Quoted from a report on landslides by the USGS: " The slide occurred on the west-facing slope of Love Creek, about 16 km (9.9 mi) north of the city of Santa Cruz.

The slide and an accompanying debris flow dammed Love Creek, forming a lake about 300 meters (980 feet) long that flooded several homes."

The county officials cancelled the survey after local real estate developers expressed strong opposition.

Love Creek flooding and landslides took place in an area that had been stable for centuries prior to the logging and removal of the redwoods which continues to the present day.

Santa Cruz county officials approved the building of roads and homes while ignoring the hazardous conditions being created with this change in the landscape.