With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
SoCalGas is shutting off service to 135 homes in Rancho Palos Verdes following continued land movement
Historic landslides in Rancho Palos Verdes cause irreversible damage to homes and roads, as seen on May 17, 2024.
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
LAist
)
SoCalGas plans to shut off gas utility service to about 135 homes in the Portuguese Bend region of Rancho Palos Verdes on Monday.
According to SoCalGas, recent land movements in the area made it necessary to temporarily cut off the neighborhood's supply of methane, commonly known as natural gas.
The shutoff is expected to take effect around 9 a.m. Monday, though the city of Rancho Palos Verdes issued a statement saying it has reached out to the utility to discuss the possibility of delaying the shutoff.
For their part, SoCalGas says the shutoff could take effect even before the scheduled time if necessary. The utility service said they will not bill customers if that occurs.
Support for LAist comes from
"Unfortunately, the neighborhood continues to experience significant new land movement damaging roads, homes. and further threatening the safety of SoCalGas’ infrastructure," said SoCalGas in the news release.
SoCalGas advised against connecting alternate fuel sources like propane to the methane gas meter, which can cause safety concerns.
No methane gas leaks have yet been reported, according to the city of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Lack of notice draws criticism
The sudden nature of the shutoff drew criticism, including from Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn.
"This is a big problem," Hahn wrote in a statement provided to LAist. "I understand the risks, but I believe residents needed more time and better outreach to prepare for their gas to be disconnected. The County’s Department of Public Works and our Office of Emergency Management stand ready to assist these residents in anyway we can."
Support for LAist comes from
The current land slippage in Portuguese Bend has been ongoing since 1956, but has worsened in recent years after two winters' worth of heavy rain accelerated land movement in the area.
Drilling efforts to stabilize the land are currently underway, with a projected end date of September. If the drilling is successful, it could take about two to six months to be effective. The land is currently moving at a rate of about one foot a week.
Impacted streets
Streets in the Portuguese Bend region impacted by the shutoff include:
- CHERRYHILL LN
- CINNAMON LN
- CLOVETREE PL
- FIGTREE RD
- FRUIT TREE RD
- GINGER ROOT LN
- KUMQUAT LN
- LIMETREE LN
- NARCISSA DR
- PALOS VERDES DR
- PEPPERTREE DR
- PLUMTREE RD
- E POMEGRANATE RD
- W POMEGRANATE RD
- ROSEAPPLE RD
- SWEETBAY RD
- TANGERINE RD
- THYME PL
- VANDERLIP DR
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist