Rancho Palos Verdes is experiencing severe land erosion, sliding towards the ocean at alarming rates. Although the situation has improved slightly due to decreased rainfall and countermeasures, the community remains at risk. A city geologist noted that drought conditions have helped slow down the erosion, providing some relief to homeowners who are still dealing with the aftermath of prior heavy rainfall that caused significant property damage. While the drought is problematic, it is preferable to the more immediate threat of landslides, prompting residents to prioritize current issues.
"Mr. Phipps believes this is largely due to significantly below-average rainfall through April," according to a news update on the meeting from the city's website, which added that "winterization measures" last fall and "ongoing dewatering efforts" have also contributed to the slowdown.
A year ago, rainfall totals were through the roof, soaking the land so thoroughly that it began to slide off into the sea. Houses detached from their foundations - and from municipal gas and power lines - and streets buckled with each shift.
In February, Wayfarers Chapel closed entirely due to "accelerated land movement," leaving 175 weddings and celebrations without a venue.
Of course, trading landslides for drought conditions is far from ideal for Rancho Palos Verdes, but homeowners there are mostly concerned about tackling one problem at a time.
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