Rolling Hills, a city near the landslide-prone Rancho Palos Verdes, is considering a voluntary acquisition program for residents with severely damaged homes due to unprecedented land movements caused by heavy rainfall in 2023 and 2024. Many residents have been forced to abandon their homes, grappling with the loss of electricity and gas, and some are exploring property reinforcement options.
Implementing this acquisition program could strain Rolling Hills’ budget by reducing property tax income, as purchased homes would likely be converted into open space, similar to Rancho Palos Verdes’ plan. City leaders are collaborating with the California Department of Emergency Services to determine the feasibility of this program.
Public sentiment reveals urgency, with residents expressing difficulty obtaining landslide insurance compared to fire insurance. Rancho Palos Verdes has already initiated its buyout process, with 23 homes under evaluation, but is uncertain about the timeline due to pending FEMA funding.
If Rolling Hills moves forward with the program, it hopes to secure FEMA funding tied to disaster relief, emphasizing that support extends beyond directly affected areas.
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