Landslide aftermath in Elysian Park. The landslide started near the top of Buena Vista Peak as a small crack in the earth. The crack began separating at a rate of about half an inch every 24 hours, then became a meandering zig-zag, and finally a landslide on November 26, 1937. During the landslide 1,500,000 tons of loose rock and dirt tumbled down the hill and onto a 600 foot stretch of Riverside Drive. The disaster caused rerouting of traffic and attracted thousands of spectators. Because the initial crack was identified early, damage and injuries were largely avoided
Beachgoers examine high tides at a Los Angeles beach. Throughout the month of December in 1937 frequent swells caused damage all along the Southern California coast. Waves ripped out piers and waterfront buildings and flooded homes. The Hermosa beach municpal pier suffered severe damage to its middle section