Freight trains have resumed operations between San Diego and Orange counties after a landslide last week disrupted service. However, passenger rail service remains suspended as the tracks beneath a historic property in San Clemente are still in danger. BNSF has resumed runs with two to four trains a day moving at reduced speeds of 10 to 15 mph for safety. San Clemente’s Public Works Director Kiel Koger said in a presentation on Tuesday that the area where the landslide occurred was still showing signs of movement, but it was hoped that only minor movements would occur from here on out.
Although freight trains have resumed, all Amtrak and Metrolink traffic remains suspended until further notice. Amtrak is providing a bus link between the stations at Oceanside and Irvine for some of its daily trains, while passenger service, including the Coaster commuter, continues between San Diego and Oceanside. Typically, 14 Metrolink and 22 Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains traverse San Clemente on a daily basis. The landslide happened at the far west boundary of the 2.5-acre Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, an estate which was constructed in the 1920s by the founder of San Clemente and obtained by the city in the 1980s.
A part of the hilltop collapsed, taking away a portion of the patio with a scenic view of the ocean. This left a 15-20-foot high wall of sand soil at the edge of the structures. Koger expressed worry that the material might erode or move further and cause harm to the foundation.
The city has hired a firm to conduct a geotechnical evaluation that will help determine the next steps. The soil in the area is sand-based and of low quality, and is kept wet due to the winter rains, leading to more landslides in San Clemente. Casa Romantica is a popular venue for weddings, festivals, and other events. The structures, situated 70 feet above the beach and railroad tracks, have caused dirt and debris to accumulate near the tracks, prompting the closure of a segment of the pedestrian trail. The city may need to allocate between seven to eight million dollars to stabilize the slope, a portion of which could potentially be provided by FEMA or other federal and state organizations.
An apartment complex situated beneath a landslide has been cleared of occupants due to the soil from the slide leaning against one of its walls. Primarily used as vacation homes, a handful of the units had permanent inhabitants. Victor Cabral, a city council member, remarked that officials are collaborating with the Orange County Transportation Authority, Metrolink, and other parties to get the train running again and to bring people back to their homes in a timely manner. Until the area is stabilized, they can’t do anything to protect Casa Romantica and the neighbors. The city wants to ensure that there is no crisis with the train carrying hazardous materials that could harm the community.
A massive landslide happened on the west side of the 2.5-acre Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. This estate was built in the 1920s by the creator of San Clemente and was then bought by the city in the 1980s. A bowl-shaped piece of the hillside collapsed, wiping out a portion of the patio with a view of the ocean and leaving a steep wall of sandy soil near the buildings that was 15-20 feet tall.
The coastal railway is the sole connection for both passengers and cargo between San Diego and Los Angeles, as well as other railway stops in the U.S. While freight service has resumed, passenger rail service remains suspended. The situation is being evaluated, and geotechnical experts are assessing the area to determine the next steps. The city may need to spend millions of dollars to stabilize the slope and ensure the safety of the community.
