2 weeks Ago
SoCal Edison will shut off power indefinitely for 50 customers in the Quail Ridge area in the city of Rolling Hills starting Wednesday at 6 p.m. This brings the number of residents on the Palos Verdes Peninsula without power to over 240.
Above average rainfall over two winters has led to increased land movement — destabilizing power lines, damaging homes and infrastructure. SoCal Edison said in a statement that ground movement “has created unsafe and hazardous conditions” which “increases the risk of system failure, fire ignition or other public safety hazards.” On Monday, SoCal Gas shut off service for 35 homes in the same neighborhood, bringing a total of 224 homes on the peninsula without gas for an indefinite time.
The impacted area sits on an ancient landslide complex which was reactivated in the 1950s when L.A. County extended Crenshaw Boulevard through the peninsula.
In recent years, above average rainfall has accelerated the land movement – with some areas now moving roughly 88 times faster than they did in October 2022 . The landslide, Rancho Palos Verdes city officials also said, is much deeper and faster moving than they first anticipated. Power and gas shut offs in Rancho Palos Verdes led to Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency in the city earlier this month.
In his emergency declaration, Gov. Newsom said his office has been working with the city of Rancho Palos Verdes to get federal money to help with capturing groundwater. The emergency declaration also gives the city manpower and equipment from the state to help stabilize the area.
LAist has reached out to the city of Rolling Hills for comment on how they will address the growing landslide complex and how it is now affecting their residents. Advice from Southern California Edison Advice from the CDC if you believe someone has been electrocuted.
