Anaheim Hills Homeowners Reject Funding for Landslide Prevention Pumps

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Critical water pumps at work in Anaheim Hills maintaining stability against landslides.

News Summary

Homeowners in Anaheim Hills have voted against continuing funding for a critical network of water pumps intended to prevent landslides, raising concerns about property stability. In a recent vote, 52% were opposed to the funding, conflicting with a previous decision that showed strong support. The pumps play a vital role in protecting over 300 homes by removing excess groundwater. With funding expected to run out soon, officials urge homeowners to reconsider the implications of their decision and plan another vote later this summer.

Anaheim Hills Homeowners Reject Funding to Maintain Landslide Prevention Pumps, Potentially Threatening Area Stability

In a recent vote, homeowners in Anaheim Hills have decided against continuing funding for a crucial network of water pumps designed to prevent landslides, putting the stability of their properties at risk. The funding system for the pumps, established following a series of devastating landslides in 1993, is expected to run out by the end of next year unless a new funding assessment is approved.

During the latest voting session, which took place in May 2023, only 141 ballots were cast. The results showed 52% of the weighted ballots opposed further funding for the pumps. This outcome conflicts with a previous vote in July 2023, where nearly 80% of weighted ballots favored a two-year self-assessment to finance the maintenance of the pump system.

Importance of the Pump System

The water pumps are critical to the safety of more than 300 homes located in the southern area of Anaheim Hills within the Santiago Geologic Hazard Abatement District. This district was formed in response to the catastrophic 1993 Santiago landslide that led to extensive property damage, evacuations, and the need for long-term geological hazard management. The pumps currently eliminate over 10 million gallons of water each year, which is essential to lower groundwater levels and reduce the risk of landslides.

The district’s annual budget of $329,000 primarily covers maintenance and monitoring of the dewatering wells. Assessment fees for homeowners range from $395 to over $2,400 depending on their property’s risk, with an average fee of about $940.

Funding History and Challenges

The city initially contributed $3.5 million to fund the Santiago Geologic Hazard Abatement District as part of a 1999 settlement regarding the 1993 landslide. However, those funds have since been depleted, leading homeowners to consider self-assessments to secure additional funding. In 2023, a proposal was set forth for homeowners to temporarily pay for pump maintenance over the next two years, while also hoping for federal financial support for long-term repairs.

However, efforts to secure a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were hampered when the application was waitlisted and ultimately not approved. The delays were attributed to the California Office of Emergency Services’ review process. This setback has left the district in a precarious financial position, urging the need for immediate attention to the funding issue.

Future Considerations

City officials have expressed concerns about the implications of ceasing pump operations, as this could necessitate water restrictions within the district if the pumps stop functioning. City spokesperson Mike Lyster indicated that the district has plans for another vote later in the summer of 2023 to revisit available funding options. He emphasized the irresponsibility of neglecting the funding issue, suggesting homeowners need to reassess the risks that come with halting financial support for the pumps.

It’s notable that while the city does not possess property within the Santiago Geologic Hazard Abatement District, it has invested approximately $42,000 annually to assess public streets and sidewalks within the area.

Without an immediate resolution, the district estimates it could exhaust its funds as early as March of the following year. A collective decision from homeowners will be crucial in determining the future of the landslide prevention pumps and, consequently, the safety of the community.