20231114 Late CorrespondenceFrom: Eva Albuja, <eva.albuja@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 12:46 AM
To: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>; Building and Safety Shared Mailbox
<buildingsafety@rpvca.gov>; CC <CC@rpvca.gov>; Nikki Noushkam <nnoushkam@yahoo.com>; Ramzi
Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>; CityClerk <CityClerk@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Landslide Building should be stopped
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the
content is safe!!!.
Hello City Council and Ara,
I do not understand how building exceptions is being considered in the landslide areas. Mike's report
showed how the landslide is currently stretched out and is like jello with sink holes and hollowed areas
and fissures and you are allowing builders to build ?
Please stop building in the Portuguese Bend and all landslide areas. Please no more building and no
exceptions. By allowing building exceptions is going to put the city in a liability position because you
should have known better. When you grant the exception and the builder finishes the project and the
foundation cracks or slides, you will be in the hook for allowing the exception.
KCLAD needs to be removed immediately. We need one to two more wells at PBBC at the current
location where the water tables are high. Use the same contractors that are working on installing the
new wells in ACLAD at KCLAD immediately. Our situation is extremely dedicate and Seaview can't wait a
year for letters to go back and forth with the State Controller. The well at the PBBC needs to be
installed in the next 30 days or less.
Thank you, Eva
Here is the recommendations from 1957 report stating that building is not recommended in the
landslide areas. There are other reports that state that building should not be allowed in landslide
areas.
3
1 3
Subject:FW: Portuguese Bend landslide
-----Original Message-----
From: Marianne Hunter <2hunter@cox.net>
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 5:56 PM
To: CityClerk <CityClerk@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Portuguese Bend landslide
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any aƩachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe!!!.
Dear City Clerk
Please submit our comments to the City Council regarding any of tonight’s discussion of land movement in Portuguese
Bend and other areas also affected .
Extend indefinitely a building moratorium which was only broken by an appellate judge who sided with l those claiming
land movement was no longer a threat. That point is now moot.
Our family has lived in Portuguese Bend for 25 years. We moved here knowing its history. We believe a building
moratorium was (and now is again) an important element of our safety, for reasons we’ve previously expressed.
We ask Council to do everything possible to protect our community:
Require CalWater to replace crumbling infrastructure with safer water lines.
Require the Gas Company to inspect the pipes far more frequently.
Repair/Increase the dewatering wells in support of ACLAD
Require homes/streets above the landslide to cease draining into the landslide.
Extend building moratorium, which was broken by those claiming land movement was no longer a threat.
Thank you for your diligence.
Sincerely, Marianne and Bill Hunter
1 Cinnamon ln. 90275
2hunter@cox.net
Sent from my iPhone
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: CITY CLERK
DATE: NOVEMBER 14, 2023
SUBJECT: ADDITIONS/REVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
_____________________________________________________________________
Attached are revisions/additions and/or amendments to the agenda material presented
for tonight’s meeting.
Item No. Description of Material
N Email from Nina Ritter
3 Update from Staff; New fissure location photos from Staff; Email
exchanges between Staff and: Kathy Snell; Eva Albuja, Andrew Derr,
and David Roth; Emails from: Madeleine McJones; Kathy Snell; Sha
Tahmasebi; Joe Cruz; Nina Ritter (see Item N)
** PLEASE NOTE: Materials attached after the color page(s) were submitted
through Monday, November 13, 2023**.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________
Teresa Takaoka
L:\LATE CORRESPONDENCE\2023\2023 Coversheets\20231114 additions revisions to agenda.docx
Subject: FW: Land Movement-City Council Meeting Nov 14, 2023
From: Nina Ritter <nina@doubletmanagement.com>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 7:09 PM
To: CC <CC@rpvca.gov>
Cc: Barbara Ferraro <barbara.ferraro@rpvca.gov>; Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Land Movement-City Council Meeting Nov 14, 2023
Dear Council Members,
I would like to ask the Council, ACLAD, Cotton-Shires, Chambers Group or any other Geologists or Hydrologists if
there could be any relationship between the large amount of land movement we've been seeing since aprox.
2019/2020 and the amount of groundwater we are drawing out of the Abalone Cove Landslide area via the 16 wells
which are constantly pumping? Is there any relationship to the faster movement and the reinstatement of the 3
wells which {I believe) were put back online after being repaired?
Even a quick Google search brings up multiple articles and common sense principles of land subsidence related to
Groundwater pumping which I believe should be specifically addressed by our geotechnical hydrologists. I believe
a fresh look at the more recent science is required given our present circumstances in relation to our "dewatering"
wells. It's a fact: pumping water out of the ground causes the land to move.
While most articles written about subsidence in CA seem concerned with flat areas such as the Santa Clara and San
Joaquin Valleys due to withdrawal of water from the aquifer for agriculture and domestic use, there is no reason
why the same principals would not apply to pumping out large amounts of groundwater from our steep limestone
hillsides with our soft soil over clay.
It would make sense to go back and look at Perry Ehlig's 1993's Landslide Memorandum on which RPV based its
Moratorium Zones. In this Memorandum Perry Ehlig recorded the water table at around 50-60 feet below ground
in 1980 and an average depth of about 70 feet in 1993. Where we are we today in relation to those levels? How
'quickly' did we get to where we are and what affect would those changes-and the speed of the changes in levels
have on subsidence in our areas?
While I understand the "dewatering" wells were installed with the best intentions, is it possible that ironically
pumping out our groundwater (too quickly? Too much?) is actually causing the ground movement to in fact
speed up-in places where it was not an issue previously?
Perhaps it's not the pumping {"dewatering") itself: perhaps it's the quantity, perhaps it's the speed at which we are
pumping, but clearly since the ground started moving during the drought so this movement is not simply related to
the recent rain in and of itself.
I think we need to be asking some different questions rather than continuing to do the same thing.
Respectfully,
1
Nina Ritter
100 Vanderlip Drive
RPV
Land Subsidence
Land subsidence occurs when large amounts
of groundwater have been withdrawn from certain types of
rocks, such as fine-grained sediments.States like California,
Texas, and Florida have suffered damage to the tune of
hundreds of millions of dollars over the years.
• Subsidence
• Subsurface ground failure
• Occurred naturally or induced by human activities
• Slow settling or rapid collapse
• Causes: Withdrawal of fluids or removal of solid materials
How Groundwater Extraction & Replenishing Causes Surface Deformation & Subsidence -Ibrahim El Merehbi
Land Subsidence I U.S. Geological Survey
Land Subsidence in California I U.S. Geological Survey
2
Reactive clay
Reactive clay is an extremely dense soil
that expands or contracts as the
seasons change throughout the year. In
cooler, wetter months, reactive clay
absorbs moisture and expands. In
warmer months, contracts as it dries up.
Movement comes naturally with weather
changes but reactive clay becomes a
problem when new elements are
introduced to the environment. The
addition of plants and trees, a brand new
drainage system or the alteration of a
pre-existing drainage system can draw
more water than usual out of the
reactive clay. As water is drawn out of
the clay by these changes, dramatic
subsidence can occur and in turn ruin
the foundational structures of your
buildinq.
3
Subject: FW: November 14 CC Meeting Agenda No. 3 Portuguese Bend Landslide -Point View
Irrigation
From: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 3:39 PM
Cc: Brandy Forbes <bforbes@rpvca.gov>; Octavio Silva <OctavioS@rpvca.gov>
Subject: November 14 CC Meeting Agenda No. 3 Portuguese Bend Landslide -Point View Irrigation
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
As part of tonight's Public Hearings, under Agenda No. 3 for the Portuguese Bend Landslide, you may be
asked to consider how irrigation for agricultural uses at the Point View property is being addressed in light of
the water restrictions established under the Local Emergency.
The Community Development Director and Deputy Community Development Director met with Mr. York who
provided the following information that you may find informative in advance of tonight's meeting:
Vinyard
There are two irrigation systems installed.
Drip
The drip irrigation was initially used when the grape vine plants were young. Those are no longer utilized.
Rainbird
The rainbird overhead system is to water the cover crop areas. The cover crops include peas, beans, rye, barley, and
vetch. Jim does not expect to irrigate this year for either the vineyard or the cover crops, due to the expected rainfalls.
The only use of this system will be in late spring where they add sulfuric acid to the water to balance the pH levels for
the crops, and that is done sparingly.
When they have had to water, the maintenance crew are on site continually hand-monitoring the saturation levels to
ensure there is no oversaturation.
Tree Crops
Avocado Trees and Olmstead Orchard (figs, peaches, persimmons)
Drip
This drip irrigation system is directed only to the base of the trees, so it is not watering superfluous areas. These trees
are watered for approximately 15 minutes once a week (the Olmstead Orchard is watered less frequently). When they
have had to water, the maintenance crew are on site continually hand-monitoring the saturation levels to ensure there
is no oversaturation.
Olive Trees
Hand watered
There is a small number of olive trees that are hand watered as needed.
As described above, the City believes that there is actually very little watering occurring with the
agricultural uses that would adversely impact the land movement.
However, the City will continue to monitor its operations.
I am asking that this email be provided to the public as late correspondence.
1 3.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Ara
Ara Michael Mihranian
City Manager
aram@rpvca.gov
Phone -{310) 544-5202
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Website: www.rpvca.go~'1
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Subject: FW: New Fissure locations 11/13/23
Attachments: flyingmane3.jpg; Flyingmane.jpg; flyingmane1 .jpg; flyingmane2.jpg; Vnaderlip.jpg;
vanderlip1 .jpg; vanderlip2.jpg; vanderlip3.jpg; vanderlip4.jpg; vanderlipS.jpg
From: Elena Gerli <egerli@awattorneys.com>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 2:47 PM
To: Teresa Takaoka <TeriT@rpvca.gov>
Cc: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
Subject: FW: New Fissure locations 11/13/23
Hi Teri, please add these to tomorrow's agenda as late correspondence.
e
Elena Q. Gerii I Partner
she/her/hers
Please note our new address effective July 1, 2023:
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP I 3701 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 725, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Tel: (310) 527-6660 I Dir: (424) 269-3345 I egerli@awattorneys.com
rhis Hn;::il and any files transmitted with it may' contain privileged or otherwise confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or beiiovo that you
1Y1<:1y h(1ve r'eceived this cornmunict1tion in error, p!ec,se advise the sendPr via en1c1il and delete the email you received.
From: Taylor Fox <tfox@rpvca.gov>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 1:09 PM
To: Mike Phipps <mphipps@cottonshires.com>
Cc: Elena Gerli <egerli@awattorneys.com>; Cory Linder <CoryL@rpvca.gov>; Katie Lozano <KatieL@rpvca.gov>; Norma
Saldana <NSaldana@rpvca.gov>
Subject: New Fissure locations 11/13/23
iD1£ii#ltm°£il:l#~M!!li&
Hi Mike,
Yesterday I found two locations were fissures appear to be forming.
There appears to be a fissure beginning to form on Flying Mane trail in the Forrestal Reserve, and one
forming across Vanderlip trail at the location of several of the most recent water main breaks.
We have updated our land movement map as
well. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/O/edit?mid=1 KpsP4GoRCMWpRegj9j7ENBJmp4 0OLQ&ll=33.7
5161079078147%2C-118.36741529688189&z=18 3.
Land Movement Locations -Google My Maps
Observations on land movement within the Palos Verdes Nature
Preserve. Locations impacting utility infrastructure are noted in the
description.
www.google.com
I have attached pictures of both locations as well.
Feel free to reach with any questions.
Thanks,
c,'0
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Taylor Fox
Senior Park Ranger
Recreation and Parks
tfox@rpvca.gov
Phone -(310) 544-5360
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
90275
Website: www.rpvca.gov
► ~lePlay
I his rnad rnessaqe contains information llelonqinq to tl10 City of Rancho Pdlos Vorclc.<;, which rnay bo privilcqed,
c:onficlential, and/or protected from disclosu1-c'. The infonnation is intended only for use of the individual or C'ntity
nanY.:d. Unautho1·iz,,d dissemination, distr:bution, or copyinq is strictly prohibited. If you received tr1is email in errnr,
or aro ,·:o, an i:1tcnded recipient, please notify the sender imrnediatcly, Thank you for your-assistance and
c:()operalion.
City Hall is open to the public during regular business hours. Appointments are strongly encouraged, and
virtual appointments are available. Many services are available online, including12Ja11 check review
services. To schedule an appointment, visit the Staff Directory on the City website to find the appropriate
department. Some employees may be ·working remotely, Please be patient with us as there may be delays or
minor inconveniences in responding to your inquiry.
2
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Hi Kathy,
Ara Mihranian
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 4:20 PM
Kathy Snell; CC; CityClerk
aram@rpvca.com; Katie Lozano
RE: Agenda Nov 14, 2023. Public Hearing #3
The City is in receipt of your email and it will be provided to the City Council this evening as late correspondence.
I'd like to provide some clarification to your comments.
Abalone Cove Landslide has not been reclassified. For practical purposes, since most of the recent discussion encompass
the multiple landslides that make up the larger complex, we are calling it the greater Portuguese Bend Landslide
Complex. The Landslide Complex encompasses Abalone Cove, Portuguese Bend, Klondike Canyon, Portuguese Beach
Club, and Flying Triangle (Albeit in Rolling Hills) landslides.
The Valley View Graben is a watershed that feeds into the landslide complex and is being studied among other areas.
I can ask the City Geologist to inspect the properties on Vanderlip Drive.
As for receiving information on the landslide, you should not rely on the PBCA, but should subscribe to the City's listserv
"Land Movement" at the following link:
https://www.rpvca.gov/list.aspx
Ara
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathy Snell <ksnell0001@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 1:28 PM
To: CC <CC@rpvca.gov>; CityClerk <CityClerk@rpvca.gov>
Cc: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>; aram@rpvca.com; Katie Lozano <KatieL@rpvca.gov>; ksne110001@aol.com
Subject: Agenda Nov 14, 2023. Public Hearing #3
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe!!!.
I recently realized that the Abalone Cove slide is now classified as the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex. Over the
years, geologists have maintained that Abalone Cove slide was not part of the PB complex. This has led to much
confusion.
I haven't had a chance to review the 197 pages of the "Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex" on the Agenda, Public
Hearing #3 and am requesting a continuance to allow more time for all to review. My property is not in the HOA which
has cut me off from receiving information from the City.
Ask yourselves why two slides were reactivated during a drought and one accelerated.
1 3
Answer: it's all the water coming from the top of the hill from Valley View graben and Island View. Mr. Ludlum, one of
the original developers, claimed that Portuguese Bend in the 1920's was going to be developed as the Riviera of the
Pacific. All the natural water on top was planned to cascade over the hill. The PB Landslide Complex should include
Valley View graben which geologists have stated as being the head of the slide.
My property does not show any movement and I would like to add on. If a house burns down, does the owner have a
right to rebuild? The fees should be exempt to apply for a LME.
Do you know if there are any Vanderlip Driveway properties that have any fissures, movement or structural damage
(except for the guest house at 100 that was built too close to the canyon)? Where is the monument located west of
100? Is it in the canyon that would move anyway? What is the closest movement to Vanderlip Driveway properties and
how much is it moving? As I recall there is a map showing the bedding shale near upper Narcissa tipping away from the
ocean that holds Vanderlip Driveway properties from sliding.
Since 1985, I and my then neighbors, Lois La Rue, Jack Downhill, Erica Stewart and others, requested that RPV manage
the water, both natural and domestic, coming from Valley View graben (full of water before being developed), Island
View and Del Cerro with what Lois called Boulder Dam, carrying the miss routed drainage into Altamira Canyon that
dumped water into a known ancient slide area. Instead RPV decided to wait to collect a lessor amount of water in wells
not fully maintained.
Immediately, RPV should allow Cal Water to close the fissure in the East fork of Altamira Canyon that was opened by
water flowing from a broken fire hydrant in July of 2021. With the opened fissure, Indian Well Spring was forced to flow
into the newly opened fissure and more directly went into the ground water. Restoring the flow of the creek will allow
less water from going underground. The City and Preserve now calls Indian Well Spring "Kevin Canyon Creek" in error.
Why? Why not change the name back to honor the Indians who once lived here?
Respectfully,
Kathy Snell
8 Vanderlip Driveway
Rancho Palos Verdes
2
Subject: FW: Urgency to cover the fissures
From: Ara Mihranian
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 10:38 PM
To: Eva Albuja, <eva.albuja@gmail.com>
Cc: Andrew Derr <andrew.derr@gmail.com>; Barbara Ferraro <barbara.ferraro@rpvca.gov>; David Bradley
<david.bradley@rpvca.gov>; David Roth <rothphoto@mac.com>; Eric Alegria <Eric.Alegria@rpvca.gov>; John Cruikshank
<John.Cruikshank@rpvca.gov>; Juan Hernandez <jhernandez@rpvca.gov>; Nikki Nonshkam <nnoushkam@yahoo.com>;
Paul Seo <paul.seo@rpvca.gov>; Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>; Sha Sha <hisha2023@gmail.com>; Shelly Roth
<shellyroth@mac.com>; dennyjaconi@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Urgency to cover the fissures
I understand Eva and will follow-up with your requests in the morning.
Ara
p.s. I would be remised if I didn't clarify that the majority of the pages in the staff report are attachments needed to
extend the Urgency Ordinance and Emergency Resolution.
Ara Michael Mihranian
City Manager
aram@rpvca.gov
Phone -(310) 544-5202
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Website: www.rpvca.go'{
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From: Eva Albuja, <eva.albuja@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 10:27 PM
To: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
6h... GCTITON
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i Off
Cc: Andrew Derr <andrew.derr@gmail.com>; Barbara Ferraro <barbara.ferraro@rpvca.gov>; David Bradley
<david.bradley@rpvca.gov>; David Roth <rothphoto@mac.com>; Eric Alegria <Eric.Alegria@rpvca.gov>; John Cruikshank
<John.Cruikshank@rpvca.gov>; Juan Hernandez <jhernandez@rpvca.gov>; Nikki Nonshkam <nnoushkam@yahoo.com>;
Paul Seo <paul.seo@rpvca.gov>; Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>; Sha Sha <hisha2023@gmail.com>; Shelly Roth
<shellyroth@mac.com>; dennyjaconi@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Urgency to cover the fissures
Ara,
1 3 .
While I appreciate the work and everyone's efforts. I am speaking and venting from all the neighbors sentiments. How
are we supposed to feel that
there are hundreds of pages of reports dating back to 1957 of recommendations of how to lessen the landslide from
correcting the water intrusion from Rolling Hills to adding more wells. Pages of recommendations throughout the years
and nothing was implemented. It's now 2023 and when there is movement of 32 inches in a 30 days is when the
urgency is causing a movement. All that was done in the last 43 years was paving of PV Drive South. Again, I am sharing
all the thoughts of the community at large.
What is happening to the fissures of 4361 Exultant and 4333 Dauntless? This is the area where 32 inches has moved.
Are those being covered with tarps and sandbags or filled prior to the Wednesday rain?
Thank you Eva
On Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 11:05 PM Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov> wrote:
Eva,
With all due respect, I think you are mischaracterizing what the City has been doing in the interest of your
neighborhood and the entire community when it comes to the landslide.
I understand where your frustration stems from because I too would feel that way.
But what you may not see (understandably) is all the dedicated hours of work behind the scenes to prepare for the wet
winter forecast.
This is not the time to be pointing fingers and criticizing efforts -we need to be working together as reflecting in the
weekly Working Group meetings and the list of projects and activities identified in the staff report -these are tangible
actions.
The City is working hard to push KLCLAD to implement mitigation measures immediately, including bypassing
permitting required by agencies all for the sake of protecting lives and property. The Emergency Order has positioned
the City and KCLAD to move forward. There was a site meeting this afternoon to shore up the canyon and to convey
water to the ocean rather than permeating the ground. Dewatering wells need to be installed and operational in the
optimal locations.
The City is filling the fissures in the open space area. The City is speaking with Rolling Hills to redirect runoff from
Klondike Canyon. Sandbags are available at City Hall for property owners throughout the City and we can arrange to set
up a site in Seaview to assist residents within the District.
Let's not criticize but collectively identify mitigation measures.
The landslide remains the TOP priority for the City.
2
Ara
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Ara Michael Mihranian
City Manager
aram@rpvca.gov
Phone -{310} 544-5202
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Website: www.rpvca.gov
From: Eva Albuja, <eva.albuja@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 9:45 PM
To: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
Cc: Andrew Derr <andrew.derr@gmail.com>; David Roth <rothphoto@mac.com>; Juan Hernandez
<jhernandez@rpvca.gov>; Nikki Nonshkam <nnoushkam@yahoo.com>; Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>; Sha Sha
<hisha2023@gmail.com>; Shelly Roth <shellyroth@mac.com>; Barbara Ferraro <barbara.ferraro@rpvca.gov>; David
Bradley <david.bradley@rpvca.gov>; dennyjaconi@gmail.com; Eric Alegria <Eric.Alegria@rpvca.gov>; John Cruikshank
<John.Cruikshank@rpvca.gov>; Paul Seo <paul.seo@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Re: Urgency to cover the fissures
Hello Ramzi,
3
Any status on tarps and sand bags to temporarily cover the fissures behind Seaview and also the large fissures that is at
4361 Exultant Dr and 4333 Dauntless Dr?
Fissures collect too much water and need to be taken seriously prior to the arrival of the rains on Wednesday.
As a community, we thought that a state of emergency would have helped prepare us for the coming rainy days ahead
but instead all we have received since September is a 195 page report of a summary of what we have broadcasted to
you at City Council meetings. The report has not changed the conditions of saving homes but instead it is focusing the
facts that we are living under a dangerous situation that is escalating. We are disappointed and frustrated by the waste
of time RPV has demonstrated to this point. The City of RPV has invested more time on getting ready for spending
large sums of money into a new community City Hall rather than investing resources that should be on the ground
saving the Seaview and Portuguese Bend Communities.
Where are the tarps and sandbags? There is no action. Lots of community members are questioning your actions and
abilities to managing the landslide. Did you understand how rapidly the land is moving due to the water breaks and
there is no materials available to help lessen the water intrusion?
What was the point of Calling a State of Emergency if you don't know how to use the resources?
We are very upset. We love our community and homes and you need to use your power, resources and action now.
Thank you, Eva
On Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 10:11 PM Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov> wrote:
Thank you, Ramzi.
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 13, 2023, at 8:54 PM, Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov> wrote:
Hello Folks,
Today, maintenance filled the cracks in the gutter on both sides of the street on Exultant Dr from
approximately the intersection with Dauntless Dr to approximately half way to Schooner Dr. We did
4
not make as much progress as we had hoped, so maintenance will be returning tomorrow with
additional forces to continue filling cracks in the gutter and sealing cracks in the road on Dauntless,
Exultant, Admirable, and Palos Verdes Drive South Service Road. The City will continue filling cracks on
a regular basis. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
<image00l.png> Ramzi Awwad
Director of Public Works <image002.png>
<image003.png>
rawwad@rpvca.gov
<image004.png>
Phone -(310) 544-5275
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Website: www.rpvca.gov
This c rnail message conta,ns information belonging t:o the
confidential, and/or protectcc! fron1 disclosure. Tr1c ,,,fr,,.,"""'" ls intended only for use of the
or entity narncd. Unauthol'izcd disseminc1tion, distl'ibution, or copyi119 is strictly prohibited. If you
recf:ived this emai! in error, or arc not an intended recipient 1 please notify the sendf!r irrnnedlat:c!y. 'Thank
you fm yow ,issistanc(\ and coofK!l'iltion.
From: Andrew Derr <andrew.derr@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 2:24 PM
To: David Roth <rothphoto@mac.com>
Cc: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>; Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>; Eva Albuja,
5
<eva.albuja@gmail.com>; Nikki Nonshkam <nnoushkam@yahoo.com>; Sha Sha
<hisha2023@gmail.com>; Shelly Roth <shellyroth@mac.com>; dennyjaconi@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Urgency to cover the fissures
Hi Ara-Please contact the worker who is here now and provide approval to fill all curb cracks in the
street gutters on Exultant. It's crazy to think the worker was given direction to only fill curb cracks at
two locations on the street that aren't even in the abatement district. Please confirm when this has
been communicated and planned to move forward to address comprehensively.
Best,
Andrew
On Nov 13, 2023, at 2:13 PM, David Roth <rothphoto@mac.com> wrote:
Hi Ara
Someone arrived to fill the cracks in the gutter at our neighbors house 4321 at
Exultant Dr. He was told just to do the gutters at that address. He said he's trying to
get confirmation on how far up he should go towards Dauntless and Exultant. And
he's by himself. Obviously, both sides of the streets gutters need to be done from
4321 Exultant to the corner of Dauntless and Exultant .... In fact the entire street and
gutters should be sealed.
David Roth
On Nov 10, 2023, at 6:48 PM, Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
wrote:
Hi David,
6
We are filling all the cracks and fissures including the gutters
especially knowing the dewatering well may drain into the gutters.
Just let us know if we overlooked an area.
Ara
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 10, 2023, at 6:24 PM, David Roth
<rothphoto@mac.com> wrote:
Hi Ara ... I saw your crew fill the one new crack on
Exultant today.
Another real concern are the multiple cracks in the
gutters that are along Exultant Dr.
As I mentioned in an earlier email, if the city is not
planning to fill or fix those, please just let me know
and I will fill the ones near my property.
Thank you.
7
David Roth
On Nov 10, 2023, at 6:18 PM, Eva
Albuja, <eva.albuja@gmail.com>
wrote:
Thank you Ara for your support.
Steve Cummins seems to be having
issues with access and anything you
and Ramzi could do would be greatly
appreciated.
The Klondike Canyon is in a very
delicate state and Cummins not
getting things done will cause more
homes to be red tagged. Again, let
me know how we can help and
appreciate all your efforts.
Thanks, Eva
On Fri, Nov 10, 2023 at 4:57 PM Ara
Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov> wrote:
Hello Eva,
Thank you for reaching out. We
share your concerns and have
already begun implementing
measures in anticipation of next
week's rain.
As you may have noticed, the
roadway cracks are being sealed
beginning today and will be
completed on Monday.
The fissures in the open space area
are also being filled.
8
Moreover, discussions have begun
on how to address Klondike Canyon.
Albeit a more complicated project,
Ramzi and I spoke about working
with KCLAD to expedite some
immediate measures before wet
winter forecast materializes.
Let me know if you have any
additional questions.
Ara
P.S. I am personally monitoring the
10-day weather forecasts daily.
<image001.png>
From: Eva Albuja,
<eva.albuja@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023
2:09 PM
To: Sandy Marshall
<smarshall7@aol.com>; LDG and
Movement
<landmovement@rpvca.gov>;
scummins@dcacivileng.com
Cc: Ara Mihranian
<AraM@rpvca.gov>; Ramzi Awwad
<rawwad@rpvca.gov>; Barbara
Ferraro
<barbara.ferraro@rpvca.gov>; CC
<CC@rpvca.gov>; Trails
<tra ils@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Urgency to cover the
fissures
9
Hello Ara, Mayor Barbara and City
Council,
The residents of Seaview request
your assistance with emergency
preparation for the rains arriving on
Wednesday. As you know, we are
expected to receive one to two
inches of rain between Wednesday
and Friday (11/15 to 11/17). The
intersection of Dauntless and
Exultant has moved 3 feet in the last
30 days which is caused by water
reaching the subsurface at fault
lines. The cracks behind Seaview,
PBC, and throughout Klondike trails,
need to be addressed ASAP.
Covering the fissures and openings
are required at the head of the
Klondike Canyon slide. The KCLAD
has had difficulty reaching the PV
Land Consevancy. City leadership
assistance is required to provide
access to the Klondike Canyon area
and to address fissures and openings
as soon as possible. The fissures
need to be filled or covered to
prevent water from further seeping
into the ground. Request that Ara,
the key abatement districts
stakeholders, and PV Land
Consevancy meet and start
addressing these issues this
weekend given the impending
rainfall.
Thank you, Eva Albuja
310-351-3113
10
11
From: Madeleine McJones <Madeleine .McJones@csu lb.edu >
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 1:34 PM
To : CC <CC@rpvca.gov >
Cc: LDG and Movem ent <landmovement@rpvca.gov>
Subj ect: Normal? Zone infront of the GLASS CHURCH is not NORMAL
EXTERNAL EMAIL· Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the
content is safelll .
Hello Kindly City Council of Rancho Palos Verdes
I am having a very large problem with understanding why the zone with some of the WORST movement
0160 is not included in the mo r atorium or warning is this true? The City is making curbs and paving thi s
every week the road has an Snake curve where it was straight. The water lines in front of th e church is
breaking bu t still this zone is NORMAL? Plea se drive that section of PV drive south, it is slipping each
day.
This is a riddle that cannot be solved with logic but could be solved with some t ra nsparency. There are
new homes breaking ground in this zone? This is ludicrous .
Madeleine M cJone s 3 Tangerine Road RPV
RPV-E0080
RPV-E0140
M ade le in e M cJon es W eb Dev e lo per
Chat with me on Team s
I College of Bus iness
In struct ion al Technology
Send COB Web Edi ts
Send COB News
ROL -E
RPV-I
3
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Kathy Snell <ksnell0001@aol.com>
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 1 :28 PM
CC; CityClerk
Ara Mihranian; aram@rpvca.com; Katie Lozano; ksne1I0001@aol.com
Agenda Nov 14, 2023. Public Hearing #3
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe!!!.
I recently realized that the Abalone Cove slide is now classified as the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex. Over the
years, geologists have maintained that Abalone Cove slide was not part of the PB complex. This has led to much
confusion.
I haven't had a chance to review the 197 pages of the "Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex" on the Agenda, Public
Hearing #3 and am requesting a continuance to allow more time for all to review. My property is not in the HOA which
has cut me off from receiving information from the City.
Ask yourselves why two slides were reactivated during a drought and one accelerated.
Answer: it's all the water coming from the top of the hill from Valley View graben and Island View. Mr. Ludlum, one of
the original developers, claimed that Portuguese Bend in the 1920's was going to be developed as the Riviera of the
Pacific. All the natural water on top was planned to cascade over the hill. The PB Landslide Complex should include
Valley View graben which geologists have stated as being the head of the slide.
My property does not show any movement and I would like to add on. If a house burns down, does the owner have a
right to rebuild? The fees should be exempt to apply for a LME.
Do you know if there are any Vanderlip Driveway properties that have any fissures, movement or structural damage
(except for the guest house at 100 that was built too close to the canyon)? Where is the monument located west of
100? Is it in the canyon that would move anyway? What is the closest movement to Vanderlip Driveway properties and
how much is it moving? As I recall there is a map showing the bedding shale near upper Narcissa tipping away from the
ocean that holds Vanderlip Driveway properties from sliding.
Since 1985, I and my then neighbors, Lois La Rue, Jack Downhill, Erica Stewart and others, requested that RPV manage
the water, both natural and domestic, coming from Valley View graben (full of water before being developed), Island
View and Del Cerro with what Lois called Boulder Dam, carrying the miss routed drainage into Altamira Canyon that
dumped water into a known ancient slide area. Instead RPV decided to wait to collect a lessor amount of water in wells
not fully maintained.
Immediately, RPV should allow Cal Water to close the fissure in the East fork of Altamira Canyon that was opened by
water flowing from a broken fire hydrant in July of 2021. With the opened fissure, Indian Well Spring was forced to flow
into the newly opened fissure and more directly went into the ground water. Restoring the flow of the creek will allow
less water from going underground. The City and Preserve now calls Indian Well Spring "Kevin Canyon Creek" in error.
Why? Why not change the name back to honor the Indians who once lived here?
Respectfully,
Kathy Snell
8 Vanderlip Driveway
Rancho Palos Verdes 3
1
2
Subject: FW: Seaview Pipe Breaks and Landslides
From: Sha Sha <hisha2023@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 7:25 PM
To: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>; Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>; Paul Seo <paul.seo@rpvca.gov>; David
Bradley <david.bradley@rpvca.gov>; Eric Alegria <Eric.Alegria@rpvca.gov>; John Cruikshank
<John.Cruikshank@rpvca.gov>; David Rasor <drasor@rpvca.gov>
Cc: CC <CC@rpvca.gov>; Barbara Ferraro <barbara.ferraro@rpvca.gov>; 'Deirdre Heimer' via KCLAD Distribution List
<kclad-list@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: Seaview Pipe Breaks and Landslides
Footnote 10, direct link: https://www.calwater.com/reliability-runs-deep/whats-the-big-deal-about-water-
infrastructure/
On Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 4:59 PM Sha Sha <hisha2023@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Mr. Ara Mihranian, City Council and City Officials,
Thank you for your ongoing efforts in addressing the recent landslides in Rancho Palos Verdes and finding
solutions to mitigate the damages we have sustained.
We are aware of two facts, (1) the land is moving at an accelerated rate, and (2) the culprit is water. But where
is the water coming from? Recently, over a dozen underground water pipes surrounding my home have
broken, releasing large amounts of pressurized water beneath my property and those of other residents.
According to Dr. Jeffrey Knott, a geologist and professor emeritus, referring specifically to our landslide, "You
could say the water from this year's rain is one thing, but you need a lot more water than that over a longer
period of time in order to cause these sort of deep-seeded landslide movements. A broken water line is
something that would cause that."ill
The role of Cal Water pipes in triggering landslides should not be discounted. I would like to bring your
attention to two published reports highly relevant to the recently increasing cascade of main pipe breaks and
accompanying land movement in our City: (1) Buried No Longer: Confronting America's [aging] Water
Infrastructure Challenge by the American Water Works Association (AWWA)!JJ, and (2) Water Main Break
Rates In the USA and Canada: A Comprehensive Study,
1
March 2018, Overall Pipe Breaks Up 27% In Six Vs.
Over a decade ago, AWWA warned that, as a country, we are entering a new era where much of our
subterranean piping systems are entering the end of their useful life and failing or breaking underground. The
report calls it "the replacement era, in which our nation would need to begin rebuilding the water and
wastewater systems bequeathed to us by earlier generations." Hl The authors state:
A new kind of challenge is emerging in the United States, one that for many years was largely buried in
our national consciousness. Now it can be buried no longer. Much of our drinking water infrastructure,
the more than one million miles of pipes beneath our streets, is nearing the end of its useful life and
approaching the age at which it needs to be replaced.ill
As you are aware, Seaview water pipes, which are mostly Asbestos Cement Transite (AC), were laid
underground in the 1950s, approaching 70 years of age. AC pipes have a service life of 50-100 years,
depending on the environment in which they function lfil, ill and per US Environmental Protection Agency, their
typical lifespan is 50 years.IBl In fact, over time, the bonds in AC pipe erodes, causing leaks and continued
degradation."121 According to information published on Cal Water's website:
SO-year-old pipes, for example, need to be replaced before they break. Ignoring much-needed
infrastructure updates can result in serious health and safety risks, not to mention significant increases
in monthly costs for customers. Additionally, postponing investment increases the odds of facing high
costs associated with water main breaks and other infrastructure failures. J1Ql
The pipes in our neighborhood started breaking and failing at an alarming rate going back at least three years,
with breaks increasing drastically, paralleling the exponential increase in recent land movement. A significant
fact discussed in the Buried No Longer report is that "water-main failure rates generally increase exponentially
over time." illl This is precisely what we have been observing in Seaview and beyond, as we can count 20 or
more pipe breaks under the streets and the Klondike hills in the last year alone.
How much water is released with each pipe break? Because the pipes are underground, a rupture can go
unnoticed for a long time, releasing pressurized water, destroying the foundation of homes nearby and
creating sinkholes. A single 8-inch pipe at 60-100 PSI Ll1l releases 5-7 million gallons of water every 24 hours.
That is equivalent to 300 swimming pools poured underground in one day for each broken pipe. A long-time
Cal Water employee informed me that the pressure of water going through the main pipes on Dauntless Drive
is 150-200 PSI.
Cal Water presented images of pipe deflection/displacement at the breaks. Many of the pipe breaks in the
Landslide Complex, including the Dauntless/Exultant breaks, are certainly caused by land movement, but the
2
accelerated land movement was most likely initiated by a water piping infrastructure that failed or broke
underground, releasing unsurmountable volumes of pressurized water flooding the land beneath us.
On flat land not prone to landslides, an aging infrastructure may not be noticeable, but in an area like ours
highly vulnerable to landslides, a single pipe break can trigger the slide)lil, ll±l,U__8 Cal Water must show the
condition of all the pipe breaks that occurred prior to the accelerated land movement so that it can be
determined what portions of the pipes failed due to movement/deflection as opposed to aging degradation.
Cal Water showing pictures of a few recent pipe breaks doesn't reflect the temporal totality of what we are
experiencing.
Regardless of the reasons for the landslides, many of us have sustained serious and irreversible property
damage due to the never-ending cascade of pipe breaks, but more concerning is that our safety has been at
risk for nearly a year while these pipes were allowed to continually leak and rupture. The piping infrastructure
should have been inspected, serviced, and maintained long before the cascade of breaks started and
destroyed our properties.
The City and HCD have determined that there is an "imminent threat to the health and safety of persons
residing in the area."llfil [emphasis added]. As Cal Water installs pipes above ground in a limited region of
Seaview roads, solution for the mostly hidden pipes that continually break in the Klondike hills must not be
delayed for some future date. As long as the hill pipes leak and rupture, our lives remain at risk. However,
many of us cannot relocate because ethically, we cannot sell our properties and put the burden and risk on
future home owners. Furthermore, no one will buy properties that are on the verge of ruin. I will end with the
statement that a single main pipe break can destroy properties, create sinkholes, and jeopardize our lives.
Sincerely,
Sha Tahmasebi, JD
Please note this email represents my findings and safety concerns and is not intended to represent or replace
the views of other residents.
3
U1Rancho Palos Verdes Residents Believe More Than Land Movement Responsible For Red-Tagged Homes, September
23, 2023.
https://abc7.com/rancho-palos-verdes-seaview-neighborhood-southern-california-land-movement/13816641/
121 Buried No Longer https:ijwww .awwa.org/Porta ls/0/A WW A/Govern ment/BuriedNoLonger. pdf?ver=2013-03-29-
125906-653
m Water Main Break Rates
h!..1:Qs :// d igita I commons. usu. ed u/ cgi/viewconte nt. cgi?article= 1173&context=mae facpu b&hsCta Tracki ng=ae8799eb-
017 e-4c65-8631-06e20fa84c7b% 7C8el fbc9a-3c23-412a-afc5-89739c9e12dl
141 Buried No Longer, p. 3
1s1 Id.
Ifl Buried No Longer, p. 8
rn "Even more concerning is that break rates of cast iron and asbestos cement pipe, which make up 41% of the installed
water mains in the US and Canada, have increased by more than 40% over a 6-year period." Buried No Longer, p. 4
181 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Asbestos Cement (AC) Pipe Replacement, April 13, 2022
https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/dwgwp/dwpermitting/Pipe%20Bursting%20Asbestos%20Cement%20Pipe%20%2
8EPA%20Memo%29.pdf
191 Id.
LlQl https://www.calwater.com/
mi Water Main Break Rates, p. 25
Ll21 Pounds Per Square Inch of pressure (PSI)
1111 Engineer: Broken Water Line Caused Schenectady Landslide, April 25, 2018. "The late-January landslide that crashed
into a home and sent three people to the hospital was caused by a broken water service line, according to the city
engineer."
https://www. da i lygazette. com/ news/ engi neer-broken-water-I i ne-caused-schenectady-la ndsl ide/a rticle 8a8714 79-4c96-
S 72e-aa85-7981f cc53335. html
According to the City Engineer Chris Wallen "water from a broken line connected to a home on Barney Street eventually
seeped into the hill and put everything into motion." https://www.newslO.com/news/local-news/report-schenectady-
la ndsl ide-caused-by-broken-p i pe/
J1 4 l Leaking Water Pipe May Have Caused Oakland Hills Landslide, February 1, 2016. Testing indicated the water
originated from a pipe leak. "The mudslide may have been a byproduct of an aging infrastructure. 'More than SO-percent
of EBMUD's pipes are more than SO-years old."' said the Utility spokesperson.
Wil Department Of Housing And Community Development (HCD)
https://rpv.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view id=S&event id=2618&meta id==115125
4
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Joe C. <jocruz1@hotmail.com>
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 3:46 PM
CityClerk
Fwd: 11-14-2023 Comment on Agenda Item 3 Regarding Landslide
11-14-2023 RPV Letter _JCruz.pdf
I am writing to comment on today's city council meeting agenda item 3, "Consideration and possible action to conduct a
public hearing on the greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex." Please see attached for my comment letter.
Thanks,
Joe Cruz
1 3.
November 14, 2023
Dear Rancho Palos Verdes City Council:
Re: Agenda Item 3 -Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing on the
greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex.
For the City Council meeting today, I am writing regarding Agenda Item No. Three,
"Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing on the greater Portuguese Bend
Landslide Complex."
On October 3, 2023, the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council passed a resolution declaring a
local state of emergency in the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex. In doing so, council
members directed the City Manager to develop an action plan for addressing the local
emergency. We appreciate many of the actions the City Manager has taken to make progress
on this important issue. However, more immediate action is needed to extract water from the
soil and identify and preventing other ongoing sources of water that may lead to further activity
in the complex and the Klondike zone in particular. I have yet to see new dewatering wells
installed withing the Klondike Canyon Landslide Zone or installed or reactivated within the
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex. I recognize that RPV officials do not want to forgo the
$23 million in awarded federal grant funding, but I fear that waiting another year until to be able
to properly access the funding may yield a much more costly disaster. Please take action now to
add needed dewatering wells, reactivate existing wells, and divert all streams and running water
away from the area. PLEASE GET THE WATER OUT NOW.
The agenda report shows increased movement within the Complex during the past 5 years that
goes beyond what we've previously seen in similar rain years. A reasonable conclusions to be
drawn from this is that rainwater alone is not the sole source of the increased land movement.
Action is being taken to install above ground water lines in Seaview to partially address this
issue. However, that section of water line alone is unlikely to be the sole cause of the land
movement. What are the other sources of water affecting the Klondike Canyon and Portuguese
Bend Landside Complex? We need action to immediately start investigating this issue to find a
solution. Specifically, in the short term, the City should:
• Work with Cal Water to compile a list of water line breakages-including locations and
dates-in the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex since January 2022 within the next
15 days, and complete a more complete list going back to 2018 within the next 60 days.
This list should be made public to help the community better understand how to address
future issues and find solutions to the issues.
• Work with Cal Water to identify how many millions of gallons of water are being used by
the communities up-stream from the Klondike Canyon and Portuguese Bend Landside
Complex. Has there been an increase in usage? The city should additionally acquire
information on any home in that area that had a significant increase in water usage over
the past 5 years. This data could help pinpoint not only the source of additional water,
but possibly where the water may be going, and steps needed to remediate and prevent
future land movement issues.
We fortunately remain Seaview homeowners that do not live in any abatement zone and have
no movement issues at our home. However, we remain committed to ensuring our community
remains viable and need to find immediate solutions to the land movement at hand.
Thank you for your time and efforts.
Joe Cruz
4314 Dauntless Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: CITY CLERK
DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2023
SUBJECT: ADDITIONS/REVISIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
_____________________________________________________________________
Attached are revisions/additions and/or amendments to the agenda material received
through Monday afternoon for the Tuesday, November 14, 2023, City Council meeting:
Item No. Description of Material
O Email from Sharon Yarber
1 Emails from: Debbie Schneider; Patrik Eriksson
2 Email from Melody Colbert
3 Attachment B (Declaration of Local Emergency Resolution); Email
exchange between Staff and Mike Phipps (Cotton, Shires and
Associates, Inc.); Email from Madeleine McJones
Respectfully submitted,
__________________
Teresa Takaoka
L:\LATE CORRESPONDENCE\2023\2023 Coversheets\20231114 additions revisions to agenda thru Monday.docx
v~
.p<)
"'
CITY OF ~ RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Subject: FW: Agenda item O on the Consent Calendar
From: sharon yarber <momofyago@gmail.com>
On Thu, Nov 9, 2023 at 11:42 AM Teresa Takaoka <TeriT@rpvca.gov> wrote:
Hello Ms. Yarber,
Hope all is well with you.
Your email received on October 14th regarding Item Fon the October 17 th City Council was included as late
correspondence, along with Deputy City Manager's acknowledgment.
I have pasted the chain below of your exchange with Karina and attached our late correspondence packet for the
agenda of October 17th .
Did you want to include an email for Item O for the agenda of November 14th ? If yes, I am happy to include what you
send.
Thank you.
Teri
From: sharon yarber momofyago@gmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 10:22 AM
To: CityClerk CityClerk@rpvca.gov
Subject: Fwd: RPV City Council Agendas -Tuesday, November 14, 2023 (Hybrid) Spc Meetings
Hello,
My email to the Council about the last consent calendar item (MOU mod) is not included on the agenda; indeed no
correspondence from the public is included whatsoever. Please fix.
----------Forwarded message---------
From: Do Not Reply@rpvca.gov <listserv@civicplus.com>
Date: Tue, Nov 7, 2023 at 6:52 PM
Subject: RPV City Council Agendas -Tuesday, November 14, 2023 (Hybrid) Spc Meetings
To: <momofyago@gmail.com>
From: Karina Banales <kbanales@rpvca.gov>
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 1:46 PM
To: Sharon Yarber <sharon@sharonyarber.com>
Cc: CC <CC@rpvca.gov>; Eileen Jacinto <ejacinto@rpvca.gov>
Subject: RE: Agenda item Fon the Consent Calendar
1 0
Good Afternoon Sharon,
Thank you for your email regarding agenda item No. F Consideration and possible action to increase the City's
contribution toward eligible employee health savings accounts. Your email will be submitted as late correspondence.
Sincerely,
Karina
From: Sharon Yarber <sharon@sharonyarber.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2023 1:00 PM
To: CC <CC@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Agenda item Fon the Consent Calendar
Dear Council,
This item is not, in my opinion, something that should be on the Consent Calendar; rather it should be an item on the
Regular Agenda so that the public's attention is drawn to it (as Consent Calendar items are often glossed over as
unimportant ministerial type "stuff").
I am opposed to the increase in the City's HSA contribution. The company where I used to work had a similar PPO plan
with an HSA for a high deductible plan. Employees paid for their insurance (although the employer certainly paid a
large part of the overall premium) but the company contribution was $400. The amount that the City is already
contributing is significant, particularly given that the entire premium is paid for by the City for the employee. Indeed, I
was rather shocked when I read the staff report and saw how much is already being contributed.
We need to be fiscally conservative and while we need to provide competitive compensation packages, I would like to
see (and I would think you would as well) evidence as to what other comparable cities pay so that we can gauge our
competitive posture before making a decision on this matter.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sharon Yarber
2
Subject:
Attachments:
FW: Comments to public hearing 31925 Emerald view drive
HOA.Statement-2023.11.14(Ver B).pdf
From: Octavio Silva <0ctavioS@rpvca.gov>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 1:57 PM
To: CityClerk <CityClerk@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Comments to public hearing 31925 Emerald view drive
Hi,
Late correspondence for CC meeting on 31925 Emerald View project
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Debbie Schneider <debbie.schneider@balimgmt.com>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 11:31:04 AM
To: Octavio Silva <OctavioS@rpvca.gov>
Subject: RE: Comments to public hearing 31925 Emerald view drive
Hi Octavio
Enclosed please find a Statement from the Estates at Trump
There will also be at least one or more representatives from the HOA at the Council meeting.
Thank you.
Debbie Schneider, AMS
Bali Management Group
(310} 294-5370 x108
(310) 294-5389 Fax
1 I •
THE ESTATES AT TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB ASSOCIATION
Public Comment Submission re: Revision "Ill" to the Trump National Golf Club Project
Conditional Use Permit {Case No. PLCU2023-0004) & Addendum No. 50 Environmental
Impact Report No. 36.
Location: 31925 Emerald View Drive (Lot No. 34 of Tract No 50667). Applicant: Lian Boyd
Honorable City Council Members:
The Estates at Trump National Golf Club Association (the "Association") hereby submits its
position for your consideration regarding the above application, presently scheduled for
a public hearing on November 14, 2023.
As the subject project is located within the Estates at Trump National, the City's decision
on this matter is of particular import to the Association. Of particular concern to the
Association is the pergola, built by the Applicant without obtaining Association approval,
insofar as it unreasonably obstructs the neighboring property owner's view. In addition
to the view impairment caused by the pergola, the Applicant also planted 4 Mexican Fan
Palm trees and installed tiki torches along their fence line without approval, in violation
of Association guidelines, and with utter disregard to the view impairment they cause.
Accordingly, the Association agrees with Staff findings that any ancillary structure over
4-feet in height should not be permitted due to the impairment to the view of the
neighbor, and the City should require the Applicant to immediately remove the
unpermitted pergola, palm trees, and tiki torches.
Article IX, Section 9.16 of the Association's recorded CC&Rs 1 provides as follows:
View. No vegetation or other obstruction may be installed or
maintained on any Lot in such location or of such height as to
unreasonably obstruct the view from any other Lot in the
vicinity thereof or from adjacent property, as set forth in Section
5.3{b) of this Declaration. If there is a dispute between Owners
concerning the obstruction of a view from a Lot, the dispute
shall be submitted to the Architectural Committee and the City.
whose decision in such matters shall be binding. Any item or
vegetation maintained on any Lot which is exposed to the view
of any Owner must be removed or altered to the Architectural
1 Amended and Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions The Estates at Trump National Golf Club
recorded on December 6, 2004, as Document No. 04-3143459 in the Official Records of Los Angeles County, and any
amendments thereto.
1 3
Committee's and the City's satisfaction, if the Architectural
Committee determines that the item or vegetation in its then
existing state does not comply with this Declaration. Declarant
and the Golf Course Owner make no representation that the
existence or unobstructed continuation of any particular view
from a Lot will be preserved. {Emphasis added.)
Article V, Section 5.3{b) of the CC&Rs provides as follows:
Preservation of View. A condition of approval by the City for the
vesting tentative maps that were approved for the development
of the Development is that views are to be protected from each
Lot and from property outside the Covered Property as set forth
in the Covenant to Maintain Property to protect Views recorded
March 16, 2000, as Instrument No. 00-393841 of Official
Records {the "Covenant"). As required by the City, provisions
have been included in the Development Standards and Design
Guidelines that restrict the selection and maintenance of trees
and other landscaping or accessory structures and that establish
minimum setback and height restrictions. Each Owner must
adhere to the Development Standards and Design Guidelines in
addition to any other requirements in the Covenant. Owners, by
the acceptance of the conveyance of their Lots, acknowledge
and agree that the Architectural Committee and the Board shall
be deemed to have complied with their obligation to protect
views from each Lot and from property outside of the Covered
Property as long as the Improvements that are made are
consistent with the selection of landscaping Improvements and
the setback and height restrictions established by the
Development Standards and Design Guidelines, as such
Development Standards and Design Guidelines may be adopted,
amended or revoked from time to time to comply with any
restrictions or requirements of the City or as approved by the
City.
On April 10, 2023, the Association's Architectural Committee denied Dr. and Mr. Boyd's
architectural application for the pergola and grading. On April 23, 2023, the Association's
Board of Directors denied Dr. and Mr. Boyd's appeal of the Architectural Committee's
denial of their architectural application for the pergola and grading. Pursuant to Article IX,
Page 2 of 3
Section 9.16 of the CC&Rs, as set forth above, the Association's and City's decision on such
matter is binding.
With respect to the unpermitted grading on the property, the Association is concerned
about the Applicant's disregard for public safety by engaging in grading activities without
obtaining the required geology reports and obtaining permits. Due to the location of the
backyard slope where the unpermitted grading has occurred, above a public street and
The Ocean Terrace Condominiums, the Association implores the City to ensure that proper
geology reports are scrutinized before allowing the slope alterations proposed by the
Applicant.
Finally, during the pendency of this matter, the Applicant has continued to make property
modifications and refuses to comply with the Association's governing documents, despite
the Association's enforcement efforts. The Applicant's continued flouting of City and
Association rules and processes should not be condoned by the City with after-the-fact
approvals.
Respectfully Submitted by THE ESTATES AT TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB ASSOCIATION
Page 3 of 3
From: Octavio Silva <OctavioS@rpvca .gov >
Se nt: Thursday, November 9, 2023 1:08 PM
To: CityClerk <CityClerk@rpvca.gov>
Subj ec t: FW : Comments to public hearing 3 1925 Emerald view drive
Hi,
Pl ease see late correspondence for CC meeting on 11/14 regarding project at 3 19 25 Emerald View Drive.
Thanks!
Oct avio Sil va
Deputy Director /Planning
Manager
octavios@rpvc.a.gov
Phone -(310) 544-5234
A ddress:
30 9 40 Hawth orn e Blv d .
Ran cho Pa l os Verdes_. CA 9027 5
Web si t e: www.rpv-ca.gov
-, -. . . . .
DOWN OAD
'ff/_t;t '\ ~ ' '
Th is e-mai l m essage co ntains information belon.ging to the Crty of Raocho Pakis Verd,;;s, which may be privileged,
co nndential, a nd/or prntected from dis cl os ure. T he informa t ion i6 int e nded only fo r u se of the i nd ivid ua l or
e nt ity named. Unauthorized d isseminatio n, d istribution, Of" copying is stnctly prohibited. If you recet11ed this
e mai l in error, o r are not an intended reapient, p lease notify the se nder i m mediately. Thank you fOf" yo u r
ass istaoce and coope,-ation.
Fro m: Patrik Eriksson <patrik@eurobrandconsult.com >
Se nt : Thu rs day, November 9, 20 23 9 :50 AM
To : Octavio Silva <OctavioS@rpvca.gov >
Cc: Richard Warren <richard.ca.warren@gmail.com >; Debbie Schneider
<debbie .schneider@balimgmt.com >
Subject: Fwd : Comments to public hearing 3 192 5 Em erald view drive
XTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the
content Is safelll.
Morning Octavio.
Just for t he formality I resend my comments for the m eeting on the 14th of November and are
reserving my rights to speak at the hearing in person as well.
Friendly Greetings
Patrik
Begin forward ed message: /.
From: Patrik Eriksson <patrik@eurobrandconsult.com >
Subject: Comments to public hearing 31925 Emerald view drive
Date: September 6, 2023 at 4:55:51 PM PDT
To: Octavio Silva <OctavioS@rpvca.gov >
Cc: Richard Warren <r ichard.ca .warren@gmail.com >, Debbie Schneider
<debbie.schneider@balimgmt.com >
Hi Octavio .
Here are my comments in advance to the public hearing about 31925 Emerald view drive .
I will also add additional pictures to my letter and I also want to let you know that I would like to speak
in person at the hearing.
Friendly Greetings
Patrik Eriksson
Patrik Eriksson
patrik@eurobrandconsu lt.com
+1 310-993-6545
Octavio Silva, Interim Director of Community Development
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275
Re: 31925 Emerald View Drive
Dear Mr. Si lva:
I live next door to the property at issue in this application, and I am strongly opposed to the
application.
Like many of my neighbors (and others throughout the City), I bought my property primarily for
its view. When I purchased this home, it had a magnificent approximately 240-degree view. At
the time of purchase, I understood that nothing could be legally built to obstruct that view. 1
What I did not anticipate was that my neighbor would illegally construct a substantial obstruction
to my view.
1 The house next door is situated further to the front of the lot, so it does not impede the view at all.
As you can see from the photo above, the applicant's unpermitted improvements sit squarely in
my ocean view to the north.2
It is my understanding that this improvement violates the CC&Rs that govern our properties, as
well as City ordinances regarding construction. Worse, the improper grading has the effect of
increasing the length of their property and making the view impairment even more problematic.
I am aware of people whose philosophy is that they would rather ask forgiveness than permission,
believing that once something is already done, there is a general reluctance to cause it to be
"undone". I sincerely hope that the City will not resign itself to this kind of thinking and allow
this illegal construction to remain.
Sincerely,
Patrik Eriksson
2 Some additional photos with a closer view are attached to further illustrate the issue.
C, ,t,
~
,,;~
CITYOF : ~
~() ..
~ RANCHO PALOS VERDES
lp_,3 lD~'} COMMUN ITY DEVELOPMENT
August 31, 2023
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will conduct
a public hearing on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 7:00 PM.
The meeting will take place in accordance with the requirements of the Ralph M . Brown Act,
Section 54950 et seq . of the Government Code. Remote participation by any Council Member
shall be in accordance with Subdivisions (b)(3) or (f) of Government Code Section 54953 . The
meeting will be held at Hesse Park, McTaggart Hall, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard and/or via
teleconference for staff/consultants/participants using the Zoom platform and broadcast live on
the City's website at rpvca .gov/agendas and on PVPtv channels Cox 35 and Frontier FiberOptic
39. Public participation will be in person and using the virtual platform. The City Council will
consider the following proposed project:
REVISION "Ill" TO THE TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB PROJECT CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT (CASE NO. PLCU2023-0004) & ADDENDUM NO. 50 ENIVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT NO. 36 -A request to revise Condition of Approval No . Z.14 of
Conditional Use Permit No. 162 to allow the property at 31925 Emerald View Drive (Lot
No . 34 of Tract No. 50667) to legalize after-the-fact grading and construction of
improvements over an existing 2: 1 slope along the rear and side yard areas of the project
site. The City Council will also consider adoption of Addendum No. 50 to Environmental
Impact Report No . 36 as part of the project's environmental assessment.
LOCATION:
LANDOWNER/
APPLICANT:
31925 EMERALD VIEW DRIVE
(LOT NO . 34 OF TRACT NO. 50667)
LIAN BOYD
If you have any comments or concerns about the proposed project , please communicate those
thoughts in writing to Interim Director of Community Development, Octavio Silva, by noon on
Friday, September 8, 2023 . By doing so, you will ensure that your comments are included in the
Staff Report. Written comments submitted after noon on Friday , September 8, 2023, will be given
to the City Council on the night of the meeting as late correspondence . Please note that written
materials, including emails, submitted to the City are public records and may be posted on the
City's website. Accordingly, you may wish to omit personal information from your written materials
as it may become part of the public record . In addition, this virtual City meeting will be televised
and can be accessed through the City's website.
If you would like the opportunity to discuss or review the proposed project, it is on file in the
Community Development Department at 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes,
and is available for review from 7:30 a.m . to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 7 :30
a .m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday .
The final staff report will be available on the City's website, https://ca -
ranchopalosverdes2.civicplus .com/772/City -Meeting -Video -and -Agendas , on Tuesday,
September 12, 2023, under "City Council Agenda". If you have any questions, please contact
Interim Director of Community Development, Octavio Silva at (310) 544 -5234 or via email at
octavios@rpvca.gov for further information.
Octavio Silva
Interim Director of Community Development
NOTE : STATE GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65009 NOTICE: If you challenge this application in court, you
may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised in written correspondence
delivered to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes during the public review period described in this notice.
PLEASE PUBLISH IN THE PENINSULA NEWS ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2023
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Melody Colbert <PVPHAssociation@hotmail.com>
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 9:30 AM
CityClerk
cc
Nov 14 Agenda Item Comment
RideToFlyLtr7Nov23.docx
Attached please find our letter of comment for the November 14, 2023 council meeting, item regarding Ride
To Fly.
1
• , . PALOS VERDES PENINSULA
HORSEMEN'S
ASSOCIATION
November 7, 2023
VIA EMAIL -cityclerk@rpvca.gov, cc@rpvca.gov
Rancho Palos Verdes City Council
Re: Ride to Fly Agenda Item for November 14, 2023
Dear Mayor Ferrard and Council Members,
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Horsemen's Association is proud to enthusiastically support
the staff recommendation to extend the permit for Ride to Fly by ten (10) years, and to
permit the organization to operate on Sundays for a five (5) year period. The Planning
Commission exercised good judgment in limiting the Sunday operations to a five-year
period to give the local Portuguese Bend community an opportunity to assess whether
Sunday operations would have an adverse effect on their community.
We urge you to approve the staff recommendation and allow this excellent organization to
continue to provide the therapeutic benefits it affords to those it serves.
Respectfully submitted,
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA HORSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION
C ha-v~ 0 'N w
Charlene M. O'Neil, President
Palos Verdes Peninsula Horsemen's Association
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-_
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, CONTINUING
THE LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION AS
ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION NO. 2023-47 ADOPTED
ON OCTOBER 3, 2023 FOR AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAY
PERIOD
WHEREAS, on October 3, 2023, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes adopted Resolution No. 2023-4 7, declaring a local state of emergency because
of the alarming increase of land movement in the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide
Complex, as depicted in Resolution No. 2023-47 Exhibits "A" and "B". Resolution No.
2023-4 7, and the exhibits thereto, is incorporated by reference.
WHEREAS, on October 3, 2023, the City Council by a 4/5 vote also adopted
Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 647U, establishing a moratorium on all construction in the
Landslide Complex.
WHEREAS, the state of emergency is deemed to continue to exist until its
termination is proclaimed by the City Council in accordance with law. Government Code
§ 8630 requires the City Council to review of the need for continuing the local emergency
at least once every 60 days until the City Council determines the local emergency within
the geographic boundaries of the Landslide Complex has been abated or mitigated to
insignificance.
WHEREAS, after consideration of all facts reasonably available the City Council
now desires to extend the declaration of a state of local emergency within the Landslide
Complex.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, CALIFORNIA, HEREBY FINDS, DETERMINES, AND RESOLVES AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The City Council hereby determines that the above recitals
are true and correct and incorporates the same as the findings of the City Council.
SECTION 2. Proclamation of Emergency. The City Council finds, pursuant to
RPVMC Chapter 2.24 and Government Code §§ 8630 and 8680.9, there exists, and
continues to exist, an actual condition of peril to the safety of persons and property exiting
within the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide, comprised of the Portuguese Bend
Landslide, the Abalone Cove Landslide, and the Klondike Canyon Landslide), as depicted
in Exhibits "A" and "B" of Resolution No. 2023-47, and hereby proclaims that a state of
local emergency continues to exist throughout the same.
SECTION 3. Authority Granted. It is further proclaimed and ordered that during
the existence of said local emergency, the powers, authority, functions and duties of the
Disaster Council, Director, and the City's emergency services organizations shall be
01203.0023/937474.1
8-1
3.
Resolution No. 2023-
those prescribed by State Law, City ordinances, Resolution No. 2023-47 and any other
applicable resolutions, _and approved plans of the City in order to mitigate the effects of
the local emergency.
SECTION 4. Immunity Invoked. To the maximum extent permitted by law, and
pursuant to Government Code § 866, the City Council hereby invokes the immunity
afforded to the City of Rancho Palos Verds in adopting and implementing the declaration
of local emergency within the Landslide Complex
SECTION 5. Duration. The local emergency shall be deemed to continue to exist
until its termination is proclaimed by the City Council in accordance with law.
SECTION 6. Continuing Declaration. Government Code § 8630 requires the
City Council to review of the need for continuing the local emergency at least once every
60 days until the City Council determines the local emergency within Landslide Complex
has been abated or mitigated to insignificance.
SECTION 7. Severability. If any subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of
this Resolution or any application of it to any person, structure, gathering, or circumstance
is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction,
then such decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions or applications of
this Resolution.
SECTION 8. Effectiveness. This Resolution shall take effect immediately. A copy
of the Proclamation and this Resolution shall be forwarded to the California Emergency
Management Agency. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this
resolution ..
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 14 th day of November, 2023.
Mayor Pro Tern
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
01203.0023/937474.1
B-2
Subject:
Attachments:
FW: Land Movement Update 11-10-2023
Land Movement Update 11-10-2023
From: Elena Gerli <egerli@awattorneys.com >
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 1:47 PM
To: Teresa Takaoka <TeriT@rpvca.gov >
Cc: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov >
Subject: FW: Land Movement Update 11 -10-2023
Please add the below to the landslide item as late correspondence. I'm attaching the email with the photos as well.
e
Ales hi re F. Wynder
Elena Q. Gerli I Partner
she/her/hers
Please note our new address effective July 1, 2023:
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP I 3701 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 725, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Tel: (310) 527-6660 I Dir: (424) 269-3345 I ege r li @awattorneys.com
This ernail and :mv files transmitted w,th ,t rna,1 ':ontam privileged or otherwise ,:onfiJentiol 1nforrndt1on If yOU ,re not tllP intended recIp Ient. :Jr b<"l 1eve that •1ou
may have received this co mmunicat,on in ,error, ph~ase advise the send<>r •1Ia email and d€Iet~ the email 1ou received
From: Mike Phipps <mphipps@cottonshires.com >
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 5:06 PM
To: Eric Wolterding <ewolterding@rpvca .gov>
Cc: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca .gov >; Cory Linder <CoryL@rpvca.gov >; Daniel Trautner <DanielT@rpvca.gov >; Ramzi
Awwad <rawwad@rpvca .gov>; Vina Ramos <Vramos@rpvca.gov >; Brandy Forbes <bforbes@rpvca.gov>; Chris Dean
<cdean@cottonshires.com >; Elena Gerli <egerli@awattorneys.com >; Norma Saldana <NSaldana@rpvca.gov >; Taylor Fox
<tfox@rpvca.gov>; Katie Lozano <KatieL@rpvca .gov >; William Wynder <wwynder@awattorneys.com >; Matt Janousek
<mjanousek@cottonshires.com >; Patrick Shires <cottonshires@me.com >; John Wallace <jwa llace@cottonshire s.com >
Subject: Re: Land Movement Update 11 -10-2023
** EXTERNAL SENDER **
Hi Eric,
Thanks for reaching out. This information is very helpful. I want to mention that I believe OSM staff have been
compiling locations of observations of fissures and scarps crossing various trails; I cannot recall if it is being done on City
GIS maps or maybe using Google Maps, but in any case this information you are providing should be added to that map
and I would like someone to send me a link to access it {I may have it but can't put my hands on it right now).
1 3.
I will be in RPV on Monday looking at various trail issues (Peppertree, Pony, Ishibashi). Here is what I can tell you
briefly, as to what you reported:
Our staff has reported that a large fissure has further developed through a portion of Beach School
Trail in Abalone Cove Reserve. The trail and road remain intact and are being monitored and
repaired as needed, however the fissure extends into the surrounding habitat with depths
ranging 4-1 O feet in areas. Considering that the trail and road are being maintained, is it
necessary and recommended to fill the holes in the surrounding habitat as well? (page 1 of
attachment) This "fissure" is actually THE western boundary of the active Abalone Cove
Landslide (ACL) and extends from the beach, across the road and trail, up across PVDS where
all of the road distress is, and into the neighborhood above. The ACL is moving significantly
based on recent monitoring data. Filling the fissures along this extensive landslide boundary in
habitat beyond the roads and trails is a massive project. It won't do much at this time due to the
current rate of movement and might be a waste of resources at this time . I will note that this is
also in a recent habitat restoration area and there is drip irrigation all over the place that I
believe is closely monitored by the PVPLC. Movement has been significant enough that buried
irrigation pipes (main lines feeding the drip irrigation) will break so I believe someone should
take a hard look at this .
The fissure extending through Burma Road Trail near the junction with Barn Owl Trail has been
rapidly widening and separating. This area previously seemed to be sliding and elevating,
creating a drop, but appears now to be pulling apart creating a drop off and a large gap between
the two sides. (page 2 of attachment) This "fissure" is also a landslide boundary .... it is either the
Northern Enlargement of the Klondike Canyon Landslide or an Eastern Enlargement of the
Portuguese Bend Landslide . What you are witnessing is, the more the Klondike Canyon Landslide
moves, the wider/taller the bounding scarp becomes. This is being witnessed firsthand at the
Dauntless/Exultant intersection where it easily manifests in the improvements (i.e., across
sidewalks, curbs, gutters and pavement). These things are forming because of the effects of
actively moving land pulling away from stable land; it forms scarps, pull-apart areas (also known as
grabens), and fissures. On October 20 I mapped what I am calling an enlargement of the Klondike
Canyon Landslide (north of how it was historically mapped), from the bottom of Klondike Canyon,
across the Klondike Canyon Trail, the Panorama and Barn Owl Trails near their intersection, then
wrapping north around the ridgeline, crossing Burma Road twice, and tying into the head of the
Portuguese Bend Landslide. This same landslide boundary (Klondike Canyon La .ndslide) also
extends southeast into the Seaview Tract and is what is causing all of the issues there. The
significant movement of the Klondike Canyon Landslide is also what just caused the shallow
landslides and rockfalls onto Peppertree Trail near Sandbox Trail in the area formerly called
Gateway Park. Ramzi reported that to me this morning and I am looking at it on Monday in person.
am working on graphics to show this information to everyone. It is known that the east
margin/boundary of the Portuguese Bend Landslide is also the west margin/boundary of the
Klondike Canyon Landslide, historically at least the two landslides have shared a boundary from the
beach extending about 1,800 feet up Klondike Canyon. Historically it has been described by other
geologists that this shared boundary results in the Portuguese Bend Landslide "shoving" or rubbing
against the Klondike Canyon Landslide. Some have described it as the Portuguese Bend Landslide
"frictionally dragging" the Klondike Canyon Landslide at this boundary. This may well be the case
because the eastern margin/boundary of the Klondike Canyon Landslide, through the homes and
streets of the Seaview Tract, is still very diffuse (not well defined, more like a shear zone than a
distinct boundary) and consists of lots of small pavement tears/cracks, minor curb displacements,
etc . I believe the GPS data (which I am still reviewing) will show that the western side of the
2
Klondike Canyon Landslide is moving faster than the eastern side, due to this connection with the
PB Landslide.
There has been development of a deep fissure on Ishibashi Trail, below the existing and known
area . Staff has reported portions of this fissure to be approximately 13 feet deep, extending
through the lower portion of the trail, closer to the junction with Burma Road Trail. The area
directly above has also continued to widen and collapse. (page 3 of attachment) I understand
that this is on Ishibashi Trail above (north of) Burma Road. This is possibly further evidence of
headward enlargement of the Portuguese Bend Landslide. I'll be looking at this on Monday.
The hillside above Cliffside Trail has again shifted and slid, covering the trail with soil, rock, and
debris. OSM Staff have been clearing the debris/slough and making repairs as needed. (page 4
of attachment). My initial look at this suggested it is a shallow landslide that extends up the hill
to the Inspiration Point Trail along the top of the ridge (where tension cracks were observed and
documented during my site visit). Unfortunately, in the efforts to keep the Cliffside Trail open,
the debris that is being removed from the trail is removing lateral support for the shallow
landslide which toes out at the trail. The landslide is trying to reach a state of equilibrium but
the debris removal is allowing it to continue to move, even during the driest part of the
Regards,
season . A decision will need to be made as to closing this trail (and possibly routing a new trail
down to the beach) because the repeated debris removal in the trail is not sustainable. If the
landslide continues to move, there is a risk of losing the Inspiration Point Trail at the top of the
ridge. We are preparing a memorandum to OSM about this one which should be completed at
the end of next week (per Katie's request).
Mike Phipps
On Fri, Nov 10, 2023 at 3:33 PM Eric Wolterding <ewo lterding@rpvca .gov> wrote:
Hi All,
Just wanted to bring Katie and Bill into the loop. My apologies for leaving you both out of the initial email.
Thanks,
Eric
Eric Wolterding
Administrative Analyst
Recreation and Parks
ewolterding @rpvca.gov
Phone -(31 0) 544-5353
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd .
Rancho Pa lo s Verd es, CA
90275
Websi te: www.rpvca.gov
Connect with t ho City from your phono or tablet!
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City Hall is open to the public during regular business hours. Appointments are strongly encouraged, and virtual
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From: Eric Wolterding
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 3 :05 PM
To: Mike Phipps <mphipps@cottonshires.com >
Cc: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>; Cory Linder <CoryL@rpvca.gov >; Daniel Trautner <DanielT@rpvca .gov >; Ramzi
Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov >; Vina Ramos <Vramos@rpvca .gov>; Brandy Forbes <bforbes@rpvca.gov >; Chris Dean
<cdean@cottonshires.com >; Elena Gerli <egerli@awattorneys.com >; Norma Saldana <NSaldana@rpvca.gov>; Taylor
Fox <tfox@rpvca.gov >
Subject: Land Movement Update 11-10-2023
Hi Mike,
I am a newly appointed Administrative Analyst with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and will be helping
to track and monitor land movement reports and information. I will be part of the team sending out
regular updates and reporting more urgent issues should they arise . We have noticed some new
developments that we wanted to report. I have attached a file with photos for reference.
• Our staff has reported that a large fissure has further developed through a portion of Beach
School Trail in Abalone Cove Reserve. The trail and road remain intact and are being monitored
and repaired as needed , however the fissure extends into the surrounding habitat with depths
ranging 4 -10 feet in areas. Considering that the trail and road are being maintained, is it
necessary and recommended to fill the holes in the surrounding habitat as well? (page 1 of
attachment)
• The fissure extending through Burma Road Trail near the junction with Barn Owl Trail has been
rapidly widening and separating. This area previously seemed to be sliding and elevating,
creating a drop, but appears now to be pulling apart creating a drop off and a large gap between
the two sides . (page 2 of attachment)
• There has been development of a deep fissure on Ishibashi Trail, below the existing and known
area. Staff has reported portions of this fissure to be approximately 13 feet deep, extending
through the lower portion of the trail, closer to the junction with Burma Road Trail. The area
directly above has also continued to widen and collapse. (page 3 of attachment)
4
• The hillside above Cliffside Trail has again shifted and slid, covering the trail with soil, rock, and
debris. OSM Staff have been clearing the debris/slough and making repairs as needed. (page 4 of
attachment)
•
Please let me know if this format is useful. I would be happy to adjust if needed. Also, please let me
know if you have any question or need additional information.
Thank you so much for your continued work.
Sincerely,
Eric Wolterding
Eric Wolterding
Atlministrative Analyst
Recreation and Parks
ewolterding@rpvca.gov
Phone -(310) 544-5353
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palo s Verd es, CA
90275
Website: www.rpvca .gov
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immediately Thank 1ou for y0ur ass1st.:mce and cooperiltion.
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Michael B. Phipps, PG, CEG
Principal Engineering Geologist
COTTON, SHIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS A ND GEOLOGISTS
699 Hampshire Road, Suite 102
Thousand Oaks, California 91361
805.370.8710, ext. 102 (office)
805 .807.9001 (cell)
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Web: www.cottonshires .com
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Page 1 of 4
Beach School Trail and surrounding areas
Page 2 of 4
Burma Road Trail near Barn Owl Junction
Page 3 of 4
Ishibashi Trail (upper photos newer developments, lower photo of previously noted area)
Page 4 of 4
Cliffside Trail
Subject: FW: Landslide Question: BENTONITE AMENDMENT
-----Original Message-----
From: Madeleine McJones <Madeleine.McJones@csulb.edu>
Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2023 1:04 PM
To: CC <CC@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Landslide Question: BENTONITE AMENDMENT
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe!!!.
City Council of RPV
Please question you staff and consider this topic for Landslide control -Since PILLARS have worked before per the CITY
REPORT I found on your website. This option should not be ignored if it has any merit.
BENTONITE AMENDMENT Has this been long studied but I cannot find anything on your website. Please if you have not
considered amending the Bentonite clay into a more secure layer by changing its properties with other minerals or
amendments. Bentonite is used under homes to make secure foundations and Bentonite is used under landfills to
prevent contamination, it is used as pond liners to stop Leaks, but this Bentonite is different because it is amended.
wonder if anyone has ever considered a study on injecting another property such as potassium or? into the Bentonite
and see if it becomes less quick. Injection is not new science, as big oil.
* Bentonite amendments has been widely studied.
b:ttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/365587355 Improving rheological and mechanical properties of non-
plastic clay soil from Bensmim region Morocco using bentonite additions Suitability for building application
* INJECTION IS POSSIBLE
https://fluidhandlingpro.com/high-pressure-low-shear-pumps-for-bentonite-injection/
<https://fluidhandlingpro.com/high-pressure-low-shear-pumps-for-bentonite-iniection/>
http://www.dewindonepasstrenching.com/slurry-walls-and-cement-bentonite-walls
<http://www.dewindonepasstrenching.com/slurry-walls-and-cement-bentonite-walls>
* The CITY RPV REPORT WHERE PILLARS WORKED
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5z4rp3fyypoqkqepua/1957-Report-of-Earth-Movement Portuguese-
Bend 201503061238224081.pdf?rlkey=jldg4vg846smeysr45kjrify2&dl=0
Madeleine McJones 3 Tangerine Road RPV CA 90275
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