Rancho Palos Verdes: The Never-Ending Landslide Drama
For the past 18 months, Rancho Palos Verdes has been in the grips of a serious problem – a massive landslide zone that has wreaked havoc on homes, roads, and utility services. Triggered by heavy rains in 2023 and 2024, this ongoing disaster has left residents in turmoil and the city in financial distress. With an expected spending of $37 million on landslide mitigation this fiscal year – nearly equal to the city’s annual budget, Rancho Palos Verdes is in desperate need of outside assistance. However, the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grants has dealt a severe blow to the city’s plans for long-term prevention and stabilization.
The loss of $16 million in funding for stabilization work has left city officials scrambling to find alternative sources of support. The situation has become so dire that the city recently extended a local emergency declaration as financial resources dwindle rapidly. Mayor Dave Bradley expressed concerns about the city’s ability to continue landslide mitigation efforts, as a significant portion of the budget is dedicated to addressing this pressing issue. The use of underground “de-watering” wells and repairs to damaged infrastructure have been the focus of the allocated funds, with millions of dollars being poured into these efforts.
City officials are now facing the harsh reality of depleted reserve funds, with only $3.5 million expected in unallocated capital improvement reserves by the next fiscal year. While the city grapples with the immediate landslide crisis, it also faces a staggering $80 million in other capital projects. The need for external assistance is more critical than ever, as Public Works Director Ramzi Awwad emphasizes the regional impact of stabilization efforts. Despite ongoing mitigation projects showing some progress in slowing down the land movement, more work is needed to ensure the safety and accessibility of the area. The loss of FEMA funding poses a significant threat to long-term prevention initiatives, such as the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project, which aims to implement water pumps and other measures to mitigate future disasters.
As Rancho Palos Verdes struggles to secure funding for essential stabilization projects, the city’s residents remain at risk, along with vital infrastructure in the area. The Biden administration’s rejection of the city’s disaster reimbursement request has further compounded the financial strain on Rancho Palos Verdes. While efforts to appeal this decision are ongoing, the future remains uncertain for the city’s mitigation work. Supervisor Janice Hahn’s contribution of $5 million for landslide response and other financial aids have provided some relief, but the looming challenges persist. The potential $42 million buyout program offers a glimmer of hope, but its allocation remains in limbo, leaving many homeowners in the landslide zone in a precarious situation.
In light of these challenges, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s proposed bill, AB 986, could be a game-changer for Rancho Palos Verdes. By classifying landslides as a state of emergency, the bill opens up avenues for state funds to support the city’s efforts. Despite past failures of similar bills, the urgency of the situation in Rancho Palos Verdes demands immediate action. The slow-moving disaster in the area calls for a unified response from all levels of government to safeguard residents and crucial infrastructure. As the city continues to grapple with the landslide crisis, the need for sustainable solutions and external support remains paramount.
