Coastal Bluff Slips in Rancho Palos Verdes, No Injuries Reported

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — A coastal bluff in Rancho Palos Verdes slid about 50 to 60 feet into the ocean Saturday night, affecting several homes but resulting in no injuries, officials reported.

The landslide occurred around 8:20 p.m. along Marguerite Drive near Palos Verdes Drive West. Approximately 300 to 400 feet of the bluff sloughed downwards, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Megan Barnes, a city spokesperson, confirmed there was no damage to public property and no evacuations were necessary.

While the four homes directly impacted experienced significant soil movement in their backyards, no structural damage was found. City Manager Ara Mihranian stated that a preliminary geotechnical assessment was underway to determine the cause of the incident, which remains under investigation.

Barnes clarified that the landslide is unrelated to the ongoing issues from the Portuguese Bend landslide complex, located about four miles away. “It is totally separate, not connected,” said Barnes, emphasizing that this is an isolated incident.

Local officials have closed the area to the public as a precaution. Mihranian noted that while there are no authorized trails from the bluff to the shoreline, an unauthorized trail has drawn fishermen to the area.

Mayor David Bradley advised affected homeowners to consult geotechnical engineers for assessments of their properties. “There’s always concern for bluff top homes that there could be scarfing off of some of the bluffs,” he cautioned, referring to natural erosion processes.

The city of Rancho Palos Verdes has faced significant challenges with landslides in recent years, with damages estimated in the millions. In response to these geological concerns, the city has spent $48 million on repairs since October 2022, with an additional $18.6 million allocated for the current fiscal year.

A city review of stormwater flows into the landslide area is also planned, as wet soil conditions have historically contributed to instability. In the Portuguese Bend area, increased land movement has left around 20 homes uninhabitable, forcing families without essential services.

Residents in Rancho Palos Verdes expressed concern, but many appeared unfazed by the new landslide. City officials continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring the safety of both residents and properties as assessments progress.