Wealthy California Neighborhood Hit by Mudslide Moving 9 Inches a Week
Natural gas service to 135 homes was cut off Monday in a neighborhood on Southern California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula as conditions worsened in the area where a long-running mudslide damaged homes, roads and utilities, authorities said.
Southern California Gas Co. cited “significant pressure” on its infrastructure when it announced over the weekend that natural gas service would be shut off to homes in the Portuguese Bend area of Rancho Palos Verdes.
“We regret this unexpected service disruption,” the company said in a statement. “This dynamic situation requires us to take immediate action to protect public safety.”
The company says the ground is moving up to 9 inches (22.8 cm) per week.
The gas company said it would give $2,500 to each account holder to help with immediate needs like laundry and meals. There was no estimate on when service would be restored.
Portuguese Bend is one of several neighborhoods in the area that has experienced ancient landslides. The dramatic increase in ground movement began in the spring of 2023, following heavy winter rains. Water seeping into the ground is believed to have smoothed the ground.
Earlier this year, an earthquake forced the demolition of this monument. Wayfarers Chapel to prevent it from being destroyed. It is hoped that it can be rebuilt elsewhere.
