In the wake of recent devastating storms in Los Angeles County, Rancho Palos Verdes is rallying state and federal forces in a major drive toward stabilization and recovery. The City Council stepped up on February 20, pleading with the Governor to declare a State of Emergency, enabling them to bypass usual state permit demands and get straight to landslide stabilization work. They're also looking for a federal disaster declaration to get FEMA into the game, according to a statement from the City.
Prioritizing safety, the City, County, and State have kept their eyes glued on Rancho Palos Verdes, watching land shifts with a hawk's attention. This collaboration underscores the commitment to public assurance, with all government layers and even non-governmental partners pitching in, the City emphasized. The recent storms only compound the crisis, which has already prompted a State of Emergency from the Governor on February 4 and a local emergency by the County.
Los Angeles County's Office of Emergency Management has been hands-on, partnering with various governmental levels to gather data. This collection of facts is key to unlocking state and federal aid. The commitment to working through disaster processes are sticking point for both Rancho Palos Verdes and Los Angeles County, as they navigate the red tape and rally for resources.
The state's Emergency Services threw Rancho Palos Verdes a lifeline, using the February 4 declaration to authorize immediate emergency steps. These include slapping in more drainage systems and extraction wells to pull groundwater away and trying to block surface water from worsening the situation of landslides, according to the City's official statements.
Up-to-the-minute information on Rancho Palos Verdes' situation can be found on the City's website for storm updates at RPVca.gov/Storm and land movement at RPVca.gov/LandMovement.
