ongoing crisis remain hopeful for assistance as they navigate the difficulties posed by continuous land movement and disrupted utility services.