Newsom declares state of emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes after additional power shutoff

“We did think it took him a little too long to respond, but better late than never, I suppose,” said Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor John Cruikshank.

“I’m delighted. The city has been calling for the governor to declare a state of emergency and today’s announcement came not soon enough,” said Ara Mihranian, City Manager.

Meanwhile, those who live and work in the affected area are expected to follow the directions of the emergency officials, the governor’s proclamation said.

The declaration would also allow the state to provide further assistance to local government under the California Disaster Assistance Act.

After SoCalGas cut off its gas service to the community due to the land movement in early August, Southern California Edison Sunday terminated its electricity supply to 140 homes and 53 businesses in the Portuguese Bend community before expanding the power shut-off to an additional 105 houses in the Seaview community Monday.

“(Sunday), Southern California Edison (SCE) notified the city and 105 out of 270 Seaview homes that their electricity service will be discontinued for varying lengths of time, due to the risk of utility equipment igniting a wildfire and other hazards caused by downed wires or damaged equipment impacted by landslide movement,” the city said in an update Monday morning.

The power shutoff will continue for at least 24 hours. According to the city, 47 homes will be without power for 24 hours; 40 properties will be without power for 1 to 3 weeks; and 20 properties will be without power indefinitely.

Potential solutions on the horizons

With the support of the state and an additional $5 million secured from the county, local leaders are brainstorming what they can do to remedy the disaster. Cruikshank said he is looking for long-term, off the grid solutions for his constituents.

Among those being considered is Tesla’s powerwall.