The residents of a yellow-tagged home on Galaxy Drive overlooking Newport Beach’s Back Bay might know more about the home’s stability after Monday when geotechnical engineers are set to begin borings, officials said.
The home is one of three impacted by a sudden landslide early Thursday, April 4. Its backyard dropped at least 15 feet down the slope; the neighboring homes had less damage.
Since Thursday’s slide, the site has been monitored by geotechnical consultants and city staff and there has been no visible change, said Seimone Jurjis, the city’s assistant city manager.
“On Monday, the geotechnical engineer will do borings to determine the soil composition,” he said, adding that recommendations will be made to the homeowner on what improvements are needed and how they can protect their home.
“Once the work is done and the geotechnical engineer is satisfied with the stability and they believe the house is secured, they may draft a letter stating the property is safe and the city can decide to lift the yellow tag and allow the homeowners back in,” said John Pope, spokesman for the city. “Until all that happens the yellow tag will stay in place and the homeowners cannot stay in the house.”
