Governor Newsom Declares State Of Emergency In Rancho Palos Verdes

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes on Tuesday due to the impacts of accelerated land movement on the provision of basic utility services.

Over Labor Day weekend, residents in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood had their electricity cut indefinitely and were evacuated from their homes. SoCalGas shut off gas service in the neighborhood at the end of July due to safety concerns.

According to Newsom's proclamation, the land movement in the area damaged a utility line on Aug. 29 and caused a brush fire. After the fire, Southern California Edison determined that it was no longer safe to operate in the area.

Since Sunday, more than 200 residents and 53 businesses have had their power shut off due to the threat to public safety.

The ongoing landslides have also impacted the city's sewage system, causing a 10,000-gallon sewage spill along a coastal roadway on Aug. 24.

The Rancho Palos Verdes City Council extended the city's local emergency declaration over the summer and requested an emergency declaration from the state. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents the area, also called for Newsom to personally visit the area.

Hahn said she reached out to Newsom's office on Saturday and estimated that upward of $1 billion in government funding might eventually be needed to address the situation.

"I don't know if ignored is the right (characterization)," Hahn said. "It feels like to these residents that they are being, not ignored, but maybe not understanding the enormity of this land movement."

Newsom's declaration of emergency will provide the City of Rancho Palos Verdes with more resources and assistance from the state in order to address the devastating impacts of the landslide.

Resident resources and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the city's dedicated webpage. Questions can be directed to landmovement@rpvca.gov and residents can sign up for email updates by subscribing to the land movement listserv.

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