Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes due to worsening landslide problems. As a result, utility companies have been forced to disconnect electricity and gas services to numerous homes, causing a range of issues.
The proclamation aims to expedite the allocation of state resources to aid in the response to the slides. However, its primary focus appears to be on the utilities being shut off rather than the overall land movement.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The declaration aims to safeguard public safety in light of the ongoing land movement, which has led to disrupted utility services and evacuation warnings for the affected residents.
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Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and officials from RPV had been urging the governor to address the issue in recent weeks. Expressing frustration over the lack of time given to residents to prepare for the power shut off, Hahn, whose Fourth District includes the Palos Verdes Peninsula, welcomed the emergency order. She acknowledged Governor Newsom’s prompt action and expressed gratitude in a statement issued on Tuesday.
In a statement, Hahn expressed gratitude towards the state for acknowledging the magnitude of the crisis, stating that the declaration has arrived at a crucial moment when individuals are not only witnessing their homes deteriorate but are also experiencing power outages. Hahn emphasized that this situation extends beyond the boundaries of the city or county, highlighting the significance of the crisis.
State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, who represents the Peninsula and its surrounding districts, expressed his support for the governor’s declaration in a statement released on Tuesday. Like Hahn and RPV officials, Muratsuchi also extended an invitation to Governor Newsom to visit the area and witness the situation firsthand.
“The situation at hand is extremely grave, as the residents not only face the loss of their homes, but also the recent deprivation of gas and electricity,” expressed the assemblymember. “I urge the governor to arrange a meeting with the affected residents and personally witness the magnitude of this catastrophe.”
City Manager Ara Mihranian stated that Governor Newsom’s decision allows Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV) to request reimbursement for expenses already incurred by the city. However, Mihranian emphasized that this emergency declaration only pertains to the power shut off and its associated costs.
According to Mihranian, financial assistance and access to specific resources are provided for the response to SCE’s deenergization in the Portuguese Bend and Seaview neighborhoods.
