California town faces crisis as landslides disrupt daily life

In Rancho Palos Verdes, California, residents are facing severe disruptions to their daily lives due to ongoing landslides exacerbated by two years of heavy rainfall. Families like that of Nick Mardesic are living off the power grid, relying on flashlights for light and traveling miles for basic necessities like hot meals and showers. The landslides have caused significant structural damage to homes, with deep fissures appearing in walls and ceilings, leading to evacuation warnings and power outages across the community. The city has been grappling with the consequences of the Portuguese Bend landslide, which has been a persistent issue for nearly 70 years. The average rate of land movement remains around four feet per month, prompting residents to express concerns about potential leaks contributing to the instability. In response, some have filed lawsuits against the city and its water provider, alleging negligence in addressing the factors leading to the landslides. Despite receiving a $23.3 million FEMA grant aimed at mitigating the land movement by addressing underground water issues, residents feel abandoned and are urging state leaders to seek federal disaster assistance. The lack of immediate aid has left many families, including Mardesic's, in precarious living conditions, with some considering temporary relocations to safer structures on their properties. As the community continues to face these challenges, the hope for a resolution remains uncertain, with residents advocating for more proactive measures to ensure their safety and stability in the face of ongoing geological threats.