A landslide in Rancho Palos Verdes has caused significant changes to the coastline, creating a new beach. The landslides have been impacting homes, roads, and utilities in the area, even leading to the temporary relocation of the iconic Wayfarers Chapel. Denny Jaconi, a lifelong resident of the Portuguese Bend Beach Club, has noticed the emergence of a new rocky shoreline that didn’t exist a few months ago.
The ongoing landslides have not only altered the coastline but have also caused damage to many homes in the neighborhood. Residents have reported wall cracks, jammed doors, collapsed decks, and shifting foundations. The main road has also been affected, with gravel replacing pavement in several spots. Additionally, the beachside tennis court had to be removed due to the changing landscape.
The landslides in the area have been a long-standing issue, with movement dating back to the 1950s. However, recent activity, triggered by consecutive wet winters, has been unprecedented. Geologist Mike Phipps highlighted the rapid movement of the landslides, with some areas shifting up to 13 inches a week. The Portuguese Beach Club area has experienced significant deformation, with the coastline moving approximately 250 feet farther out to sea.
Despite the devastation caused by the landslides, the emergence of a new beach has been a source of solace for residents like Jaconi. The clearer waters and new swimming spots have provided a silver lining amidst the disaster. Jaconi remains hopeful about the future, envisioning raising his son in this transformed coastal environment.
Geologist El Hachemi Bouali explained that the movement of material in landslides is a natural process, with accumulation at the bottom leading to uplift and deformation. While the changes in Rancho Palos Verdes may seem drastic, they are considered normal for a landslide complex. Jaconi expressed amazement at witnessing these geological forces at work and introducing his children to the new coastline.
As the community grapples with the impact of the landslides, the emergence of a new beach serves as a reminder of nature’s ability to transform and adapt. While the future remains uncertain, residents like Jaconi find comfort in the beauty of the evolving coastline and the promise of new marine habitats. The ongoing changes in Rancho Palos Verdes are a testament to the powerful forces of nature and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.