Power Cut Off to 140 Homes in Rancho Palos Verdes Due to Landslide Danger

Southern California Edison (SoCal Edison) has taken the drastic step of cutting power to 140 homes in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes. This decision, made on Sunday, August 31, 2024, was driven by the ongoing and severe land movement in the area, which has created increasingly unsafe conditions. As a result, an evacuation warning has been issued to residents.

Why the Power Was Shut Off

The land in the Portuguese Bend community has been shifting at an alarming rate, with movements of up to a foot per week. This instability has caused significant concerns for the safety of both residents and infrastructure. According to David Eisenhauer, a spokesperson for SoCal Edison, the decision to cut power was made out of necessity to protect the community. "We never want to have to turn off power unless we absolutely must," Eisenhauer stated. "But in this case, safety is our highest priority."

The decision follows a series of escalating problems in the neighborhood. Nearly a month ago, gas service was cut off due to similar concerns. The situation became even more pressing last Thursday when a small fire ignited after a power line fell and sparked nearby vegetation. Although the fire was quickly extinguished, it highlighted the ongoing risks posed by the unstable ground.

Impact on Residents

The power shut-off is the latest blow to residents already grappling with the loss of gas service. Many, like Portuguese Bend resident Mike Hong, expressed frustration over the short notice. "They are giving us even less time than the gas company," Hong said, noting that the shutdown of electricity would end the use of hot plates many had been relying on.

City officials have issued an evacuation warning, advising residents to prepare to leave. Those with children, pets, or who require additional time to evacuate are encouraged to do so now. An official evacuation order, which would mandate immediate departure, has not yet been issued but remains a possibility as the situation evolves.

Challenges and Response

The land movement in the area has presented unprecedented challenges for city officials, first responders, and utility companies. Maintaining critical infrastructure like the sewer system has become increasingly difficult. To address this, the city has installed portable generators, provided by the Portuguese Bend Community Association, to power the sewer lift system.

SoCal Edison has also established a community resource center in the neighborhood to offer water and information to affected residents. However, the unstable ground has prevented the utility from installing larger generators that could provide more comprehensive power solutions.

Looking Ahead

The situation in Rancho Palos Verdes is dire, and local authorities acknowledge that addressing it will require assistance from higher levels of government. "This is much bigger than the city itself," said City Councilman Dave Bradley. "Without help from our partners at the county, state, and federal levels, we can't come up with real solutions to slow the land movement."

FAQ: Landslide Danger in Rancho Palos Verdes and Power Shut-Offs

What happened in Rancho Palos Verdes?

• Southern California Edison (SoCal Edison) has shut off power to 140 homes in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes due to ongoing land movement and landslide risks, creating unsafe conditions for residents. This decision has prompted an evacuation warning.

Why was the power cut off?

• The power was cut off to ensure the safety of residents and workers. Continued land movement in the area has made the situation perilous, with concerns about potential damage to infrastructure, including power lines. A small fire, ignited by a fallen power line, underscored the immediate risks.

When did this happen?

• The power was shut off on Sunday, August 31, 2024, following notifications to residents on Saturday about the impending shut-off.

Is this related to previous utility issues?

• Yes. Residents in the same area lost gas service nearly a month ago due to the same land movement issues. The power shut-off is the latest in a series of safety measures taken by utility companies in response to the ongoing crisis.

What is the current state of land movement in the area?

• Land movement in the Portuguese Bend community has been recorded at unprecedented rates, with shifts of up to a foot per week. This has created significant challenges for residents, first responders, city officials, and utility companies.

Are residents being evacuated?

• An evacuation warning has been issued, meaning residents should prepare to leave. Those with children, pets, or who need additional time to evacuate are advised to leave now. If conditions worsen, an evacuation order, requiring immediate departure, will be issued.

What are the city and utility companies doing to assist residents?

• SoCal Edison has set up a community resource center in the neighborhood to provide water and information. Portable generators, procured by the Portuguese Bend Community Association, are powering the sewer lift system, ensuring the sewer system remains functional. However, the unstable ground prevents the installation of larger generators.

What are the broader implications of this situation?

• The ongoing land movement is a significant challenge that exceeds the capacity of local authorities to manage alone. City officials, including Councilman Dave Bradley, have emphasized the need for assistance from county, state, and federal levels to develop solutions that can address and potentially mitigate the land movement.

What should residents do now?

• Residents should prepare for a potential evacuation, stay informed through official channels, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, given the evolving situation.

Are there any other neighborhoods affected by this?

• Currently, the power shut-off is limited to the Portuguese Bend neighborhood. However, the situation is being closely monitored, and other nearby neighborhoods experiencing land movement may be affected in the future.