House to Be Demolished

The City Council voted unanimously to condemn a 4,000-square-foot house that perches on a cliff that was formed by a landslide on April 5. Earth from the landslide crushed the house of former Mayor Albert Isen, which was at the bottom of the slope.

Despite efforts by the owner, Fred Smith, a retired mortician, to save his house, the council decided to accept City Manager Leroy Jackson’s recommendation that the house be demolished. Jackson said it is safer to tear down the house to protect workers who will attempt to stabilize the slope before winter rains increase the possibility of another slide.

Smith, who hired an engineering firm, contended that there was no immediate danger and that the slope could be stabilized in a way that saved his house.

The house is at 4730 Via Corona. The city will conduct an appraisal to determine how much to pay Smith for his house.