The recent decision by Southern California Edison (SCE) to shut off power to homes affected by the landslide in Rancho Palos Verdes underscores the complex interplay between environmental hazards and infrastructure management. The landslide, which has significantly destabilized the ground in this coastal region, poses not only physical risks but also challenges for utility companies tasked with maintaining safety and reliability. By implementing a power shutoff, SCE aims to mitigate potential hazards arising from compromised electrical infrastructure that could exacerbate the dangers associated with unstable soil conditions.
This proactive measure reflects a broader trend among utility companies in regions prone to natural disasters. In light of increasing occurrences of extreme weather events and geological instability, utilities are compelled to adopt more stringent safety protocols. The shutdown of electricity serves as a precautionary strategy intended to prevent accidents that could result from downed power lines or electrical sparks igniting fires in areas where vegetation may already be weakened by erosion. Such incidents not only threaten property but also endanger lives, highlighting the critical importance of responsive risk management practices.
According to an alert from the city, the warning is for the Portuguese Bend Community Association neighborhood.
SCE said the land movement is now considered a public safety threat and will be disconnecting service to 140 residential customers on Sunday at 12 p.m.
"We know this is a difficult time for Rancho Palos Verdes and we've been looking for ways that we can keep the power flowing," said Gabriela Ornelas, a spokesperson for SCE. "At this point land movement in Rancho Palos Verdes has created such a dangerous situation that we must make the difficult decision to disconnect power indefinitely to keep that community safe."
Within the days preceding this shut-off, the area suffered from a sewage spill and a fire that further damaged electric equipment, leading to Saturday’s notice.
“Recently, a fire near Narcissa Drive demonstrated that we cannot mitigate the public safety risk from the land movement in the area we are disconnecting,” added Kumar. “Since the accelerated land movement continues to damage our electric equipment, we need to turn off power to keep the public safe.”
Despite the warning and offers for alternative housing, Monzon said he doesn’t plan on evacuating.
“My son loves insects and birds and reptiles, and anything that he can get his hands on,” he said. “I would like to stay in our home.”
Cruikshank is holding an emergency meeting on the situation before a regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday.
Emergency assistance is available at the Ladera Linda Community Center on Forrestal Drive starting on Sunday at 11 a.m., officials said.
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