TEMECULA, CA — Nearly 300 Temecula Valley residents packed Wilson Creek Winery Monday night to oppose San Diego Gas & Electric's proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink, a 500-kilovolt transmission project raising concerns over wildfire safety, property values and environmental impacts.
The standing-room-only town hall, organized by the grassroots nonprofit Save Temecula, drew an overflow crowd to the winery's Champagne Ballroom, where attendees discussed the project's potential impacts and organized opposition to the proposed transmission line.
State Sen. Kelly Seyarto joined Temecula City Manager Luke Watson, Emergency Manager Mikel Alford and Save Temecula representatives for the Nov. 9 event, dubbed "Fight the Powerlink."
"I'm proud to stand alongside our community in the effort to stop this project and appreciate everyone working together to protect our region!" Seyarto said at the event.
Save Temecula President Mark Winkler shared his thoughts afterward.
"Hundreds of residents showed up last night because they want results, not just talk," Winkler said. "Having state and city leaders joining hands with our citizens demonstrates that Save Temecula is a serious, organized movement."
The proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink would extend approximately 150 miles from SDG&E's Imperial Valley Substation to a new substation in Orange County, with portions of the preliminary route passing through southern Temecula and Wine Country.
The project calls for extra-high-voltage transmission lines supported by towers that could reach approximately 191 feet tall. Opponents have raised concerns about potential wildfire hazards, rising insurance costs, environmental damage and impacts on nearby neighborhoods and property values.
Temecula's City Council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the proposed route in July. City officials have said they intend to pursue available regulatory and legal avenues to protect the community.
Monday's town hall also revisited Temecula's successful opposition to the Valley-Rainbow transmission line proposal more than two decades ago, which organizers cited as an example of grassroots advocacy's power.
"SDG&E's Powerlink is not a done deal, and it's not going away without a fight," Save Temecula Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Shal Renfro said ahead of the event.
The evening included updates from city leaders, an overview of Save Temecula's strategy and a question-and-answer session with city and coalition representatives. Overflow attendees watched the program on a screen outside the ballroom.
What's Next For The Golden Pacific Powerlink?
Save Temecula said it is expanding its coalition and pursuing formal participation in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission, which will oversee the project's regulatory review.
SDG&E has proposed the transmission line to help meet growing regional electricity demand and improve grid reliability. The utility has identified preliminary routing corridors and alternatives for further environmental review.
According to the CPUC's October project update, SDG&E was expected to submit its application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity by the end of 2026. The project has not received final regulatory approval.
Save Temecula is urging residents to stay informed and involved as the review process moves forward.
"We are energized, focused, and will continue to advocate for solutions that protect our community's future," Winkler said.
Residents can follow the city's opposition efforts at Temecula's Golden Pacific Powerlink information page, review the CPUC project information or learn more about Save Temecula at savetemecula.org.
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