Increasing landslides have become a major issue in a posh neighborhood in Los Angeles, specifically in the community of Portuguese Bend in Rancho Palos Verdes. The unstable soil in this area, located just 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, has deteriorated significantly in recent months. This has resulted in power outages for scores of homes on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, causing concern among residents and authorities.
The landslides have been moving at an alarming rate, with some areas shifting up to 10 inches a week. The movement is so significant that it is visible to the naked eye, leading to fears of potential disasters such as fires and structural damage. Utility providers, including Southern California Edison, have been working to prevent such incidents by disconnecting power to affected homes. This has led to further outages, with more residents being warned that they may lose electricity in the near future.
The situation has become so critical that a fallen powerline in Portuguese Bend last week caused a minor blaze, prompting the decision to disconnect gas and water services in addition to electricity. Larry Chung, a spokesperson for the neighborhood, emphasized the importance of taking action to prevent wildfires and other dangers posed by the unstable soil. Despite these measures, some residents have expressed reluctance to leave their homes, with many insisting that they will not evacuate despite the risks.
The landslide in Portuguese Bend covers a vast area of 680 acres and has been progressing slowly for years. However, experts believe that recent heavy rainfall in California has accelerated the movement, causing concerns about the safety of the community. LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn has called for increased assistance from the state and federal government, citing the need for additional resources to address the crisis. She has set aside $5 million for disaster relief but acknowledges that more support is necessary to mitigate the impact of the landslides.
Sheriff Robert Luna has announced plans to use drones to monitor the area and ensure the safety of residents. Despite these efforts, some homeowners remain defiant, refusing to leave their properties even as the landslides pose a growing threat. The historic nature of the landslides, which have been reactivated by the extension of the 1956 Crenshaw Boulevard, adds to the complexity of the situation. The shifting of houses and roads over time has cost the city millions of dollars in restoration efforts, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive response to the ongoing crisis.
As the landslides continue to threaten homes and infrastructure in Portuguese Bend, the community faces an uncertain future. Residents are divided between those who choose to stay and weather the storm and others who are seeking alternative solutions to ensure their safety. With authorities scrambling to address the escalating situation, the eyes of the nation are on this posh LA neighborhood as it grapples with the challenges of nature’s forces.
