La Mirada Retaining Wall Repairs Expected Soon, More Than Two Years After Collapse

MORE THAN TWO YEARS LATER — Large tarps cover the exposed hillside and damaged retaining wall along La Mirada Boulevard, where a roughly 10-foot-high section collapsed during heavy rain in February 2024. Traffic cones continue to line the sidewalk below the damaged area. Photo by Vincent Medina.

September 11, 2026

By Vincent Medina

LA MIRADA — More than two years after heavy rain caused a retaining wall along La Mirada Boulevard to collapse, damaging residential backyards and leaving a large section covered by tarps, repairs appear to be moving closer to construction.

The wall collapsed around 10 a.m. Feb. 6, 2024, along La Mirada Boulevard north of Rosecrans Avenue following heavy rainfall.

The approximately 10-foot-high, 67-foot-long section separated La Mirada Boulevard from the backyards of homes in the 14000 block of Elmbrook Drive.

The collapse caused extensive soil erosion, sending portions of the wall, soil and debris down the slope toward the sidewalk and roadway. More than two years later, large gray and blue tarps cover the exposed hillside and damaged wall, while traffic cones remain along the sidewalk below.

The collapse also heavily damaged one resident’s backyard, destroying patio furniture and a gazebo. Debris spilled onto La Mirada Boulevard before crews from the La Mirada Public Works Department cleared the roadway.

A city official familiar with the project, who declined to be identified, told the Lamplighter that repairs are expected to begin soon and that the project is about to clear a significant hurdle. Plans for the replacement retaining wall have been submitted to the La Mirada Public Works Department and, if all is in order, are expected to be approved by the city.

The official could not provide an estimated construction start date or say how long the repairs would take.

It remains unclear who will pay for the repairs. No information was provided regarding insurance coverage.

The collapse also partially damaged a neighboring resident’s rear wall. However, only the property that sustained the more extensive backyard damage received a restricted-use notice from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

The notice, posted following an inspection, identifies soil erosion and retaining-wall failure and warns that additional failure and erosion are possible. The restriction applies to the backyard and rear patio rather than the entire residence.

The sidewalk in front of the damaged area remains blocked, with signs directing pedestrians to cross to the opposite side of La Mirada Boulevard.

The resident did not answer the door or respond to a request for comment.