Gas Shutoffs in Rancho Palos Verdes Amid Landslide Risks
- SoCal Gas has shut off services to 34 homes in Rolling Hills, while Southern California Edison is preparing to cut power to 51 households.
- A state of emergency has been declared in the Portuguese Bend area of Rancho Palos Verdes due to landslide risks affecting nearly 250 residences.
- Local officials are prioritizing resident safety and organizing community support efforts amid the ongoing utility shutoffs.
Rancho Palos Verdes is facing significant utility shutoffs due to landslide risks, with a state of emergency declared in the Portuguese Bend area. SoCal Gas has cut off services to nearly 250 residences, while Southern California Edison is preparing to shut off power to 51 households in the nearby Rolling Hills community. The landslide zone has expanded by 680 acres over the past year, exacerbated by severe storms in 2023 and 2024, prompting officials to advise residents to evacuate. Mayor Leah Mirsch emphasized the city's commitment to residents' safety and accountability from utility companies. The county has allocated $5 million to address the disaster, although it remains unclear if this funding will extend to Rolling Hills. Community efforts are underway to support affected residents, particularly the elderly, as they navigate the challenges posed by the outages and instability in the area. Local leaders are working to find solutions to restore services safely and efficiently, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the emergency.