CC SR 20260317 04 - Landslide Emergency Extension
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 03/17/2026
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consider updates on the Greater Portuguese Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file an update on the Greater Portuguese Bend -Ancient Altamira
Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex) conditions, activities, and financials;
(2) Approve an appropriation of $2,154,416 for eligible project costs and $140,676 for
grant administration costs in the Federal Grant Revenue for the Building Resilient
Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program and Transfers-Out to
reimburse the Capital Infrastructure Projects (CIP) Fund;
(3) Approve an updated grant match for the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for the Portuguese Bend
Landslide Remediation Project, increasing the City’s commitment match approved
by the City Council on August 19, 2025 from $10 million to $12,179,797 based on
60% engineered plans;
(4) Receive and file an update on the watering restriction within the Landslide
Complex;
(5) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-__, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING FOR A TERM
OF 60 DAYS THE TEMPORARY PROHIBITION ON TRAVEL BY UNICYCLES,
BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES, AND OTHER ONE- OR TWO-WHEELED
VEHICLES ON PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH WITHIN THE LANDSLIDE
COMPLEX DUE TO CONTINUED ROADWAY CONDITIONS;
(6) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-__, 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;
and,
(7) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-__, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING THE STATE
OF LOCAL EMERGENCY WITHIN THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF THE
PORTUGUESE BEND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, PORTUGUESE BEND
BEACH CLUB, AND SEAVIEW NEIGHBORHOODS BAS ED ON SUDDEN
ENERGY SHORTAGES, PLANNED DEENERGIZING EVENTS, AND INTERNET
SERVICE SHUT OFFS AS ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION NOS. 2024-52 AND
2024-57 FOR AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAYS.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
Cost to Date:
The total estimated cost for the Greater Portuguese Bend–Ancient Altamira Landslide
Complex from 2022 through June 30, 2026, is projected to reach approximately $64.4
million. This cost is funded through multiple sources, mainly funded from the CIP Fund,
General Fund, Metro Funds, ARPA, Supervisor Hahn’s Social Program Grant, Los
Angeles County Sanitation District No. 2, Los Angeles Flood Control District, and BRIC
Grant.
FY 2024-25:
A comprehensive summary of expenditures incurred for FY 2024 -25 is included in the
August 19, 2025 staff report and can be found at the following link:
https://rpv.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=5&clip_id=4840&meta_id=130486
FY 2025-26 Budget:
The FY 2025-26 City Council adopted budget for the City’s response to the Portuguese
Bend Landslide is $17.75 million in the CIP and $860,300 for property tax assessments
in the General Fund, as detailed in the tables below.
On September 16, 2025, the City Council approved a revised budget based on a current
assessment of field conditions and a reassessment of the proposed winterization projects.
The total revised budget is $16.4 million, a decrease of $2.16 million.
On December 16, 2025, the City Council approved Staff’s proposed carryover of unspent
funds in the amount of $1.45 million from FY 2024-25 for the emergency stabilization
measures that were not completed by June 30,2026. Based on these changes, FY 2025-
26 Revised Budget is now $17.9 million. The breakdown for each fund is shown below:
Capital Infrastructure Projects (CIP) Fund:
Funding Source: Capital Infrastructure Projects (CIP) Fund FY 2025-26
Revised Budget
8202 - Abalone Cove Sanitary Sewer Repair Program 3,000,000
8304 - Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project 530,000
8307 - Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation - Emergency
Stabilization Measures (was $6,187,000 before cont. approp.) 7,635,775
Construction 3,984,045
Professional Services (Engineering, Environmental, Inspection, Management 1,627,955
Contingency 575,000
FY 2024-25 Continuing Appropriations (Approved 12/16/25) 1,448,775
8308 - Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation - Deep Dewatering Wells
1 thru 6 Permanent Power (City's Federal Grant Match) 525,000
8309 - Portuguese Bend Landslide Hydrology & Hydraulics Study 1,265,000
TOTAL - FY 2025-26 (CIP FUND – PREVIOUSLY $13,675,000) $12,955,775
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Special Revenue (Restricted) Funds:
Funding Sources: Special Revenue (Restricted) Funds FY 2025-26
Revised Budget
8302 - Palos Verdes Drive South Landslide Repair Program 2,500,000
SB-1 Gas Tax (Fund 204) 350,000
Prop C (Fund 215) 1,150,000
Measure R (Fund 220) 1,000,000
8308 - Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation - Deep
Dewatering Wells 1 thru 6 Permanent Power 1,575,000
Federal Grant 1,575,000
TOTAL - FY 2025-26 SPECIAL REVENUE (RESTRICTED) FUNDS $4,075,000
General Fund:
Funding Source: General Fund FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget
3150 Property Tax Assessments
KCLAD 475,902
ACLAD 384,398
TOTAL - FY 2025-26 General Fund $860,300
ORIGINATED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works
Vina Ramos, Director of Finance VR
Brandy Forbes, Director of Community Development
Katie Lozano, Open Space and Trails Manager
REVIEWED BY: Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager CJ
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Resolution No. 2026-___ Continuing Temporary Prohibition of One- or Two-
Wheeled Vehicles on Palos Verdes Drive South for 60 Days (Page A-1)
B. Resolution No. 2026-___ Continuing Local Emergency (Page B-1)
C. Resolution No. 2026-___ Continuing Local De-energization Emergency
(Page C-1)
D. Displacement Rate Contour Maps: February 3, 2026 (Page D-1)
E. Landslide GPS Survey Reports: February 3, 2026 (Page E-1)
F. December 16, 2025 Staff Report (link)
G. November 4, 2025 Staff Report (link)
H. August 19, 2025 Staff Report (link)
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I. Public Comment Regarding Temporary Motorcycle Prohibition on PVDS
(Page I-1)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Tonight, the City Council is being asked to receive and file an update on the Landside
Complex conditions, activities, and financials. City Council is also being asked to extend
the temporary prohibition of one- or two-wheeled vehicles on Palos Verdes Drive South,
continue the local emergency, and continue the local de -energization emergency for 60
days due to continuing landslide conditions.
• Following are key rainfall updates:
o As of March 9, 2026, 14.14 inches of rain have fallen in the 2025-26 rainy season,
which is about 103% of average seasonal rainfall.
• Following are key movement rate updates:
o The Abalone Cove Landslide accelerated an average of approximately 5% from
January 8, 2026 through February 3, 2026 and an average of approximately 18.5%
since November 4, 2025. The current average rate of movement is approximately
2.25 inches per week, which is approximately 16 times the October 2022 pre-deep
slip plane activation rate.
o The Portuguese Bend Landslide accelerated an average of approximately 7.1%
from January 8, 2026 through February 3, 2026 and an average of approximately
21% since November 4, 2025. The current average rate of movement is
approximately 1.5 inches per week, which is approximately 8.5 times the October
2022 pre-deep slip plane activation rate.
o KCL continues to show no measurable horizontal or vertical movement.
• Following are key dewatering program updates:
o The City currently has all nine of its original remaining DDWs operational and they
pumped approximately 12 million gallons of water in January 2026 and
approximately 14.75 million gallons of water in February 2026; which continues the
trend from December 2025 of lower production due to sheared DDWs that have
now been re-drilled, as well as lower water levels.
o ACLAD currently has 13 operational wells and pumped a total of approximately
4.65 million gallons of water in January 2026 and approximately 4.25 million
gallons of water in February 2026, which is consistent with prior months when
accounting for fewer days in February.
o KCLAD currently has 3 operational wells pumping and pumped at an average rate
of approximately 13 million gallons January 2026 and February 2026.
• Following are key financial updates:
o As of March 6, 2026, a total of $10.7 million or 60% of the total budget for FY 2025 -
26 has been spent and committed (encumbered). The total spent is $6.1 million or
34% of the budget and $4.6 million or 26% of the budget has been committed.
Compared to the last report in February, this reflects an increase of $0.4 million or
4%.
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o With a budget of $18.2 million in the CIP Fund, the projected fund balance by June
30, 2026, is $14.1 million. After applying the required reserves of $5 million and
adjustments including carryover and adjustments from prior year, the projected
CIP restricted fund balance is $8.3 million.
o ACLAD has spent $1.59 million or 99% percent of its $1.6 million loan from the
City, mostly on new well maintenance and operations. Additional expenses include
$137,860 for surface drainage work, of which the City reimbursed $94,500 as part
of the Altamira Canyon winterization efforts.
o KCLAD has spent $1.1 million or 61% percent of its $1.9 million loan from the City,
mostly on dewatering well programs.
o On March 2, 2026, the City received its first BRIC grant reimbursement payment
of $222,297 for costs associated with the preparation of studies (including
hydrology), models, environmental documents, engineering plans, specifications,
and cost estimates for 60% plans that were completed.
• On August 19, 2025, the City Council approved a grant application to the federal
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program in the amount of $40 million with a required match
commitment of $10 million to fund construction of the Portuguese Bend Landslide
Remediation Project as a replacement to the BRIC grant given the uncertainty
associated with the BRIC program beyond funding the design phase of the project.
The grant application and match was based on a concept plan, which has now been
advanced to 60% engineered plans; accordingly, the cost estimate is now
$48,719,185. To continue with the grant application, the City Council must approve a
new match commitment of $12,179,796 which is proposed from a combination of the
unallocated fund balance in the General Fund and CIP Fund.
• Staff is providing the City Council will an update on the watering restriction pursuant
to direction at the February 3, 2026 meeting with an emphasis on the soccer fields
owned by the Palos Verdes Peninsula School District. At this time, the City Geologist
is recommending not to lift the watering restriction until the Hydrology and Hydraulics
Study is completed especially since the soccer fields are within the landslide
watershed.
• City Council is being asked to extend the temporary prohibition of one- or two-wheeled
vehicles on Palos Verdes Drive South, continue the local emergency, and continue
the local de-energization emergency for 60 days due to continuing landslide
conditions.
BACKGROUND:
The Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex, sometimes called the Ancient Altamira
Landslide Complex (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) and
includes areas uphill from the PBL and ACL, within the Landslide Complex as mapped by
various agencies.
On October 3, 2023, the City Council conducted a discussion regarding the conditions of
the Landslide Complex. After considering information presented that evening, including
public testimony, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-47 declaring
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the existence of a local emergency within the geographic boundaries 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 (Moratorium). The City Council has extended the
local emergency on multiple occasions, and it remains in effect until April 4, 2026, unless
extended again this evening.
On August 20, 2024, the City Council authorized the emergency installation of immediate
stabilization and protection measures consisting of deep dewatering wells (DDWs) in
response to exponential acceleration of the Landslide Complex as a result of histori c
rainfall during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 rainy seasons.
On October 1, 2024, the City Council authorized an expansion of the DDW program to
the Abalone Cove area, on City-owned property. Additionally, the City Council authorized
a winterization program on City-owned property in the Landslide Complex without waiving
the Abalone Cove Landslide Hazard Abatement District’s (ACLAD) and Klondike Canyon
Landslide Hazard Abatement District’s (KCLAD) responsibilities as identified in their plans
of control.
On February 18, 2025, the City Council affirmed only using the $1.6 million City loan to
implement the ACLAD’s DDW Plan including two monitoring wells and instrumentation
that would be installed, maintained and operated by ACLAD within their jurisdictional
boundaries. A sum of $100,000 was also approved to provide ACLAD with professional
services (i.e. project management and geologist).
On May 6, 2025, the City Council received a summary of the status of the DDW and
winterization programs.
On September 16, 2025, the City Council modified the FY 2025-26 landslide emergency
response budget for several projects/activities resulting in an overall reduction of
$2,168,000, to preserve funding for future year operations and maintenance of landslide
measures. Additionally, the City Council authorized the use of the City’s winterization
contingency of $200,000 to pay for 50% of the cost of repairing the culvert under Palos
Verdes Drive South (PVDS) and 100% of the cost of Lower Altamira Canyon winterization
by ACLAD.
This report will serve as the 60-day standing report on the current conditions of the
Landslide Complex and consideration to extend the local state of emergency and
prohibition of one- and two-wheeled vehicles along PVDS through the Landslide
Complex.
DISCUSSION:
1. Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex Update
The City Council is being asked to receive and file an update on the Landslide Complex
conditions, activities, and financials.
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Geologic Conditions
A summary of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 rainy seasons can be found in the May 7, 2024
staff report at the following link:
https://rpv.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=5&clip_id=4522&meta_id=118930
A summary of the 2024-25 rainy season can be found in the May 6, 2025 staff report at
the following link:
https://rpv.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=5&clip_id=4791&meta_id=127446
For the 2025-26 rainy season, 14.14 inches of rain has fallen at Rolling Hills Fire Station
56 near the crest of the Palos Verdes Peninsula as of January 23, 2026. This represents
about 103% of the annual average for the entire season. Most of the rain fell in five storm
periods: Oct 14-15, 2025 (1.19”), Nov 13-21, 2025 (5.52”), Dec 23-26 (3.11”), December
31-January 6, 2026 (1.78”), and February 15-21, 2026 (2.18”). The November and
December 2025 storms, which occurred after the November 4, 2025 GPS monitoring and
before the January 8, 2026 GPS monitoring, have had an impact on the rate of landslide
movement, contributing to landslide reacceleration following a prolonged period of
deceleration. A similar phenomenon was observed in March and April of 2025, following
February and March 2025 rainfall; however, landslide deceleration resumed as of the May
4, 2025 GPS monitoring. The impact of the February 2026 storms will be assessed in
conjunction with future GPS surveys.
Recent GPS survey data published by McGee Surveying Consulting for the approximately
“monthly” monitoring period ending February 3, 2026 were reviewed and analyzed
(Attachment E).
Figures 1 presents scaled displacement rates (i.e., movement velocities), movement
vectors, and contours (aka “heat maps”) of displacement rates for the February 3, 2026
monitoring period. (Attachment D)
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Figure 1: Scaled Displacement Rates for February 3, 2026 Monitoring Period
Figure 2 below provides contours of landslide displacement rate change from March 9,
2025 to February 3, 2026; which provides perspective on which areas of the landslide
complex are decelerating the fastest within a specified period of time.
[CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE]
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Figure 2: March 9, 2025 to February 3, 2026 Displacement Rate Change Contour Map
Table 1 provides a summary of movement rates for each sub -slide over time, including a
comparison of the pre-emergency declaration, acceleration peak, last deceleration, and
current status.
Table 1: Sub-Slide Movement Rates as of February 3, 2026
Sub-Slide Oct 2022 Oct 2023* July 2024** Nov 2025 Feb 2026
Average Movement (Inches/Week)
KCL 0.06 0.33 4.34 0.0 0.0
PBL 0.17 0.91 11.02 1.16 1.46
ACL 0.14 0.72 10.25 1.82 2.24
Upper Altamira 0.08 0.52 9.17 1.74 2.02
Factor of Movement
KCL 1 5.5 72.3 0 0
PBL 1 5.4 64.8 6.8 8.6
ACL 1 5.1 72.3 13.0 16.0
Upper Altamira 1 6.5 114.6 21.8 25.3
*Month of emergency declaration
**Month of peak movement rate
For all points monitored across the entire Landslide Complex, the following are the key
conclusions for the time period from January 8, 2026 to February 3, 2026:
• The average movement rate for all points still moving within the active landslide
boundary as of February 3, 2026 is 1.74 inches/week, an 8.7% increase since
January 8, 2026 and a 19.2% increase since the November 4, 2025 survey, which
is the last survey that documented overall deceleration of the landslide. The most
likely factor contributing to landslide reacceleration is the added mass (aka, driving
force) of significant early-season rainfall percolating into the landslide. The 2025 -
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26 season rainfall total was at about 84% of the annual average for the area as of
the February 3, 2026 reading and is now at about 103% of the annual average (as
of 3/9/26).
• The ACL movement, within its historical boundary, has accelerated an average of
approximately 5% from January 8, 2026 through February 3, 2026 and an average
of 18.5% since November 4, 2025. The average rate of movement for these points
was approximately 2.24 inches/week in the most recent monitoring period from
January 8, 2026 through February 3, 2026 . As of November 4, 2025, the ACL
movement had decelerated an average of 81% since the deep dewatering program
commenced mid-September 2024; however, unusually high early-season rainfall
and normal mid-season rainfall has contributed to reacceleration over the past 3
months from November 4, 2025 through February 3, 2026 . The fastest moving
area remains the upper portion of the ACL at approximately 2.57 inches/week. As
can be seen in Figure 2, notwithstanding the recent acceleration, the ACL
continues to exhibit the highest reduction in landslide velocity between March 9,
2025 and February 3, 2026. This is believed to be due to the recent deep
dewatering program implemented by ACLAD.
• The PBL, within its historical boundary, has accelerated an average of 7.1% from
January 8, 2026 through February 3, 2026 , and an average of 21% since
November 4, 2025. The average rate of movement was approximately 1.46
inches/week from January 8, 2026 through February 3, 2026. The PBL movement
had decelerated an average of 88.3% since the deep dewatering program
commenced in mid-September 2024 through November 4, 2025; however,
unusually high early-season rainfall and normal mid-season rainfall has
contributed to reacceleration from November 4, 2025 through February 3, 2026.
A similar pattern of reacceleration of movement velocity occurred in response to
rainfall in February and March 2025; however, this proved to be temporary as the
rainy season waned and pumping of deep dewatering wells continued.
• Future near-term movements of the landslide complex will be dependent upon
several factors, including rainfall through the remainder of the rainy season,
effectiveness of winterization efforts, and continued operation and maintenance of
deep dewatering wells.
• There has been no measurable movement of the KCL since mid-October 2024.
Although some points in the KCL have periodically shown measurable changes in
their GPS position, these movements are at or below the limits of instrument
precision. Further absolute vector analysis shows that the changes are not in a
consistent progressive pattern, but rather in random directions, which indicates
GPS “noise” rather than actual movement. Because there is no movement
occurring, the KCL has decelerated 100% since the deep dewatering program
commenced in mid-September 2024.
• Analyses of vertical survey data of the KCL concluded that no vertical movement
of the GPS monuments within the KCL has occurred since the survey period
ending October 8, 2024, within the instrument and monitoring method precision
limits which are typically 0.10 feet for vertical movement.
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o Figure 3 shows the change in GPS monument elevation (either up or down)
for GPS surveys since October 2023. The black dashed line represents the
instrument and monitoring method precision. The figure shows that points
stopped moving upward or downward beyond the bounds of the instrument
and monitoring method precision as of the October 8, 2024 survey date.
o Figure 4 shows the cumulative vertical displacement for a specific
monument: KC06 located at 4380 Dauntless Drive just south of the main
landslide graben. This figure presents the vertical movement data on a
smaller scale and identifies the typical vertical movement precision limit of
0.1 feet. The figure shows that vertical variations since the October 8, 2024
survey consist of instrument “noise”, rather than a clear signal of movement.
• The movement rate of the Greater Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex/Ancient
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex GPS monitoring points outside of the
historical boundaries of the ACL and PBL has, on average, accelerated 14.8%
from November 4, 2025 through February 3, 2026, following a prolonged period of
deceleration. The average rate of movement for these points was approximately
2.02 inches/week as of February 3, 2026. The Greater Portuguese Bend/Ancient
Altamira Landslide Complex points have decelerated an average of 78% since the
deep dewatering program commenced in mid-September, 2024.
• There continues to be no measurable movement of points along the Burma Road
switchbacks since December 3, 2024. Vector analysis performed on the GPS
points in this area confirms that the reported data represent GPS instrument
“noise” rather than actual movement.
• There continues to be no measurable movement of points along Burma Road,
located just north of the mapped boundary of major landslide movement (2023 -
2025) and downslope from the 2024-25 movement occurring in Rolling Hills in the
Flying Triangle Landslide and the areas of Cinchring Road and Quail Ridge Road.
This lack of measurable movement continues to support a hypothesis that the
Altamira Complex and the landslide(s) further north -northeast in Rolling Hills,
portions of which continue to creep, are not directly structurally connected.
• There continues to be no measurable movement of GPS points located outside of
the mapped Greater Ancient Altamira Landslide Complex/Ancient Portuguese
Bend Landslide Complex, including at Abalone Shoreline Park, in the Island View
tract, at the top of Burma Road, at the west end of the former Livingston Quarry
area (Forrestal), and in the Seaview Tract.
• Point AB76, just inside the far west margin of the landslide on the York property,
ceased moving as of March 2025.
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Figure 3: Vertical Displacement Analysis of KCL Monitoring Points (10/10/2023 -2/4/2026)
Figure 4: Cumulative Vertical Displacement Graph for GPS Monument KC06 (10/10/23-2/3/26)
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Open Space, Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, Trails, and Beach Conditions
Current trail and beach closures continue to exist within the Portuguese Bend, Filiorum,
and Abalone Cove Reserves. Approximately 12.5 miles of trails within these Reserves
remain closed, as well as the open space area around the Archery Range , due to
landslide-related damage and/or abatement work. For the same reasons, three public
beaches (Abalone Cove Beach, Sacred Cove Beach, and the beach below the Archer y
Club) remain closed. The City Manager temporarily closed these areas in close
coordination with the City Geologist, L.A. County Fire Department and Lifeguards,
California Coastal Commission, and Public Safety agencies. The City continues to
monitor these areas closely with managing partners and subject experts for opportunities
to reopen.
At the September 16, 2025 City Council meeting, members of the Portuguese Bend
Community expressed the significant detrimental impact to their community of having so
many trails closed adjacent to their community. They spoke of the specific impact to
equestrians and voiced their need for trail access. They additionally expressed their
desire to use the trails located within the 96-acre Wildlife Corridor acquired in 2022.
Detailed information on these topics was provided in the “Additional Information” section
of the November 4, 2025 City Council Staff Report which is linked above as Attachment
G.
Deep Dewatering Well Program Status
The Deep Dewatering Well (DDW) component of the emergency stabilization activities is
complete. The August 19, 2025 City Council staff report shows the locations of the DDWs
and monitoring wells (Attachment H). Table 2 below provides the current DDW program
statistics. Following are key observations on the current status of DDW operations:
• Nine of the original 11 DDWs installed by City have not been decommissioned and
continue to operate. Those nine DDWs extracted approximately 12 million gallons of
water in January 2026 and approximately 14.75 million gallons of water in February
2026. This continues the trend from December 2025 of lower production due to
sheared DDWs that have now been re-drilled, as well as lower water levels.
• Eight DDWs are currently online and one (DDW No. 5) is currently offline due to low
water levels in the well. The issue is under review by the City Geologist team regarding
underlying cause and potential remedies.
Table 1 - DDW Current Water Extraction Rates as of March 10, 2026
DDW
No.
Date
Operational
Current Approximate Water Extraction
Rate (Gallons Per Minute)
Total Water
Extraction to Date
Acre-Ft Million
Gallons
1 9/13/2024 90 (re-drilled 3/21/25 and 9/25/25) 185 60
2 9/17/2024 85 (re-drilled 5/29/25) 190 62
3 9/21/2024 50 (re-drilled 3/24/25) 168 55
4 9/21/2024 N/A, Decommissioned 3/27/25 113 37 4A 3/29/2025 25 (re-drilled 2/24/26)
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DDW
No.
Date
Operational
Current Approximate Water Extraction
Rate (Gallons Per Minute)
Total Water
Extraction to Date
Acre-Ft Million
Gallons
5 9/25/2024 0 (re-drilled 3/26/25 and 9/18/2025) - well
currently offline due to low water level 160 52
6 9/28/2024 90 (re-drilled 12/29/24, 5/23/25, and
2/26/26) 140 46
7 10/15/2024 N/A, Decommissioned 6/3/25 15 5
8 10/17/2024 80 (re-drilled 8/14/25 and 2/20/26) 111 36
9 10/25/2024 N/A, Decommissioned 11/07/24 97 32 9A 11/16/2024 35 (re-drilled 12/29/24, 5/10/25, 8/22/25)
10 10/24/2024 95 (re-drilled 5/11/25) 205 67
11 12/3/2024 N/A, Decommissioned 3/14/25 2 1
Totals 550 1,386 453
Underground water pressure measuring instruments, called vibrating wire piezometers
(piezometers) were installed to assist in determining the effects of DDWs on reducing
high water pressures, including locally artesian pressures, that might be contributing to
accelerated landslide movement. Five monitoring wells with piezometers were installed
under the deep slip plane as well as under the shallow slip plane to measure uplift
pressure on each slip plane. The locations of the piezometers can be found in the August
19, 2025 City Council Staff Report (Attachment H).
Chart 1 shows water pressures from the piezometers installed under the deep slip plane
and Chart 2, following page, shows water pressures from the piezometers installed above
the deep slip plane and below the shallower slip plane. The charts show water pressure
from the time the piezometers were installed until the present time, or until they stopped
functioning due to landslide shearing. Pressure on the plots has been converted to
equivalent feet of water pressure.
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Chart 1: PBL Deep Slip Plane Water Pressure
Chart 2: PBL Mid-Deep Slip Plane Water Pressure
For those piezometers near the DDWs in the PBL (P-1, P-2, and P-3), the plots show a
marked decrease in pressure immediately following the start of the DDW program. The
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surviving piezometer, P-2, continued to show a relatively constant decrease to more of a
somewhat current steady state pressure drop over time, which correlated to reduced
surface movement in nearby GPS survey points. Then, in the July to August 2025
timeframe, there was an increase in pressure which correlated to reduced operation of
DDWs for re-drilling and other maintenance. Once the DDWs were back to regular
operation, there was a continued reduction in pressure. However, from November 2025
to March 2026, there is a slight increase in pressure in both the deep and mid-deep
piezometers, which may be reflective of the early season rainfall events and in
combination of periodic shut down and re-drilling of DDW in the area.
The piezometers far away from DDWs (E-2-2 and E-2-5) show relatively constant
pressures over the last six months or so. In general, E-2-2 and E-2-5 do not show any
marked increase in pressure that can be correlated to the recent rains. This is most likely
due to lag time for significant pressures to build up and accumulate under and within the
landslide.
Emergency Winterization Projects Status
Winterization work to minimize runoff from recharging the ground water table at the most
vulnerable points is substantially complete. Monitoring and maintenance will continue
throughout the remainder of the rainy season within the approved budget .
ACLAD Update
ACLAD Dewatering Well Program Status
Following is a summary status of ACLAD’s dewatering activities for January and February
2026. The locations of ACLAD dewatering wells can be found in the August 19, 2025 City
Council Staff Report (Attachment H).
• Approximately 4.65 million gallons of water were pumped in January 2026 and
approximately 4.25 million gallons of water were pumped in February 2026.
ACLAD attributes the lower amount to February having fewer pumping days.
• ACLAD currently has 13 operational wells (a combination of original wells and new
DDWs) as one well sheared in January and one well sheared February. ACLAD is
considering re-drilling successful wells.
• Water levels fell by an average of 5 feet.
ACLAD installed piezometers in the vicinity of their DDWs to collect data on the impact of
the DDWs on high water pressures, including local artesian pressures, that might be
contributing to accelerated landslide movement. The locations of the piezometers can be
found in the August 19, 2025 City Council Staff Report (Attachment H). The piezometers
were installed under the deep slip plane as well as under the shallow slip plane to
measure uplift pressure on each slip plane.
The City’s consultant engineering geologists, in coordination with ACLAD, reviewed the
data from the piezometers and prepared charts to show water pressure over time. Charts
3 and 4 show water pressure from the time the piezometers were installed until the
present time. Pressure on the plots has been converted to equivalent feet of water
pressure.
16
Chart 3: ACLAD Deep Slip Plane Water Pressure
Chart 4: ACLAD Mid-Deep Slip Plane Water Pressure
The plots for those piezometers near the DDWs in the ACL (Alta 8 and Alta 9), show a
marked decrease in pressure immediately following the start of the DDW program. The
direct correlation between pumping rates/volumes and pressure decrease is pronounced.
17
While there was a continuous decreasing trend with the initiation and continuance of
pumping on nearby wells, reciprocally there was a sharp rise in water pressure
measurements when nearby wells ceased operation due to maintenance issues (some
of which resulted in cessation of pumping for 3 weeks or more). Sharp pressure rises are
evident on the ACL plots during this time period. Alta 8 shows a continuous decrease in
pressure within the deep and mid deep piezometer due to continuous nearby by pumping.
Alta 9 is no longer functional as it has been sheared.
Chart 5, on the following page, provides a comparison of piezometric surfaces in
monitoring well Alta-8 with average movement velocities of the 12 closest GPS monitoring
points to Alta-8.
• An abrupt decline in pressure for the middle piezometer in Alta -8 occurred around
May 1, 2025, after DDW's 24, 26, 27 and 28 came online (with DDW -16B and 25
already online), and there was an accompanying decrease in movement velocity
as of the May 1st GPS readings. Similarly, there is a strong correlation
observed between the decline in pressure for the shallow piezometer, and
decrease in movement velocity, particularly notable around the middle of March
2025 but then significantly dropping around the b eginning of July when DDW-29
came online. DDW29 went offline on October 10 due to a generator issue, and
there is an immediate response seen, with rising pressure for both the shallow and
middle piezometers in Alta-8, until the pumping was restarted on October 22, after
which piezometric levels began to fall again. This is a clear indication that DDW29
is reducing groundwater levels (expressed as pressure) in multiple aquifers that
do not appear to be hydraulically connected , but are both penetrated by the
monitoring well as well as the dewatering well. This has cut the landslide
movement velocity by about 50% since April of this year.
• Based upon review of Chart 5, the piezometric surface for the middle Alta-8
piezometer in this area (Altamira landslide uphill from the ACL) appears to flatten
and tick upward in response to the early season rainfall, indicating a greater
hydraulic connection (less lag time) with rainfall recharge. It also shows a fairly
consistent correlation with the accelerating landslide movement rate. This
piezometric surface is confined and elevated above the piezometric surface of the
shallower piezometer, which has continued to generally fall in response to pumping
of nearby ACLAD DDW’s.
• The City’s consultants continue to review these important data to evaluate
dewatering effectiveness and pumping program refinements.
[CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]
18
Chart 5: Piezometric Levels in Monitoring Well Alta-8 vs. Landslide Movement Rate for 12 Closest
GPS monitoring points
KCLAD Update
Following is the status of KCLAD’s activities for February 2026. The locations of KCLAD
dewatering wells can be found in the August 19, 2025 City Council Staff Report
(Attachment H).
• Dewatering well pumping rates and water levels are generally consistent with prior
months. Following is the detailed KCLAD well operational and production status:
o KCLAD Wells #3 (shallow): not operational; water depth at 50 feet.
o KCLAD Well #4 (shallow): water depth at 25 feet; pumping rate at 6 gallons
per minute.
o KCLAD Well #5: pump depth at 144 feet; water depth at 104 feet; pumping
rate at 73 gallons per minute.
o KCLAD Well #6: pump depth at 154 feet; and a water depth of 127 feet, is
temporarily offline due to low water levels.
o KCLAD Well #7: pump depth at 175 feet; water depth at 164 feet; pumping
rate at 210 gallons per minute.
• Weekly readings are uploaded to the KCLAD website at KCGHAD.org.
Utility Updates
Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)
Following are SoCalGas updates since the December 16, 2025 staff report (Attachment
F):
19
• There is no new update from the last report. All homes in Seaview and PBBC that
have taken the necessary steps to receive gas service may make a request to
SoCalGas for restoration of service. At this time, there is no indication when gas
service will be restored in the PBCA.
Southern California Edison (SCE)
Following are SCE updates since the December 16, 2025 City Council Staff Report
(Attachment F):
• SCE has re-energized 79 homes (PBBC and Seaview) and 2 KCLAD meters for
dewatering wells in the PBBC. There are 13 homes in the PBBC and Seaview
communities that remain without power.
• In the PBBC and Seaview neighborhoods, SCE will re-energize the remaining
homes on a weekly basis upon successful completion of electrical inspection.
• At this time, there is no indication when power will be restored in the PBCA.
Sanitary Sewer – Portuguese Bend Community
The City continues to make repairs to the Abalone Cove Sanitary Sewer System (Ab Cove
Sewer) as line breaks or pump malfunctions are discovered, or otherwise anticipated
through ongoing monitoring efforts. In February 2026, Staff negotiated additional on-call
construction agreements to increase the pool of available qualified on -call vendors to
repair pipelines within the City Council approved budget. These contracts were executed
under the City Manager’s emergency contracting authority in accordance with Council-
adopted Resolution No. 2024-20 and are being presented to the City Council for
ratification in a companion March 17, 2026 staff report titled “Consider continuing the
emergency justification for work and emergency contracting for the Greater Portuguese
Bend-Ancient Altamira Landslide Emergency Project”, where additional detail is provided
(under tonight’s Consent Calendar).
Sanitary Sewer – Seaview Neighborhood
There are currently no activities related to the Seaview Sanitary sewer as there has been
no detectable land movement for many months.
Sanitary Sewer – Portuguese Bend Beach Club (PBBC)
There are currently no activities to report for the privately owned PBBC sanitary sewer.
Sanitary Sewer – PVDS Trunk Lines
There are currently no activities related to the PVDS sanitary sewer trunk lines.
California Water Service (Cal Water)
Following are Cal Water updates since the December 16, 2025 City Council Staff Report
(Attachment F):
• Cal Water Smart Meters Program
o Over the next few months, Cal Water will be replacing customers’ water
meters with smart meters. The smart meters have digital display registers
20
to help quickly identify potential customer-side leaks, and allow customers
to monitor their water use online.
o Survey to replace the existing meters is currently under way.
Communications
There are no new Communications updates since the December 16, 2025 City Council
Staff Report (Attachment F).
Financial Update
FY 2025-26 Revised Budget – Expenditures
On June 17, 2025, the City Council adopted the FY 2025-26 Budget which includes
$17.75 million of Portuguese Bend Landslide projects, as summarized in the Fiscal
Impact section (page 2 of the report). Of this amount, almost $13.7 million is funded by
the CIP Fund and $4 million from Special Revenue (Restricted) Funds. Additionally, the
FY 2025-26 budget includes $860,000 for property tax assessment fees paid to KCLAD
and ACLAD, funded by the General Fund.
On September 16, 2025, the City Council approved a revised budget reflecting the current
assessment of field conditions and a reassessment of the proposed winterization projects.
This reduced the budget by $2.17 million, resulting in a revised budget of $16.4 million.
On December 16, 2025, as part of the FY 2024-25 year-end report, the City Council
approved approximately $1.45 million of carryover funds from the emergency stabilization
measures started in FY 2024-25 but not completed by June 30, 2026. Based on the
revised budget and carryover funds, the revised budget in FY 2025-26 is now
approximately $17.9 million.
As of March 6, 2026, a total of $10.7 million or 60% of the total budget for FY 2025 -26
has been spent and committed (encumbered). The total spent is $6.1 million or 34% of
the budget and $4.6 million or 26% of the budget has been committed. Compared to the
last report in February, this reflects an increase of $0.4 million or 4%.
The breakdown by fund is as follows:
• CIP Fund:
o $4.4 million in expenditures and $3 million committed or 58% of the
revised budget of $13 million (Table 3).
• Special Revenue (Restricted) Funds:
o $902,905 in expenditures and $1.5 encumbered, for a total of 60% of
the revised budget of $4.1 million (Table 4).
• General Fund:
o $860,300 in expenditures, equal to100% of the budget (Table 5).
21
Table 3: PB Landslide - FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget and YTD – CIP Fund
Table 4: PB Landslide - FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget and YTD – Special Revenue Funds
Program
Object
Code
Funding Source: Capital
Infrastructure Program
(CIP) Fund 330
FY 2025-26
Adopted
Budget
FY 2025-26
Revised Budget
3/6/26
Expenditures
($)
Committed
(Encumbered)
($)
TOTAL
Expenditures &
Committed
(%)
Available
Budget
Balance
8202
8001,
8005,8006
,8802
Abalone Cove Sanitary
Sewer Repair Program 3,000,000 3,000,000 306,853 186,255 16%2,506,892
8304 8001,8003 Portuguese Bend Landslide
Remediation 700,000 530,000 162,727 296,567 87%70,706
8307
8802 Construction 5,750,000 4,633,686 2,642,205 834,850 75%1,156,631
8001,8005
,8006
Soft Costs (Engineering,
Environmental,
Inspection,
Management
1,725,000 3,002,089 1,081,824 688,681 59%1,231,584
8308 8802
Portuguese Bend Landslide
Remediation - Deep
Dewatering Wells 1 thru 6
Permanent Power (City's
Federal Match)
525,000 525,000 0 0 0%525,000
8309 8001
Portuguese Bend Landslide
Hydrology & Hydraulics
Study
1,400,000 1,265,000 202,720 1,060,612 100%1,668
*REVISED BUDGET: 12/16/25 - CC approved $1.45M increase from the FY 2024-25 carryover funds for ongoing projects.
TOTAL - FY 2025-26 (CIP FUND)$13,100,000 $12,955,775 $4,396,329 $3,066,965 58%$5,492,481
Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation - Emergency Stabilization Measures
Program Object
Code
Fund Sources: Special
Revenue (Restricted) Funds
FY 2025-26
Adopted
Budget
FY 2025-26
Revised Budget
3/6/26
Expenditures
($)
Committed
(Encumbered)
($)
TOTAL
Expenditures &
Committed
(%)
Available
Budget
Balance
8302
8001,
8006,
8802
SB-1 Gas Tax (Fund 204)*750,000 350,000 272,596 28,804 86%48,600
8802 Prop C (Fund 215)1,150,000 1,150,000 404,205 745,795 100%0
8802 Measure R (Fund 220)*600,000 1,000,000 226,104 773,896 100%0
8308
8001,
8005,
8006,
8802
Federal Grant (Fund
331)1,575,000 1,575,000 0 0 0%1,575,000
*REVISED BUDGET: 02/17/26 CC approved $400K reallocation in Measure R PVDE (8858) to PVDS Repairs (8302) and $400K in Gas Tax SB-1
PVDS (8302) to PVDE (8858)
TOTAL - FY 2025-26 SPECIAL
REVENUE FUNDS $4,075,000 $4,075,000 $902,905 $1,548,495 60%$1,623,600
Palos Verdes Drive South Landslide Repair Program $2,500,000
Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation - Deep Dewatering Wells 1 thru 6 Permanent Power
22
Table 5: PB Landslide - FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget – General Fund
FY 2025-26 Projected Fund Balance – CIP Fund
Overall, the FY 2025-26 projected CIP fund balance is $8.5 million, net of reserves (Table
6). This projection incorporates the draft year-end results, as well as the actions approved
by the City Council on September 16, 2025, October 7, 2025, and December 16, 2025
including:
• A $2.1 million reduction in expenditures approved on September 16, 2025;
• A $4 million increase in revenues from the Los Angeles County Sanitation
District No. 2 approved on October 7, 2025;
• The deferral of ACLAD and KCLAD loan payments from December 2025 to
December 2026, totaling $342,900.
• A $1.45 million increase from carryover of unspent funds from FY 2024-25 for
the emergency stabilization measures that were not completed by June
30,2026.
[CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]
Program
Object
Code
Fund Sources: Special
Revenue (Restricted) Funds
FY 2025-26
Adopted
Budget
FY 2025-26
Revised Budget
3/6/26
Expenditures
($)
TOTAL
Expenditures &
Committed
(%)
Available
Budget
Balance
3150 4901 Property Tax Assessments
KCLAD 475,902 475,902 475,902 100%0
ACLAD 384,398 384,398 384,398 100%0
$860,300 $860,300 $860,300 100%$0TOTAL - FY 2025-26 General Fund
23
Table 6: FY 2025-26 CIP Fund – Projected Restricted Fund Balance
Capital Infrastructure Program (CIP)Fund
FY 2025-26
CIP Fund FY 2024-25
FINAL
FY 2025-26
Revised Budget
Beginning Fund Balance 29,592,534 20,258,552
Revenues
Interest Earnings 1,304,267 350,000
Grants - LA County Supervisor Hahn 2,200,000 580,000
Grants - LA County Flood Control - 2,000,000
Grants - LA County Sanitation District No. 2 (NEW 10-07-25)- 4,000,000
Total Projected Revenues 3,504,267 6,930,000
Expenditures
Emergency Stabilization Measures (Maintenance - Landslide)
(FY 25-26 REVISED 09-16-25 LOWERED BY $2.1M)(6,673,396) (7,635,775)
Stabilization Measures
(Capital - Landslide)(16,480,355) (5,320,000)
Other Capital Projects (1,353,810) (4,132,704)
Personnel for Capital Programs (1) (35,752) (230,000)
Ladera Loan Payment (889,500) (889,500)
Total Estimated Expenditures (25,432,815) (18,207,979)
Other Sources - Transfers
Transfers-In: General Fund
(Annual TOT minus public safety cumulative increases)4,126,415 3,867,000
Transfers-In: General Fund
(Additional - Ladera Loan)889,500 889,500
Transfers-In: General Fund
(Additional - Prior Year's Unallocated Balance )1,178,650 396,650
Transfers-In: General Fund
(Additional - Approved 10/1/2024 for Landslide)6,400,000 -
Total Estimated Transfers 12,594,565 5,153,150
Projected Ending Fund Balance 20,258,552 14,133,723
Less: City Council Reserve Policy (5,000,000) (5,000,000)
PO Carryovers (approved projects but not completed by June 30, 2025)(691,871) 691,871
Continuing Appropriations (approved projects but not completed by June 30,
2025)(2,209,708) 1,448,775
Continuing Appropriation from GF (LA County Grant Balance to CIP Fund)580,000 580,000
Loans to Districts (ACLAD and KCLAD)* (3,527,500) (3,527,500)
Projected Restricted Balance 9,409,473 8,326,869
*In accordance with governmental accounting standards, KCLAD and ACLAD loans are recorded as loans issued,
with corresponding receivables recognized and scheduled for collection over the next 10 years.*
24
ACLAD/KCLAD Loans $3,527,500
On August 20, 2024, the City received signed loan agreements from ACLAD and KCLAD
in the amounts of $1.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively. As of April 3, 2025, both
loans have been fully disbursed, totaling $3.52 million, in accordance with the loan
agreements. The loans have a 12-year term with a 2.5% interest rate, and the first
estimated payment is scheduled for December 2026.
Per the agreements, the funds will be used to stabilize land movement, including the
installation of dewatering and monitoring wells, system improvements, surface drainage
enhancements, grading, and infilling of fractures. Tables 8a and 8b on the following page
is a summary of expenditures that were used for the loan ending July 2025. Financial
information was provided by the districts.
As of March 6, 2026, ACLAD has spent $1,598,163 or 99% of the total loan amount, with
an available balance of $11,837 (Table 7a). Majority of the loan amount (93%) was used
for the new well maintenance and its operations. Of the 93% in well maintenance, 72%
were used for well drilling and pumps, 22% for well service and parts. The remaining
expenses are from power utilities, propane, diesel, and generators. This is an increase of
$12,616 or 1% since it was last reported in January.
ACLAD also spent $137,860 on surface drainage work, of which the City reimbursed
$94,500 for Lower Altamira Canyon Winterization work, as part of the winterization budget
approved by the City Council in September.
In accordance with the loan agreement, no expenditure was made on legal services.
Legal service expenses incurred by ACLAD were paid from their annual operating budget.
Table 7a: ACLAD – Summary of Deposits and Expenditures for the City Loan of $1,610,000
ACLAD
City Loan $1,610,000
Total by Category
March 3, 2026
Category of Dewatering Program Deposits Payments Reimbur-
sements
Spent by
Category
(%)
City Loan 1,610,000 0
Surface Drainage Reimbursement (City)0 94,500
Admin: Office Supplies 156 0%
Bank Fees & Service Charges 5 0%
Power Utilities, Propane, SCE, Diesel, Generators, Parts 60,410 4%
Surface Drainage 43,360 -94,500 3%
Well Drilling and Pumps 1,141,196 71%
Well Maintenance - Service & Parts 353,036 22%
Grand Total $1,610,000 1,598,163
Total Spent (%)99%
Loan Balance $11,837
*The above expenses are in addition to the KCLAD's regular annual maintenance
and operational costs*
25
For the KCLAD loan, as of March 6, 2026, total spent is $1,161,938 or 61% of the loan,
with available balance of $755,562 (Table 7b). This is an increase of $111,847 or 11%
since last reported in December 2025. The majority of the loan amount (82%) was used
for dewatering programs including well maintenance and operations. Of this amount, 73%
was used for well pipeline maintenance and 9% was for well drilling expenses.
Approximately 4% were used for contract services for consulting and geology, 8% for
extraordinary repairs, and another 7% for utility related expenses. This is an increase of
$24,641 or 2% since it was last reported in January.
In accordance with the loan agreement, no expenditure was made on legal services. Any
legal service expenses incurred by KCLAD were paid from their annual operating budget.
Table 7b: KCLAD – Summary of Deposits and Expenditures for the City Loan of $1,917,500
2. Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC) Grant
Appropriation
The City Council is being asked to appropriate $2,154,416 for eligible project costs and
$140,676 for administration costs from obligated Federal Emergency Management Grant
Agency (FEMA) BRIC grant revenue and transfer-out to the CIP Fund offset the eligible
costs and future reimbursements.
On July 31, 2024, CalOES sent the City a notification approving grant funding for the
design phase of the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation project in the amount of
$2,154.416 and $140,676 as part of the FY 2022 BRIC Grant.
KCLAD
City Loan $1,917,500
Total by Category
March 3, 2026
Category of Dewatering Program Deposits Payments Spent by
Category (%)
City Loan 1,917,500
Admin: Consulting 18,961 2%
Admin: Geology Consulting 25,698 2%
Admin: Board Expenses 132 0%
Bank Charges & Fees 159 0%
Extraordinary Repair 88,000 8%
Utilities - SCE, Cal Water, Generator 77,493 7%
Well Drilling Expense 102,324 9%
Well Maintenance - Pipeline Maint.849,171 73%
Grand Total $1,917,500 $1,161,938
Total Spent (%)61%
Loan Balance $755,562
*The above expenses are in addition to the KCLAD's regular annual maintenance
and operational costs*
26
On January 14, 2026, as part of the quarterly report to CalOES, Public Works submitted
the first reimbursement request in the amount of $329,330. This amount includes the
costs from the start of the award through December 2025 and was comprised of costs
associated with the preparation of studies (including hydrology), models, environmental
documents, engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates for 60% plans that were
completed.
On March 2, 2026, the City received the first BRIC payment in the amount $222,297,
which is equivalent to 75% Federal Cost Share minus the 10% retention of $24,699.
3. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Grant Application Match Amount
Update
The City Council is being asked to approve an updated grant match for the FEMA HMGP
grant application for the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project, increasing the
City’s commitment match amount from $10 million to $12,179,797.
On August 19, 2025, the City Council approved a FEMA HMGP grant application for the
Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project in the amount of $40 million with a
match of $10 million from the unallocated fund balance in the General Fund . This grant
application was intended to fund construction of the Portuguese Bend Landslide
Remediation Project considering that BRIC grant funding beyond the currently obligated
design phase (as noted previously) is uncertain and the expanded project scope caused
by the landslide acceleration.
The grant application amount was based on the most current project information, which
was a cost estimate prepared from a concept plan. The required 25% match commitment
of $10 million was calculated from this concept plan cost estimate. The project design has
now progressed to 60% engineered plans, and the cost estimate was updated
accordingly. With information beyond a concept plan now available, the cost estimate has
increased to $48,719,185; including unknowns that will be added at the 100% final
engineered plans stage. To continue with the grant application, the City must commit to
the new 25% non-federal matching funds in the new amount of $12,179,797. The City
may also seek any non-federal source of funds for the match but must commit to the
matching funds at this time as part of the application process. If awarded, City’s proposed
commitment match would use a combination of unallocated fund balance in the General
Fund and CIP Fund, as follows:
• FY 2027-28 $5,339,975
• FY 2028-29 $6,839,820
If the grant is awarded, the project schedule envisions starting construction no earlier than
one year from now and completing construction no later than two years after the start of
construction.
4. Update on the Watering Restriction
The City Council is being asked to receive and file a status update on the watering
restrictions
27
At the February 3, 2026 City Council meeting, Staff were directed to review the watering
restriction in place, specifically with regard to the soccer fields adjacent to the Ladera
Linda Community Park. The City Geologist has preliminarily determined that the lower
(southerly) field at Ladera Linda Park may be part of the surface watershed contributing
runoff to the Klondike Canyon watershed. The City Geologist recommends that a
technical review of the findings of the Hydrology & Hydraulics Study be completed before
making a decision regarding the watering restriction.
5. Bicycle, Motorcycle, Unicycle and Other Similar Wheeled Vehicle Prohibition
The City Council is being asked to extend the existing resolution prohibiting one- or two-
wheeled vehicles on PVDS for an additional 60 days (Attachment A).
Since the City Council’s declaration of a local emergency, the City Geologist has been
regularly reviewing survey data and conducting field observations of PVDS in the
Landslide Complex. While the City’s Geologist reports the rate of land movement has
slowed, there remain areas of PVDS where land movement is nearly two inches per week.
Overall, pavement conditions on PVDS remain very poor, with cracks, bumps, fissures,
and other irregularities. Deformations in the pavement can occur overnight.
Although four-wheeled vehicles (i.e. cars) can, with due care, navigate the road when it
is open, the impact on one- and two-wheeled vehicles remains pronounced. Despite the
added signs prohibiting bicyclists, motorcyclists, unicycles and other similar wheeled
devices from traversing the landslide, there remain those who ignore the prohibition at
their peril. Were the City Council to consider ending the current prohibition, the Office of
the City Attorney remains of the considered legal opinion that permi tting one- or two-
wheeled vehicle traffic across the landslide will pose a liability risk to the City and that the
same is not presently safe for these vehicles to travel on PVDS, even using due care,
across the landslide for the reasons noted above.
Staff received one public comment regarding the temporary prohibition of motorcycles on
PVDS and asking the City to lift the prohibition. (Attachment I)
6. Extension of the Local Emergency Declaration
The City Council is being asked to adopt the attached resolution thereby extending the
Declaration of Local Emergency by 60 days (Attachment B).
On October 3, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-47 declaring a local
emergency. The emergency declaration 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 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.
The City Council has extended the local emergency on multiple occasions within the 60 -
day window and it remains in effect until March 24, 2026, unless extended again this
evening. At this time, the City Council is being asked to extend the local emergency
28
declaration an additional 60 days through May 16, 2026, which does not require a public
hearing. If extended this evening, the Council would consider renewing the local
emergency declaration again during the next landslide update on May 5, 2026.
7. Extension of the Local Emergency Declaration for Utility Shutoffs
The City Council is being asked to adopt the attached resolution thereby extending the
Declaration of Local Emergency due to a severe and sudden energy shortage by 60 days
(Attachment C).
On August 6, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024 -52 declaring a local
state of emergency because of a sudden and severe energy shortage caused by shutting
off natural gas service to approximately 135 homes in the PBCA due to safety concerns.
On September 3, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-57, declaring a
local state of emergency because of a sudden and severe energy shortage caused by
shutting off of natural gas service, planned de-energization events, and internet shut-offs
in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC neighborhoods. The emergency declaration 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 the need for
continuing the local emergency at least once every 60 days until the City Council
determines the local emergency because of a severe energy shortage has been abated
or mitigated to insignificance.
The City Council has extended the local emergency declaration for utility shutoffs on
multiple occasions within the 60-day window and it remains in effect until March 24, 2026,
unless extended again this evening. At this time, the City Council is being asked to extend
the local emergency declaration an additional 60 days through May 16, 2026, which does
not require a public hearing. If extended this evening, the Council would consider
renewing the local emergency declaration again during the next landslide update on May
5, 2026.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Continuing the Emergency Work and Emergency Contract
As a separate item on tonight’s agenda, the City Council is being provided with an update
on the Portuguese Bend Landslide Emergency construction contracting and being asked
to reconfirm the need to continue the emergency work. This is a recurring agenda matter
and requires a 4/5th vote.
Hydrology & Hydraulics Study Update
On October 13, 2025, the City’s consultant, Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. (Geosyntec),
started work on a comprehensive hydrology and hydraulics study of the Landslide
Complex.
The general scope of the study is the following:
• Develop a Hydrology and Hydraulics (H&H) model for the entire Landslide
Complex watershed (including the City of Rolling Hills) that incorporates storm
29
patterns from the last ten years, with future rainfall data collection to field validate
the model.
• Prepare planning level concepts for alternatives to reduce stormwater infiltration
into the Landslide Complex including schematic layouts, cost opinions, real estate
needs, utility impacts, and permit requirements.
• Conduct a subsurface conditions study of the PBL to characterize primary
groundwater flow paths and geologic conduits.
Geosyntec has completed a draft preliminary watershed demarcation, including
assessing contributing areas upstream of the Landslide Complex, and processing
historical rainfall data for inclusion in the study model. Although the draft watershed map
was previously expected to be available for this Landslide Complex update report, it has
been delayed due to the City’s response to recent rainfall events. The draft watershed
map is now expected to be available for the next Landslide Complex update in May 2026.
Temporary Overnight Full Closure of Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS)
To conduct part of the subsurface conditions study of the PBL and characterize primary
groundwater flow paths and geologic conduits; a temporary overnight full closure of PVDS
was implemented on Wednesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 12, 2026 to allow
the City’s contractor to collect data in and around PVDS without noise and vibrations
interfering with data collection.
The data that was collected is now being synthesized and a draft is expected to be
available for the next Landslide Complex update to the City Council in May 2026.
Disaster Cost Recovery Applications Update (FEMA and CalOES)
Obligated Funds from FEMA ($574,335 as of January 2026):
In July 2025, FEMA informed staff that the reimbursement request for protective
measures and debris removal, totaling approximately $596,000, has been approved and
forwarded to CalOES to initiate the funding process. Staff continued to coordinate with
both FEMA and CalOES to expedite the payments. Subsequently on October 10, 2025,
FEMA notified the City that approximately $574,400 has been obligated and forwarded to
CalOES for the reimbursement process.
On January 5, 2026, CalOES sent the City a Notification of Obligation and Payment for
Public Assistance and CDAA Grants Program FEMA-4769. On January 26, 2026, the City
received the first payment of $447,044, as shown below and the amount of $574,400 has
been appropriated by the City Council on February 3, 2026:
30
Obligated Funds from FEMA – Public Assistance from Winter Storms (Jan. 31, 2024 - Feb. 9, 2024)
Projects Denied from FEMA ($37,775,258 as of January 2026)
As previously noted in the prior reports, in response to the declared federal disaster for
the winter storms that occurred between January 31 and February 9, 2024, and the
Governor’s state of emergency for the indefinite de -energization of power, the City
tabulated the costs it incurred through September 12, 2024 for reimbursement
consideration by FEMA and CalOES, which total $61.4 million. Of this amount, $39.4
million is public assistance (City) and $22 million of individual assistance (residents).
According to FEMA and CalOES, natural disaster recovery funds will not be provided for
landslide remediation efforts because it is considered “pre-existing.” Out of the $39.4
million application for public assistance (City), Staff is projecting only approximately $1.5
million in potential disaster recovery funds from the Winter Storm and Energy Shutoff. If
deemed eligible, the reimbursement process could take anywhere from one to three years
before the City receives the funds.
In January 2025, the City received seven denial letters from FEMA, followed by an
additional denial letter on February 25, 2025, for a total of $37.9 million. For the $22 million
individual assistance (IA) application that the City submitted on behalf of the residents,
the City has been notified that these funds will not become available.
On March 17, 2025, pursuant to the Stafford Act and Code of Federal Regulations, the
City filed appeals of the first seven denial letters, and on April 25, 2025, the City filed a
AGENCY COST RECOVERY TYPE CATEGORY DESCRIPTION REQUESTED
AMOUNT
APPROVED AMOUNT
(75% FEDERAL SHARE) PAYMENT STATUS
FEMA
Public Assistance (City)
#753367
(Damage #1386237)
Category B -
Emergency
Protective
Measures
Emergency protective measures - tarps,
security by means of signage indicating
flooded and closed streets, flood fighting
through emergency pumping and
sandbagging, emergency Repairs of
damaged roofs and broken pipes, and
mold remediation. Amount approved is is
75% of $465,902 minus insurance
reduction of $24K.
$465,902 $330,911 Received payment of
$330,911 on 1/26/26
FEMA
Public Assistance (City)
#750192
(Damage # 1380157)
Category A -
Debris Removal
The debris included vegetative, mud and
dirt debris, in storm drains and on
improved public property and public
rights-of way, throughout the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes.
$148,619 $111,464 Received payment of
$111,464 on 1/26/26
FEMA
(partially
approved for
$102,157.16)
Public Assistance (City)
#754844
(Damage # 1385919)
Category C- Road
and Bridges
Facility 4 (intersection of Rue De La Fleur
and Rue De La Pierre) is eligible for
$102,157.16 and demonstrated the
claimed work is a result of the declared
incident.
$136,210 $102,157
FEMA Management Costs
Category 2 -
Management
Costs
Approved Administration Costs (5%)$29,803
Received partial of
$4,668.74 payment on
1/26/26
TOTAL COST RECOVERY -
APPROVED $750,730 $574,335 $447,044
31
remaining eighth appeal letter. The appeals are heard by FEMA’s District 9 Administrator,
Robert Fenton, and his decision is then appealable to FEMA’s Headquarters in
Washington D.C.
Projects Denied from FEMA ($37,775,258 as of January 2026)
On October 10, 2025 (dated October 3, 2025), the City received a response to the appeal
letters from FEMA Regional Administrator Robert Fenton, denying the City’s appeals for
$37.77 million. The denial was based on the following determinations:
• Applicant did not demonstrate the claimed work required as a result of the
declared disaster.
• Due to pre-existing instability, permanent repairs are not eligible.
• Applicant did not demonstrate there was an immediate threat that required
emergency protective measures.
• Several facilities are ineligible for public assistance funding.
• Applicant did not demonstrate the claimed work required as a result of the
declared disaster.
• Due to pre-existing instability, permanent repairs are not eligible.
• Facility 1 (PVDS between Schooner Dr and Seacove Dr), Facilities 2 and 3 (two
locations on Hawthorne Blvd.) are under the authority of another Federal agency.
On December 1, 2025, the City filed an appeal of District No. 9 Administrator Mr. Robert
Fenton’s denial to FEMA Headquarters. A copy of the appeal is available on the City
website at the following link:
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24009/December-1-2025-FEMA-Appeal-
Letter-PDF
On January 16, 2026, Cal OES responded to the City’s appeal letters by forwarding a
recommendation to FEMA indicating that it does not support the City’s appeal, following
its review and analysis under applicable laws and regulations. FEMA has 120 days to
render a final decision.
[CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE]
32
Projects Denied from FEMA – Public Assistance from Winter Storms (Jan. 31, 2024 - Feb. 9, 2024)
It should be noted that both ACLAD and KCLAD filed appeals as well for the denials they
received for disaster recovery assistance. Both ACLAD and KCLAD received notification
from CalOES that they will not be recommending overturning the denial to Mr. Fenton.
Both ACLAD and KCLAD received similar notifications that their appeals were denied by
AGENCY COST RECOVERY
TYPE CATEGORY DESCRIP-
TION
DENIAL REASON FROM FEMA
Dated January 17 & 24, 2025
DENIAL REASON FROM FEMA
Dated October 3, 2025 for the City's
First Appeal submitted on April 25,
2025
REQUESTED
AMOUNT
FEMA
Public Assistance
(City)
#754845
Category D -
Water Control
Facilities
Lanslide -
Drainage
(1) Damage not directly caused
by the severe winter storms;
(2) Facilities were unstable
based on pre-disaster evidence.
(1) Applicant did not demonstrate
the claimed work was required as a
result of the declared disaster;
(2) Due to pre-existing instability,
permanent repairs are not eligible;
(3) Applicant did not demonstrate
there was an immediate threat that
required emergency protective
measures; and
(4) Several facilities are ineligible for
public assistance funding.
$200,000
FEMA
Public Assistance
(City)
#754846
Category F -
Utilities
Landslide
Utilities
(1) Damage not directly caused
by the severe winter storms;
(2) Facilities were unstable
based on pre-disaster evidence.
same as above $3,000,000
FEMA
Public Assistance
(City)
#753361
Category B -
Emergency
Protective
Measures
PVDS
Temporary
Civil
Repairs
(1) Damage not directly caused
by the severe winter storms;
(2) Roads ineligible because
another Federal Agency is
legally responsible for the
repairs and maintenance of the
roads;
(3) Emergency work claimed is
due to an existing unstable
landslide.
same as above $5,375,000
FEMA
Public Assistance
(City)
#753364
Category B -
Emergency
Protective
Measures
PB
Landslide
Stabilizati
on and
Monitorin
g
(1) Work claimed is not
required as a result of the
declared disaster;
(2) Facility (slopes, canyons,
hilldsides) is an ineligible
unimproved natural feature;
(3) Existing unstable landslide.
same as above $9,000,000
FEMA
Public Assistance
(City)
#754843
Category C -
Utilities
Landslide
Roads
(1) Work claimed is not
required as a result of the
declared disaster;
(2) Facility were unstable based
on pre-disaster evidence.
same as above $11,635,000
FEMA
Public Assistance
(City)
#754842
Category G -
Parks,
Recreational
Facilities, and
Other Items
Damages
at
Portugues
e Bend
Trails,
(1) Work claimed is not
required as a result of the
declared disaster;
(2) Facility were unstable based
on pre-disaster evidence.
same as above $3,231,000
FEMA
Public Assistance
(City)
#730185
Category G -
Parks,
Recreational
Facilities, and
Other Items
Peppertre
e, Burma
Road X
Rim Trails
(1) Work claimed is not
required as a result of the
declared disaster;
(2) Facility were unstable based
on pre-disaster evidence.
(1) Applicant did not demonstrate
the claimed work was required as a
result of the declared disaster; and
(2) Due to pre-existing instability,
permanent repairs are not eligible.
$11,415
FEMA
(partially
approved for
$102,157.16)
Public Assistance
(City)
#754844
Category C- Road
and Bridges
Palos
Verde
Drive
South -
Schooner
and
Seacove
(1) Work claimed has not been
demonstrated that the repair is
a result of the declared
disaster; (2) Roads ineligible
because another Federal
Agency is legally responsible for
the repairs and maintenance of
the roads;
(1) Facility 1 (PVDS between
Schooner Dr and Seacove Dr),
Facilities 2 & 3 (two locations on
Hawthorne Blvd.) are under the
authority of another Federal agency;
and
(2) Facility 4 (intersection of Rue De
La Fleur and Rue De La Pierre) is
eligible for $102,157.16 and
demonstrated the claimed work is a
result of the declared incident.
*Original request is for $5,425,000
and only partially approved for
$102,157.16.
$5,322,843
TOTAL COST RECOVERY - DENIED $37,775,258
33
District No. 9 Administrator Mr. Bob Fenton. ACLAD and KCLAD collaborated with the
City and filed a second and final appeal to FEMA Headquarters which are pending review
similar to the City.
FEMA Voluntary Property Acquisition Buyout Program
On October 28, 2024, the City, FEMA and Cal OES announced a $42 million Voluntary
Property Acquisition Buyout Program (Buyout Program) for property owners in the
Landslide Complex whose homes have been damaged or threatened by land movement.
Established with funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which
is a grant not disaster assistance, the Buyout Program is intended to help eligible
homeowners relocate to safer areas by offering fair market value for their properties
based on pre-disaster appraisals. Properties acquired by the City through this Buyout
Program will be permanently converted to open space and deed-restricted, protecting the
community from future redevelopment risks in these vulnerable areas.
The City received 85 applications for the first round of program funding . After reviewing
eligibility and determining estimated costs for the prioritized properties based on the
program guidelines, the City has determined funding will be available for buyouts of 22
properties (15 red-tagged, and 7 yellow-tagged) in the first round of program funding. All
remaining eligible applications will be considered for any future rounds of program
funding.
Appraisals were completed at the beginning of May 2025. On May 12, 2025, Property
owners received a copy of the appraisal and were provided the opportunity to appeal it.
As well, the City collected additional required forms and information for the program from
the 23 program properties in order to complete the response to FEMA’s Request for
Information (RFI) that was due on June 27, 2025. On June 2, 2025, one of the property
owners withdrew from the program. After reviewing the appraisal information for the
remaining 22 program properties and updating the application budget as part of the RFI
response, the first-round funding would only be able to fund the acquisition of the
remaining 22 program properties.
City staff are working as quickly as possible to move through this lengthy and complex
process, which involves multiple levels of close review by FEMA. Each property must be
carefully vetted for compliance with program rules and regulations.
In anticipation of the FEMA grant award, the City issued a request for proposals to hire a
qualified FEMA Project and Grant Manager with expertise in working with the intricate
requirements of FEMA and HMGP. The City Council awarded this contract at its meeting
on October 7, 2025. By engaging a project manager with FEMA and Hazard Mitigation
expertise and understanding the processes and timelines associated with FEMA grant
administration, will ensure compliance with the guidelines issued by the HMGP funds for
the Program and help ensure that we are processing applications as quickly as possible
for residents.
There is not a definitive timeline for when the first of the 22 properties may be purchased.
The City is still in the “pre-award” phase of the grant process with FEMA. Once the City
is formally awarded the grant, which could happen in at least several months from now,
the $42 million will come in installments, likely on a quarterly basis, which is standard
34
practice. The City will receive these payments as reimbursements only after the
transactions are completed in batches. For cash flow purposes, the program does not
provide advance payments. As such, staff anticipates that approximately $10 million will
be needed during the initial phase of awards to support the program while awaiting
reimbursements.
The Voluntary Property Buyout Program is funded by FEMA’s HMGP. This is different
from FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which
was recently ended by the federal government and may result in the City losing funding
for a separate grant for the Portuguese Bend Landslide (PBL) Remediation project.
FEMA has issued a second Request for Information (RFI ) to receive additional
clarification on the application materials, including information on staging and access
routes, vegetation and tree removal, extent of ground disturbance, regrading
expectations, handling of utilities during demolition, demolition schedules, cultural
resources, and building and county assessor records. City staff is working to complete
the response to the RFI, which requires that the City hire an architectural historian to
address some of the requests (a separate item on tonight’s Consent Calendar). That
response to RFI is expected to be completed in May 2026.
The City has also submitted a rolling application for additional HMGP funding in order to
potentially offer more rounds of the buyout program. CalOES has confirmed that this
second round of funding is being considered for a total $10 million in FEMA funds, which
could allow up to 5 additional properties to be acquired.
A third application for Round No. 3 has been submitted for $19 million in FEMA funds for
acquisition of up to another 8 properties, which is still under review.
CONCLUSION:
The City, ACLAD, and KCLAD dewatering well programs are currently operating nine, 13
and three dewatering wells, respectively. The City pumped at a rate of approximately 12
million gallons in January 2026 and approximately 14.75 million gallons in February 2026.
This continues the trend from December 2025 of lower production due to sheared DDWs
that have now been re-drilled, as well as lower water levels. ACLAD pumped
approximately 4.65 million gallons in January 2026 and approximately 4.25 million gallons
in February 2026, which is consistent with prior months when adjusted for fewer days in
February. KCLAD pumped at an average rate of approximately 13 million gallons per
month in January 2026 and February 2026, which is consistent with prior months when
adjusted for fewer days in February.
The ACL accelerated an average of 18.5% to approximately 2.25 inches per week from
November 4, 2025 to February 3, 2026; which means the current movement rate is
approximately 16 times the October 2022 pre-deep slip plane activation rate.
The PBL accelerated an average of 2 1% to approximately 1.5 inches per week from
November 4, 2025 to February 3, 2026; which means the current movement rate is
approximately 8.5 times the October 2022 pre-deep slip plane activation rate.
35
The KCL continues to show no measurable horizontal or vertical movement.
As of January 20, 2026, a total of $10.7 million or 60% of the total revised budget of $17.9
million for FY 2025-26 has been spent or encumbered, including $6.1 million (34%) spent
and $4.6 million (26%) committed.
Based on currently available data, Staff recommends extending the local state of
emergency and prohibition of one- and two-wheeled vehicles along Palos Verdes Drive
South through the Landslide Complex.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for the
City Council’s consideration:
1. Take no action, and receive and file this report.
2. Do not extend the temporary prohibition of one- or two-wheeled vehicles on PVDS
and allow one- and two-wheeled to begin using PVDS again.
3. Do not adopt one, or both, of the resolutions continuing the local emergency
declarations.
36
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, EXTENDING
FOR A TERM OF SIXTY (60) DAYS THE
TEMPORARILY PROHIBITION ON TRAVEL BY
UNICYCLES, BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES, AND
OTHER ONE- OR TWO-WHEELED VEHICLES ON
PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH WITHIN THE
LANDSLIDE COMPLEX DUE TO CONTINUED
ROADWAY CONDITIONS
WHEREAS, the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex (t he
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). It also
includes the Flying Triangle Landslide (FTL) in the City of Rolling Hills as mapped
by various agencies (i.e., U.S. Geological Survey, California Geological Survey)
and other researchers; and
WHEREAS, following the 2022-23 rainy season, the Landslide Complex’s
movement has accelerated exponentially. Therefore, on October 3, 2023, the City
Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes adopted Resolution No. 2023 -047
based on its authority pursuant to Section 8610 et seq. and Section 8630 et seq.
of the Government Code, and Chapter 2.23 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal
Code, declaring a state of local emergency for the Landslide Complex based on
the accelerated movement of the land. The declaration of emergency has been
renewed as required by law and currently applies; and
WHEREAS, following the City Council’s declaration of a local emergency,
the City experienced another record-setting rainy season; and
WHEREAS, since the City Council’s declaration of a local emergency, the
City Geologist, Mike Phipps of Cotton, Shires, and Associates, Inc. (CSA), has
been regularly conducting field mapping throughout the Landslide Complex;
observing conditions at various locations, and reviewing survey and rainfall data;
and
WHEREAS, the City Geologist most recently reported to the City Council
on May 7, 2024, in summary, that the Landslide Complex continues moving at
unprecedented rates, predominantly in response to the two consecutive seasons
of significantly above average rainfall; and
WHEREAS, the City Geologist stated that land movement continued to
manifest at the ground surface in the form of landslide scarps, fissures,
grabens/sinkholes, tensional cracking, shear zones and thrust features; and that
due to the continued acceleration, the groun d movement features have continued
to enlarge, expand, widen, or grow depending on the type of feature and location ,
A-1
Resolution No. 2026-__
Page 2 of 4
which also affects Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) as it traverses the Landslide
Complex area; and
WHEREAS, the City Geologist summarized that road conditions on PVDS
continue to be adversely impacted due to differential rates of land movement
ranging from about 5 to 8 inches per week, at the time of the report to the City
Council on May 7, 2024; and
WHEREAS, traffic signs on PVDS in the landslide area include various
signs warning of the landslide conditions, with some specifically directed at
bicyclists and motorcyclists. Out of an abundance of caution, Staff (through a
consultant), conducted a review of signs on PVDS. As a result, additional signs
were installed, including signs installed on June 1, 2024 specifically directed at
bicyclists and motorcyclists; and
WHEREAS, despite the existing bicycle warning signs, Staff has been
anecdotally informed of bicycle crashes, and at least one claim has been filed
against the City (which was prior to the additional bicycle and motorcycle signs
installed on June 1) and at least two claims for injury to persons or property have
been filed with the City; and
WHEREAS, Section 8610 of the Government Code provides the local
disaster council with broad powers to “develop plans for meeting any condition
constituting a local emergency or state of emergency, including, but not limited to,
earthquakes, natural or manmade disasters specific to that jurisdiction, or state of
war emergency….”; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 2.24 designates the City Council, the director of
emergency services, the assistant director of emergency services, and the chiefs
of emergency services as the City’s Disaster Council; and
WHEREAS, the director of emergency services (the city manager), “[i]n the
event of the proclamation of a local emergency […], the director [of emergency
services] is empowered: a. To make and issue rules and regulations on matters
reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by such
emergency….”; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that despite consistent and recently
increased signage, riders of bicycles and motorcycles continue to use PVDS, and
that the land movement is creating frequent localized deviations in the road, which
can be navigated safely in cars and trucks, but that are more dangerous for two-
wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the safety of bicycle, motorcycle and
other two-wheeled riders is a compelling interest; and
A-2
Resolution No. 2026-__
Page 3 of 4
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that in order to further the City’s
compelling interest in the safety of riders, it is appropriate to temporarily route
bicycles and motorcycles away from the portion of PVDS within the Landslide
Complex, until such time as the City may be able to slow the land movement
sufficiently to reduce the frequency and severity of road deviations to minimize the
risk of injury to persons or property; and
WHEREAS, on June 18, 2024, the City Council duly adopted Resolution
No. 2024-39 prohibiting, for a period of six (6) months, bicycles, motorcycles, and
other two-wheeled vehicles from traversing PVDS with the Landslide Complex;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council has, since that date and at various City Council
meetings, duly adopted resolutions prohibiting for specified periods set forth
therein, unicycles, bicycles, motorcycles, and other one- or two-wheeled vehicles
from traversing PVDS with the Landslide Complex; and
WHEREAS, staff and the Office of the City attorney are of the opinion that
conditions on PVDS have not stabilized to the point that this prohibition should be
allowed to terminate and is of the further opinion the existing prohibition should be
extended for an additional sixty (60) day period.
NOW, THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein
by reference.
Section 2: For a period of sixty (60) calendar days from and after the date
of this resolution, the portion of PVDS within the Landslide Complex shall be closed
to unicycle, bicycle, motorcycle, and other one- or two-wheeled vehicle traffic.
Section 3: Updates on the rate of movement and repair of PVDS will be
provided at City Council meetings where the City Council is considering extending
the local state of emergency, including an assessment of the relative safety of
traveling on PVDS by unicycles, bicycles, motorcycles, and other one- or two-
wheeled vehicles through the Landslide Complex, with the purpose of lifting the
prohibition as soon as possible.
Section 4: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon adoption by
the City Council upon a majority vote.
A-3
Resolution No. 2026-__
Page 4 of 4
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on this 17th day of March,
2026.
________________________________
Paul Seo, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Resolution No. 2026-__, was duly and regularly passed and
adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on March 17,
2026
________________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
A-4
01203.0023/1027433.1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-__
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 -47, 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.
2023-47, 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. 674U, establishing a moratorium on all construction in the
Landslide Complex;
WHEREAS, on November 14, 2023, the City Council by a 4/5 vote adopted
Resolution No. 2023-56, extending the state of emergency for an additional 60 days;
WHEREAS, on December 19, 2023, the City Council by a 4/5 vote adopted
Resolution No. 2023-61, extending the state of emergency for an additional 60 days;
WHEREAS, on February 6, 2024, the City Council by a 4/5 vote adopted
Resolution No. 2024-05, extending the state of emergency for an additional 60 days;
WHEREAS, on March 19, 2024, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted Resolution
No. 2024-13, extending the state of emergency for an additional 60 days;
WHEREAS, on May 7, 2024, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted Resolution
No. 2024-20, extending the state of emergency for an additional 60 days;
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2024, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted Resolution
No. 2024-44, extending the state of emergency for an additional 60 days;
WHEREAS, on August 6, 2024, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted Resolution
No. 2024-51, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days ;
WHEREAS, on October 1, 2024, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted Resolution
No. 2024-50, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days ;
WHEREAS, on November 19, 2024, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted
Resolution No. 2024-70, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
WHEREAS, on December 17, 2024, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted
Resolution No. 2024-77, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
B-1
Resolution No. 2026-__
Page 2 of 4
WHEREAS, on February 4, 2025, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-06, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
WHEREAS, on March 18, 2025, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted Resolution
No. 2025-18, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
WHEREAS, on May 6, 2025, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted Resolution
No. 2025-27, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
WHEREAS, on July 1, 2025, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted Resolution
No. 2025-45, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
WHEREAS, on August 19, 2025, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted Resolution
No. 2025-61, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
WHEREAS, on September 16, 2025, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-66, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
WHEREAS, on November 4, 2025, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-81, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2025, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-91, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
WHEREAS, on February 3, 2026, the City Council by a 5-0 vote adopted
Resolution No. 2026-12, extending the state of emergency by an additional 60 days; and
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; and,
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 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
B-2
Resolution No. 2026-__
Page 3 of 4
Cove Landslide, and the Klondike Canyon Landslide), as depicted in Exhibits “A” and “B”
of Resolution No. 2023-47, and based on the staff report and recommendations and
public testimony, 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
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 17th day of March, 2026.
________________________________
Paul Seo, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss
B-3
Resolution No. 2026-__
Page 4 of 4
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereby certify that the
above Resolution No. 2026-__ was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City
Council at a regular meeting thereof held on March 17, 2026.
________________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
B-4
01203.0023/1027441.1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING
THE STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY WITHIN THE
GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF THE PORTUGUESE
BEND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, PORTUGUESE BEND
BEACH CLUB, AND SEAVIEW NEIGHBORHOODS,
BASED ON SUDDEN ENERGY SHORTAGES, PLANNED
DEENERGIZING EVENTS, AND INTERNET SERVICE
SHUT OFFS AS ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION NOS.
2024-52 AND 2024-57 FOR AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAYS
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is home to four out of five sub -slides
that comprise the Greater Portuguese Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex): the
Portuguese Bend Landslide, Abalone Cove Landslide, Klondike Canyon Landslide, and
Beach Club Landslide. The Portuguese Bend Landslide encompasses the Portuguese
Bend Community Association (PBCA), the Seaview Neighborhood (Seaview), and the
Portuguese Bend Beach Club (PBBC). The Landslide Complex has been active since the
1950s;
WHEREAS, the 2022-2023 rainy season brought exceptional amounts of rain to
the region, dumping 20.9” of rain or 190% of the average annual rainfall in the region ;
WHEREAS, by April 26, 2024, total rainfall for the 2023-24 season (beginning Oct
1, 2023) was 23.01" or 169% of the historical 67-year average of 13.63" for this rain
gauge. (All data based on LACDPW Rainfall Gauge No. 1011B at Rolling Hills FS.);
WHEREAS, beginning in 2018, but particularly since May 2023, the land
movement in the Landslide Complex has increased significantly due to increased rainfall
in the last two rainy seasons, which caused the water table to rise dramatically and
destabilize the landslides. The City has established, via repeated geologic studies, that a
significant factor in the speed of land movement in the Landslide Complex is the amount
of water in the soil;
WHEREAS, on October 3, 2023, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes adopted Resolution No. 2023-47, declaring a local state of emergency due to the
alarming increase of land movement in the Landslide Complex. The state of emergency
based on the land movement has been extended as required by law and is still active;
WHEREAS, on August 6, 2024, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2024-52, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service to approximately
135 homes in the PBCA due to safety concerns;
WHEREAS, on September 3, 2024, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2024-57, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
C-1
Resolution No. 2026-__
Page 2 of 5
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned de-
energization events, and internet shut-offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC;
WHEREAS, on October 1, 2024, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2024-61, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut-offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC;
WHEREAS, on November 19, 2024, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2024-71, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut-offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC;
WHEREAS, on December 17, 2024, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2024-78, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut-offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC;
WHEREAS, on February 4, 2025, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-07, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut-offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC; and
WHEREAS, on March 18, 2025, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-16, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut-offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC; and
WHEREAS, on May 6, 2025, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-28, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut-offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC; and
WHEREAS, on July 1, 2025, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-45, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut -offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC; and
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; and
WHEREAS, on August 19, 2025, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-45, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut-offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC; and
C-2
Resolution No. 2026-__
Page 3 of 5
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; and
WHEREAS, on September 16, 2025, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-67, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut -offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC; and
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; and
WHEREAS, on November 4, 2025, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2025-82, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut -offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC; and
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.
WHEREAS, on February 3, 2026, the City Council by unanimous vote adopted
Resolution No. 2026-13, declaring a local state of emergency because of a sudden and
severe energy shortage caused by shutting off of natural gas service, planned
deenergization events, and internet shut-offs in the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC; and
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. Extension of Local State of Emergency. The City Council finds,
pursuant to RPVMC Chapter 2.24 and Government Code §§ 8630, 8680.9, and 8558
there exists an actual condition of peril to the safety of persons and property existing
within the PBCA, Seaview, and PBBC, as established by Resolutions No. 2024-52 and
2024-57, and based on the staff report and recommendations and public testimony, 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
those prescribed by State Law, City ordinances, Resolution Nos. 2023-52 and 2024-57,
C-3
Resolution No. 2026-__
Page 4 of 5
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. 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 a bated
or mitigated to insignificance.
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 the PBCA 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. CEQA. The City Council finds that this Resolution is proposed to allow
the City to continue to address and mitigate an imminent threat to public health and safety
and therefore is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code, Section
21080(b)(4) and CEQA Guidelines, Section 15269.
Section 9. Effectiveness. This Resolution shall take effect immediately. A copy
of the Proclamation and this Resolution shall be forwarded to the California Office of
Emergency Management. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this
resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 17th day of March, 2026.
________________________________
Paul Seo, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
C-4
Resolution No. 2026-__
Page 5 of 5
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereby certify that the
above Resolution No. 2026-__ was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City
Council at a regular meeting thereof held on March 17, 2026.
________________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
C-5
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
PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH
BURMA
ROAD
EXPLANATION
Limits of the Ancient Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex
Limits of Historically Mapped Landslides
2023/2024 Landslide Features
(based on CSA field mapping)
SEAVIEW TRACT
Limits of 2023-2024 Major Landslide Movement
(based on CSA field mapping and bathymetry survey)
LIMITS OF 2023-2024
MAJOR LANDSLIDE
MOVEMENT
GPS Monument Displacement Rate
(January 8, 2026 to February 3, 2026)
Displacement Vector Scale 1"= 8"/week
1.
0
1.0
2.
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
1.00 2.00
12.00 13.00
0.00 1.00
APPROXIMATE BOUNDARY OF
ANCIENT PORTUGUESE BEND
LANDSLIDE COMPLEX
BEACH CLUB
LANSDSLIDE
DDW-10 DDW-9A
DDW-9
DDW-11
DDW-8 DDW-7
DDW-5
DDW-4
DDW-6
DDW-1
DDW-2
DDW-3
WW-3
MW-18
WW-12
WW-13
WW-30
WW-1
WW-6
WW-7
WW-17
WW-11
WW-15
WW-21
UDW-ACLAD-1
KC-1
KC-3
KC-4
KC-6
KC-5
KC-2
KC-7
KC-4A
ACLAD 25
ACLAD 24
ACLAD 28 ACLAD 27
ACLAD 16
ACLAD 26
ACLAD 29
ACLAD 8
ACLAD 21
ACLAD 22
1.0
1.
0
2.
0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.
0
1.0
2.0
AB01
0.04
AB17
0.01
AB64
0.03
AB76
0.08
AB77
0.06
AB78
0.11
AB79
0.08
AB80
0.05
CR50
0.05 CR51
0.07
CR53
0.09
CR56
0.05
CR57
0.10
CR58
0.23
CR59
0.05
CR60
0.14
CW01
0.08
CW05
0.05
CW06
0.10
CW08
0.07
FT08
0.06
FT09
0.08
FT10
0.08
KC05
0.07
KC06
0.11
KC07
0.09
KC14
0.10
KC15
0.13
KC16
0.14
KC17
0.05
KC18
0.14
KC19
0.11
KC20
0.07
KC21
0.01
KC22
0.04
KC23
0.04
KC25
0.04
KC26
0.14KC28
0.08
KC29
0.04
KC30
0.08
KC31
0.06
KC34
0.06
KC35
0.10
KC36
0.11
KC37
0.09
KC39
0.06
RP01
0.09
RP02
0.04
RP03
0.02
RP05
0.00
AB04
2.10
AB13
2.46
AB16
1.56
AB21
2.25
AB24
2.58
AB50
1.03
AB51
2.04
AB53
2.27
AB57
2.23
AB58
2.36
AB59
2.39
AB60
2.34
AB62
1.93
AB63
2.15
AB65
2.02
AB66
2.23
AB67
1.56
AB68
2.18
AB73
1.56
AB75
2.06
AB81
2.27
AB83
1.96
AB84
1.72
AB85
1.28
CR54
2.34
PB04
1.84 PB06
1.32
PB07
1.48 PB08
1.32 PB09
1.28
PB12
1.38
PB13
0.43
PB18
2.09
PB20
1.45
PB21
1.42
PB26
0.57
PB27
1.65
PB29
0.72
PB54
1.91
PB55
1.58
PB59
1.66
PB67
1.35
PB68
1.99
PB69
1.64
PB70
1.72
PB71RP
2.18
PB72
1.81
PB75
1.84
PB76
1.04
PB77
1.31
UB02
0.79
COTTON,S HIRES AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA
SC6163
POS
MP
February 23, 2026
1"=500'
FIGURE NO.
PROJECT NO.
DATE
SCALE
APPROVED BY
GEO/ENG BY
GPS MONITORING DISPLACEMENT RATE
CONTOUR MAP (2/3/26 DATA)
1
Abalone Cove, Portuguese Bend, Klondike Canyon
Hillshade basemap produced from publicly available LiDAR:
"2015 - 2016 LARIAC Lidar DEM: Los Angeles Region, CA"
D-1
Notes:
An average month is
* = Indicates no horizontal movement detected in the Period at the 95% level of confidence
$ = Overall Movement is Relative to the Date of Origin which varies, see Year & Page 1 for Date
1 = Probable Error of the Indicated Movement, not of the Rate/Month
2 = Periodic Movement Time Intervals are as indicated and reflected in the Rates
3 = AB70 was destroyed and reset nearby as AB86. No movement data available this period.
NAVD88 Rate/Mo Rate/Mo
Point North (ft) East (ft) Elev(ft) North East HeightAzim.º2D Dist.North East HeightAzim.º2D Dist.95%Err(1)Rate/Mo.Note % Chg North East HeightAzim.º2D Dist.95%Err(1)Rate/Mo.Note % Chg
AB01 1729427.556445709.61 178.68 -0.04 0.00 0.06 183 0.04-0.01 0.00 0.03 198 0.01 0.04 *
AB04 1728351.166447081.75 61.68 -40.84-41.59 -5.89 226 58.29-0.45-0.47 -0.05 227 0.65 0.04 0.76 6 -0.17-0.20 -0.10 229 0.26 0.04 0.73 -7
AB13 1729873.726448221.66 353.97 -55.18-14.38-11.06 195 57.02-0.75-0.13 -0.19 190 0.76 0.04 0.89 2 -0.34-0.06 -0.12 189 0.35 0.04 0.96 14
AB16 1730320.466447524.93 374.01 -38.43 -7.20 -2.61 191 39.10-0.48-0.09 -0.03 190 0.48 0.04 0.56 -1 -0.21-0.02 -0.02 185 0.21 0.04 0.59 8
AB17 1731420.986446727.80 442.78 -0.14 0.03 -0.02 170 0.14 0.00 0.00 0.04 56 0.00 0.04 *
AB21 1729298.966449660.61 393.64 -56.11-14.41 -1.30 194 57.94-0.68-0.12 0.00 190 0.70 0.04 0.81 13
AB24 1729771.476447744.69 332.90 -58.89-15.27 -3.02 195 60.84-0.78-0.17 -0.06 192 0.80 0.04 0.93 11 -0.32-0.08 -0.03 194 0.33 0.04 0.92 -3
AB50 1728065.536448223.25 184.91 -19.47-24.94 2.93 232 31.64-0.19-0.25 0.05 233 0.32 0.04 0.37 24
AB51 1729572.116447290.53 303.52 -44.90-16.01 -1.90 200 47.67-0.60-0.20 -0.02 198 0.63 0.04 0.74 7
AB53 1730374.806449702.75 347.35 -56.30 -9.63 -5.78 190 57.12-0.69-0.12 0.00 190 0.70 0.04 0.82 14 -0.30-0.05 0.02 189 0.30 0.04 0.83 3
AB57 1731884.506449745.00 552.06 -42.41-14.37-12.87 199 44.77-0.56-0.40 -0.13 216 0.69 0.04 0.81 5
AB58 1731061.936449071.27 395.53 -56.09 -3.66-10.14 184 56.21-0.73-0.05 -0.11 184 0.73 0.04 0.85 9 -0.33-0.01 -0.09 181 0.33 0.04 0.91 12
AB59 1730788.866450205.76 418.03 -62.01 -6.79-16.34 186 62.38-0.73-0.11 -0.16 188 0.74 0.04 0.86 8 -0.30-0.06 -0.07 191 0.31 0.04 0.86 -1
AB60 1729040.246447964.21 175.81 -49.46-23.36 -3.64 205 54.70-0.65-0.32 0.00 206 0.72 0.04 0.85 3
AB62 1728872.006446902.52 138.92 -38.35-22.94 -4.09 211 44.69-0.49-0.33 -0.05 214 0.60 0.04 0.70 7
AB63 1729014.596447280.65 167.16 -44.71-26.39-13.68 211 51.92-0.56-0.35 -0.13 212 0.67 0.04 0.78 8 -0.22-0.14 -0.08 213 0.26 0.04 0.73 -10
AB64 1731829.266447374.40 531.62 -1.43 1.32 -0.63 137 1.94-0.01-0.01 -0.02 225 0.01 0.04 *
AB65 1731660.456448269.00 445.08 -45.22 4.93-13.45 174 45.49-0.63 0.03 -0.16 177 0.63 0.04 0.73 6
AB66 1729996.336448478.29 366.88 -50.95-12.24 -7.41 194 52.40-0.67-0.16 -0.02 193 0.69 0.04 0.81 11
AB67 1731143.776447739.02 397.00 -36.64 -2.74 -8.33 184 36.74-0.48-0.06 -0.07 187 0.48 0.04 0.56 0
AB68 1730209.016448044.95 384.40 -49.85-10.42 -9.05 192 50.92-0.66-0.13 -0.06 191 0.67 0.04 0.79 9
AB70
AB73 1728412.396448378.20 302.96 -43.65-15.83 -3.74 200 46.44-0.46-0.13 -0.05 196 0.48 0.04 0.57 4
AB74
AB75 1729580.846449326.82 347.38 -39.32 -9.54 -1.64 194 40.46-0.62-0.12 -0.04 191 0.64 0.04 0.74 3
AB76 1730022.736446807.12 385.84 -0.39 0.48 -0.43 129 0.62 0.00 0.02 0.06 81 0.03 0.04 *
AB77 1733161.926446514.83 895.24 0.00 -0.03 -0.07 279 0.03 0.00-0.02 -0.01 282 0.02 0.04 *
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AB86 1729228.866448330.22 248.24 3 3
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CR56 1733194.396449201.87 782.65 -0.02 -0.03 0.07 234 0.03-0.01 0.01 0.01 141 0.01 0.04 *
CR57 1731568.826451323.42 619.47 -0.05 -0.10 0.53 244 0.12 0.00-0.03 0.06 274 0.03 0.04 *
CR58 1732680.386452989.23 916.90 -0.23 -0.32 -0.10 234 0.39 0.04 0.06 0.00 60 0.07 0.04 *
CR59 1731860.886453394.62 878.06 -0.08 -0.12 -0.03 236 0.15 0.01 0.01 -0.01 47 0.02 0.04 *
CR60 1732970.736452807.44 921.84 -0.10 -0.15 -0.01 237 0.18 0.03 0.03 0.02 51 0.04 0.04 *
CW01 1734174.336450266.34 1175.41 0.02 0.02 0.06 40 0.03-0.02-0.01 0.04 209 0.03 0.04 *
CW05 1732067.186450634.37 701.89 -1.18 -1.13 -0.04 224 1.63-0.01-0.01 -0.01 230 0.02 0.04 *
CW06 1730906.256452118.18 529.83 0.01 0.00 0.06 16 0.01-0.03-0.01 0.07 197 0.03 0.04 *
CW08 1729146.326453119.77 607.54 0.03 -0.02 0.09 331 0.03 0.00-0.02 -0.02 278 0.02 0.04 *
FT08 1729388.676453350.50 658.44 -0.02 -0.01 0.00 205 0.02 0.00-0.02 0.00 263 0.02 0.04 *
FT09 1729052.886454289.23 590.83 -0.02 -0.07 0.00 253 0.07 0.00 0.02 -0.03 83 0.02 0.04 *
FT10 1730454.576452471.90 482.32 0.00 -0.02 -0.03 279 0.02 0.00-0.02 0.08 275 0.02 0.04 *
KC05 1727077.216453174.10 226.78 -4.79 -4.99 -1.08 226 6.92 0.02 0.01 0.01 23 0.02 0.04 *
KC06 1727782.496453384.94 295.72 -2.42-11.72 -4.63 258 11.97 0.00 0.03 -0.02 95 0.03 0.04 *
KC07 1727759.406453683.89 313.49 0.02 0.04 -0.02 56 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.00 46 0.03 0.04 *
KC14 1726742.316453805.53 259.98 -0.13 -0.53 0.04 256 0.54 0.01 0.03 -0.03 79 0.03 0.04 *
KC15 1727584.396453111.50 284.09 -6.06 -9.60 -3.01 238 11.36 0.00 0.04 0.01 87 0.04 0.04 *0.01 0.02 -0.01 72 0.03 0.04 *
KC16 1727602.266454098.25 327.24 0.01 0.01 0.34 48 0.01 0.01 0.04 -0.04 78 0.04 0.04 *
KC17 1727295.886453019.50 212.72 -6.88 -6.93 -2.54 225 9.76 0.02 0.00 0.02 7 0.02 0.04 *
KC18 1727979.456452613.64 289.09 -21.05 -8.53 -2.09 202 22.71-0.04 0.01 0.00 164 0.04 0.04 *
KC19 1727780.066453488.57 302.78 -0.35 -8.65 -3.56 268 8.66 0.01 0.03 -0.02 69 0.03 0.04 *
KC20 1727695.386453561.60 303.77 0.22 -7.95 -3.52 272 7.95 0.02 0.01 -0.01 19 0.02 0.04 *
KC21 1728095.836453495.10 383.65 0.01 0.01 0.05 45 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.06 315 0.00 0.04 *
KC22 1728008.166453287.37 329.10 -2.00-10.51 -5.25 259 10.70 0.00 0.01 0.02 76 0.01 0.04 *
KC23 1727348.776453321.57 267.53 -2.65 -5.45 -1.77 244 6.06 0.00 0.01 -0.02 94 0.01 0.04 *
KC25 1726304.926452805.41 19.76 -0.37 -0.20 -0.04 209 0.42 0.01 0.00 -0.01 0 0.01 0.04 *
KC26 1726723.136452425.79 31.05 -6.40 -1.33 6.30 192 6.54 0.04-0.01 -0.05 342 0.04 0.04 *0.03-0.01 -0.05 331 0.03 0.04 *
KC28 1726768.686451998.89 26.22 -9.12 -1.02 6.28 186 9.18 0.02 0.01 0.00 12 0.02 0.04 *
KC29 1726923.976451934.53 19.86 -10.46 -3.10 1.96 197 10.91 0.01 0.00 0.00 5 0.01 0.04 *
KC30 1727529.496452141.97 97.65 -14.56 -4.54 -2.60 197 15.26 0.03 0.00 0.00 2 0.03 0.04 *
KC31 1727911.036452353.16 206.81 -13.90 -5.05 -0.68 200 14.79-0.02 0.00 0.04 193 0.02 0.04 *0.00-0.03 -0.04 268 0.03 0.04 *
KC34 1726698.446454866.43 325.36 0.03 0.00 -0.01 359 0.03 0.00 0.02 -0.01 77 0.02 0.04 *
KC35 1726861.686454504.97 313.27 0.02 0.00 -0.03 4 0.02 0.00 0.03 -0.02 88 0.03 0.04 *
KC36 1726390.116454165.12 254.98 0.04 -0.03 -0.03 326 0.05 0.01 0.03 0.02 78 0.03 0.04 *
KC37 1726109.866454779.84 280.31 0.04 0.00 -0.02 360 0.04 0.01 0.02 0.00 64 0.03 0.04 *
KC39 1726579.096453069.32 192.37 -0.02 0.03 -0.06 119 0.04 0.01 0.02 -0.03 66 0.02 0.04 *0.00 0.01 -0.08 86 0.01 0.04 *
PB04 1727613.536448830.05 164.12 -62.41-21.69 -6.40 199 66.07-0.54-0.17 0.01 197 0.57 0.04 0.66 5
PB06 1727890.216449747.24 173.47 -78.23-14.60 -9.59 191 79.58-0.41-0.04 0.02 186 0.41 0.04 0.48 1
PB07 1728083.766450197.11 195.54 -92.17-22.65 -4.67 194 94.91-0.45-0.07 -0.02 189 0.46 0.04 0.53 -1 -0.18-0.06 -0.06 197 0.19 0.04 0.52 -5
PB08 1728152.306450450.09 196.68 -85.21-19.71 3.00 193 87.46-0.41-0.04 0.09 186 0.41 0.04 0.48 3
PB09 1728199.626450841.22 189.04 -88.97 -9.80 -3.48 186 89.51-0.40 0.02 0.08 177 0.40 0.04 0.46 9
PB12 1728198.346451565.71 177.43-132.15-38.85-15.86 196 137.74-0.42-0.05 -0.03 186 0.43 0.04 0.50 21 -0.15-0.01 -0.09 184 0.15 0.04 0.43 -22
PB13 1728003.346452132.16 205.54 -82.63-32.18 -5.00 201 88.67-0.13-0.03 -0.02 194 0.13 0.04 0.15 -10
PB18 1730374.966450713.71 355.46 -71.93 2.72-12.13 178 71.98-0.64-0.04 -0.05 184 0.65 0.04 0.76 19
PB20 1728684.826451110.48 224.49-127.95-25.19-19.05 191 130.40-0.45-0.02 -0.07 183 0.45 0.04 0.52 10
PB21 1729189.236451171.33 265.67-108.98 -0.72-14.35 180 108.99-0.44-0.02 -0.01 182 0.44 0.04 0.51 4
PB26 1729502.356452246.30 279.86 -60.30 -3.26 -5.48 183 60.39-0.17 0.02 -0.02 173 0.18 0.04 0.21 1
PB27 1729184.116451834.26 260.26-155.23 -1.80-24.16 181 155.25-0.51 0.02 -0.08 178 0.51 0.04 0.60 19
PB29 1728801.186452075.50 159.47 -87.77-44.99-26.46 207 98.63-0.17-0.14 -0.06 220 0.22 0.04 0.26 28
PB54 1729635.656450437.60 355.40 -59.25-11.08 -3.22 191 60.28-0.58-0.10 -0.01 190 0.59 0.04 0.69 0 -0.25-0.04 0.02 188 0.25 0.04 0.70 3
PB55 1728720.696450789.65 230.54 -91.59-14.39-15.79 189 92.71-0.49-0.04 -0.05 185 0.49 0.04 0.57 10
PB59 1727701.216448641.16 151.27 -65.15-20.50-12.12 197 68.30-0.50-0.13 -0.03 195 0.52 0.04 0.60 0
PB67 1727544.776450841.07 63.50 -93.96-17.11-12.51 190 95.51-0.41-0.06 -0.05 188 0.42 0.04 0.49 8
PB68 1727615.926448966.63 171.34 -49.52-16.36 -1.77 198 52.15-0.60-0.14 -0.03 193 0.62 0.04 0.72 16
PB69 1727732.976448760.31 162.04 -50.07-18.27 -2.64 200 53.30-0.49-0.15 0.02 197 0.51 0.04 0.59 4
PB70 1727804.766448600.99 149.22 -50.14-18.60 -7.02 200 53.48-0.51-0.16 0.00 197 0.53 0.04 0.62 6
PB71RP 1728416.256449739.15 282.03 -17.41 -2.46 -2.82 188 17.59-0.67-0.09 -0.10 188 0.67 0.04 0.79 10 -0.28-0.03 -0.05 187 0.29 0.04 0.79 0
PB72 1727609.106449324.33 199.06 -41.23-17.10 3.17 203 44.63-0.52-0.20 -0.01 201 0.56 0.04 0.66 7
PB75 1729037.596450344.72 267.47 -46.27 -7.19 -4.43 189 46.82-0.57 0.00 -0.02 180 0.57 0.04 0.67 11
PB76 1729964.496451646.07 290.45 -8.60 0.20 -1.35 179 8.60-0.32 0.02 -0.07 176 0.32 0.04 0.38 12 -0.16 0.00 -0.06 179 0.16 0.04 0.43 29
PB77 1727513.896451675.25 98.35 -6.74 -0.77 -0.70 187 6.78-0.40-0.06 -0.06 189 0.41 0.04 0.48 -9 -0.13-0.04 -0.07 198 0.14 0.04 0.39 -30
UB02 1727468.936450141.29 65.65-112.18 7.51 -1.50 176 112.44-0.24 0.06 0.01 166 0.24 0.04 0.29 26
PVE3RP 1729195.906438764.69 346.91 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.03 0.00 0.03 0.02 *-0.01 0.00 -0.02 0.01 0.02 *
RP01 1725591.786455633.55 292.69 0.04 0.00 0.03 0.04 0.02 0.01 -0.03 0.03 0.02 *0.02 0.00 -0.03 0.02 0.02 *
RP02 1730833.006445586.62 480.67 0.01 0.00 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.02 *0.01-0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 *
RP03 1730848.536445628.20 480.03 0.04 -0.01 0.04 0.04 0.01 0.00 -0.01 0.01 0.02 *-0.02-0.01 0.00 0.02 0.02 *
RP05 1730809.666445501.99 474.26 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Fixed Fixed 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Fixed Fixed
Av.0.63 Av. 8.1 Av.0.70 Av. 1
NAD83 CA SPC Zone 5 riginal Position to February 3, 202 January 08, 2026 to February 03,2026 (26 days / 0.855 Mo.)anuary 23, 2026 to February 03, 2026 (11 days / 0.362 Mo.
Prepared by McGee Surveying Consulting - Document Date: February 17, 2026
Monitoring Point Movements
FULL PVDS MONITORING #91 (M91)
February 03, 2026 Positions $ Overall Movements (US Feet)Periodic Movements M89 to M91 (US Feet) Periodic Movements M90 to M91 (US Feet)
E-1
From:Ara Mihranian
To:Douglas Shook; Paul Seo
Cc:CC; LDG and Movement; Ramzi Awwad
Subject:RE: Rescind the motorcycle restriction through Portuguese Bend
Date:Wednesday, February 25, 2026 5:40:27 AM
Attachments:image001.png
Dr. Shook,
The City Council are in receipt of your email requesting lifting of the motorcycle restriction through the
landslide.
Your email will be included in the upcoming March 17 City Council Staff Report on the Landslide for
the City Council’s consideration.
Ara
From: Douglas Shook <shook@usc.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 1:51 PM
To: Paul Seo <paul.seo@rpvca.gov>
Cc: CC <CC@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Rescind the motorcycle restriction through Portuguese Bend
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the
content is safe!!!.
Dear president and council,
I am requesting that you terminate the motorcycle prohibition through the Portuguese Bend portion of
PV Drive South.
I believe the decision to restrict motorcycles in this portion of PVD South was uninformed and
capricious, and that it creates unnecessary hardships for RPV residents who depend upon, or
frequently use, motorcycles as a primary mode of transportation.
I-1
I am assuming that legal counsel recommended this restriction to limit City liability during peak land
movements, and perhaps one could understand this line of thinking, but I ask that you consider the
following observations and options:
1. Hardship and business impediment: The restriction forces motorcyclists from the
southeastern portion of RPV to traverse the full length of PVD East, to PVD North, to Hawthorne
and down the full length of Hawthorne to PVD West in order to shop at or use the restaurants at
Golden Cove. It creates a 15-mile detour for us one-way, and of course, a 30-mile round trip
detour. Out of practicality, most of us will just go to Lomita or San Pedro instead of taking this
extensive detour. Aside from the inconvenience, it is an impediment to supporting our RPV
businesses.
2. Motorcycle technology: Due to their compliant suspension and enhanced ground
clearances, many motorcycles are actually more adept and safer at traversing the
rough landslide area of PVD South than many cars (e.g., adventure motorcycles, supermotard,
dual-sport, motorcycles race motocross, etc.), particularly than lower cars, sports cars, etc. To
single out restrict all motorcycles from this section of the road while allowing other vehicles
with greater limitations is discriminatory, capricious, inappropriate and ineffective.
3. Improved conditions: Conditions through Portuguese Bend have dramatically improved since
you first posted the motorcycle restriction and would appear to be approximately at the same
levels as before the rain-induced acceleration of the slide. It simply is time to remove the
restriction.
Although I believe completely lifting the total ban on motorcycles is overdue, if legal counsel has
instilled an irreconcilable timorous perspective of risk regarding potential litigation from a potential
motorcycle accident, I suggest that instead of the total ban on all motorcycles that you should
consider the following options:
1. Post a lower speed limit for motorcycles
2. Post signage stating "Dangerous road conditions for motorcycles, ride at your own risk"
3. Restrict motorcycles from accessing that section of the road at night when visibility is reduced
4. Permit RPV residents to use the road on motorcycles and restrict non-RPV residents
5. Etc.
With a rough section of road like Portuguese Bend, there will never be a zero-risk of accidents. The
time has come and passed for the total motorcycle ban to be lifted, and there are a variety of options
for you to limit risks to the city.
I-2
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
Douglas Shook
=======================================
Douglas Shook, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Data Sciences
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
e-mail: shook@usc.edu
I-3