CC SR 20240820 02 - Landslide Emergency Hydraugers Update
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 08/20/2024
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to receive an update report on the Portuguese Bend
Landslide / Emergency Hydraugers Project and a 10-day report on the proposed
extension of the Interim Urgency Ordinance.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file an update on the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex and the
Portuguese Bend Landslide Emergency Hydraugers Project;
(2) Authorize Staff to expand the scope of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Emergency
Hydraugers project to the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex/Ancient
Altamira Landslide Complex inclusive of the Abalone Cove, Portuguese Bend,
Klondike Canyon, and Beach Club Landslides, and return with professional
services agreements at the earliest future meeting to implement the expanded
scope;
(3) Direct Staff to provide in-kind services to the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement
District (ACLAD) and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD) to
include the Abalone Cove and the Klondike Canyon Landslides as part of a unified
and coordinated strategy to manage the Greater Portuguese Bend/Ancient
Altamira Landslide Complex;
(4) Direct Staff to consider new alternatives, in addition to hydraugers, for managing
the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex/Ancient Altamira Landslide
Complex based on recent data collected from test boreholes;
(5) Ratify the Right of Access Agreement between the City and the Portuguese Beach
Club Homeowners Association (PBCHOA) to allow access via PBCHOA-owned
property for test boreholes associated with the Portuguese Bend Landslide
Emergency Hydraugers Project; and,
(6) Receive and file the “10-day report” that is required to be issued 10 days prior to
the expiration or extension of an interim urgency ordinance pursuant to California
Government Code § 65858(d).
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to receiving and filing updates. Fiscal impacts associated with
previous Council actions to implement measures to reduce land movement were reported
at the time of those Council actions, including appropriating $9,635,000 for the
Emergency Hydraugers Project, to proceed in a task-order basis where work is authorized
in a step-by-step manner as information from the test boreholes is used to update the
design.
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Staff recommends expanding the scope of the Emergency Hydraugers Project to
encompass the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex/Ancient Altamira Landslide
Complex inclusive of the Abalone Cove Landslide, Portuguese Bend Landslide, Klondike
Canyon Landslide, and associated sub-slides and considering various alternatives that
are not currently considered as part of the Emergency Hydraugers Project. As those
alternatives are further developed and refined, cost estimates will be developed and the
fiscal impact will be provided to the City Council.
Amount Budgeted: $9,635,000
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 330-400-8307-8XXX $6,772,400
(CIP Fund – Emergency Hydraugers – Various)
333-400-8307-8802 $2,862,600
(ARPA Fund – Emergency Hydraugers – Other Improvements)
ORIGINATED BY: Brandy Forbes, AICP, Director of Community Development
Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director
REVIEWED BY: Same as above
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Updated Landslide Map (Page A-1)
B. July 1 to August 1 2024 Landslide Monitoring Survey Report (Page B-1)
C. Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 674U adopting the initial prohibition on
construction within the greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex for 45-
days
D. 10-day Report on Interim Urgency Ordinance No.674U (Page D-1)
E. Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 675U extending the prohibition on
construction within the greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex until
October 2, 2024
F. November 6, 2023 Department of Housing and Community Development
Letter Authorizing Moratorium on Housing (Page F-1)
G. Right of Access Agreement between the City and the PBCHOA to allow
access via PBCHOA-owned property for test boreholes associated with the
Portuguese Bend Landslide Emergency Hydraugers Project (G-1)
H. Mandatory Water Restrictions Notice issued October 2023 (Page H -1)
BACKGROUND:
On October 3, 2023, the City Council conducted a discussion regarding the conditions of
the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, sometimes called the Ancient Altamira
Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex). After considering information presented that
evening, including public testimony, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No.
2023-47 declaring the existence of a local emergency within the geographic boundaries
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of the Landslide Complex and adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 674U, to establish a 45-
day moratorium on the acceptance or processing of applications, issuance of permits,
and construction of all structures within the Landslide Complex (the “Moratorium”).
The City Council also requested Staff return in a few weeks with an update on immediate
measures being taken to address the accelerated land movement. At subsequent
meetings, the City Council received updates on conditions in the Landslide Complex as
well as measures underway by various entities to reduce landslide movement; and
extended the local emergency on multiple occasions.
On November 6, 2023, the California Department of Housing and Community
Development issued a letter of approval (Attachment K) of Interim Urgency Ordinance
No. 674U during the effective period of 45 days from its adoption and its planned
extension for up to 22 months and 15 days by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, allowing
this Urgency Ordinance to be effective for a total of 24 months.
On November 14, 2023, City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Interim
Urgency Ordinance No. 675U, extending the Moratorium by the required four-fifths vote
for an additional 10 months and 15 days, expiring October 2, 2024.
On March 19, 2024, the City Council approved moving forward with emergency work in
the Portuguese Bend Landslide (PBL) consisting of installing two emergency hydrauger
systems with five drain arrays each and associated work. The City Council directed Staff
to return with a construction contract for City Council consideration or ratification at the
earliest opportunity.
On May 7, 2024, the City Council awarded the following contracts for the Portuguese
Bend Landslide Emergency Hydraugers Project (Emergency Hydraugers Project): a task-
order construction contract to Malcolm Drilling Company (Malcolm) for construction of the
emergency hydraugers; a professional services agreement (PSA) to Geo-Logic
Associates (Geo-Logic), Inc. for engineering and associated services; a PSA to Hout
Construction Services, Inc. DBA Hout Engineering (Hout) for construction management,
inspection, and associated services; and a PSA to Paul Hansen Engineering, LLC
(Hansen) for cost estimating, scheduling, and associated services.
The City Council is now, among other things, receiving a report on progress and expected
outcomes of the Emergency Hydraugers Project and a 10-day report on considering
extending the Interim Urgency Ordinance.
DISCUSSION:
Current Conditions from the City Geologist in the Landslide Complex (reasons for
considering extending the Urgency Ordinance)
The Landslide Complex encompasses four historically active landslide areas in the City:
the Portuguese Bend Landslide (PBL), the Abalone Cove Landslide (ACL), the Klondike
Canyon Landslide (KCL), and the Beach Club Landslide (BCL). However, it also includes
areas outside of the City’s historical boundaries of those known landslides, predominantly
uphill from the Portuguese Bend and Abalone Cove landslides, within the Ancient
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Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex as mapped by various agencies (i.e., U.S.
Geological Survey, California Geological Survey) and other researchers.
Since the July 2, 2024 update to the City Council, the City Geologist, Mike Phipps of
Cotton, Shires, and Associates, Inc. (CSA) conducted additional field mapping throughout
the Landslide Complex; observed conditions at various site -specific locations impacting
residential neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and where trails have been impacted;
reviewed additional survey and rainfall data; participated in the weekly Portuguese Bend
Landslide Complex Working Group meetings; and conducted site-visits to the boreholes
being installed in advance of the emergency hydraugers.
The City Geologist is reporting that rainfall and the resulting runoff and infiltration into the
Landslide Complex continues to adversely affect the landslide area, following a
significantly wetter than average (193%) rainy season in 2022 -23. The current rainfall
total is 23.19 inches, approximately 170% of the season average over the past 67 years
of the Rolling Hills Fire Station rain gauge.
Recent GPS survey data published by McGee Surveying Consulting for the period July
1, 2024 to August 1, 2024 were reviewed and analyzed. For all points monitored across
the entire Landslide Complex, following are the key conclusions over the past month:
• Overall average movement velocity decelerated 1%, with a range of 13%
acceleration to -13% deceleration.
• The ACL (within historical boundaries) decelerated 6% and had indicated land
movement of between 2 to 4.5 feet over the past month.
• The greater ACL (within the Greater Landslide Complex boundaries) decelerated
6.5% and had actual land movement of between 3.5 to 4.6 feet over the past
month.
• The PBL was not accelerating or decelerating and had indicated land movement
of between 3 to 4.5 feet over the past month.
• The western sub-slide portion of the PBL (including the ski jump) seems most
active and is still accelerating, up about 5% compared to the previous month.
• The KCL accelerated 4% and had indicated land movement of between 0.5 to 3.3
feet over the past month.
• New points established on the beach at Portuguese Bend Beach Club in April have
risen about 3.5 to 4.5 feet vertically since they were established .
• The Burma Road switchback points moved about 1.5-2.3 inches in the southwest
direction over the past month.
• Perimeter points are stable, indicating that the areas outside the landslide mapped
boundaries are currently unchanged.
• Recently, new points were established on Schooner Drive in the Seaview
neighborhood to assess and affirm the limits of the Landslide Complex. The current
GPS position of these points will be compared to the position in one month to
determine if there has been any movement.
Recent land movement rates (velocities) remain approximately 7 to 11 inches per week
in the ACL, 9 to 13 inches per week in the PBL, and 2 to 8 inches per week in the KCL.
Attachment A presents the GPS monitoring data graphically. Figure 1 of Attachment B
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presents scaled, incremental displacements and movement vectors since April 17, 2024.
Figure 2 of Attachment B presents scaled displacement rates (i.e., movement velocities)
and vectors, and a contour map (aka “heat map”) of displacement rates for the current
July 1 through August 1, 2024 monitoring period. Figure 3 of Attachment B depicts the
change in acceleration or deceleration of the movement as a contour map (aka “heat
map”). The greener areas indicate areas of acceleration and the redder areas indica te
areas of deceleration of the surface survey monuments.
The data shows that the middle of the overall Landslide Complex continues to move the
fastest, at up to about 13 inches per week. The velocity contours in the 12-13 inch per
week range are generally on the west side of, and further west than the historical PBL
boundary, and a large portion of the center of the overall Landslide Complex is moving at
greater than 11 inches per week. The significant and unprecedented change in movement
behavior from historical movements of the PBL and ACL remains. The entire active
Landslide Complex (area of major land movement now evident at the ground surface)
continues to be expanded from the combined historical boundaries of the ACL/PBL/KCL
of about 380 acres, to an estimated 680 acres in size, within the historic dormant Ancient
Altamira Landslide Complex (Altamira Landslide Complex).
Landslide movement continues to manifest at the ground surface in the form of scarps,
fissures, grabens/sinkholes, tensional cracking, shear zones and thrust features. Due to
the continued movement of the landslide, the ground movement features have continued
to enlarge, expand, widen, or grow depending on the type of feature and location.
The eastern landslide boundary of the KCL continues to manifest on Admirable Drive and
Exultant Drive; however, the boundaries remain consistent with historical mapping of the
KCL and the location of a pre-development infilled drainage course that is believed to
define the easterly limit of prehistoric landsliding (new data points have been installed to
affirm this statement).
The westerly boundary of the active Landslide Complex in the ACL area continues at
Narcissa Drive and on the York property at 6001 PV Drive South. The expanded landslide
movement is quickly deforming the Narcissa Drive curve and is the same movement that
has displaced the administration building and caused major bulging of the parking lot at
the Wayfarer’s Chapel property.
The Portuguese Beach Club area continues to experience major deformation along
Seawall Road and bulging/uplift on the order of 4 to 5 feet across the beach on an east -
west trend. This deformation appears to continue offshore into the PBL based on major
emergence of land in the surf zone and nearshore zone at the southeasterly toe of the
PBL. In this area, the seafloor has uplifted above mean sea level approximately 200 to
300 feet laterally south of the former foreshore slope of the beach.
Road conditions on Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) across the lower landslide complex
continue to be adversely impacted due to differential rates of land movement currently
ranging from about 2 to 8 inches/week across the KCL, 8-13 inches per week across the
PBL, and 5-11 inches per week across the ACL. Portuguese Point is being overridden by
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the landslide debris, resulting in failure of the historical rock wall along the Olmsted Trail
and loss of beach access to Abalone Cove via Olmsted Trail.
In summary, the average movement velocity for the Altamira Landslide Complex has now
decelerated 1%, with a range of 13% acceleration to -13% deceleration; however, the
identified areas of landslide movement are now moving approximately 88 times faster
than in October 2022. The land movement continues to severely impact trails and open
space areas, public and private roads, private property including hundreds of residential
structures, and utility infrastructure.
The City Geologist will be attending the August 20 meeting to provide the City Council
and public with an updated report since the July 2 meeting.
Current Palos Verdes Nature Preserve Trail Conditions in the Landslide Complex
Large parts of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (Preserve) are located within the
Landslide Complex. Specifically, the Portuguese Bend Reserve, Abalone Cove Reserve,
and parts of the Forrestal and Filiorum Reserves are located within the Landslide
Complex. Many of these areas are seeing landslide-related damage including fissures,
rockslides, sink holes, unstable trails, and significant erosion. Out of concern for public
safety, and in consultation with the City Geologist, the City Manager has temporarily
closed large areas of the Preserve consisting of approximately 10 miles of passive
recreation trails. Staff continue to monitor these and other trails, and extensive repairs will
likely be needed before these trails can be reopened for public use after the area has
been stabilized.
Land movement has continued in the Preserve, most notably in areas along Burma Road
Trail, Toyon Trail, and Ishibashi Trail in Portuguese Bend Reserve, and Olmsted Trail in
Abalone Cove Reserve. Portions of Burma Road are no longer accessible by vehicle, a re
difficult to traverse on foot, and have seen significant elevation changes in areas where
fissures divide and break the road. Areas of Burma, near lower Rim Trail, are nearly
impassable without step stools/ladders to traverse large land deformations, or similar
tools to assist with the elevation differences within the road/trail tread. These areas have
continued to separate, creating drops of 15 feet or more along the trail. Many locations
are almost unrecognizable, with little to no trail remaining. Olm sted Trail has ongoing land
slippage and reoccurring slides, causing damage to old retaining walls and burying
infrastructure installed in early 2024. Newer fissures on Vanderlip Trail and Gary’s Gulch
Trail have continued to expand and develop. Many areas remain additionally damaged
from the heavy February/March 2024 storms including elevation changes, increased
erosion, and additional and expanded fissures.
Current Residential Conditions in the Landslide Complex
Due to the continued significant land movement and how it is manifesting at the ground
surface in the form of scarps, fissures, grabens/sinkholes, tensional cracking, shear
zones and thrust features, some residential structures and the utilities serving properties
in the Landslide Complex have suffered damage and loss of function. The activities to
address the utilities are described in the section of this report “Measures Taken to
Alleviate the Conditions that Led to the Adoption of the Urgency Ordinance” below.
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Roadways, water mains, sewer pipes, gas lines, and electrical power poles have all been
impacted by the land movement throughout the Landslide Complex. The City is working
with utility providers to seek creative ways to minimize disruption to as many households
as possible and to continue to provide service as the land movement is still accelerating.
As well as many homes are being stressed with the continued land movement, property
owners are seeking temporary solutions to stabilize and level their houses through this
emergency (a report on recommended options and code amendments will be presented
at the September 3 meeting).
Photos of Dauntless and Exultant Intersection
Photos on the left were taken on November 8, 2023 and photos on the right were taken
on July 10 and 16, 2024, which demonstrate the extent of movement in this residential
neighborhood.
Photos from 11/8/23 Photos from 7/10 and 7/16/24
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Photos of Narcissa Road and Intersections taken July 10, 2024
Measures Taken to Alleviate the Conditions that Led to the Adoption of the Urgency
Ordinance
To respond to the increased movement, City Staff formed the Rancho Palos Verdes
Landslide Complex Working Group, which meets virtually every Wednesday at 3 p.m. and
posts meeting minutes to the City’s website under the Land Movement homepage. The
purpose of the Working Group is to coordinate, develop, and implement actions with
participating members to minimize land movement and its impact on private property as
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well as public infrastructure. Although many of the measures are the responsibility of other
parties, the City is proactively supporting and facilitating various measures. The Working
Group is comprised of the following:
• Abalone Cove and Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement Districts (ACLAD and
KCLAD) and their geologist;
• California Water Service (Cal Water)
• Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)
• Southern California Edison (SCE)
• Seaview Residential Association
• Portuguese Bend Community Association (PBCA)
• Portuguese Bend Beach Club Homeowners Association (PBBC)
• Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC)
• Los Angeles County Public Works Sanitary Sewer Maintenance (LACPW)
• Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LA San Districts)
• City of Rolling Hills
• Rolling Hills Community Association
• Area residents
• Staff and consultant program manager, geologists, and civil engineers
Update of Various Agencies and Utilities
On July 24, 2024, Acting Chief Cane of Los Angeles County Fire Department emailed
City Manager Mihranian expressing public safety concerns within the Landslide Complex.
The Concerns expressed were due to road conditions and the potential inability to
respond to emergent calls within the required 6 minutes, access to some residences due
to structural conditions, and challenges to combat a wildfire in the Preserve due to ground
conditions.
The morning of July 26, 2024; representatives of Southern California Gas Company
(SoCalGas) contacted Staff to express extreme concern that land movement is making it
unsafe to continue to provide natural gas service to the Portuguese Bend Community.
The evening of July 26, 2024, SoCalGas representatives informed the City Manager that
on July 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. natural gas will be shut off to approximately 135 homes
within the Portuguese Bend Community due to safety reasons.
On July 27, 2024, SoCalGas issued a community notice informing residents of the
Portuguese Bend Community that natural gas will be shut off to the community on July
29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. and included responses to frequently asked questions. SoCalGas
clarified that gas infrastructure would remain in place and service would be restored when
SoCalGas engineers determined that it would be safe to provide natural gas to the area.
Additionally, SoCalGas deployed field staff in the community to answer resident que stions
and provide additional information.
The City Manager immediately called for a meeting with various agencies and elected
officials across all levels of government- from local to federal. The meeting was held on
Monday, July 29, 2024 with the purpose of understanding the current status of each
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utility’s systems and seeking assistance from County, State, and Federal agencies and
elected officials. Several task-force level groups have since been established to maximize
the exchange of information and search for resources.
The morning of July 29, 2024, SoCalGas shut off service to approximately 135 homes in
the Portuguese Bend Community. SoCalGas provided financial assistance in the amount
of $2,500 to each metered household in the Portuguese Bend Community that are no
longer receiving natural gas service.
On July 31, 2024, the City held a Neighborhood Q&A Meeting to allow residents to hear
directly from the City and to directly ask questions to Staff and utility representatives.
Below is a summary of the key issues for each utility. It should be noted that at the August
6 meeting, the City Council directed staff to work with the utilities to provide specific
timelines. Due to the short time frame between meetings, Staff was unable to obtain such
timelines for this report but will include it in the next report.
Fire Department
On July 24, 2024, Acting Chief Cane of Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACOFD)
emailed City Manager Mihranian expressing public safety concerns within the Landslide
Complex. The Concerns expressed were due to road conditions and the potential inability
to respond to emergent calls within the required 6 minutes, access to some residen ces
due to structural conditions, and challenges to combat a wildfire in the Preserve due to
ground conditions.
In response, LACOFD has a heavy-duty pick-up truck parked at Station No. 53 that is
equipment with essential emergency apparatus for access to areas that a full -sized fire
truck could not access. Additionally, there is a 2,000 gallon water tender at Statio n No.
53.
Natural Gas
SoCalGas informed the City that on July 26, 2024, engineers determined the system
could no longer be safely operated due to a confluence of issues such as excessive
breaks, lines suspended in the air, and swing joints in tension. SoCalGas informed the
City that this meant a sequence of events had been triggered requiring a shut -off within
a certain time frame; therefore, natural gas was scheduled to be shut off on July 29, 2024.
Additionally, SoCalGas stated that re-routing the main line supplying the neighborhood to
another location would not resolve the problems with the system within the neighborhood .
Finally, SoCalGas stated that they were very concerned that a catastrophic event could
occur if gas was not shut off in a timely manner.
With respect to the Seaview neighborhood, SoCalGas stated that there are no plans to
shut off natural gas service at this time. SoCalGas is proactively taking measures to install
isolation valves in the Seaview neighborhood that started on August 2, 2024. The purpose
of the isolation valves is to create multiple shut -off points within the community so that if
service needs to be shut off for a short-term repair or for long-term reasons, the number
of homes affected by the shut-off would be significantly reduced. At this time, SoCalGas
continues installing isolation valves that will separate homes west of Schooner Drive from
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those east of Schooner Drive. Additionally, isolation valves are being installed on each
street west of Schooner Drive to separate each street from the others.
Electricity
On July 30, 2024, SCE issued a notice to homes in the Portuguese Bend Community,
Seaview Community, the Portuguese Bend Beach Club Community, and nearby areas
advising customers that service may be discontinued if conditions warrant. SCE stated
that ground movement has created unsafe and hazardous conditions, which have already
impacted SCE’s infrastructure, causing power poles to lean and power lines to fail. SCE
further stated that the impact on SCE’s equipment caused by these hazardous conditions
increases the risk of system failure, fire ignition or other public safety hazards. SCE noted
that dynamic conditions may not allow for advance notification and that customers,
including the City which is also a customer of SCE, are encouraged to begin planning for
the potential suspension of electric service.
SCE stated that design efforts to separate circuits so that areas not affected by movement
are not also disconnected has started, but that it could take three to four months to
complete the work, and that field assessments could change the timeline. Staff have
demanded that SCE accelerate the schedule to significantly minimize the number of
properties impacted by a potential shutoff and to maintain critical services energized by
SCE such as dewatering wells, the City-owned sewer system, telecommunication
facilities, and CalWater’s leak detection system.
The City has serious concerns with SCE’s statements particularly because key landslide
mitigation measures such as dewatering wells for the ACL and KCL as well the proposed
hydraugers for the PBL rely on electric power to function. Staff have asked SCE to provide
more specific criterion for stopping service. Additionally, residents have asked a series of
questions to SCE including why automatic shut-offs cannot be installed on a pole-by-pole
basis to minimize customers impacted by disconnection; why SCE can not deploy 24/7
personnel on the ground to continuously monitor and repair poles/lines; and why alternate
power sources such as generators are not being installed by SCE. Staff are reiterating
these questions/requests to SCE. The City continues to communicate with SCE to obtain
answers to these questions.
Sanitary Sewer
The sanitary sewer system in the Portuguese Bend Community is known as the Abalone
Cove Sanitary Sewer System and is owned, maintained, and operated by the City. Crews
are regularly inspecting the system and making repairs as breaks are identified through
inspections or resident notification. Parts of the system have been brought above ground
and have had flexible components installed. Engineers continue to evaluate the system
to determine where additional sections need to be brought above ground or otherwi se
modified.
The Abalone Cove Sanitary Sewer System currently relies on electric power to operate
pumps at each home and at several pump stations. If electric power is discontinued, an
alternate power source would be needed. Staff are preparing a backup plan and obtain ing
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quotes from various vendors for mobile power options that could be deployed in the event
electric power is discontinued.
The sanitary sewer system in the Seaview neighborhood is owned by the City; however,
it is maintained and operated by the Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW). As
such, LACPW has been inspecting the sewer system in areas affected by the landslide
and performing repairs when needed.
Significant displacement of the underground sanitary sewer main line on Dauntless Drive
in the vicinity of the intersection with Exultant Drive has been occurring. LACPW repaired
this sewer line during the week of July 29, 2024 and August 5, 2024. The sewer line in
the vicinity of the fissure on Exultant Drive south/east of Dauntless Drive was recently
inspected and found to be damaged. Repairs are scheduled to start during the week of
August 19, 2024. It is important to note that despite the displacement, there have been
no discharges of sewage above-ground.
Considering the rate of movement and the expectation that displacement will continue,
Staff and LACPW are continuing to evaluate longer-term solutions. Currently, the most
viable approach is to continue to perform camera inspections of the sewer lines and repair
line displacement as it is discovered. LACPW will continue to conduct weekly inspections
and will perform video inspections of sewer lines under areas with visible movement or
where problems are suspected.
The sanitary sewer system in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club (PBBC) is privately
owned, operated, and maintained; and discharges into the Los Angeles County Sanitation
Districts (LA San Districts) sewer trunk line on PVDS. LA County San Districts have been
coordinating with the PBBC so that the sewer line integrity is maintained. It should be
noted that this sanitary sewer system is also powered by SCE.
Water
Cal Water continues to install above ground water lines to minimize the risk of breaks
associated with land movement, and have indicated that they have no intention or plan to
shutoff service especially for wildfire purposes.
Cal Water previously installed water main lines above ground at the intersection of
Admirable Drive and Exultant Drive. Recently, Cal Water has been bringing additional
water main lines above ground at additional locations on Admirable Drive and Exultant
Drive near expanding fissures. Exhibit 1 shows the areas where water main lines will be
brought above ground.
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Exhibit 1: Additional Water Main Moving Above Ground in Seaview Neighborhood
Cal Water completed construction to bring a water main line above ground at Vanderlip
Drive in the vicinity of a major fissure as shown in Exhibit 2 on the next page. Cal Water
has been working onbringing another segment above ground between Vanderlip Drive
and Burma Road.
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Exhibit 2: Additional Water Main Moving Above Ground Near Vanderlip Drive
Cal Water is continuing to plan work on several other projects including bringing the
segment of pipe between PVDS and Yacht Harbor Drive above ground, installing swing
joints throughout Narcissa Drive, and replacing underground watermains in the Seaview
neighborhood. The City continues to work with Cal Water to expedite these projects.
Communications
There are two providers of communications infrastructure in the Landslide Complex area;
Cox Communications and Frontier Communications. Each has indicated to the City that
they rely heavily on power supplied by SCE and that they will keep their facilities
operational so long as they have power supply. Additionally, each is considering backup
plans to provide services using mobile infrastructure, such as Communications on Wheels
(COW).
Crown Castle provides infrastructure for wireless carriers servicing the City, including in
the landslide area. Staff have been working with Crown Castle to identify infrastructure at
risk of land movement so that it can be made more reliable or relocated. Additionally, Staff
have been working with Crown Castle to install additional wireless infrastructure to
provide additional capacity and redundancy.
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The City is planning to send letters to the various carriers serving the area to consider
installing COWs to provide uninterrupted service due to state of emergency the area is
under.
KCLAD Activities:
KCLAD has two deep wells (approximately 150-foot depth) and one shallow well
(approximately 15-foot depth) currently functioning. One deep well is currently pumping
approximately 72 gallons per minute with a water table reading of approximately 12 feet
and the other deep well is producing approximately 48 gallons per minute with a water
table reading of approximately 6 feet. These wells have crimped or sheared casings and
have experienced other problems from land movement. Efforts are underway to improve
production at both of those wells. The shallow well is pumping 20 gallons per minute. A
new well has been drilled to a depth of 165 feet. This well continues to be under
development and its pump is expected to be installed by the end of next week.
KCLAD is working with the City on a plan to remove the tarps that were installed to prevent
water infiltration at the KCL boundary fissure and replace them with sandbags and
interconnected flexible pipes to trap spring water and convey it to the 16” pipe f urther
downstream, because the tarps limit evaporation during the dry season. Additionally,
KCLAD and Staff continue to discuss preparations for implementation of KCLAD’s 5 -Step
Plan that includes installing various water extraction and storm drainage solu tions and
filling fissures.
ACLAD Activities:
ACLAD continues to repair wells and drainage lines as jams and breaks occur. ACLAD
continues to jointly work on installing temporary flexible drainage pipe for the Kelvin
Canyon Spring so that surface water does not infiltrate into the ground and contribut e to
land movement by recharging the water table. ACLAD is also working on plans to install
additional dewatering wells, with specific locations to be defined and reviewed by the City
Geologist.
Fissure Filling
A combined effort including the Recreation and Parks Department, Public Works
Department, as well as ACLAD and KCLAD, continues to be underway to fill as many
fissures as possible, with geologists providing direction on priorities. Additionally, the
PVPLC Volunteer Trail Crew is assisting with maintenance to repair fissures and erosion
on trails to keep as many of them within the landslide area open as possible.
The City Geologist has been reviewing plans for major fissure filling in upper Vanderlip
Drive with a specific focus on assuring that the import of fill does not cause adverse
impacts.
Update on Building Division Programs and Permitting
Mandatory Water Restrictions in Landslide Area
16
Due to the continued local landslide emergency, the City is still strongly recommending
that property owners in the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex turn off
sprinkler/irrigation watering systems for the foreseeable future to minimize additional
water being absorbed into the ground in the vicinity. Additionally, for those properties with
swimming pools, if there is more water loss than occurs due to evaporation, the property
owner is being asked to consider refraining from refilling the pools at this time and
consider emptying the pool to prevent water entering the ground. A Mandatory
Restrictions notice was initially issued in October 2023 with information on pool draining
(Attachment F). This notice is not intended to be punitive but to achieve vo luntary
compliance and provide guidance to residents.
Building Inspections in Landslide Area
Building Division Staff continue to proactively conduct windshield inspections of the
residential neighborhoods (PBC, Seaview, and PBCA) within the landslide complex
multiple times per week to monitor conditions, particularly structures. Staff have also
visited commercial/institutional sites to evaluate the safety of the structures.
The National Historic Registered Wayfarers Chapel experience d significant damage due
to land movement. The Chapel has been de-constructed and preserved so that it can be
re-constructed when the land movement can be stabilized, or moved to another location.
The next phase is to dismantle the Palos Verdes Stone Bell Tower. The City will continue
to work with Chapel representatives in an effort to keep this landmark in Rancho Palos
Verdes.
To date, the City’s Building Official has red-tagged two homes in the Seaview
neighborhood and the administration building on the Wayfarers Campus due to structural
damage sustained by the ongoing land movement. The property owners are being notified
that the condition of the structures is at a point that warrants demolition. The City will
continue to keep the Council and neighbors updated.
At this time, no other structures within the landslide complex have been yellow - or red-
tagged (which limits and/or prohibits occupancy). It is the City’s obligation to ensure and
protect public health and safety. Accordingly, site and building inspections wi ll occur when
warranted with voluntary compliance.
The Building and Safety Division Staff have been working with interested property owners
in finding temporary solutions to stabilize and level their houses through this emergency.
This includes bridging separating rooflines and providing alternative founda tions that are
more adaptable to the shifting land.
The City has the ability waive any permit or application fees associated with the proposed
reconstruction of a building or other structure that has been damaged or destroyed by a
landslide (see RPVMC below). The applicant does need to demonstrate that these fees
are not covered by the applicant’s homeowners’ insurance policy. At this time, they would
still have to pay the City’s consultant review fees (geologist, plan check), but City Staff
are waiving permit and application fees as applicable, based on the following:
17
RPVMC 17.78.010
F. Any permit or application fees (excluding city consultant review fees) associated
with the proposed reconstruction of a building or other structure (or portion thereof)
that has been damaged or destroyed by fire, earthquake, landslide or an
involuntary act of the property owner shall be waived, provided that the rebuilt
building or structure is no more than 250 square feet larger than it was prior to the
damage or destruction, and provided that the applicant can demonstrate that said
fees are not covered by the applicant's homeowners' insurance policy. In the event
that three or more properties are affected by any single incident, the city council
may, in its discretion:
1. Grant a fee waiver without making the findings specified in subsection
(B) of this section; or
2. Deny the waiver in its entirety or grant only a partial waiver, based upon
a finding of adverse fiscal impact to the city.
These are applications/permits that would fall under Exceptions A or C of the moratorium
in Urgency Ordinance 675U and any extension. The City is documenting these exceptions
in the permit tracking software and referencing this section of code when waiving the
permit/application fees.
In addition to waiving fees where applicable, Staff are expediting application and permit
processing for these temporary measures.
Utility Conversion Education and Permitting
The City’s Community Development Department prepared two informational handouts
related to energy conversion. The Alternatives for Natural Gas Service handout outlines
alternatives for natural gas service to continue serving key home appliances and
equipment including, but not limited to, stoves, furnaces and water heaters. The handout
also provides requirements for permit issuance and inspections. The Solar Energy
Systems handout highlights the City’s solar energy submittal and permit requirements,
which include online permitting and expedited plan review. The handouts have been
made available to area residents, posted on the City’s website and placed at the Building
& Safety Division public counter.
The City is waiving all permit fees and is waiving the planning process for the above
energy conversions with the understanding that the permits are being issued during the
duration of the City’s declared local state of emergency.
Moratorium Exception and Waiver of Statement from Geotechnical Consultant
On October 3, 2023, the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council, pursuant to the Rancho
Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) Chapter 2.24 and Government Code § 8630 and
§ 8680.9, proclaimed a state of local emergency within the Greater Portuguese Bend
Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex). In the event of a proclamation of local
emergency, the City Manager, as Director of Emergency Services, is empowered to make
and issue rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and
property as affected by such emergency, provided such rules and regulations must be
confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the City Council.
18
On October 3, 2023, the City Council further adopted Interim Urgency Ordinance No.
674U, approving a moratorium on all construction in the Landslide Complex, and renewed
the moratorium by adopting Interim Urgency Ordinance 675U on November 14, 2023 (the
“Moratorium”). The Moratorium will expire on October 4, 2024, unless renewed. Subject
to certain exceptions, “during the effective period of [the moratorium], no application for
permit will be accepted, no consideration of any application for any permit will be made,
and no permit will be issued by the City for any construction on any property within the
Landslide Complex until this Ordinance has expired or has been repealed according to
applicable law.”
Emergency structural and foundation repairs to a home impacted by the significant land
movement qualify under the Exception A category set forth in Section 2 of the Moratorium
(“Exception A”). This Exception is for “[c]onstruction necessary for repair or m aintenance
of existing structures, roadways, and any infrastructure such as water lines, sewer lines,
electrical or traffic installations, etc.”
Chapter 15.20 of the RPVMC provides that certain building permits require the applicant
to obtain a geologist report. Based on the speed of land movement, however, no such
geologist report can be obtained. Thus, in order to move forward with temporary repa irs,
a waiver of this requirement is necessary.
The City Manager, through his authority under RPVMC 2.24.060 and Resolution No.
2023-47, as renewed, has authorized waivers for the required geologist reports for these
emergency repairs qualifying under Exception A of the Moratorium, due to the significant
land movement and that these repairs are for temporary emergency repairs. Staff are
requiring that the applicant acknowledges that these repairs are for temporary repairs
during the significant land movement and are being approved under emergency
conditions. The property owner must agree to hold the City harmless, and recognize that
once the emergency is lifted, the temporary foundation or structural repairs may need to
be replaced with permanent repairs and a statement from the geotechnical consultant.
The applicant is also required to sign a waiver acknowledgement form.
On July 2, 2024, the City Council confirmed the City Manager’s action as Director of
Emergency Services to waive the requirement of applicants of permits for emergency
repairs to obtain a statement from the geotechnical consultants.
Urgency Ordinance for Temporary Repairs and Housing on Private Property
Pursuant to City Council direction on July 2, 2024, City Staff is exploring options for interim
housing solutions within the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex. Staff is working
collaboratively with the community to preserve existing structures within the landslide
complex and consider potential options for temporary housing.
Examples of stabilizing solutions to preserve existing structures may include, but are not
limited to, placing homes on cargo structures and other leveling systems such as I-beams
and installing alternative foundation systems to help maintain the integrity of the structure
as the land shifts. These measures would be temporary, require a permitting system, and
19
need the owner to hold the City harmless. The structure could be occupied if it has
adequate ingress/egress, utility connections and service, and fire department access.
For temporary housing, this may include temporary structures such as mobile homes that
would not require a foundation. The temporary housing would be on the same site as the
current residence. These structures would be temporary, require a permitting syste m, and
need the owner to hold the City harmless. The temporary housing would require a stable
location (City Geologist’s review), adequate ingress/egress, above ground utility
connections and service, fire department access, and no major filling.
The item is scheduled for consideration by the City Council on September 3, 2024.
Update on the Portuguese Bend Landslide Emergency Hydraugers Project
On May 7, 2024, the City Council approved contracts for installing two emergency
hydrauger systems with five drain arrays each in the PBL, preceded by vertical test
boreholes to better understand underground conditions and establish the specific
locations of the hydraugers and their drains.
Vertical Test Borehole Installation
Staff considers the vertical test boreholes in advance of the hydraugers as essential
elements of the project because they are used to confirm the potential efficacy of
hydraugers based on current underground condition data rather than models developed
from historical studies of the historically active PBL. Absent this information, significant
funds may have been spent on hydraugers only for them to prove to be ineffective
because they do not target the correct depth or do not extract water due to particular soil
conditions. Specifically, the following key items needed to be confirmed with the test
boreholes:
1) Presence of elevated (artesian) water pressure.
2) Depth, thickness, and orientation of the landslide slip plane.
3) Underground permeability for extracting water.
During the peer review of the vertical test borehole plan, CSA commented that they
suspected the landslide was moving on a deeper slip plane than the PBL slip plane, which
the hydraugers were targeting. CSA suspected there was an active deeper slip plane
based on their observations that a significant portion of the ancient landslide had been
recently moving beyond the boundaries of the PBL; and that the entire ACL, PBL, and
KCL appeared to be moving as a result of movement both in the upper/shallower historic
and now the deeper/Altamira slip surfaces (with the fastest velocities in the middle of the
Altamira Landslide Complex) rather than only within their historically defined boundaries.
To test CSA’s hypothesis, the vertical test borehole target depths were increased from
approximately 150 feet to approximately 350 feet from ground surface, and additional
instrumentation was added. This significantly increased the amount of time being spent
on the vertical test boreholes from a few weeks to a few months. This is because the
amount of time needed to complete a given borehole does not scale linearly with the
target depth (i.e. drilling and instrumenting a 350-foot borehole requires significantly more
20
than twice the amount of time than a 150-foot borehole), especially since the deeper
borings encounter harder materials further down.
As of the date of publication of this report on August 15, 2024, six boreholes landward of
PVDS and three boreholes seaward of PVDS have been completed.
Vertical Test Borehole Preliminary Results
The time spent on the peer review process and on installing the deeper vertical test
boreholes has ultimately proven essential to a better understanding of the underground
conditions based on preliminary results, which are as follows:
• Movement is occurring along at least two distinct failure surfaces; a “shallow”
surface coinciding with the historical PBL basal failure surface at approximately 80
to 180 feet below ground surface, and a “deep” surface corresponding to a portion
of the mapped Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex / Greater Portuguese Bend
Landslide Complex (Altamira slide Surface) at approximately 245 to 345 feet below
ground surface in the test borings drilled to date.
• The movement on the deep slide surface, or Altamira slide surface, is moving at a
much higher rate than the movement on the shallow slide surface, or PBL slide
surface.
• The rate of movement of the shallow surface/PBL slide surface remains
approximately the same as observed over the past years while the deep
surface/Altamira slide surface may result in movement of over approximately 50
feet per year.
• The PBL is tentatively interpreted as a “nested” landslide within the Altamira
Complex (a “bowl” within a bigger “bowl).
• It is likely that recent ground cracking and accelerated movement in other areas of
the Landslide Complex is also occurring as a result of movement on the deeper
slip plane. In other words, it is likely that the KCL and ACL are being affected by
the deep slide plane with the shallower slide planes representing more superficial
landsliding above the larger deeper Altamira slip plane.
• Artesian water pressure was confirmed in the lower reaches of the PBL and
confined water is present within the PBL slide surface and also within and below
the Altamira slide surface and the PBL slide surface, which could create artesian
pressure on the PBL and Altamira slide surface.
• As a result of the ongoing movement of the PBL and the Ancient Altamira Landslide
Complex, there is bulging along the beach..
Although the information obtained thus far has been extremely valuable in formulating
next steps; continuation of the vertical test boreholes, including those planned for
Emergency Hydrauger Drain Array E-2, is still necessary to improve the understanding of
the subsurface conditions. The impact of any mitigation measures will depend on a more
accurate understanding of the overall depth of movement and groundwater pressure
conditions throughout the expanded area of movement. Consequently, these upper
borings will be essential in filling in gaps in the geological model that defines the upper
21
portion of the Altamira Landslide Complex. However, the number and location of
remaining boreholes may be modified to suit this purpose.
As a separate item on tonight’s agenda, the City Council is being provided with an update
on the Portuguese Bend Landslide Emergency Hydraugers project and being asked to
reconfirm the need to continue the emergency work.
Additionally, on the advice of the City Geologist, Staff have authorized a survey to map
the depth and shape of the underwater terrain (bathymetry survey) in the Landslide
Complex.
Recommendations and Next Steps
The confirmed presence of a deep slip surface where the greatest movement is occurring
represents a significant change in conditions and requires changing the emergency
stabilization strategy in response to this new information. The PBL can no longer be
addressed independently of the ACL and KCL as all three slides appear to be moving on
the deep slide surface and should therefore be addressed with a unified and coordinated
approach. Management of the shallow slide surfaces for each of the landslides remains
necessary; however, it should be in the context of the approach to addressing the deep
slide surface.
Additionally, because of the deep slide surface, launching Emergency Hydrauger Array
E-1 (Hydrauger E-1) from the “Gateway” location is not likely to be successful because
the underground drains would likely be sheared off by the newly identified deep slip
surface; unless they either remain on top of the deep slide surface (which would require
a steeper launch inclination and greater turning radius than drilling equipment is capable
of) or reach below the deep slide surface from outside the deep slide surfa ce so as not to
penetrate it and shear off. This means that the underground drains need to either be
installed within the confines of the deep surface without penetrating a shallow slide
surface or installed from outside of the landslide boundary, which pushes the limits of
their range and increases their cost substantially. It remains possible that Hydrauger
Array E-1 could be effective if installed from the beach of the Portuguese Bend Beach
Club, near the former tennis courts; however, more investigation is needed before
reaching a conclusion in that regard.
Overall, hydraugers may still be a feasible component of the ultimate mitigation strategy
for both the deep and shallow slide surfaces if the drain pipes can be installed either
above the deep slide surface without penetrating a shallow slide surface or below the
deep slide surface without crossing the deep slide surface . This presents significant
challenges with respect to a feasible launch point. Additional underground condition data
is needed in other areas of the Altamira Landslide Complex before reaching this
conclusion.
Provide In-Kind Services to ACLAD and KCLAD
Development of solutions to the deep slide surface requires expanding the geological and
geotechnical analysis. Staff recommends that the City lead this endeavor, with
concurrence from the Abalone Cove Landslide Hazard Abatement District (ACLAD) and
22
the Klondike Canyon Landslide Hazard Abatement District (KCLAD). In other words, Staff
recommends that the City hire the professional services necessary to lead the analysis
and development of solutions to wholistically address the deep slide surface, with
concurrence from the ACLAD and KCLAD, for each agency to then implement the
solutions within their jurisdiction. The outcome of this effort could include hydraugers,
alternative solutions such as sacrificial large-diameter dewatering wells, other measures,
or some combination of measures. Additionally, measures to prevent further surface
water intrusion such as filling fissures, installing drainage swales, etc. will continue to be
an essential part of any overall solution. ACLAD and KCLAD have expressed an initial
interest in partnering with the City and its team on a united and coordinated approach.
The City Council is being asked to direct Staff to expand the scope of the Portuguese
Bend Landslide Emergency Hydraugers project to the Greater Portuguese Bend
Landslide Complex/Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex inclusive of the Abalone Cove,
Portuguese Bend, Klondike Canyon, and Beach Club Landslides so that a unified and
coordinated strategy that considers new alternatives is developed to address the deep
slide surface, with concurrence from ACLAD and KCLAD; and return with the needed
new or amended professional services agreements to implement City Council direction.
Right of Access Agreement between the City and the Portuguese Beach Club
Homeowners Association
As part of the emergency landslide remediation measures authorized by City Council on
March 19, 2024, The Emergency Hydraugers Project (Project) includes the vertical drilling
of four boreholes seaward of Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) to obtain the subsurface
geologic information necessary to develop feasible landslide remediation measures.
These four boreholes are located on public lands but are only readily accessible via
existing roads owned by the PBCHOA. As a result, the City and the PBCHOA entered
into an agreement on July 23, 2024 that allows the City, its agents, employees and
contractors access to the above-described borehole locations via existing PBCHOA-
owned roads. The execution of the agreement within the City Manager’s authority as part
of Council-adopted Resolution No. 2024-20 allowed for drilling activities to start on July
26th, thereby avoiding additional delays to borehole installation progress. Alternatively,
providing temporary access roads solely within the boundaries of public lan ds would
impart additional costs and delays to vertical borehole production by way of requiring
extensive earthwork, environmental monitoring, open space restoration, and potentially
conflicting with the existing sewer force mains west of PVDS that are owned and operated
by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. Therefore, Staff recommends that the
City Council ratify the agreement.
10-day Report to Consider Extending the Urgency Ordinance
Government Code Section 65858(d) requires that “[t]en days prior to the expiration of that
interim ordinance or any extension, the legislative body shall issue a written report
describing the measures taken to alleviate the condition which led to the adoption of the
ordinance.” As the expiration date of the first extension is approaching, Staff have
prepared this report to serve as the “10-day report” required by the Government Code.
23
Based on the information provided above on the condition of the Landslide Complex and
that the existing Urgency Ordinance, that prohibits development and construction unless
expressly exempt, expires on October 2, 2024, the City Councils is being asked to receive
and file this agenda staff report as the official 10-day report. If so, this will enable the City
Council to extend the Urgency Ordinance an additional one year at its September 3
meeting.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Funding
Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project Funding
In January 2023, the City applied for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) FY22 cycle grant for the
Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project (PBL Remediation Project). The grant
application was for the entire project including five hydrauger arrays with five drains each,
surface drainage swales with a flow reduction area, and fissure infilling. The total cost of
construction as well as associated professional services was estimated in November
2022 to be approximately $33.3 million. The City applied for funding for 70%, or $23
million, of the cost of the project. The BRIC program requires the $10 million balance of
the project cost to be funded through non-federal sources.
On August 28, 2023, FEMA announced the PBL Remediation Project was selected, with
$23.3 million being allocated, not obligated, for the City’s project. This means that the
project met the basic eligibility requirements and enters the next phase of the awards
review process.
On July 31, 2024, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES)
received notification that FEMA approved Phase 1 of the City’s application which includes
project management, final engineering, environmental deliverables, construction
documents, project agreements, and permits. The total obligation amount (corrected from
what was reported at the July 31 Neighborhood Q&A and the August 6 Council meeting)
is $2,295,091, up to actual approved costs, and a non -federal share of 30% up to
$718,138. A funding decision for Phase 2, or the construction and related activities phase,
will be made upon completion of Phase 1.
Emergency Hydraugers Project Funding
The Emergency Hydraugers Project is a separate project from the PBL Remediation
Project, therefore, the BRIC grant funds cannot be used for the emergency work.
On April 15, 2024, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance has been made
available to the state of California, including Los Angeles County, to supplement recovery
efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storms from January 31 to Februar y 9,
2024. This declaration makes federal funding available on a cost -sharing basis to local
government agencies, including the City, for emergency work and the repair or
replacement of facilities damaged by the storms.
24
The cost of the Emergency Hydraugers Project, or modified version thereof, may be
eligible for reimbursement through the FEMA disaster recovery program. It is important
to note that CalOES informed the City that landslides are considered pre-existing and are
typically not considered for damage recovery, but if the City can demonstrate that the land
movement was accelerated due to the January-February 2024 Atmospheric River and
meet other requirements, the City may be eligible for damage recovery costs. Staff will
be working closely with CalOES and FEMA to pursue cost recovery for the Emergency
Hydraugers Project.
CONCLUSION:
Based upon newly acquired information obtained from the vertical test boreholes in the
Portuguese Bend Landslide confirming the presence of a deeper slide surface, Staff
recommends that the scope of the Emergency Hydraugers project be expanded to
become inclusive of the Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex, and that the City lead
development of a unified and coordinated strategy with ACLAD and KCLAD that
considers new alternatives in addition to hydraugers. If so directed by the City Council,
Staff will return with new or amended professional services agreements based on the
expanded scope to include in-kind services to ACLAD and KCLAD. The expanded
approach will consider new alternatives, in addition to hydraugers
Additionally, Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file and update on the
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex and receive and file a “10 -day report”, which is
required to be issued 10 days prior to the expiration or extension of an interim urge ncy
ordinance.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Take no action and simply receive and file this report.
2. Do not authorize Staff to expand the scope of the Portuguese Bend Landslide
Emergency Hydraugers project and instead direct Staff to limit the scope of work
to the Portuguese Bend Landslide where a reduction in land movement may be
less impactful.
3. Direct Staff to expand the scope of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Emergency
Hydraugers project to the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex/Ancient
Altamira Landslide Complex inclusive of the Abalone Cove, Portuguese Bend,
Klondike Canyon, and Beach Club Landslides; but do not authorize the provision
of in-kind services to the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD) and
Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District (KCLAD), and instead require that
they provide their own professional services for development of the expanded
strategy.
4. Approve the other Staff recommendations but do not ratify the Right of Access
Agreement between the City and the Portuguese Beach Club Homeowners
Association (PBCHOA) to allow access via PBCHOA -owned property for test
25
boreholes associated with the Portuguese Bend Landslide Emergency Hydraugers
Project; therefore requiring the cessation of work within the PBCHOA.
5. Approve the other Staff recommendations but do not receive and file the “10 -day
report” that is required to be issued 10 days prior to the expiration or extension of
an interim urgency ordinance; therefore allowing the interim emergency ordinance
to expire.
26
No
r
t
h
No
r
t
h
0 250 500 1000
(feet)
PONY TRAIL
PORTUGUESE
BEND
LANDSLIDE
FLYING
TRIANGLE
LANDSLIDE
KLONDIKE
CANYON
LANDSLIDE
ABALONE
COVE
LANDSLIDE
ABALONE
COVE
PORTUGUESE
POINT
INSPIRATION
POINT
SACRED
COVE
APPROXIMATE BOUNDARY OF
ANCIENT PORTUGUESE BEND
LANDSLIDE COMPLEX
BURMA ROAD
NARCISSA DRIVE
SWEETBAY
ROAD
PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH
EXPLANATION
Limits of the Ancient Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
Limits of Historically Mapped Landslides
2023/2024 Landslide Mapping
SEAVIEW TRACT
Current Limits of Major Landslide Movement (March 2024)
CURRENT LIMITS OF
MAJOR LANDSLIDE
MOVEMENT (MARCH 2024)
AB01
AB02
AB04
AB05
AB13
AB16
AB17
AB21
AB24
AB50
AB51
AB53
AB57
AB58
AB59
AB60
AB62
AB63
AB64
AB65
AB66
AB67
AB68
AB70
AB71
AB73
AB74
AB75
AB76
AB77
CR07
CR50 CR51
CR53
CR56
CW01
CW05
CW06
CW07
CW08
FT06
FT08
FT09
KC05
KC06
KC07
KC13
KC14
KC15 KC16
KC17
KC18
KC19
KC20
KC21
KC22
KC23
KC24
KC25
KC26
KC27
KC28
KC29
KC30
KC31
KC33
PB04 PB06
PB07PB08 PB09 PB12
PB13
PB18
PB20
PB21
PB26
PB27
PB29
PB54
PB55
PB59
PB67
PB68
PB69
PB70
PB71
PB72
PB73
PB74
PB75
RP01
CR54
RP02
UB02
"Creeping Area"
Approximately
0.5 inch/week
GPS Monument Displacement (April 17, 2024 to May 28, 2024)
Displacement Vector Scale 1"=5'41 days
GPS Monument Displacement (May 28, 2024 to July 1, 2024)
Displacement Vector Scale 1"=5'34 days
GPS Monument Displacement (July 1, 2024 to August 1, 2024)
Displacement Vector Scale 1"=5'31 days
COTTON,S HIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA
SC6163
POS
MP
August 14, 2024
1"=500'
FIGURE NO.
PROJECT NO.
DATE
SCALE
APPROVED BY
GEO/ENG BY
GPS MONITORING DISPLACEMENT MAP
1
Abalone Cove, Portuguese Bend, Klondike Canyon
Hillshade basemap produced from publicly available LiDAR:
"2015 - 2016 LARIAC Lidar DEM: Los Angeles Region, CA"
NOTES:
1) May 28, 2024 GPS monitoring data was unavailable for monuments AB78, CR57, KC33, KC34, KC35, KC36,
and KC37.
2) July 1, 2024 GPS monitoring data was unavailable for monuments AB78, CR55, CR57, KC34, KC35, KC36,
and KC37.
3) August 1, 2024 GPS monitoring data was unavailable for monuments AB71 and CR07.
A-1
No
r
t
h
No
r
t
h
0 250 500 1000
(feet)
PONY TRAIL
PORTUGUESE
BEND
LANDSLIDE
FLYING
TRIANGLE
LANDSLIDE
KLONDIKE
CANYON
LANDSLIDE
ABALONE
COVE
LANDSLIDE
ABALONE
COVE
PORTUGUESE
POINT
INSPIRATION
POINT
SACRED
COVE
APPROXIMATE BOUNDARY OF
ANCIENT PORTUGUESE BEND
LANDSLIDE COMPLEX
BURMA ROAD
NARCISSA DRIVE
SWEETBAY
ROAD
PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH
EXPLANATION
Limits of the Ancient Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
Limits of Historically Mapped Landslides
2023/2024 Landslide Mapping
SEAVIEW TRACT
Current Limits of Major
Landslide Movement (March
2024)
CURRENT LIMITS OF
MAJOR LANDSLIDE
MOVEMENT (MARCH 2024)
GPS Monument Displacement
Rate (July 1, 2024 to August 1,
2024) Displacement Vector
Scale 1"= 8"/week
10.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
11.0
12.0
5
.
0
10
.
0
3.04.0
6
.
0
7
.
0
8
.
0
9
.
0
11
.
0
Displacement Rate Table
Minimum Rate
(inch/week)
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00
Maximum Rate
(inch/week)
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00
10.00
Color
10.00 11.00
11.00 12.00
12.00 13.00
1.00 2.00
AB04
9.20
AB13
10.64
AB16
7.49
AB17
0.01
AB24
11.23
AB51
8.95
AB53
11.29
AB58
11.00
AB59
12.65
AB60
10.19
AB62
7.08
AB63
9.11
AB65
8.88
AB66
10.10
AB68
9.79
AB70
11.69
AB71 no data
0.00
AB73
10.75
AB74
5.16
AB75
11.99
AB76
0.24
CR07 no data
0.00
CR50
0.33
CW08
0.05
FT06
9.37
KC05
2.41
KC07
0.03
KC13
1.46
KC15
3.91
KC17
3.53
KC18
7.84
KC19
3.40
KC20
3.45
KC23
2.72
KC26
4.09
KC27
3.88
KC30
9.21
PB06
10.07
PB08
10.84
PB12
11.45
PB13
8.82
PB18
11.89
PB20
10.83
PB21
10.41
PB27
10.91
PB55
11.13
PB59
11.36
PB67
12.29PB68
11.15
PB69
11.13PB70
11.58
PB71
12.96
PB72
11.81
PB73
9.39
PB74
11.39
PB75
11.54
RP01
0.02
RP02
0.03
UB02
9.98
AB01
0.06
AB02
0.06
AB05
8.55
AB21
12.43
AB50
6.86
AB57
9.39
AB64
0.48
AB67
7.48
AB77
0.08
CR51
0.47
CR53
0.49
CR54
11.80
CR56
0.07
CW01
0.06
CW05
0.52
CW06
0.05
CW07
0.04
FT08
0.02
FT09
0.01
KC06
3.89
KC14
0.08
KC16
0.03
KC21
0.04KC22
4.09
KC24
5.16
KC25
0.23
KC28
5.60
KC29
6.48
KC31
8.23
KC33
3.84
PB04
11.34
PB07
11.68 PB09
9.92
PB26
9.87
PB29
9.36
PB54
11.89
1
0
.
0
9.
0
1
1
.
0
1
2
.
0
12
.
0
11.0
12.0
5.0
10
.
0
3.0
4.0
6
.
0
7.
08.
09.0
"Creeping Area"
Approximately 0.5 inch/week
COTTON,S HIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA
SC6163
POS
MP
August 14, 2024
1"=500'
FIGURE NO.
PROJECT NO.
DATE
SCALE
APPROVED BY
GEO/ENG BY
GPS MONITORING DISPLACEMENT RATE
CONTOUR MAP (8/1/24 DATA)
2
Abalone Cove, Portuguese Bend, Klondike Canyon
Hillshade basemap produced from publicly available LiDAR:
"2015 - 2016 LARIAC Lidar DEM: Los Angeles Region, CA"
NOTES:
1) July 1, 2024 GPS monitoring data was unavailable for monuments AB78, CR55, CR57, KC34, KC35, KC36
and KC37.
2) August 1, 2024 GPS monitoring data was unavailable for monuments AB71 and CR07.
A-2
No
r
t
h
No
r
t
h
0 250 500 1000
(feet)
PONY TRAIL
PORTUGUESE
BEND
LANDSLIDE
FLYING
TRIANGLE
LANDSLIDE
KLONDIKE
CANYON
LANDSLIDE
ABALONE
COVE
LANDSLIDE
ABALONE
COVE
PORTUGUESE
POINT
INSPIRATION
POINT
SACRED
COVE
APPROXIMATE BOUNDARY OF
ANCIENT PORTUGUESE BEND
LANDSLIDE COMPLEX
BURMA ROAD
NARCISSA DRIVE
SWEETBAY
ROAD
PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH
EXPLANATION
Limits of the Ancient Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
Limits of Historically Mapped Landslides
2023/2024 Landslide Mapping
SEAVIEW TRACT
Current Limits of Major
Landslide Movement (March
2024)
CURRENT LIMITS OF
MAJOR LANDSLIDE
MOVEMENT (MARCH 2024)
AB04
-1.6%
AB05
-13.1%
AB13
-4.7%
AB16
-7.4%
AB21
1.1%
AB24
-8.1%
AB50
0.3%
AB51
-7.0%
AB53
-7.9%
AB57
-5.3%
AB58
-7.9%
AB59
-6.3%
AB60
-7.2%
AB62
-1.3%
AB63
-4.9%
AB65
-6.6%
AB66
-8.0%
AB67
-2.5%
AB68
-7.7%
AB70
-6.8%
AB73
1.0%
AB74
-6.2%
AB75
-0.2%
CR54
-3.9%
FT06
1.5%
KC05
12.6%
KC06
-1.8%
KC13
1.4%
KC15
8.3%
KC17
11.0%
KC18
-0.4%
KC19
-0.3%
KC20
12.7%
KC22
-13.3%
KC23
11.5%
KC24
4.5%
KC26
7.3%
KC27
3.5%
KC28
4.3%
KC29
2.0%
KC30
4.5%
KC31
-8.0%
PB04
8.7%
PB06
7.0%
PB07
7.3%
PB08
8.6%PB09
9.7%
PB12
-5.4%
PB13
-1.2%
PB18
-10.1%
PB20
-12.0%
PB21
-12.7%
PB26
-4.6%
PB27
-11.6%
PB29
4.3%
PB54
-10.5%
PB55
-10.3%
PB59
4.4%
PB67
6.2%
PB68
7.8%
PB69
4.5%PB70
5.2%
PB71
2.1%
PB72
6.8%
PB73
-10.0%
PB74
0.4%
PB75
-9.6%
UB02
8.6%
-
1
2
.
0
%
-1
0
.
0
%
-8.0%
-6.0%
-4.0%
-2.0
%
0.0%
2
.
0
%
2
.
0
%
2.0%
4.
0
%
4
.
0
%
4.0%
6.
0
%
6
.
0
%
6.0%
8.0
%
8.0
%
8.
0
%
10
.
0
%
-12.0
%
-10.0
%
-8.0%
-6
.
0
%
-
4
.
0
%
-4
.
0
%
-2
.
0
%
0.0
%
2.0
%
Displacement Rate Change Table
Percent Change in Displacement Rate Color
-16.00% to -12.00%
-12.00% to -8.00%
-8.00% to -4.00%
-4.00% to -0.00%
0.00% to 4.00%
8.00% to 8.00%
8.00% to 12.00%
12.00% to 16.00%
In
c
r
e
a
s
e
in
R
a
t
e
De
c
r
e
a
s
e
in
R
a
t
e
-
6
.
0
%
-6.0
%
-4.0
%
COTTON,S HIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA
SC6163
POS
MP
August 14, 2024
1"=500'
FIGURE NO.
PROJECT NO.
DATE
SCALE
APPROVED BY
GEO/ENG BY
PERCENT CHANGE IN DISPLACEMENT RATE
MAP (7/1/24 TO 8/1/24)
3
Abalone Cove, Portuguese Bend, Klondike Canyon
Hillshade basemap produced from publicly available LiDAR:
"2015 - 2016 LARIAC Lidar DEM: Los Angeles Region, CA"
NOTES:
1) July 1, 2024 GPS monitoring data was unavailable for monuments AB78, CR55, CR57, KC34, KC35, KC36
and KC37.
2) August 1, 2024 GPS monitoring data was unavailable for monuments AB71 and CR07.
A-3
Portuguese Bend Land Movement Monitoring Survey
October 10, 2023 (M38) through August 1, 2024 (M44)
Survey Report
for the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
prepared by
McGee Surveying Consulting
Dated: October 30, 2023 with subsequent updates through August 1, 2024
Portuguese Bend is typically monitored for land movement on a tri-annual basis with an initial survey of all
current monitoring points at the beginning of the rainy season in the fall of each year followed by two
subsequent Partial Winter and Partial Spring Monitoring Surveys of 30-40 points. In past years, the survey
report was published following the spring survey; however, at the City’s request, due to the excessive land
movement, the surveys have been conducted every six weeks and now every month as listed below. The surveys
are reported as Addendums with appropriate edits herein and the movement results included in the attached
“PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING…..xlsx” made available usually within five days of completion of the field
survey. Movements are reported for the average date of the survey noted below and listed hereafter.
M38 Full Survey - October 10, 2023
M39 Full Survey - January 13, 2024
M40 Partial Survey - March 8, 2024
M41 Partial Survey - April 17, 2024
M42 Full Survey - May 28, 2024
M44 Full Survey - August 1, 2024
SPREADSHEET ATTACHMENT: “PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING M44 - 2007 to August 1, 2024.xlsx”
OVERVIEW: GNSS MONITORING NETWORK (M38)
McGee Surveying Consulting
(MSC) performed the 2023-2024
land movement monitoring surveys
at Portuguese Bend. The surveys
were planned, coordinated, and
executed by Michael McGee,
PLS3945 of MSC who is
responsible for the field surveys,
processing observations, network
adjustments, analysis, and reports.
For a general history, details and
procedures utilized in this survey but
not re-stated here, see the
“Portuguese Bend Land Movement
2020-2021 Monitoring Survey”
report dated October 5, 2021,
revised and published May 11, 2022.
See also prior reports.
This Initial October 10, 2023 Survey determined the precise positions of 79 monitoring and control points.
PVE3 and other CSRC CGPS (CGNSS) stations were used to support and reference the survey network and
verify the recovery of the reference frame. This survey included two new points set in July 2023 for the M37
Survey in Klondike Canyon (Seaview) and ten new points set in September 2023. Additional points have been
set on most subsequent surveys as necessary and noted in the addendums. Point KC02 was replaced by KC24 in
the October in anticipation of its future destruction. Point AB21 was recovered from the 2007 survey and
substituted for nearby AB20 (destroyed by others) and will facilitated continuous monitoring at this location.
B-1
McGEE SURVEYING CONSULTING
5290 Overpass Road, Ste#107, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Page 2 of 17
The movements of new points are included in this Report as an Addendums. All monitoring survey coordinates
and movements to date are listed in the spreadsheet “PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING 2007-[present].xlsx”
noted above as attached to this Report.
PROJECT DATUMS - REFERENCE FRAME
The horizontal and vertical positions of the monitoring points are based on the North American Datum of 1983
(NAD83) Epoch 2007.00 and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) reference frames.
Although more current epoch adjustments are available (e.g. NAD83 (2011) Epoch 2010.00), Epoch 2007.00 is
retained to maintain consistently relative positions over time. Orthometric heights (NAVD88 Elevations) are
based on measured ellipsoid heights combined with the NGS Geoid03 model and referenced to NGS
Benchmarks. Although more current geoid models (e.g. Geoid18), are available, Geoid03 is retained to maintain
consistently relative height movements over time as explained in said May 2022 Report. The latitudes and
longitudes determined by GNSS measurements are converted to grid coordinates by projected onto NAD83
California State Plane Coordinates Zone 5 in US Survey Feet.
A valid recovery of the survey reference frame is essential to accurately measure and assess actual movements
of individual points relative to the greater peninsula. The method for recovering the monitoring survey reference
frame was modified in 2019 to improve the efficiency and simplify the processing and analysis of the
monitoring surveys. Since 2007, Point AB02 (at the south end of Portuguese Point) has proven to be stable
relative to PVE3 which is a California Spatial Reference Center (CSRC) Continuously Operated GPS Station
(CGPS) at City Hall. The present procedure fixes PVE3RP (a PK Nail set on the concrete base of PVE3 as a
reference mark to PVE3) and checking to point AB02. The proven positions relative to PVE3 are listed below.
Pt# Latitude Longitude NAVD88 Ht Source)
AB02 33-44-13.84878 118-22-26.19243 116.47 ft 2007 - October 2018 position
PVE3RP 33-44-35.74239 118-24-15.27451 346.88 ft Average of 5 years referencing to PVE3
Comparing the positions of AB02 on Portuguese Point with PVE3RP at City Hall and other CSRC CGPS
Stations provides a redundant verification that the reference frame is stable and successfully recovered for each
monitoring survey. An additional stable check point “RP01” was established near the entrance to the Trump
Golf Course for incorporation in future surveys.
The rate of movement (velocities) of the land masses have increased over the past five years compared to the
previous 12-year average. See “Assessment of Movements & Accelerations” addressed on Page 11.
Notwithstanding the 2019 monitoring process noted above, the processing of observations was necessarily
modified for this fall survey because of the higher velocities as follows.
The October 2023 observations were processed as follows. The Base Station at AB73 was occupied over a six-
day period and was found to have moved about 0.016 feet per day similar to other monitoring points in the area.
To determine accurate positions and therefore precision movements it was necessary to determine a daily
position of AB73. This was accomplished by processing the static data collected each day at AB73 with static
data downloaded from the CSRC for CGPS stations PVE3 and PVHS. PVE3 is and has always been the basic
constraint for the monitoring survey’s reference frame. PVHS was used to verify the stability of PVE3.
Subsequently positions of AB73 were computed for each day referenced to PVE3. The identity for processing
the daily observations of AB73 and related RTK measurements was to assign to AB73 the identity of AB731,
AB732, AB733, AB734 & AB735 for days 1 through 5 occurring on October 8, 9, 10, 11 & 13.
BASE STATIONS – POINT NAMES
AB61 and AB20 have previously served as suitable GNSS Base Stations for referencing measured positions of
the monitoring points. AB61 is no longer accessed due to its environmental sensitivity and lack of security.
AB73, located on the US Pony Club property was utilized as the Base Station up to the October 2023 survey.
Access was obtained unilaterally by MSC from the Pony Club manager for exclusive permission to enter the
property confirmed prior to each survey entry with the understanding that 5 mph driving protocols are observed.
Point AB73 was not a planned monitoring point but given the increased rates of movement, it fills in a gap
between AB20 and AB50 and moves consistent with AB20. AB50 and AB73 are on the south and north sides of
B-2
McGEE SURVEYING CONSULTING
5290 Overpass Road, Ste#107, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Page 3 of 17
PVDS respectively. The separation between AB73 and AB50 is diminishing at the rate of about one foot per
month in April 2024 resulting in a steeper slope on the north side of PVDS which may be de-stabilizing.
Due to the continuously increasing velocities of land movement, the present on-site base stations (AB20 and
AB73) are no longer stable for measuring relative movements. In the January 2024 survey the Smartnet RTN
network utilizing remote base stations connected by the Internet was used to measure positions and vectors
which were re-referenced to PVE3RP and PVE3 in a network least squares adjustment. Surveys subsequent to
the January survey are referenced to a new base station monument “RP02” set about 1400 feet northerly of the
entrance to Abalone Cove Park and ¼ mile westerly of the present active slide boundary. See discussion
hereafter.
October 2023 GNSS Survey Monitoring Points Network
The monitoring points names were established in the early surveys. The points are named for the slide they fall
within and given a number. For example, AB01, PB01, KC01, CR01 and FT01. The number is increased as new
points are established to replace abandoned or destroyed points or expand the network. Many of the original
points are lost or no longer monitored. For data management purposes the point names are also prefixed with a
sequential monitoring number to distinguish subsequent surveys. For example, for the occupation of AB02 on
the 16th monitoring survey, AB02 is called M16AB02 where M16 indicates the sequence number since the first
Monitoring Survey “M01” in September 2007. The prefix is stripped in these Reports.
B-3
McGEE SURVEYING CONSULTING
5290 Overpass Road, Ste#107, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Page 4 of 17
GNSS October 2023 M38 Survey Parameters, Metadata & Equipment
Date of Annual Initial Survey: M38 – October 10, 2023 (mean date) between 0800-1700 PDST (+7 hrs for UTC).
Constellations: GPS (31 Satellites), Russian GLONASS (23 Satellites), Galileo (23 Satellites) and Beidue (40 Satellites).
Observables (Carrier Waves): GPS (L1, L2, L5), GLONASS (L1, L2), Beidue (L1, L2); & Galileo (4 Carrier Waves)
Data Epoch Rate - 0.2 seconds (20HZ) at the GS18 Rover; 1 second at the GS18 Base
Satellites: 20-40; GDOP: < 2; Elevation Mask: 0° at the Rover and Base Station
Ephemeris: Broadcast for RTK vectors.
Weather: Mostly calm clear skies, temperature 65-75° F, no significant weather.
Space Weather: Boulder K Index 1-3 averaging 2 (gauges ionospheric activity on a scale of 0-9; less than 6 preferred)
Equipment: GNSS Base Receiver Unit No. M11, Operator: M. McGee, PLS; Occupied Base Station
Receiver Make & Model: Leica GS18 with integrated Antenna; Mount: Tripod & Tribrach
GNSS Rover Receiver Unit No. M10, Operator: M. McGee, PLS
Receiver Make & Model: Leica GS18T with integrated Antenna; Mount: Fixed Height Pole #4
Processing & Adjustments: Leica Infinity v4.0 and "Starnet-PRO” version 11.0.6 Software
Prior to 2019, geodetic grade GNSS receivers collected static satellite signal data for post processing. The
instrumentation was upgraded in 2020 to a Leica GS18 Base with a GS18T RTK Rover operating in real-time
with an FM radio system which utilizes the latest technology to deliver increased productivity and precision of
point positions. The GS18 receiver incorporates an Inertial Measurement Unit and tracks four Global Navigation
Satellite Systems (GNSS): GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidue Satellites. The differences in two measured
vectors are acceptable if they fall within 0.03 feet (1 cm) horizontally; otherwise, additional measurements are
usually obtained with some exceptions. Experience has shown the independent measurements generally agree on
average about 0.02 feet when referenced to a local base receiver.
ADJUSTMENTS & ANALYSIS
Network Adjustment: A minimally constrained adjustment is utilized to develop NAD83 (2007) 2007.00
Epoch Zone 5 State Plane Coordinates and NAVD88 Heights of the monitoring points. The NAVD88
orthometric heights (elevations) are determined by combining the measured ellipsoid heights with the Geoid 03
Model. Previously, Point AB02 was fixed, and the stability verified relative to PVE3RP which is 1.5 to 3 miles
westerly and outside the influence of the land movements. AB02 is expected to be stable and unaffected by the
land movement; however, due to the substantially increased rates of movement resulting in dynamically
differential movements the process was modified as noted above to assure accurate positions. This was
accomplished by computing daily positions on the Base Station AB73 (AB731, AB732, AB733, AB734,
AB735) relative to the reference frame fixed at station PVE3 noted above. Listed here are the differences.
Differences in Feet
ID dN dE dZ_
PVE3 0.000 0.000 Fixed Horizontal, CGPS Station at City Hall
AB02 -0.022 -0.008 0.000 Fixed Elevation & Horizontal Check
PVE3RP -0.010 -0.003 -0.055 Closure Check from PVE3 to AB73 to PVE3RP at City Hall
PVHS -0.035 0.003 Horizontal Check on CGPS Station 2 Miles North of PB
Comments: Fixing the CGPS station PVE3 (fixed constraint since 2007) finds the differences at PVHS,
PVE3RP and AB02 are insignificant measurement noise. Given that AB02, PVE3RP, PVE3 and PVHS are in
good relative agreement, the survey reference frame is deemed stable and successfully recovered from which
local land movements were determined.
ACCURACY STATEMENTS
Vector Residuals: In this Initial Survey, the two-dimensional vector residuals averaged 0.012 feet and the
absolute value of the vertical residuals averaged 0.02 feet as listed below. The vector residuals are based on a
network adjustment of independent point positions.
Vector Lengths(ft) Two Dimensional Residuals Absolute Vertical Residuals
Vary Average Average Std.Dev. Maximum Average Std.Dev. _ Range
131-16391 3792 0.012 0.006 0.029 0.02 0.02 -0.03 to +0.08
B-4
McGEE SURVEYING CONSULTING
5290 Overpass Road, Ste#107, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Page 5 of 17
Movement Accuracy: A point is deemed to have moved if, at the 95% level of confidence the horizontal
movement (signal) of a point between two epochs is greater than the 95% Error (noise). Based on multiple
independent occupations, the horizontal (2D) movements reported between October 2022 (M34) and October
2023 (M38) statistically attained a relative average accuracy of 0.014 feet at the 95% Level of Confidence with
a Standard Deviation of 0.004 feet and a Range of 0.01 to 0.03 feet. See the attached file “PB MOVEMENT
DATA POSTING …..xlsx” for movements and coordinates.
Table of 2D & Vertical Movements for 12.0 Months October 10, 2022 (M34) & October 10, 2023 (M38)
Listed below are the movement Azimuths (directions clockwise from North) in degrees, the two-dimensional
horizontal movements, and the vertical (elevation) changes during the period in US Survey Feet. See the
attached spreadsheet “PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING…..xlsx”. Note: The horizontal measured movement
confidence is estimated at +/-0.02’ (1/4”); therefore, movements of less than 0.03’ are statistically indeterminate.
The estimated vertical measured movement confidence is +/-0.05’.
* = Control Point for Recovery of the Reference Frame.
Point
ID
Azimuth° Horizontal
Movement
Vertical
Movement
Point
ID
Azimuth° Horizontal
Movement
Vertical
Movement
AB01 244 0.06 0.0 KC02 196 1.99 0.1
AB02 201 0.02 0.0 KC05 219 0.88 -0.1
AB04 223 4.80 -0.6 KC06 253 1.34 -0.5
AB05 231 3.51 -0.6 KC07 256 0.02 0.0
AB13 198 2.48 -0.6 KC13 193 0.70 0.1
AB16 191 1.20 0.0 KC14 259 0.12 -0.1
AB17 187 0.06 0.0 KC15 233 1.36 -0.4
AB20 199 3.06 -0.1 KC16 251 0.03 0.0
AB24 198 2.68 0.0 KC17 222 1.24 -0.3
AB50 236 1.99 0.2 KC18 202 2.86 -0.3
AB51 202 2.05 -0.2 PB04 203 3.62 -0.3
AB53 192 2.75 -0.4 PB06 200 3.35 -0.3
AB57 169 2.37 -0.7 PB07 201 3.85 -0.1
AB58 183 2.22 -0.4 PB08 201 3.61 0.0
AB59 186 3.17 -0.8 PB09 198 3.49 -0.1
AB60 204 2.69 -0.3 PB12 200 4.67 -0.3
AB62 203 3.73 -0.4 PB13 201 3.83 0.1
AB63 207 3.58 -0.9 PB18 187 3.51 -0.5
AB64 155 0.35 -0.1 PB20 199 4.23 -0.4
AB65 167 1.49 -0.3 PB21 195 3.93 -0.6
AB66 196 2.29 -0.5 PB26 192 3.94 -0.4
AB67 180 1.12 -0.2 PB27 195 4.18 -0.8
AB68 193 2.03 -0.6 PB29 200 4.02 -1.0
AB70 203 2.97 -0.1 PB54 196 3.39 -0.2
AB71 158 1.76 -0.6 PB55 199 3.86 -0.8
AB73 203 3.00 -0.3 PB59 199 4.11 -0.6
CR07 171 1.87 -1.6 PB67 194 5.93 -0.8
CR50 225 0.11 -0.1 PB68 202 3.49 -0.1
CR51 223 0.08 0.0 PB69 202 3.91 -0.3
CR53 231 0.21 0.0 PB70 207 3.58 -0.8
FT06 192 3.66 -1.7 PB71 198 3.65 -0.4
FT08 257 0.06 0.0 UB02 189 4.17 0.3
FT09 271 0.08 -0.1 *PVE3RP 195 0.01 0.0
B-5
McGEE SURVEYING CONSULTING
5290 Overpass Road, Ste#107, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Page 6 of 17
October 10, 2022 to October 10, 2023 Movement Distances (Feet) & Directions as Indicated
Note: Distances are exaggerated x 100 for viewing
Enlargement (PVDS) Enlargement (Seaview)
B-6
McGEE SURVEYING CONSULTING
5290 Overpass Road, Ste#107, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Page 7 of 17
MONITORING POINT MONUMENT NOTES & STATUS
See the May 2022 Survey Report for prior monument notes.
2023: 16 points added to the monitoring program as listed below. AB20 destroyed after October 2023 Survey and replaced
by AB21.
MONITORING POINT MONUMENT DESCRIPTIONS
All other Point Descriptions are listed in prior Reports.
California State Plane Coordinates Zone 5 in the NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 and NAVD88 Datums are listed in the
attached spreadsheet file “PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING….”.
Point Description
Points added in July and October 2023
AB21 2" Punched GIP in “Cable Box”, Replaced AB20 after Oct. 2023 survey
PB72 2" mag nail & washer in conc. in 2"x 24" GIP Collared in Concrete
PB73 2" mag nail & washer in conc. in 2"x 24" GIP Collared in Concrete
PB74 2" mag nail & washer in conc. in 2"x 24" GIP Collared in Concrete
PB75 2" mag nail & washer in conc. in 2"x 24" GIP Collared in Concrete
CR54 2" mag nail & washer in conc. in 2"x 24" GIP Collared in Concrete
CW05 Found ½” x 48” Punched Rebar in Concrete Collar set June 2022 for CalWater
CW06 Found ½” x 48” Punched Rebar in Concrete Collar set June 2022 for CalWater
CW07 Found ½” x 48” Punched Rebar in Concrete Collar set June 2022 for CalWater
CW08 Found 2” Mag nail in Concrete Base of 3’ Bollard set June 2022 for CalWater
KC19 2” Mag Nail Drilled in a Concrete Curb on South side of Dauntless Dr.
KC20 2” Mag Nail Drilled in a Concrete Curb on West side of Excelsior Dr.
KC21 2" mag nail & washer in conc. in 2"x 24" GIP Collared in Concrete
KC22 2" mag nail & washer in conc. in 2"x 24" GIP Collared in Concrete
KC23 2” Mag Nail Drilled in a Concrete Curb on South side of Admirable Dr.
KC24 2” Mag Nail Drilled in the Southwest Corner of a Concrete Vault, KC02 planned replacement
RP01 Check Point at Trump Golf Course established in July 2023 for verifying the
recovery of a stabile reference frame. Point is the top open part of the “B”
on the south side of the rim of a manhole on the south side of PVDS at Conqueror Dr.
Addendum No. 1 Report
Portuguese Bend Land Movement Monitoring Survey
Early Winter Full Monitoring Survey No. M39 - January 13, 2024
A special Portuguese Bend Full Monitoring Surveys (M39) was requested by the City in January 2024. The
average date of the survey is January 13, 2024, 3.1 months after the October 10, 2023 Initial Monitoring for
2023-2024 reported above. The M39 survey included 79 monitoring points representing the present full
network. A central base station (usually occupying AB73) was not feasible due to the excessive rate of land
movement and reliance was made on the remote Smartnet RTN Stations which resulted in a lesser accuracy. For
this survey, this was not an issue since the signal (measured movement) was much greater than the noise of the
measurements expected to be less than 0.05’. A typical minimally constrained adjustment, as described above
for M38, was processed for M39 to develop NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 CA Zone 5 State Plane Coordinates
and NAVD88 Heights.
The horizontal (2D) vector residuals averaged 0.03 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.02 feet. The absolute
value of the vertical residuals averaged 0.04 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.04 feet. At the 95% Level of
Confidence, estimated accuracy of the horizontal (2D) movements is 0.05 feet.
The adjustment fixed point PVE3RP (an indirect fix on PVE3) and checked to other points found to be stable.
Differences from the known fixed positions to the measured positions in this survey are listed here with their
north, east and vertical components in feet. The successful recovery of a stable reference frame (coordinate
system) is confirmed.
Differences in Feet
ID dN dE dZ_
PVE3RP 0.00 0.00 0.00 Fixed Reference at City Hall
AB02 0.01 0.01 -0.05 Check Point at Portuguese Point
RP01 -0.01 0.01 0.05 Check Point at Trump Golf Course
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Page 8 of 17
Table of 2D & Vertical Movements for 3.1 Months October 10, 2023 (M38) & January 13, 2024 (M39)
Listed below are the movement Azimuths (directions clockwise from North) in degrees, the two-dimensional
horizontal movements, and the vertical (elevation) changes during the period in US Survey Feet. See the
attached spreadsheet “PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING (Revised 012224) 2007-Jan2024.xlsx”. Note: The
horizontal measured movement confidence is estimated at +/-0.04’ (1/2”); therefore, indicated movements of
less than 0.05’ are statistically indeterminate. The estimated vertical measured movement confidence is +/-0.08’.
* = Control Point for Recovery of the Reference Frame.
Point
ID
Azimuth° Horizontal
Movement
Vertical
Movement
Point
ID
Azimuth° Horizontal
Movement
Vertical
Movement
AB01 23 0.01 -0.1 KC13 188 0.44 0.0
AB02 27 0.01 0.0 KC14 262 0.03 0.0
AB04 223 3.52 -0.4 KC15 233 0.91 -0.3
AB05 230 2.76 -0.4 KC16 88 0.02 0.0
AB13 195 2.44 -0.4 KC17 218 0.80 -0.3
AB16 190 1.71 -0.1 KC18 200 2.03 -0.3
AB17 118 0.03 0.0 KC19 269 0.74 -0.2
AB21 197 2.80 0.1 KC20 277 0.67 -0.2
AB24 195 2.71 0.0 KC21 92 0.04 0.0
AB50 234 1.63 0.0 KC22 255 1.07 -0.5
AB51 200 2.08 0.0 KC23 237 0.57 -0.3
AB53 190 2.79 -0.3 KC24 199 1.22 -0.1
AB57 170 1.77 -0.5 PB04 202 2.63 0.0
AB58 179 2.50 -0.4 PB06 200 2.43 -0.2
AB59 185 3.11 -0.8 PB07 201 2.62 0.0
AB60 204 2.54 -0.2 PB08 201 2.60 0.0
AB62 203 2.62 -0.3 PB09 197 2.40 -0.1
AB63 207 2.79 -0.8 PB12 199 3.16 -0.3
AB64 128 0.19 0.0 PB13 199 2.51 0.0
AB65 167 1.98 -0.6 PB18 185 2.94 -0.5
AB66 193 2.41 -0.4 PB20 198 2.82 -0.3
AB67 181 1.56 -0.3 PB21 194 2.66 -0.5
AB68 191 2.28 -0.4 PB26 193 2.65 -0.2
AB70 200 2.85 -0.2 PB27 196 2.75 -0.5
AB71 158 1.35 -0.4 PB29 200 2.60 -0.7
AB73 202 2.52 -0.1 PB54 192 2.90 0.0
CR07 164 1.47 -1.2 PB55 198 2.88 -0.5
CR50 37 0.04 0.0 PB59 200 2.86 -0.3
CR51 107 0.04 0.2 PB67 195 3.32 -0.3
CR53 180 0.02 0.1 PB68 202 2.57 0.0
CR54 185 2.81 -0.9 PB69 201 2.82 -0.1
CW05 185 0.02 0.1 PB70 204 2.72 -0.3
CW06 59 0.05 0.1 PB71 197 2.90 0.0
FT06 191 2.48 -1.1 PB72 206 2.73 0.3
FT09 148 0.02 0.2 PB73 190 2.49 -0.4
KC02 193 1.30 0.0 PB74 193 3.08 -0.4
KC05 215 0.55 0.0 PB75 193 2.89 -0.1
KC06 256 0.94 -0.4 UB02 189 2.74 0.2
KC07 135 0.01 0.0 *PVE3RP 0 0 0.1
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Page 9 of 17
October 10, 2023 to January 13, 2024 Movement Distances (Feet) & Directions as Indicated
Note: Movement distances exaggerated 100x for viewing
Enlargement (PVDS) Enlargement (Seaview )
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Page 10 of 17
ASSESSMENT of MOVEMENT VELOCITIES & ACCELERATIONS 2014 to 2024
Others performed monitoring surveys of the Portuguese Bend land movement between 1994 and 2006. McGee
Surveying Consulting assumed responsibility and defensibility for the Portuguese Bend Monitoring Program in
2007. The annual measured movements between 2007 and 2018 were fairly small and stable as shown below by
the averages and maximums of a sampling of points for the 2014-2018 period. The fall 2019 monitoring survey
found the annual rate of movements (velocities) increased (accelerated) about 4 to 6 times and remained stable
for the next four years through 2022. A “year” here is defined as the 12-month period beginning with the rainy
season on October 1st.
Annual Average Movements in Feet, Maximum Movements & Change in the Average of a Sample of Points
2014-2018(4 Yrs) 2018-2022(4 Yrs) Change in
ID Average Max. Average Max.__ _ Average
AB20 0.09 0.20 0.48 0.54 +5X
AB53 0.07 0.18 0.43 0.49 +6X
AB68 0.05 0.11 0.31 0.32 +6X
CR07 0.06 0.13 0.30 0.32 +5X
KC06 0.04 0.09 0.16 0.22 +4X
PB55 0.89 1.31 0.89 1.23 +1X (No Change)
In the following twelve months between October 2022 and October 2023, the annual rate of movements were
found to have again accelerated. The table below shows a sample of points within Abalone Cove (AB),
Klondike Canyon (KC) and Portuguese Bend (PB). The left half of the table compares the annual movements
and rate of movements per month for the October 2021 to October 2022 with the October 2022 to October 2023
period. The annual rate of movement for the sample averages in each slide increased about 6x for AB, 8x for KC
and 5x for PB.
In the same 12-month period between October 2022 and October 2023, accelerations were noted in the first
seven months over the previous year and again in the last five months over the previous seven months as shown
in the right half of the table below. The average rate of movement in each slide for these samples in the first
seven months October 2022 through April 2023 increased about 3x for AB, 4x for KC and 2x for PB over the
previous 12-month period of October 2021 to October 2022. The average rate of movements in each slide for
the samples in the last five months May 2023 to October 2023 increased 4x for AB, 4x for KC and 3x for PB
over the previous seven months.
October 2021 to October 2023 Movements & Rates per Month (Feet) M32 > M34 (12 Mo.) M34 > M38 (12 Mo.) M34 > M36 (7 Mo.) M36 > M38 (5 Mo.)
Point Oct '21 > Oct '22 Oct '22 > Oct '23 Oct '22 > May '23 May '22 > Oct '23 Movement Rate/Mo Movement Rate/Mo Movement Rate/Mo Movement Rate/Mo
AB20 0.51 0.042 3.06 0.255 0.84 0.119 2.22 0.444
AB53 0.49 0.041 2.75 0.229 0.74 0.105 2.01 0.403
AB58 0.41 0.034 2.22 0.185 0.60 0.085 1.62 0.325
AB60 0.45 0.038 2.69 0.224 0.80 0.114 1.90 0.379
AB67 0.18 0.015 1.12 0.094 0.32 0.046 0.80 0.160
AB68 0.32 0.027 2.03 0.169 0.54 0.077 1.49 0.299
AB70 0.48 0.040 2.97 0.248 0.84 0.120 2.14 0.427
CR07 0.31 0.026 1.87 0.156 0.44 0.062 1.43 0.287
Av Move 0.39 0.033 2.34 0.195 0.64 0.091 1.70 0.340
KC06 0.16 0.014 1.34 0.111 0.33 0.047 1.01 0.202
KC13 0.09 0.007 0.70 0.058 0.19 0.027 0.51 0.102
KC17 0.14 0.012 1.24 0.104 0.31 0.044 0.93 0.187
Av Move 0.13 0.011 1.09 0.091 0.27 0.039 0.82 0.163
PB55 0.80 0.067 3.86 0.321 1.06 0.151 2.80 0.560
PB70 0.72 0.060 3.58 0.299 1.14 0.163 2.44 0.488
Av Move 0.76 0.063 3.72 0.310 1.10 0.157 2.62 0.524
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McGEE SURVEYING CONSULTING
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Page 11 of 17
Movement & Rate of Movement per Month
In the last 3-month period October 10, 2023 to January 13, 2024,
accelerations were noted again relative to the previous 12-months.
The average rate of movements in each slide for the last 3-months
for these samples increased about 4x for AB, 3x for KC and 3x for
PB over the previous 12-month period of October 2022 to October
2023.
RECOMMENDATION
Continuity in the methods, precision and reporting of the monitoring surveys are necessary to evaluating results
relative to and consistent with prior 2007-2024 monitoring survey campaigns. Monitoring survey campaigns
require the services of an independent GNSS/Geodetic expert to evaluate and validate results to assure program
integrity and defensibility.
Maintaining a clearing of foliage in a 10’ radius around monitoring points and trimming nearby trees and brush
above eye height is necessary to assure a clear view of the sky for tracking satellites. Satellites, although unseen,
can appear anywhere in the sky above the horizon and the radio signals passing through foliage degrade the
required survey accuracy and productivity. Presently, Points AB04, AB13, AB17, AB24, AB51, AB58, AB66,
PB18, PB54, CR51 and CR53 have foliage obstructions limiting sky (satellite) visibility and require clearing prior
to the next survey.
Point M38 > M39 (3.1 Mo.) Oct. 10, 2023
to Jan. 13, 2024 Movement Rate/Mo
AB20 2.80 0.903
AB53 2.79 0.900
AB58 2.50 0.806
AB60 2.54 0.819
AB67 1.56 0.503
AB68 2.28 0.735
AB70 2.85 0.919
CR07 1.47 0.474
Average 2.35 0.758
KC06 0.94 0.303
KC13 0.44 0.142
KC17 0.80 0.258
Average 0.73 0.236
PB55 2.88 0.929
PB70 2.72 0.877
Average 2.80 0.903
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Page 12 of 17
Addendum No. 2 Report
Portuguese Bend Land Movement Monitoring Survey
Partial Monitoring Survey No. M40 – March 8, 2024
This is the mid-winter Partial Monitoring Survey No. M40 Report. The average date of the survey is March 8,
2024, 1.8 months after the January 13, 2024 Full Monitoring Survey. The survey included 44 monitoring points
and 3 reference control points. Occupying a central base station (usually AB73) was not feasible due to the
excessive rate of land movement and reliance was made on the remote Smartnet RTN Stations which resulted in
a lesser accuracy. For this survey, this was not an issue since the signal (measured movement) was much greater
than the noise of the measurements expected to be about less than 0.05’.
A typical minimally constrained network adjustment, as described above for survey M38, was processed for
M40 to develop NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 CA Zone 5 State Plane Coordinates and NAVD88 Heights. The
adjustment fixed point PVE3RP and checked to other points expected to be and found stable. Differences from
the known fixed positions to the measured positions in this survey are listed here with their north, east and
vertical components in feet.
Differences in Feet
ID dN dE dZ_
PVE3RP 0.00 0.00 0.00 Fixed Reference at City Hall
AB02 0.02 0.01 -0.09 Check Point on Portuguese Point
RP01 0.00 0.02 -0.10 Check Point at Trump Golf Course
The successful recovery of a stable horizontal reference frame confirmed. The Z height variations are attribted
to the noise in the Smartnet Network solution. RP01 is intended to replace AB02.
2D Horizontal & Vertical Movements for 1.8 Months January 13, 2024 (M39) to March 8, 2024 (M40)
The general rate of land movement increased significantly over the January 13, 2024 survey assessment. See the
attached spreadsheet “PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING…. .xlsx” for the movement Azimuths (directions
clockwise from North) in degrees, the two-dimensional horizontal movements, and the vertical (elevation)
changes during the period in US Survey Feet. See also the column for the rate of movement for each period
annualized for an average month.
Accuracy Statements
The horizontal (2D) vector residuals averaged 0.04 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.03 feet. The absolute
value of the vertical residuals averaged 0.04 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.03 feet.
At the 95% Level of Confidence, the accuracy of the horizontal (2D) movements is estimated to be less than
0.04’. Movements of less than 0.05’ are statistically indeterminate. The estimated vertical measured movement
confidence is 0.06’ to 0.09’.
Addendum No. 3 Report
Portuguese Bend Land Movement Monitoring Survey
Partial Monitoring Survey No. M41 – April 17, 2024
This is the Spring Partial Monitoring Survey No. M41 Addendum Report. The field survey took place April 16-
18, 2024, average date of April 17, 2024, 1.35 months after the last March 8, 2024 Monitoring Survey. The
survey included 55 monitoring points and 3 reference control points. Eleven new monitoring points were set and
surveyed. The location of two new points were identified and will be surveyed on the next campaign in late May
after the monuments are set by others. See the points descriptions below.
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Occupying previous base stations was not feasible due to the excessive rate of land movement. The Smartnet
RTN Network does not require a base station but results in a somewhat lesser accuracy. Smartnet may be used
in the future; however, it was deemed beneficial to establish a new base station outside the slide complex to
facilitate future surveys. A new base station point “RP02” was set westerly of the slide complex and north of
Abalone Cove Park.
A typical minimally constrained adjustment, as described above for the M38 survey, was processed for M41 to
develop NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 CA Zone 5 State Plane Coordinates and NAVD88 Heights. A least
sqaures network adjustment was fixed at point PVE3RP to establish a position on the base at RP02 and thereby
all other points in the survey. A check to RP01 easterluy outside the slide complex was made as noted below.
This process will be the standard on future surveys. Differences from the known fixed positions to the measured
positions in this survey are listed here with their north, east and vertical components in feet.
Differences in Feet
ID dN dE dZ_
PVE3RP 0.00 0.00 0.00 Fixed Reference at City Hall
RP01 -0.01 0.00 -0.03 Check Point at Trump Golf Course
The successful recovery of a stable horizontal reference frame is confirmed. Point AB02 replaced by RP01, was
used in previous surveys to also confirm recovery of the reference frame has limited access do to the slides.
2D Horizontal & Vertical Movements for 1.35 Months March 8, 2024 (M40) to April 17, 2024 (M41)
The general rate of land movement increased significantly over the March survey. On average the velocities
increased 76% with a maximum of 143%. Eight points doubled their velocities in the last six weeks over the
previous eight weeks. In Abalone Cove and Portuguese Bend Slides many points are moving about three feet per
month and in the Seaside Klondike Canyon Slide about ¾ of a foot per month. See the attached spreadsheet “PB
MOVEMENT DATA POSTING…. .xlsx” for the movement Azimuths (directions clockwise from North) in
degrees, the two-dimensional horizontal movements, and the vertical (elevation) changes during the period in
US Survey Feet. See also the column for the rate of movement for each period annualized for an average month.
Accuracy Statements
The horizontal (2D) vector residuals averaged 0.04 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.03 feet. The absolute
value of the vertical residuals averaged 0.04 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.03 feet.
The land is moving 0.05’ to 0.10’ daily. Most points are measured a day apart resulting in large residuals but
accurate positions of the mean coordinate. Therefore, it is at estimated the 95% Level of Confidence, the
accuracy of the horizontal (2D) movements is estimated to be less than 0.03’. Movements of less than 0.04’ are
statistically indeterminate. The estimated vertical measured movement confidence is 0.05’ to 0.10’.
Monitoring Point Monument Descriptions
See prior Reports for all other Point Descriptions. See the attached spreadsheet file “PB MOVEMENT DATA
POSTING….” for California State Plane Coordinates Zone 5 in the NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 and NAVD88 Datums n
Point Description of Points added in April 2024
AB74 8" Spike set as temporary monument to be replaced with a 2” GIP by others
AB75 8" Spike set as temporary monument to be replaced with a 2” GIP by others
AB76 8" Spike set as temporary monument to be replaced with a 2” GIP by others
AB77 Location identified, 2” GIP to be set by others
CR55 Set Mag Nail drilled in a Concrete walk/valley gutter
CR56 Location identified, 2” GIP to be set by others
KC25 Set Mag Nail drilled in a concrete & rock wall
KC26 Set Mag Nail drilled in a concrete wall
KC27 Set Mag Nail drilled in a concrete 6’ fire pit
KC28 Set Mag Nail drilled in a concrete headwall
KC29 Set Mag Nail drilled in a concrete headwall
KC30 8" Spike set as temporary monument to be replaced with a 2” GIP by others
KC31 8" Spike set as temporary monument to be replaced with a 2” GIP by others
RP02 ½” x 4’ rebar in large sloping meadow with T-bar witness for new base station
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McGEE SURVEYING CONSULTING
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Page 14 of 17
Addendum No. 4 Report
Portuguese Bend Land Movement Monitoring Survey
Full Monitoring Survey No. M42 – May 28, 2024
This is Full Monitoring Survey No. 42 Addendum Report. The field survey took place May 27-30, 2024, with an
average date of May 28, 2024, 1.35 months after the last April 17, 2024 Partial Monitoring Survey. The survey
included 93 monitoring points and 3 reference control points. Two new monitoring points (AB77 & CR56) were
set and surveyed. Seven temporary monuments were reset with a permanent monument. Monuments CW01,
CW07 and CW08, set in 2022 for CalWater, were adopted for the purpose of these surveys. See the point
descriptions below.
There are 14 monitoring points in the upper portion of the Reserve which are now difficult and time consuming
to access due to the slides. An assistant provided by sub-contractor Chris Nelson & Associates (CNA) has been
assigned these locations beginning with this May survey. CNA conducted their survey measurements with a
Trimble R12 referenced to the Smartnet RTN for positioning. These monitoring point observations were
referenced to the RPV Portuguese Bend network by way of connections to RP01, RP02 & PVE3RP. In the late
June survey, CAN will be using Leica instrument similar to those used by McGee Surveying Consulting to
assure the highest precision and increased productivity.
A minimally constrained adjustment, as described above for the above M38 Survey Report, was processed for
M42 to develop NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 CA Zone 5 State Plane Coordinates and NAVD88 Heights. A
least sqaures network adjustment was fixed at point PVE3RP to establish a position on the base at RP02 and
thereby all other points in the survey. A check to RP01 easterly outside the slide complex and other nearly stable
points were made as noted below. Differences from the known fixed positions to the measured positions by this
survey are listed here with their north, east and vertical components in feet.
Differences in Feet
ID dN dE dZ_
PVE3RP -0.00 -0.00 -0.00 Fixed Reference at City Hall
RP01 -0.00 0.01 -0.01
RP02 -0.03 0.02 -0.01
AB02 0.00 -0.02 0.09
The successful recovery of a stable reference frame is confirmed. Point RP01 is intended to superseded AB02
used in previous surveys to confirm recovery of the reference frame. AB02 now has limited access do to the
slides. Additionally, California Spatial Reference Center CGPS (Continous Operating GPS Stations) PVE3 and
PVHS are incorporated from time to time to verify the stability of the refence frame.
2D Horizontal & Vertical Movements for 1.35 Months April 17, 2024 (M41) to May 28, 2024 (M42)
The general rate of land movement increased in the last six weeks over the April survey. On average the
velocities increased about 40% which is an increased rate of movement; however, the rate of acceleration is less
than the estimated average of 76% in the previous six weeks. See the attached spreadsheet “PB MOVEMENT
DATA POSTING…. .xlsx” for the movement Azimuths (directions clockwise from North) in degrees, the two-
dimensional horizontal movements, and the vertical (elevation) changes during the period in US Survey Feet.
See also the column for the rate of movement for each period annualized for an average 30.42-day month.
Accuracy Statements
The horizontal (2D) vector residuals are estimated at 0.02 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.03 feet. The
absolute value of the vertical residuals are estimated at 0.03 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.04 feet.
The rate of land movement varies and is as much as 0.12’ daily. It is estimated at the 95% Level of Confidence,
the accuracy of the horizontal (2D) movements is estimated to be 0.04-0.06’. Movements less than the
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Page 15 of 17
Confidence Interval are statistically indeterminate. The estimated vertical measured movement confidence is
0.05’ to 0.10’.
Monitoring Point Monument Descriptions
See prior Reports for all other Point Descriptions. See the attached spreadsheet file “PB MOVEMENT DATA
POSTING….” for California State Plane Coordinates Zone 5 in the NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 and NAVD88 Datums n
Addendum No. 5 Report
Portuguese Bend Land Movement Monitoring Survey
Full Monitoring Survey No. M43 – July 1, 2024
This is Full Monitoring Survey No. 43 Addendum Report. The field survey took place June 30, 2024 to July 3,
2024 with an average date taken as July 1, 2024, 1.12 months after the last May 28 Monitoring Survey. The
survey included 93 monitoring points and 3 reference control points.
14 monitoring points in the upper portion of the Reserve require about three miles of hiking to access due to the
slides. An assistant provided by sub-contractor Chris Nelson & Associates (CNA) is assigned these locations. A
loaner GS18 Leica instrument same as used by McGee Surveying Consulting (MSC) and connected to MSC’s
RTK base station is utilized to assure the highest precision and increased productivity.
A minimally constrained adjustment, as described above for the above M38 Survey Report, was processed for
M43 to develop NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 CA Zone 5 State Plane Coordinates and NAVD88 Heights. A
least sqaures network adjustment was fixed at point PVE3RP to establish a position on the base at RP02 and
thereby all points in the survey. A check to RP01 easterly outside the slide complex, AB02 and other nearly
stable points were made as noted below. Differences from the known fixed positions to the measured positions
by this survey are listed here with their north, east and vertical components in feet.
Differences in Feet
ID dN dE dZ_
PVE3RP -0.00 -0.00 -0.00 Fixed Reference at City Hall
RP01 +0.01 -0.01 -0.00
RP02 -0.03 0.02 -0.01
AB02 -0.01 -0.02 +0.03
PVE3 +0.01 +0.00 -0.11 CSRC CGPS Station at City Hall
Recovery and confirmation of a stable reference frame is essential to assess the actual movement of the
monitoruing points. The diffeences listed above are at the noise level of the measurements confirming a
successful recovery of the reference frame. Because AB02 has limited access do to the slides, Point RP01 is
intended to suplement AB02 used in previous surveys to confirm recovery of the reference frame. Additionally,
California Spatial Reference Center CGPS (Continous Operating GPS Stations) PVE3 and PVHS are
incorporated to verify the stability and recovery of the refence frame.
2D Horizontal & Vertical Movements for 1.12 Months M42 to M43
The rate of land movement varies and averages about 3 feet per average month with a maximum of 4.88 feet.
The general rate of land movement increased about 25% on average; however, the rate of acceleration is less as
indicated by the estimated average increase of 41% in the rate of land movement in the previous month. See the
attached spreadsheet “PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING…. .xlsx” for the movement Azimuths (directions
clockwise from North) in degrees, the two-dimensional horizontal movements, and the vertical (elevation)
changes during the period in US Survey Feet. See also the column for the rate of movement for each period
annualized for an average 30.42-day month.
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Accuracy Statements
The horizontal (2D) vector residuals are estimated at 0.02 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.03 feet. The
absolute value of the vertical residuals are estimated at 0.03 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.04 feet.
It is estimated at the 95% Level of Confidence, the accuracy of the horizontal (2D) movements is estimated to
be 0.04-0.06’. Movements less than the Confidence Interval are statistically indeterminate. The estimated
vertical measured movement confidence is 0.05’ to 0.10’.
Monitoring Point Monument Descriptions
See prior Reports for Point Descriptions. See the attached spreadsheet file “PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING….” for
California State Plane Coordinates Zone 5 in the NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 and elevations in the NAVD88 Datum.
Point Description: Update of Points set in April & May
AB74 1/2” x 4’ rebar encased in concrete witnessed by a steel t-bar post
AB75 1/2” x 4’ rebar encased in concrete witnessed by a steel t-bar post
AB76 1/2” x 4’ rebar encased in concrete witnessed by a steel t-bar post
AB77 1” x 24” GIP with cap “Control Point” encased in concrete witnessed by a steel t-bar post
CR56 1” x 24” GIP with cap “Control Point” encased in concrete witnessed by a steel t-bar post
CW07 ½” x 4’ punched rebar in concrete with T-bar witness post
CW08 ½” x 4’ punched rebar in concrete with T-bar witness post
KC30 1/2” x 4’ rebar encased in concrete witnessed by a steel t-bar post
KC31 8” spike set between two steel posts in line with a string of boulders
RP02 ½” x 4’ punched rebar in concrete in large sloping meadow witnessed by a steel T-bar post
Addendum No. 6 Report
Portuguese Bend Land Movement Monitoring Survey
Full Monitoring Survey No. M44 – August 1, 2024
This is Full Monitoring Survey No. 44 Addendum Report. The field survey took place July 30, 2024 to August
3, 2024 with an average date taken as August 1, 2024, 1.02 months after the last July 1 Monitoring Survey. The
survey included 98 monitoring points and 3 reference control points (RP01, RP02 & AB02).
15 monitoring points in the upper portion of the Reserve some requiring substantial hiking for access due to the
slides. An assistant provided by sub-contractor Chris Nelson & Associates (CNA) is assigned these locations.
A minimally constrained adjustment, as described above for the above M38 Survey Report, was processed for
M44 to develop NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 CA Zone 5 State Plane Coordinates and NAVD88 Heights. A
least sqaures network adjustment was fixed at point PVE3RP to verify and establish a position on the base
station point RP02 and thereby all points in the survey. A check to RP01 easterly outside the slide complex,
AB02 and other nearly stable points were made as noted below. Differences from the known fixed positions to
the measured positions by this survey are listed here with their north, east and vertical components in feet.
Differences in Feet
ID dN dE dZ_
PVE3RP -0.00 -0.00 -0.00 Fixed Reference at City Hall
RP01 0.03 -0.03 0.01 Check Point
RP02 -0.00 0.01 0.07 Base Station
AB02 -0.01 0.00 0.07 Check Point
AB17 0.00 0.00 0.05 Point Historically Not Moving
CW01 0.01 0.02 0.11 Point Historically Not Moving
KC16 0.00 0.01 0.10 Point Historically Not Moving
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McGEE SURVEYING CONSULTING
5290 Overpass Road, Ste#107, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
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Recovery and confirmation of a stable reference frame is essential to assess the actual movement of the
monitoruing points. The diffeences listed above are at the noise level of the measurements confirming a
successful recovery of the reference frame. Because AB02 has limited access do to the slides, Point RP01 is
intended to supplement AB02 used in previous surveys to confirm recovery of the reference frame.
Additionally, California Spatial Reference Center CGPS (Continous Operating GPS Stations) PVE3 and PVHS
are incorporated at times for additional verification of the stability and recovery of the refence frame.
2D Horizontal & Vertical Movements for 1.02 Months M43 to M44
The rate of land movement varies and averaged about 2.4 feet per average month in the last period with a
maximum of 4.69 feet per month. The general rate (velocity) of land movement varied from about -13% to
+13% and averaged nearly zero. See the attached spreadsheet “PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING…. .xlsx”
for the movement Azimuths (directions clockwise from North) in degrees, the two-dimensional horizontal
movements, vertical (elevation) changes during the period in US Survey Feet. See also the column for the rate of
movement for each period annualized for an average 30.42-day month.
Accuracy Statements
The horizontal (2D) vector residuals are estimated at 0.02 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.03 feet. The
absolute value of the vertical residuals are estimated at 0.03 feet with a Standard Deviation of 0.04 feet.
It is estimated at the 95% Level of Confidence, the accuracy of the horizontal (2D) movements is estimated to
be 0.04’. Movements less than the Confidence Interval are statistically indeterminate. The estimated vertical
measured movement confidence is about 0.05’ to 0.10’.
Monitoring Point Monument Descriptions
See prior Reports for Point Descriptions. See the attached spreadsheet file “PB MOVEMENT DATA POSTING….” for
California State Plane Coordinates Zone 5 in the NAD83 (2007) Epoch 2007.00 and elevations in the NAVD88 Datum.
Point Description: Update of Points set in August
AB78 2” Magnetic Nail drilled in a concrete curb on the N. side of Vanderlip Dr., replaced AB71
CR57 ½” x 4’ punched rebar in concrete with T-bar witness post, replaces CR07
KC34 2” Magnetic Nail set in Stalwart Dr. East of Schooner Dr.
KC35 2” Magnetic Nail set in Xn of Schooner & Stalwart Dr.
KC36 2” Magnetic Nail set in Xn of Schooner & Admirable Dr.
KC37 Punch mark on north side Sewer MH in Admirable Dr. East of Schooner Dr.
SURVEYOR'S STATEMENT
The M38 Fall October 2023 Full Survey and subsequent 2024 Surveys
and Addendum Reports on the procedures, criteria, and results of the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes Portuguese Bend Land Movement
Monitoring Surveys were prepared by me on October 30, 2023 and
updated August 15, 2024 at the request of Ramzi Awwad, Director of
Public Works for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: BRANDY FORBES, AICP, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
FROM: AMY SEERATY, SENIOR PLANNER
C DATE: NOVEMBER 7, 2023
SUBJECT: 10-DAY REPORT ON THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES’
MORATORIUM ON THE ACCEPTANCE OR PROCESSING OF
APPLICATIONS, ISSUANCE OF PERMITS, AND
CONSTRUCTION OF ALL STRUCTURES WITHIN THE
PORTUGUESE BEND LANDSLIDE COMPLEX AS REQUIRED BY
GOVERNMENT CODE §65858(d).
BACKGROUND
On October 3, 2023, pursuant to Government Code §§ 65858 and 36937, the City Council
adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 674U, which imposed a temporary 45-day moratorium
on the acceptance or processing of applications, issuance of permits, and construction of
all structures within the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, in order to protect the
health and safety of the residents of the Landslide Complex, the City and the Palos
Verdes Peninsula.
Government Code § 65858 allows an initial 45-day moratorium to be extended for up to
10 months and 15 days after a duly noticed public hearing is held. As required by
Government Code § 65858(d), ten days prior to the expiration of the interim ordinance,
the City must issue a written describing the measures taken since enacting the interim
urgency ordinance, which are intended to alleviate the conditions which necessitated the
initial adoption of the ordinance.
MEASURES TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE THE CONDITIONS THAT LED TO THE
ADOPTION OF THE URGENCY ORDINANCE
1.In September 2023, the City formed a “Rancho Palos Verdes Landslide Complex
Working Group” to evaluate and address community concerns and to discuss
solutions. The members of this working group include but are not limited to, various
agencies including the affected Homeowners Associations, the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes, the City of Rolling Hills, the Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement
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District (KCLAD), the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD),
Southern California Edison, Los Angeles County Public Works, Los Angeles
County Sanitation District, California Water Service (Cal Water), and SoCalGas.
2.Cal Water has continued and/or initiated various activities in recent weeks in
attempts to better monitor water leaks and/or prevent additional water intrusion
into the soil, as described below.
a.Cal Water has recently installed 25 additional leak detection sensors within
the Portuguese Bend Club Association community, for a total of 65. They
have also installed additional water pressure monitors, for a total of six.
b.A potential water pipe leak reporting hotline is now active: (855) RPV-LEAK.
This will allow better and faster communication between affected residents
and Cal Water.
c.Cal Water is working on water line repairs and the installation of
approximately 800 feet of 8-inch flexible pipe, to be installed mostly above-
ground along Dauntless Drive, Exultant Drive, and Admirable Drive.
d.Cal Water is working with the City to obtain permits to install an additional
200 feet of flexible above-ground pipe along Admirable Drive.
3.The City is providing assistance to the Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement
District (KCLAD) and the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District (ACLAD) on
various projects, including installation of additional dewatering wells, assessment
of existing water drainage pipes and culverts, etc.
4.The City has installed 12 new monitoring points within the landslide and is in the
process of updating the map of these points.
5.City Staff is continuing to work on an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the
ongoing Landslide Remediation Project.
6.The City has notified applicants of pending or potential applications regarding the
enacted moratorium on properties within the greater Portuguese Bend Landslide
Complex boundaries. Specifically, City Staff has sent letters informing these
applicants that the City has temporarily suspended processing applications for
development projects that are not already under construction and will not accept
new applications during the moratorium period, except for limited exceptions for
the following:
A.Construction necessary for repair or maintenance of existing structures,
roadways, and any infrastructure such as water lines, sewer lines, electrical
or traffic installations, etc.
B.Construction necessary for the implementation, establishment, repair, or
maintenance of any landslide mitigation measures.
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C.Construction necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health
and safety.
D.Construction that the City Manager deems necessary and consistent with
the purposes of this interim urgency ordinance. Any such exception shall
require written findings by the City Manager, and must be ratified by the City
Council at the regular meeting following the City Manager's determination.
7.The City’s Consulting Geologists at Cotton, Shires and Associates, Inc. are
working on an updated map that will show the boundaries of the various landslide
areas and the geologic hazard abatement districts.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT
2020 W. El Camino Avenue, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 263-2911 / FAX (916) 263-7453
www.hcd.ca.gov
November 6, 2023
Brandy Forbes, Director
Community Development Department
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Dear Brandy Forbes:
RE: Approval of Urgency Ordinance – Moratorium on Construction within the
Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
The purpose of this letter is to provide a determination to the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes (City) regarding the request to approve the adoption of Interim Urgency
Ordinance No. 674U (Ordinance), prohibiting any construction within the geographic
boundaries of the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex).
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is
statutorily required to provide determination regarding proposed moratoria (Gov. Code,
§ 66300, subd. (b)(1)(B)(ii)). HCD received a request for approval for the proposed
Ordinance, met with the City staff, and reviewed relevant materials (e.g., staff letter,
resolution declaring a local emergency, Interim Ordinance No. 674U, land movement
monitoring surveys, etc.). Upon review of the written materials and discussion with the
local jurisdiction, HCD has determined that the current conditions of the Landslide
Complex pose an imminent threat to the health and safety of persons residing in the
area subject to the Ordinance.
Background
Since the 1950s to 1970s, three large landslides have been active in the City, including
Portuguese Bend Landslide (PBL), Abalone Cove Landslide (ACL), and the Klondike
Canyon Landslide (KCL). The Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex or
Landslide Complex encompasses these three active landslides. Beginning in May of
2023, land movement has increased in the PBL and KCL complexes. Based on a
surveying report of PBL in October 2022 and revised assessment in June 2023,
“movement velocities have accelerated over the average velocity for the previous four
years, which saw an acceleration over the previous 15-20 years”.1 The accelerating
1 McGee Surveying Consulting, Conditions Assessment Report, dated October 19, 2022
and revised June 6, 2023, Page 2.
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Brandy Forbes, Director
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land movement has destroyed homes, impacted the Portuguese Bend Reserve,
increased water main breaks, and caused roadway and utility line distress.
The City established Landslide Moratorium Area in 1978, imposing development
restrictions in response to the Landslide Complex. Since then, the City has adopted a
series of Interim Urgency Ordinances (Nos. 108U, 139U, 427U, 459U, 526, etc.) to
temporarily halt permit processing and construction, and make amendments to enforce
appropriate landslide mitigations measures in designated areas (Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code sections 15.20.040 and 15.20.050).
The proposed Ordinance No. 674U is to encompass the entire Portuguese Bend
Landslide Complex (including ACL and KCL). The Ordinance would address an
imminent threat to public health and safety and prevent the exacerbation of existing
unstable geologic conditions caused by activities related to new construction within the
Landslide Complex. During the effective period of this Ordinance, the City will not
accept or consider any permit applications, nor issue any permits for construction on
any property within the Landslide Complex. This Ordinance also applies to any pending
applications and to any permits or entitlements that have issued but upon which
construction has not commenced.
The City has confirmed that no sites included in its housing element site inventory are
within the Landslide Complex. As a result, no such sites are subject to the proposed
Ordinance. Pursuant to Government Code section 65858, the City seeks to adopt and
enforce the proposed Ordinance that will begin with a 45-day period, following its date
of adoption, and if necessary extended for up to 22 months and 15 days.
The City is in the process of implementing a large-scale remediation project to stabilize
the Landslide Complex. The project will proceed in three phases: (1) repairing existing
fractures, (2) improving surface drainage of stormwater, and (3) installing a network of
hydraugers. Staff anticipates that 90 percent of the planning and Environmental Impact
Report certification will be complete by September 2024, and final engineering and
permitting will be complete by September 2025.
Local Moratorium Regulations Under the Housing Crisis Act (HCA)
Pursuant to Government Code section 66300, subdivision (b)(1)(B)(ii), a city cannot
enforce a moratorium that would limit housing development until it has submitted the
ordinance to and received approval from HCD. Conditions for imposing a moratorium,
or similar restrictions on housing development, must demonstrate “an imminent threat
to the health and safety of persons residing in, or within the immediate vicinity of, the
area subject to the moratorium” (Gov. Code, § 66300, subd. (b)(1)(B)(i)).
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Brandy Forbes, Director
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HCD acknowledges the severity of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex’s condition
and the potential harm to public health and safety, and the environment, and anticipates
that the Ordinance will need to be extended beyond the 45-day period, pursuant to
Government Code section 65858. HCD hereby approves the adoption and enforcement
of Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 674U during the effective period of 45 days from its
adoption and its planned extension for up to 22 months and 15 days by the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
Conclusion
In summary, HCD approves the adoption and enforcement of the Ordinance and hopes
for a speedy resolution of this matter.
If you have any questions regarding the content of this letter or would like additional
technical assistance, please contact Mehrsa Imani, of our staff, at
mehrsa.imani@hcd.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Shannan West
Housing Accountability Unit Chief
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Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: D65717EA661C443CA4E5501B1DDC79BB Status: Completed
Subject: Complete with Docusign: Right of Access Agreement PBCA E1 borings(995851.9).pdf
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30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
dcopp@rpvca.gov
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Based on the recent land movement activity, the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes has declared a local state of emergency
and accordingly is mandating that property owners turn off
sprinkler/irrigation watering systems for the foreseeable
future to minimize additional water being absorbed into the
ground in the vicinity. Additionally, for those properties with
swimming pools, if you experience more water loss than
occurs due to evaporation, you must refrain from refilling the
pools at this time, and consider emptying your pool to prevent
water entering the ground. See the next page for the
information on pool draining. Note that your pool must
comply with all fencing requirements when it is empty as well.
The health and safety of the public and the protection of
property, infrastructure, and the environment are our top
priorities. We are committed to keeping the community
informed. You can find answers to frequently asked questions
and more information on the City’s webpage and receive
updates by subscribing to the Land Movement listserv at
www.rpvca/notify.
Have questions? Contact us at landmovement@rpvca.gov.
Mandatory Restrictions
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What’s the right way to drain my swimming pool?
To Safely drain your swimming pool, you must direct the water into the sewage system. Pool water
should never be directly empƟed into storm drains, streets, or yards.
By draining to the sanitary sewer system, the drained water would be sent through a treatment plant.
Why can’t I empty pool water into the yard or street?
The concern for the cause of the landslide is ground water.
Draining Water into the yard may add to the ground water and
worsen the situaƟon. AddiƟonally, pool water may be
contaminated by bacteria, chlorine and other chemicals that
can harm humans, wildlife, and vegetaƟon.
How do I access the sanitary sewer to drain my pool?
There are 2 Ways to reach the Sewer Lines: 1. Pools should have
a main drain at the deepest point of the pool. Pool Equipment
can be used to drain the lines to the sewer line, please reach
out to a Pool Contractor or other Pool Professional.
2. A hose can be used to drain to a Sanitary Sewer Cleanout.
Sanitary sewer cleanouts provide access to sewage lines. To find
your sanitary sewer cleanout look for the end of a pipe sƟcking
out of the ground near your house or along the sewer line.
Modern cleanouts normally are capped with a small lid. Sewer
vents have a circular grate on top.
To access the sanitary sewer, hold the raised square on the lid
of the cleanout and unscrew the cap. Place a hose between
your swimming pool and the cleanout. To prevent backflow, do not touch the hose to the boƩom of the
sewer pipe while draining.
Tools and Materials
It is recommended to contact a Pool Contractor for the draining of a pool as to not damage any of the
equipment. Some tools used could be a fully submersible pump, enough garden hose to reach from pool
to drainage point, large pliers for accessing the cleanout.
How to Drain an In-ground Pool
1. Turn o ff or disable the pool pump, lights, auto-leveler, and any automaƟc Ɵmers. Many of these
pieces of equipment are liquid-cooled, which means that if leŌ on they will overheat as the
water level drops.
2. AƩach enough garden hose to get from the pool to the drain point (sewer cleanout line, the
road, downhill, or wherever else you’re legally allowed to discharge water).
3. AƩach the hose to the submersible pump and lower it into the deepest secƟon of the pool.
4. Plug the pump into the pool’s GFCI outlet (do not use extension cords). You should hear the
pump running.
5. Check the hose to make sure the water’s draining properly.
6. Check on the pool periodically throughout the day.
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