ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, Calif.—The cause of a landslide responsible for the destruction of several homes in Rolling Hills Estates remained a mystery on July 11, as the city council declared a local emergency due to the devastating slide.
Nearly a dozen upscale homes in the Palos Verdes Peninsula community along Peartree Lane have been crumbling as a result of the massive landslide that began on July 8 and forced the evacuation of the structures.
By July 10 a total of 12 homes had been red-tagged—meaning they cannot be occupied—although only 10 of them appeared to be actually moving.
County fire officials were closely monitoring 16 other homes in the area to ensure they were not shifting. County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said officials were watching two homes in particular—one at the top of the street and the other at the bottom—and were in close contact with those homeowners, who have not been told to evacuate….