Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes due to worsening landslide issues.

These landslides have caused utility companies to cut off electrical and gas services to many homes.

The proclamation aims to expedite state resources to assist in responding to the slides, with a particular focus on the utility shutdowns rather than the overall land movement.

The governor's office stated, 'Governor Gavin Newsom today proclaimed a state of emergency in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to protect public safety amid ongoing land movement that has resulted in disrupted utility services and evacuation warnings for impacted residents.

'This emergency order follows requests from Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Rancho Palos Verdes officials for the governor's involvement.

Hahn, representing the Fourth District, expressed frustration that residents were not given time to prepare for the power shutoff.

However, she praised Newsom for his timely action, stating, 'This declaration comes just at the right time as people are not only seeing their homes crumble around them but have now also been cut off from power.

This situation is bigger than the city or even the county.

I appreciate the state for recognizing the enormity of this crisis.

'State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, whose district includes the Peninsula, also welcomed the governor's declaration and invited Newsom to tour the area to witness the catastrophe firsthand.

City Manager Ara Mihranian mentioned that Newsom's move allows Rancho Palos Verdes to seek reimbursement for costs already incurred.

However, he noted that the emergency specifically pertains to the power shutoff, providing financial assistance and access to resources for responding to the de-energization by Southern California Edison (SCE) in the Portuguese Bend and Seaview neighborhoods.

The ongoing land movement has caused significant damage, including road closures, hiking trail shutdowns, and power line failures, leading to fires.

The recent power shutoffs have added to the residents' woes, with over 100 homes losing electricity on Labor Day.

The City Council is considering actions to help residents innovate and engineer solutions to preserve their homes, including regulations for placing mobile homes or similar structures on properties with unsafe houses and installing alternative foundation systems to maintain structural integrity as the land shifts.

Mayor John Cruikshank emphasized the need for state and federal assistance, stating, 'State and federal assistance and engagement on this issue is more critical than ever.

'The Governor's Office of Emergency Services remains in communication with the City, County, and FEMA to evaluate the appropriate next steps.

The state emergency declaration aims to free up resources, including money, and cut red tape to address the urgent problem more quickly and efficiently.