August 27, 2025

Landslide in Newport Beach Causes Damage to Homes

News Summary

Recent trench construction work in Newport Beach triggered a landslide that led to three homes being yellow-tagged due to significant damage. Concerns over slope stability were raised by a local resident prior to the construction, and a subsequent flooding incident contributed to the landslide. Cleanup efforts are underway and city officials are working with homeowners to mitigate future hazards. As more rain is forecasted, fears of additional landslides remain high.

Newport Beach – A landslide triggered by trench construction work has resulted in three homes being yellow-tagged in Newport Beach. On Friday, a construction crew began digging a 5-foot-deep trench to rewire and relocate a circuit box for a neighboring residence. This work raised concerns about the stability of the slope behind Janet Lester’s split-level home, which overlooks Back Bay.

Lester had previously objected to the trench construction, expressing worries that it would compromise the stability of the slope. Despite her concerns, her homeowners association neither acted to address her objections nor halted the project. On the night of the trench construction, a sprinkler pipe burst, flooding the trench and saturating the surrounding soil, which contributed to a catastrophic landslide.

In response to the incident, Lester’s boyfriend contacted the Newport Beach Fire Department to report the landslide. Following the report, Newport Beach police utilized a drone to evaluate the damage caused by the landslide. Building division officials examined the property on Monday, designating it with a yellow tag, which signifies that there was “major damage” to the slope. A notice was posted on Lester’s front door, indicating that a geologist’s report, permit, and approved city plans would be required for their property.

The landslide caused noticeable damage to the bluff affecting three homes on Galaxy Drive. These homes had been previously yellow-tagged following another landslide event in 2023 that resulted in the demolition of one house. Due to safety concerns, current residents have been advised against occupying their homes overnight.

Cleanup crews have begun the process of removing the affected soil using heavy machinery. Janet Lester has expressed concern that the soil behind her home continues to shift, posing a risk for further issues. Her property’s irrigation system has been turned off since the incident to prevent additional saturation of the soil.

The gate to the neighboring property, where the trench construction occurred, remains padlocked, preventing Lester from contacting the residents for further updates. In light of the situation, city officials are working with homeowners to develop strategies to mitigate future hazards and stabilize the hillside.

Councilmember Erik Weigand noted that the land along the cliffside is governed by the state, limiting the city’s jurisdiction over land stability concerns in that area. Furthermore, more rain is forecasted for Southern California, raising apprehensions about the possibility of additional landslides.

In summary, the breach of the slope caused by trench construction has led to considerable instability, prompting action from authorities to ensure the safety of the affected homes in Newport Beach. As the situation unfolds, residents and city officials remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent further catastrophic events.