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Mayor Paul Seo says landslide costs topped $64 million as Rancho Palos Verdes keeps state of emergency
Summary
Mayor Paul Seo said the city’s landslide response has cost more than $64 million over the past four years and that parts of the slide remain active, while city leaders press federal officials for additional funding.
Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor Paul Seo said the city has spent "64 plus million dollars" on landslide response over the last four years and that parts of the slide remain active, keeping the local state of emergency in place.
"The eastern portion we stabilized, it's still zero movement, but the western portion we still have about an inch and a half, 2 inches that's moving still," Seo said, describing ongoing ground movement and the need for continued monitoring and repair work. He told listeners the state of emergency—declared in October 2023—has been extended to preserve flexibility for contracting and response.
Why it matters: Palos Verdes Drive South serves thousands of residents and commuters; Seo said the city cannot meet the full cost from its budget even though the municipal books are balanced. He described the budget as "lean" and said the city is pursuing multiple funding sources to cover emergency stabilization, repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Seo said a landslide subcommittee traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with the city’s U.S. senators and Rep. Ted Lieu, and he described progress as "cautiously optimistic." He also noted recent national attention, including a New York Times piece, that he hopes will bolster the city’s case for federal aid. The mayor acknowledged existing grant money—naming a contribution from Janice Hahn—but said those funds are "a drop in the bucket" compared with total needs.
Trails and beaches: Seo said about 20 miles of city trails remain open but that certain areas in Portuguese Bend and surrounding zones are closed for safety. He named Abalone Cove, Sacred Cove Beach and Inspiration Point access as still closed; the Ladera Linda trailhead has reopened and rangers and staff are working to reopen other routes as conditions permit.
Next steps: Seo said city officials will continue outreach to federal representatives and review budget options; he indicated the city’s subcommittee, city manager and council members will press for further assistance. The broadcast ended before planned comments from a geologist could be recorded.
No formal votes or motions were recorded during this segment.
