‘It’s so tragic’: Rancho Palos Verdes residents scramble after power shutoff

Rancho Palos Verdes residents are scrambling to buy generators after Southern California Edison abruptly shut off power to nearly 250 homes.

140 residences lost electricity indefinitely over the weekend due to an ongoing landslide threatening the area. Another 105 home are scheduled to lose power at 7 p.m. Monday.

"SCE has seen a significant increase in the number of repairs needed to keep the power on safely, and we need to perform critical work," the utility told residents. "We are unable to effectively monitor the situation because of the land movement in the area."

Residents have been advised to be ready to evacuate on short notice, but most remain in their homes for now,  thanks to the presence of backup generators in the area.

“It’s so tragic. This is so disorganized,” a resident told KNX News’ Jon Baird. “I would think that they would have better organization about if they're gonna start shutting off people's power, how to prepare them and tell them, you know … I'm moving my car out of the garage tonight just out of fear that I may not have power.”

Land movement in Ranchos Palos Verdes began last year, but accelerated after heavy rains last spring. On July 29, despite protests from residents and city officials, Southern California Gas Co. cut off gas service to 135 homes due to concerns about the land movement. The city had warned residents that SCE might discontinue electricity in the future if conditions warranted.

Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor John Cruikshank and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn have asked for state and federal help in dealing with the landslides. Cruikshank says that so far, he hasn’t gotten a response from Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Hahn said she reached out to Newsom's office on Saturday, and estimated that upward of $1 billion in government funding might eventually be needed to address the situation.

"I don't know if ignored is the right (characterization)," Hahn said. "It feels like to these residents that they are being, not ignored, but maybe not understanding the enormity of this land movement."

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An emergency assistance center has opened at the Ladera Linda Community Center, where a SCE Community Crew Vehicle will offer support starting Tuesday. Residents can also call 800- 250-7339 for updated information.

The affected areas for the power shutoff can be found at rpvca.gov/1707/Land-Movement-Updates . Residents can also check to see whether they are in the evacuation area at protect.genasys.com/search .

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