Nick Mardesic and his family reside in a picturesque area on the outskirts of Los Angeles, living off the grid due to their power and gas being shut off because of landslides threatening their home. The property has suffered significant damage, with portions sinking, cracks appearing in the walls, and the driveway caving in. Mardesic has spent around $50,000 in the last five months to prevent his home from collapsing entirely.
The landslides in Rancho Palos Verdes have caused havoc, with entire homes collapsing, walls shifting, and deep fissures forming on the ground. Many residents have had their power and gas cut off, while some face temporary water shutdowns for sewer line repairs. The state of California declared a state of emergency to access resources and aid from the federal government.
The landslides in the area were exacerbated by heavy rainfall in recent years, causing the land to move rapidly, up to 12 inches per week. Residents have filed a lawsuit against the city and water provider, attributing negligence in fixing burst pipes to the accelerated land movement. Geologists believe leaks may have played a role but determining their exact impact is challenging.
Efforts to slow down the land movement have faced challenges, with a deeper and wider landslide discovered despite a previous grant for mitigation efforts. Mayor John Cruikshank emphasized the need for resilience in the face of climate change, suggesting outdated systems need updating. Some residents have been forced to leave their homes due to the damage, while others struggle to cope with limited resources.
Mardesic and his family are among those hoping for relocation assistance, unable to afford housing in Southern California’s expensive market. With their property significantly devalued, they are left with the uncertainty of their future in a home constantly at risk of collapsing.
