Legislation to Protect Laguna Beach from Utility Fires heads to Gov's Desk

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — In its blissful beachside location, there is one concern that strikes concern among residents. Utility lines, often downed due to traffic concerns or high winds, can spark devastating fire.

Now, legislation initiated by the City of Laguna Beach to work toward undergrounding utility poles, thereby reducing risk of a catastrophic fire, has cleared the Legislature and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature. Governor Brown has until September 30 to sign or veto the legislation.

In an effort that originated with the City of Laguna Beach's State Senator John Moorlach, the city will be making strides toward underground utility lines.

“I am extremely pleased that our months of hard work on this legislation has paid off for Laguna Beach and other cities like ours that face extreme fire risk from above ground utilities. I particularly want to thank Senator Moorlach and his staff who did an outstanding job carrying the bill for us,” said Councilmember Bob Whalen who spearheaded the City’s efforts in Sacramento to pass SB 1463.

“I testified twice before committees and spent many long hours in consultation with Legislative staff, City staff and our consultants," Whalen said. "It was an uphill battle with the electric utilities, the cable TV operators and their lobbyists watching our every move. We didn’t get everything we wanted in this bill but it is an important first step and will strengthen our hand as we do battle at the CPUC to make sure that Laguna Beach is recognized as an area for enhanced measures to prevent fires caused by overhead utilities.”

The City will continue their effort to gain the cooperation of Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric to expedite the under-grounding of utility poles and wires.

The project started in July 2015 when a 15 acre brush fire was sparked on Laguna Canyon Road due to downed SCE power lines.

When asked about the fire, Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse said, “It had the potential to be a devastating fire. We were very fortunate to have favorable wind conditions and immediate air support to knock the fire down. We might not be so lucky next time.”

LaTendresse stated that in the last ten years there have been at least four fires in Laguna Beach ignited by downed power lines, including one that blocked Laguna Canyon Road for the entire Labor Day weekend. Immediately following, the City of Laguna Beach's mayor attempted to get utility lines under ground, where they would be safer, but resistance was met.

“When it became evident that we weren’t going to get any meaningful assistance from SCE to underground utilities, we decided to go the legislative route for a solution,” said City Manager John Pietig. “The City has also appeared in the CPUC fire regulation proceeding and will continue to be active at the CPUC to make sure that the concerns of Laguna Beach are addressed. SB 1463 is going to help us in that effort."

Next steps in the process include winning the Governor's support, and working with other cities and counties at risk from utility caused fires.

Then, another piece of legislation will build on the progress of SB 1463.

"Our goal is to introduce this new bill in January 2017 when the Legislature reconvenes," Whalen said.