In a recent statement released on Saturday, SoCalGas confirmed that it would be cutting off natural gas service to the Portuguese Bend community in Rancho Palos Verdes, starting early next week. The discontinuation is scheduled to take place on Monday at 9 a.m., affecting approximately 130 homes in the area.

The decision comes as a result of worsening land movement, which SoCalGas deemed unsafe for continued provision of natural gas service. Despite several mitigation measures, such as relocating pipelines, installing flexible joint lines, and performing accelerated leak inspections, the constantly shifting land posed a significant threat to public safety.

According to the statement, the neighborhood has been experiencing ongoing land movement that has damaged roads, homes, and SoCalGas' infrastructure. This situation has placed a considerable strain on their operations since late last year, prompting an emergency declaration from Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this year.

While there have been concerns raised by residents, Rancho Palos Verdes city officials have stated that they are working with the gas company to potentially delay the shutdowns. They are coordinating their efforts with the California Governor's Office of Emergency and the LA County Office of Emergency Management to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected residents.

As of now, no evacuation warnings or orders have been issued, allowing residents to remain in their homes without gas service. However, the city plans to conduct property inspections in the coming days to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Many residents in the impacted area are expressing frustration over the sudden nature of the decision, especially after enduring a series of issues over the past year. Concerns have been raised regarding the need for more time and better outreach to allow residents to adequately prepare for the gas service disconnection.

In response to these concerns, efforts are underway to secure temporary housing accommodations and individual financial assistance from local, state, and federal agencies. LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn expressed her understanding of the risks involved but emphasized the need for better support for affected residents.

As the situation continues to unfold, SoCalGas officials have stated that the closure may take effect even sooner if there are any significant changes. They also warned residents against attempting to restore service or connect alternative fuels to their natural gas meters, as it would be unsafe to do so.

The impacted residents, who reside on 20 streets in the Portuguese Bend community, are now awaiting further updates and support from both SoCalGas and local authorities.