The Norco City Council unanimously ratified Resolution 2079 to ratify a local emergency declared for the Glenwood Drive slide, authorizing staff to begin temporary stabilization work and pursue state reimbursement. The council’s action follows a proclamation the city manager made on Nov. 19, 2025.

City staff told the council that, following geotechnical review and coordination with Fish and Wildlife, the near-term plan is to install large rock-filled baskets and backfill under the roadway to prevent further erosion while engineers complete a permanent design. “At this point, the estimated cost for the temporary repairs is $220,000, and then the estimate for the permanent repairs is closer to $500,000,” an official said during the briefing.

Staff said the temporary measures are intended to halt immediate deterioration; the materials and temporary system likely will be removed when a permanent retaining solution is designed and installed. Because of emergency procurement rules, staff said the city can contract only for the immediate work under the proclamation and will follow a regular public bidding process for the permanent repairs once the emergency is stabilized.

Councilors pressed staff on budget impacts and reimbursement. The city official explained that cities submit damage estimates through the county to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and that a local liaison has been assigned to the case. Staff said the city has created a project code to track costs and is monitoring reimbursable overtime separately from regular hours.

Staff also outlined timing: temporary emergency procurement may require short renewals while the city secures a contractor; the proclamation itself will be reviewed and can be renewed every 60 days as needed. Staff said Anderson Pacific, the geotechnical contractor discussed with the city, could mobilize within about two weeks, though the holiday season could introduce delays.

Council members asked whether the damaged segment is inside city limits and whether the temporary repair would affect future permanent work; staff confirmed the site is within the city and said the temporary stabilization would most likely be removed when permanent repairs are installed. Staff said they will provide outreach to residents affected by potential closures or detours once construction details and schedules are firm.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the regular agenda earlier in the meeting and later moved and seconded Resolution 2079; both motions passed unanimously.

The council thanked staff for assembling the emergency response information quickly and adjourned after the vote. The city will continue to monitor the slide and update the council and public as the repair plan and cost estimates evolve.