Temecula Pushes Back Against Proposed High-Voltage Power Line Route

TEMECULA, CA — Over 100 miles of massive high voltage power transmission lines, spanning three southern California counties, would cut directly through Temecula, if allowed.

Temecula, populated by over 110,000 residents, is the only city affected by this powerlink.

On Tuesday, San Diego Gas & Electric, which owns the Golden Pacific Powerlink project, held the first of its virtual open houses, as the project aims toward environmental review and permitting.

Locals have responded to the project with vocal and written dissent, as have both city and tribal officials, who say the route could threaten wildfire-prone land, property values, and culturally significant resources without directly serving Southwest Riverside County customers.

The powerlink would consist of a 500-kilovolt electric transmission line carried on 120- to 190-foot-tall towers. Alex Welling, spokesperson for the utility, says the lines will add to the much-needed California infrastructure, while admitting that none of that power will go directly to Temecula residents, but to San Diego and Orange County.

Temecula Creek. City Councilmember Brenden Kalfus, opposed to the project, described the planned route as a critical wildlife corridor and an area of cultural and historical significance to the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians.

During Tuesday's Zoom session to discuss the project, SDG&E's spokespeople answered questions and explained the lines' route south from the Imperial Valley Substation, through the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (where an existing 69-kV line runs), and across U.S. Forest Service land in San Diego County.

The proposed lines would then reach up toward Riverside County, slicing across the 79-South, passing Vail Lake and Galway Downs, then follow Temecula Parkway via Temecula Creek, before heading west across the I-15 toward the De Luz Heights area, and on through to Camp Pendleton.

Kalfus was the first councilmember to release a statement explaining his opposition to the project.

"I do not support their plan to bring the Golden Pacific Power Link project through the Temecula Valley," Kalfus said. "Temecula is not the right place for this type of infrastructure."

A firefighter-turned-city councilmember, Kalfus added that the corridor is in a high-severity wildfire zone.

"This raises serious public safety concerns," he said. "In California, we know all about wildfires."

Over the weekend, a petition to give voice to citywide opposition to the project was launched by Temecula resident Cristina Bracamonte. By Tuesday, over 1,200 verified Temecua residents have added their names, citing concerns of protecting the city from wildfire dangers, lowered property values and unknown safety concerns.

"Temecula’s scenic hills, wine country, residential neighborhoods, and rural character should not be sacrificed for massive 500kV transmission towers," resident Claire Ireland commented. "These projects increase wildfire concerns, threaten property values, damage tourism and community aesthetics, and place industrial infrastructure near homes, schools, and open space. Temecula residents should not bear long-term environmental and economic impacts without meaningful local benefit."

The former powerlink project, proposed and shot down in this same area 15 to 20 years ago, was opposed by the then-council, said James "Stew" Stewart.

During Tuesday's Zoom meeting, SDG&E spokesperson Erica Martin acknowledged the comparison.

"It is important to note that California's energy goals have changed, and CAISO's goals are to help the state meet the energy demand. Sunrise is at full capacity, and there is a need for additional electrical pathways through the region. Golden Pacific is one of the pieces of that puzzle."

Residents remember the previous fight, such as Linda Ann McDonald-Cash, who commented on Facebook.

"I was here protesting the last time they tried to do this," McDonald-Cash said. "This is different, though. I believe the main purpose of the line now is to have the energy to power the proposed AI data center they're trying to put in Imperial Valley, against the wishes of the working-class residents living there. I refuse to be a part of this money-making scheme for the rich and am ready to fight SDG&E again!"

The current projected powerlink transmission line, set atop large towers that SDG&E would build, own and operate, and distribute to customers in San Diego and Orange County.

Temecula's power supplier is Southern California Edison.

Residents, admittedly eyeing their backyards for property values, are also voicing concerns about wildfire risks posed by this wind corridor along 79 South and Temecula Parkway, where the lines are proposed to run within Temecula Creek.

SDG&E representatives said the project is part of a broader effort to move energy across the region.

"Everybody uses the electrons that go across this line," Martin said. "The geography of where energy is created is changing. It doesn't directly serve any particular city. We are all members and customers of that energy."

But Southern California Edison spokesperson David Eisenhauer confirmed to Patch that the power generated by the proposed line would not reach Temecula or Southwest Riverside County customers.

"Our understanding is that the project is intended to help bring more clean energy resources into Southern California, and that is consistent with California Independent System Operator's independent directives," Eisenhauer said.

Kalfus said he understands the need for expanded energy infrastructure, but said Temecula is not the right route for this project.

"I understand that California needs energy infrastructure and I understand that we need to plan for the future," Kalfus said. "But not every project belongs in every community."

Many residents are looking to the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians to lend a hand in the growing opposition. This is not the first time that Temecula and Pechanga have worked together to maintain the beauty and integrity of the valley.

In November of 2012, the Temecula City Council and the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians joined forces to spare the area from the building of the Granite Quarry, south of the city. Pechanga tribal leaders purchased the land and announced Pu’éska Mountain Day.

During the Tuesday Zoom meeting, SDG&E discussed the necessity to reach out to tribal governments, such as Pechanga's.

"Since SDG&E obtained the rights to the project, we have been reaching out to tribal partners Erica Martin said. "That is a key part of our outreach. That will be part of the California Public Utilities Commission's compliance with the law there and elsewhere as we go through federal permitting. This will be later in the process during formal agency review."

Tribal Chairman Mark Macaarro shared his statement Monday, saying:

"The Tribe has serious concerns about the proposed route’s potential impacts to Pechanga’s ancestral cultural resources and the overall community. We are closely monitoring the proposal and expect our tribal government to be meaningfully consulted."

SDG&E's community outreach remains underway through a series of Zoom meetings this week. There is still time to sign up. Visit: goldenpacificpowerlink.com.