Emergency Work Begins After Landslide Threatens South Orange County Historic Structure

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Slope stabilization work on the hillside a historic structure in San Clemente stands on began Friday, a solution that city officials described as "temporary" while the design of a more permanent solution is developed.

The emergency work comes after a landslide threatened Casa Romantica Cultural Center in San Clemente on Thursday, April 27.

The landslide prompted the center to temporarily close and triggered evacuations for residents living near the landslide. It also triggered Metrolink and Amtrak trains running through south Orange County to temporarily halt services due to the landslide's proximity to a stretch of train track.

According to San Clemente city officials, Alliance Diversified Enterprises — the city's contractor — will begin emergency work on Friday, May 12. The work is expected to take roughly two weeks, the city said.

The work will include removing a large knob of soil at the north end of the landslide area to lower the chance of more material sliding down on the railroad tracks, city officials said. The work will also include removing soil from a condo building impacted by the landslide to relieve any pressure.

"This work is a temporary stabilization effort and more permanent work will be needed to secure the Casa Romantica building as well as the entire slope in the future," San Clemente city officials said in a statement. "Design of a permanent solution has already begun."

According to the city, officials are working with OCTA and Metrolink to develop this solution, as well as the California Coastal Commission.