This event evokes memories of the 2005-06 La Conchita landslide, right next door to me, also with multiple fatalities. Digging a bit into history, it seems that in 1906,the Southern Pacific dug away an area to serve as a catchment basin for the persistent landslides that had been plaguing their right of way along the coast. In 1926, the first houses were built within the catchment area.

If you drive North on US101, look to your right as you pass La Conchita. Note the funny dirt piles.. They are the landslide. Take note of the steep cliffs all around - landslides of the future.