Landslides are wreaking havoc on this California city. Locals vow to stay

In the city of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, residents are facing a serious crisis due to landslides that are causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. The situation has become so dire that local authorities have decided to turn off gas and electricity for hundreds of homes in the area. This decision was made to ensure the safety of the residents as the ground continues to shift and sink at an alarming rate. The community has long dealt with issues related to unstable land, but the recent landslides have accelerated, leading to fears that some buildings could be completely swallowed by the earth. Southern California Edison, the local power company, had to cut off electricity last week to prevent any potential fires that could be sparked by utility equipment in the shifting terrain. Additionally, SoCalGas began shutting off natural gas services in May and recently expanded the outage to include 54 more homes after a gas line break occurred. The neighborhood most affected by these landslides is Portuguese Bend, where city officials issued an evacuation warning just a week ago. While some residents chose to leave, many others are determined to stay and fight against the challenges posed by the landslides. They are coming together as a community, working to install generators and a sewer system to help manage the groundwater that is contributing to the landslides. Jackie Golison, a resident of the area, shared her experiences during a recent tour of her neighborhood. She described how one man's house had 'split in half' due to the shifting ground. As she drove along the damaged roads, she noted that just a few months ago, the streets were smooth and well-maintained, but now they resemble a wild amusement park ride. Jackie pointed out a home that had been lifted off its foundation, with the front door now standing about 8 feet above the ground. The scene resembles the aftermath of an earthquake, and Jackie remarked, 'It’s worse than an earthquake. ' Despite the chaos, she also expressed a sense of peace when the ground is stable, saying, 'It’s heaven in here though. Pure bliss when it's not moving. ' Portuguese Bend is known for its stunning ocean views and pleasant sea breezes, with horses and peacocks roaming the tree-lined streets. The ground in this affluent neighborhood has been shifting for decades, typically moving about a foot each year. However, recent heavy rains have caused the ground to shift as much as a foot every week in some areas, leading to irreparable damage to homes and prompting California to declare a state of emergency. Mayor John Cruikshank, who is also a civil engineer, believes that neighborhoods like Portuguese Bend will need to find ways to live off-grid to survive the ongoing crisis. He is in discussions with private companies about the possibility of installing power walls, which are devices that store energy for later use. Additionally, he is advocating for the state to extend the emergency declaration to secure funding that could assist individual homeowners. He stated, 'The forces of nature sometimes are much more than we know how to control or have the ability to control. ' Residents of Rancho Palos Verdes are acutely aware that climate change is exacerbating their problems. Jay Golison, Jackie’s husband, commented, 'The two years of rain didn't help. ' Outdoor trails that were once popular with locals and visitors alike are now closed due to dangerous fissures and air pockets that pose risks to horses, hikers, and mountain bikers. Jackie recounted a frightening experience where she fell off her bike after encountering a fissure that she could not see. She often goes to bed at night feeling anxious about what will happen if they are forced to leave their home, especially since they have three horses and three dogs to care for. The couple has only lived in their home for two years, and it has only a few minor cracks. Jackie expressed her determination, saying, 'We are still living in it. We just built it and put every dime we have into it. ' Not everyone is sympathetic to the plight of homeowners in this wealthy neighborhood. Social media is filled with comments suggesting that residents should have been aware of the risks, especially since landslides have caused problems in the area since the 1950s. However, locals have adapted over the years by raising their homes onto adjustable beams, allowing the buildings to move with the land. This solution worked for decades, and many residents felt that the risk was worth it for the beautiful coastal property. The Trump National Golf Club is located just a mile away from Portuguese Bend, and it was purchased by the former president after it went bankrupt due to a landslide that caused the 18th hole to fall into the ocean. The golf club remains open for business. Many residents are struggling to afford the necessary renovations and costs to adapt to the changing conditions, particularly elderly residents on fixed incomes. Shari Twidwell, who grew up in Portuguese Bend, has returned to help her elderly parents, who have lived in the area for 54 years. They are currently staying in a hotel because their home has lost power during a heatwave. Shari expressed her concern, saying, 'All of these people are breaking. And their houses are breaking. ' She is particularly worried about her father, who is 88 years old and suffers from advanced Parkinson’s disease. Neighbors are coming together to support one another, discussing how they can share the costs of necessary renovations. While some homes in Portuguese Bend have only experienced minor damage, others have been severely affected. The residents agree that Portuguese Bend is worth trying to save. One neighbor, Mr. Burt, stated, 'You can’t buy ambiance. You can't buy this somewhere else. ' Shari acknowledges that climate change is partly responsible for the situation but is frustrated by what she perceives as failures that have worsened the crisis. She mentioned that the city was supposed to line the canyon to help direct water to the ocean, but instead, funds were spent on a sewer system that is now failing. Many residents are now scattered in hotels or staying with friends, feeling isolated and anxious. Shari concluded, 'They are on their own. And that is terrifying for these people who have been here for more than half of their lives.