On Tuesday, Rancho Palos Verdes declared a state of emergency after more homes had lost power due to the shifting land.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proclamation announcing a state-of-emergency would allow the government of California to “utilize and utilize” state resources to assist nearly 300 people living and working in an area without electricity and gas.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services coordinated with the city and the county for almost a year to respond to the land move. This included providing technical assistance, helping the local assistance center, facilitating federal mitigation grants for groundwater works in the area, and assisting officials with an initial damage estimate, Newsom’s Office said in a press release.
Newsom has directed all state agencies to follow the Office of Emergency Services’ guidance and the emergency plan of the state to ensure the safety of their neighbors.
John Cruikshank, the Mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes, said: “We thought it was a bit too late for him to respond but, better late than no response at all, I suppose.”
“I’m delighted. “The city had been asking the governor to declare an emergency, and today’s declaration came too late,” said Ara Mihranian, City Manager.
The governor’s announcement stated that those living and working in the affected areas are to follow the instructions of emergency officials.
This declaration will also allow California to continue to assist local governments under the California Disaster Assistance Act.
Southern California Edison cut off the electricity to 140 homes in Portuguese Bend and 53 businesses on Sunday. On Monday, the shutoff was extended to 105 additional houses in Seaview.
In a Monday morning update, the city stated that “SCE notified the City and 105 of 270 Seaview Homes on Sunday of their discontinuation of electricity service for various lengths of times due to the danger of utility equipment sparking a fire and other hazards caused from downed cables or damaged equipment affected by landslide movements.”
The power cut-off will last at least 24 hrs. According to the city’s estimates, 47 homes are expected to be without electricity for 24 hours. 40 homes will also be without electricity for up to three weeks. And 20 properties will remain without power forever.
There are many potential solutions.
Local leaders are brainstorming ways to fix the problem with the help of the state, and the additional $5 million from the county. Cruikshank stated that he was looking for off-grid, long-term solutions for his constituents.
Tesla’s Powerwall is one of the options being considered.
The mayor stated, “I had an excellent meeting with Tesla Energy.” “I met them again today. They already presented some workable solution.”
Cruikshank didn’t elaborate on the potential route that could be taken by the city to move forward with Tesla. However, this could take several weeks or months.
Residents are frustrated by the situation
Many residents of the community are living without utilities. Those who have been affected by the shutdown demand solutions that will benefit them in the long term. Meanwhile, they are doing their best.
“I have no toilet because my grinder pumps have stopped working and I have no power or mobile,” said Cassie, a resident who was in a community center for those affected.
David Blenko’s home, which lost power on Monday, said, “It is a long process to understand this. We are taking it day by day.”
A resident stated that it’s unclear which residents are affected by the shutdown and which ones aren’t.
Jill Carlton who lives in this area said that some people lived west of us and others did not. “There’s no area defined, they cannot explain it right now. “I have no idea of what will happen.”
Residents of Rancho Palos Verdes can check out the website of the city to determine if their area is affected by the power cut. Click here to check if you are in an area that is being evacuated.
