Residents of some Rancho Palos Verdes neighborhoods are poised to have their natural gas service restored. After enduring nearly a year without gas due to land movements in the area, the Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) is starting the restoration process in the Seaview area first, beginning May 27. According to information obtained by CBS Los Angeles, the Portuguese Bend Landslide affected approximately 650 homes on the peninsula last year and is considered an ongoing natural disaster.
SoCalGas has announced that upgrading and testing its infrastructure is scheduled, with restoration expected to take four to five weeks for those who elect to receive the service. Despite the possible relief, properties that are red-tagged or yellow-tagged, indicating significant damage and potential danger, are ineligible for restored service. "We are grateful to these communities for their patience during what we know has been a difficult time," said Maria Martinez, director of gas engineering for SoCalGas, in a statement obtained by NBC Los Angeles. She added, "Given the sustained decreases in land movement, we look forward to the safe restoration of natural gas service for those who are ready to reconnect."
SoCalGas indicated that as part of the restoration, they would replace sections of gas mains and services and install additional safety equipment, including automatic shut-off valves and pressure monitors. Before the reconnection of any service, the infrastructure will be subject to leak tests. As outlined by FOX LA, homeowners must be present during the restoration, which can take one to two hours. An adult over 18 is required to be on-site, granting technicians access to the gas meter and the home's interior.
Despite the anticipated resumption of service for some, the community of Portuguese Bend is still reeling with active land movement, preventing any current restoration efforts in that area. A SoCalGas spokesperson highlighted that a decrease in land movement was the enabling factor for this decision—a contrast to last year's peak in ground shifting activity. "They could have done a lot better. They have not kept us in the loop. They have not communicated," Eva Albuja, a Seaview resident, told FOX LA concerning SoCalGas' handling of the situation. This sentiment highlights some residents' frustrations despite this progress.
