Chino Hills Anxious For PUC Decision

Katy Grimes: The City of Chino Hills is gearing up for the next big battle in its fight with the Public Utility Commission and Southern California Edison over the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project in Chino Hills – 200 foot electrical transmission towers that have been installed close to homes, and now next to businesses, throughout the community.

In November, after several years of legal battles with the city of Chino Hills, Southern California Edison was ordered by the CPUC to provide alternatives to their Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project located in Chino Hills. SCE has until January 10 to provide the alternatives to the CPUC.

Meanwhile, on Dec. 22, Chino Hills received word that the California Supreme Court denied the City’s petition for review of a Sept. 12 Court of Appeal’s decision in a property rights case against SCE.

Still, Hope for the Hills presses on to get the towers moved into the state park, instead of running through the city’s neighborhoods.

No NIMBY’s

This is not just a case of ‘not in my backyard.’ Nowhere in the country has any utility installed 200 foot tall, 60ft wide towers, energized with multiple 500,000 volt power lines near residential communities. The monster towers are erected so close to homes, that Chino Hills residents are fearful of potential damage and health risks from the massive electricity lines.

And, there can be no doubt that property values have dropped because of the ugly monster towers looming up from behind backyard swing sets, over the tops of swimming pools, and against the rolling hills of the bedroom community.

Hope For the Hills President Bob Goodwin said today that he is anxious about the upcoming CPUC decision because it has been “eerily quiet” lately.

Goodwin also said that the CPUC recently ordered all of its commissioners to travel to Chino Hills for meetings, and to see the towers first hand. However, despite other stakeholders attending the meetings, no city representatives were included.

“Michael Peevey and Paul Clanon from the CPUC, the State Parks people, and Aerojet attorneys and representatives were there, but the City Manager said no city representatives were there,” Goodwin said. “And, there was no follow-up or debriefing with the city.”

The January 10 decision has everyone in Chino Hills holding a collective breath. But they have not been idle during the holidays. The group has sent many letters to Gov. Jerry Brown for emergency involvement, but to no avail. Residents say they are frustrated because the governor has not done a thing, other than send form letter responses to their correspondence. The most recent response letter from the governor said:

Thank you for writing to Governor Brown regarding the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project. The Governor is committed to improving California and greatly appreciates your input. Participation by the people represents an important component of our state. It is people like you, who take the time to communicate ideas and present solutions to the Governor, that contribute to the innovation for which our great state is known. 

Unfortunately, due to the many demands on the Governor’s schedule, he is unable to tour the site of the Tehachapi Project. However, we do encourage you to share your suggestions with the California Public Utilities Commission. You may contact the Commission directly at: Public Utilities Commission, 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102; (415) 703-2782 – Again, thank you for taking the time to write to Governor Brown. 
Sincerely, 
Constituent Affairs
Office of Governor Jerry Brown

After fighting the CPUC for several years, one resident replied, “What a crack-up! Giving us the CPUC information. What a joke. Thanks Gov. Brown. For nothing.”

read all of CalWatchdog’s stories about the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project including:

 Chino Hills Fights Monster Electric Towers; Chino Hills Wins Battle Against SCE; FAA Halts Electrical Tower Project; Chino Hills Monster Towers; Green Power Project Jolts Citizens

JAN. 3, 2012