Landslide Devastates Portuguese Bend, Disrupting Longstanding Community and Forcing Families to Relocate

The Twidwell family enjoyed a peaceful life in the Portuguese Bend area of the Palos Verdes Peninsula for nearly 50 years, reveling in sunny weather and a strong sense of community. Shari Twidwell recalls her childhood, filled with joyful moments spent with her two best friends, who were also her neighbors.

Their homes were interconnected by their shared experiences and the watchful presence of three sets of parents. However, this idyllic existence has been shattered in recent years due to severe land movement caused by unprecedented rainfall, impacting both the neighborhood and the relationships formed over decades.

Since October, the Portuguese Bend landslide complex has seen alarming changes, escalating from a mere 2 millimeters of movement per year to a staggering rate of 1 foot per week in some areas. This rapid deterioration has led to significant damage, with homes, roads, and essential infrastructure being torn apart.

Twidwell describes the situation as “totally bananas,” highlighting the extraordinary pace at which things have transformed. Notably, the historic Wayfarers Chapel was disassembled and relocated to prevent further destruction, emphasizing the urgency of the crisis.

Families like KC King’s have felt the emotional and practical repercussions of this shifting environment. King’s family has deep roots in the area, moving to their home shortly after she was born in 1974. What once felt like a magical childhood has become a distressing reality, as her backyard has lifted and twisted.

The situation worsened with gas and power shut-offs, prompting her family to seek temporary shelter elsewhere. The upheaval of leaving a cherished home, where King had envisioned building her life, has been a significant emotional burden for her and her family.

While Twidwell’s home has suffered minimal damage, she emphasizes the profound impact on the community, noting that every family’s departure is a loss felt by all. Currently, she takes care of her aging parents, facing their health challenges amid this turmoil.

The recent power outages have forced her to explore alternatives like installing solar panels to provide temporary power for her family. As she contemplates their future, moving to a more stable home in Torrance appears increasingly necessary due to the ongoing instability.

City officials are working to address the situation, shifting their focus from hydrangeas to deep dewatering wells in hopes of stabilizing the area. Yet, residents are left feeling powerless as they witness their community deteriorate without a clear solution.

The landslide, described by King as an ongoing catastrophe without an end, instills a sense of despair among families in Portuguese Bend. This slow, relentless crisis underscores the complex emotional and practical challenges they face as they adapt to their new realities.