If you value independent local news, become a sustainer today. Your gift could help unlock a $1M challenge.
Land movement in Rancho Palos Verdes increases after recent rainfall
A section of Narcissa Drive is closed due to landslide movement in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes as seen on September 1, 2024.
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Land movement has increased in the Rancho Palos Verdes landslide area after historic storms over the recent holidays.
Why it matters: City officials said in some parts of the ancient landslide in the Portuguese Bend area of the city, land movement increased to 2 inches a week, that’s up from the average 1.74 inches per week.
How we got here: Movement was minimal in the landslide complex for decades. But above average rainfall in 2022 and 2023 set off a rapid increase in movement — up to 1 foot a week in some places — which prompted Southern California Edison and SoCalGas to shut off utilities for hundreds of residents.
The context: Those storms have forever changed the area. Some residents have lifted their home from its foundations, others have moved out and the city’s eventual plan is to buy out all the destroyed homes in the area and convert it to open space. A buyout program is underway for some of the homes.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
