At June’s UNA meeting, we will take a vote to submit the following letter on behalf of our neighborhood group, and joining groups from across the city who are demanding a safer, transmission line project.
Thousands of Riverside residents will be affected by higher insurance rates, lower property values, viewshed destruction, enhanced wildfire risk, other public safety risks, plus the theft of generational equity from some of our most disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Dear City Council Members, I am writing to you on behalf of the University Neighborhood Association with a request to reconsider the vote to stop the working group from obtaining the information needed to proceed with a request to underground the power lines in our city.
As a concerned citizen, who has witnessed both past and present Councils echoing the Community’s voice, saying that we do not have enough information or cost data regarding this project, I remain dismayed at the refusal to get that information.
Yet we persist in a course of action we all know is fraught with peril and foreseeable public health and safety risks. The very risks you swore an oath to put foremost in your elected stewardship duties. This is a risk to current and future residents as well as a dire risk to our regional neighbors who expect more from a city always eager to take leadership for innovation.
It is especially dismaying that we are proceeding in spite of State requirements that all new transmission line projects shall be underground. Did we not get the memo?
This is information we do have. We also know the easement needed to proceed is not forthcoming unless this project is underground. We know the longer we delay the greater the fire danger and the costs.
I am wondering if any of you have considered the possibility of having a shovel-ready project in three years and built in five?
What is needed is the political will to request a new EIR or Supplemental EIR to include current conditions. I know that if there was political will, time frames can be shortened.
We also have a mayor who is an expert in this arena and I am urging you Mayor Dawson, to bring the best of your considerable talents, experience, and demonstrated love for Riverside to show up on this. Your legacy is at risk. Have you considered the optics of having an environmental expert as mayor and proceeding with this monstrosity of a project? Even Edison is telling us to underground everywhere except for the City of Riverside apparently.
Political will gives us all the information we need and the project ready to submit in less than a year – if we require it. And if this project is as critical to our future as Staff, Edison, SEIU, the Chamber and a host of paid performers, shilling during Council deliberations, have said it is, then it is equally critical to listen to your community.
One of you needs to step up and request a reconsideration to get this rolling. If we are serious about need and the speed, then the shortest time frame starts with a new EIR process. One or all of you newly elected has an opportunity to step up and demonstrate the kind of leadership we have seen from Councilmen Conder, Hemenway and Councilwoman Cervantes.
We expect you to do your jobs and due diligence on this or risk the likely result of being a one term councilman.
Gurumantra Khalsa
Co Chair, University Neighborhood Assn.
951-640-3868
Our council needs to hear from you on this issue. Thousands of Riverside residents will be affected by insurance rates, viewshed destruction, enhanced wildfire risk, and a host of forseeable public health and safety issues.
Here’s a sample request from another neighborhood group:
Hi Neighbor,
I’m asking you to request the City Council reconsider the motion to stop the undergrounding working group.
Please watch the video and then click on the link above. This will send an email to all of the City Council Members. All you have to do is click on the link and sign your name.
You can also sign the Petition LINK to have them research putting the power lines underground.
Here is what the email says: (if you could add a few words of your own at the beginning, that would be great)
Dear City Council Members, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you with a friendly request to reconsider the recent vote on stopping the working group for undergrounding the power lines in our city. As a concerned citizen, I believe that allowing the working group to continue its efforts could greatly benefit our community. By exploring the possibility of undergrounding the power lines, we have the opportunity to enhance the safety, aesthetics, and overall quality of life for our residents. One of the primary advantages of undergrounding power lines is the reduced risk of outages caused by severe weather conditions, falling trees, or other external factors. This increased reliability can be particularly beneficial for businesses and essential services, ensuring uninterrupted operations and minimizing economic losses. Additionally, undergrounding power lines can significantly improve the visual appeal of our neighborhoods and public spaces. Removing the unsightly overhead lines and poles can contribute to a more attractive and inviting environment, potentially increasing property values and fostering a sense of community pride. While I understand that there may be concerns regarding the costs associated with undergrounding power lines, it is important to note that Edison’s quoted figures of $40-50 million per mile seem to be significantly higher than the estimates provided by PG&E and the Federal Government, which range from $2-6 million per mile. It would be prudent for the City Council to demand a detailed explanation from Edison regarding this discrepancy. Furthermore, I would like to bring to your attention the new PG&E pilot program called the Ground-Level Distribution System. This innovative approach not only offers cost savings but also promises a quicker installation process compared to traditional undergrounding methods. By allowing the working group to continue its efforts, we can thoroughly explore these alternative options and potentially find a solution that balances the benefits of undergrounding with cost-effectiveness. It is important to note that Edison does not yet possess the necessary easements to proceed with the installation of new towers. This presents an opportune moment for our city to carefully evaluate all available options before committing to a course of action. I kindly request that the City Council reconsider the decision to stop the working group and instead encourage their continued exploration of undergrounding possibilities. By doing so, we can ensure that our city remains at the forefront of progress, prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of our residents. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to a productive dialogue and a collaborative effort toward finding the best solution for our community.
SHOW UP if possible Tuesday May 14th at the CC meeting; RTRP is on the Agenda. 6 pm, Item 25, Council Chambers.
Write and CALL ALL Council Members NOWand state your position on a new EIR for undergrounding the RTRP If they are unsure or unwilling, ask for the issue to be added as a ballot initiative for November. (Include Mayor, City Manager and DEFINITELY the City Clerk) asking that your emails become public record.
Zoom participation:https://zoom.us/j/92696991265
Select the “raise hand” function to request to speak.
An on-screen message will prompt you to “unmute” and speak.
Phone participation: Call (951) 826-8686, and follow the prompts to access your language of preference.Press *9 to be placed in the queue to speak.Individuals in the queue will be prompted to unmute by pressing *6 to speak. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes.
Please open the link below and ADD YOUR NAME TO THE PETITION to underground the RTRP Transmission lines…One click is all it takes to share your voice – and to ask your friends and neighbors to do likewise. This is our stewardship opportunity for Riverside’s future.
The CPUC is voting Thurs. Mar 21st whether or not to underground the RTRP. This is a pivotal moment to take action and share the call to action. Your voice for your future.
If the link above does not work correctly, copy the following email addresses into a new email and use subject “Proceeding A1504013 – Underground RTRP”
I am asking that you accept Norco’s Petition for further consideration to underground the RTRP (Riverside Transmission Reliability Project).
I WANT THIS PROJECT UNDERGROUND; I do not want overhead transmission lines for the following reasons:
This area is designated as a high fire zone
This would go through a Wildlife Nature Habitat
This would negatively impact a socioeconomically disadvantaged population (~ 82% Hispanic families) affecting their:
Generational Wealth
Their property value
Their quality of life
Towers that reach almost 200’ would impede helicopters and small planes from fighting fires with retardants subjecting residents to property loss and loss of lives
This land is used for the “recreation and enjoyment of the people” as this land was purchased with State Funding through California Department of Fish & Wildlife
There are more reasons than there is time for you to read, please know that Riverside residents, Norco residents, Jurupa Valley residents, Eastvale residents, and many more DO NOT WANT OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINES.
Please review the entire comment file on this project. Almost all our elected officials have voiced their support for undergrounding this project.
(your name)
How do I learn more about the City of Norco’s request to underground the RTRP?
Coalition of Riverside City Council & Norco to underground High Transmission Lines Norco will spend approximately $300,000 to $500,000 in this effort.
Edison is engaging in a full-court, behind the scenes press distributing misinformation. Facts:
Project will not cost a “billion dollars”
Project is not shovel ready
The project regardless of above or below ground will be spread out over every rate payer in the state – either way will cost approximately $1.00 additional per year. (Cal Strategies: Steve Larson & Hope Christman/CPUC)
We will be petitioning for the entire length of line: under river, Norco, County, La Sierra (we are correcting the press release)
No Riverside residents’ rates will go up more then a dollar per year due to this project
Norco has hired the same attorney and consultant who undergrounded Jurupa Valley and Chino Hills
Undergrounding in the EIR was deemed the superior way to go but it was not explored.
In the short term undergrounding disturbs the area but in the long term is better for the environment
When high transmission lines go up, it impedes the ability for helicopters to drop water on fires – that is exactly what saved Norco during the two large fires on our SW and SE quadrant – without those helicopters Norco would have been in trouble.
The center of Norco is rated highest for fire danger.
The river bottom is an urban forest – the EIR downplays the vegetation
The City of Riverside invested in new helicopters that may not be able to function effectively with smoke obscuring the transmission lines.
The EIR was completed prior to the devastating Paradise Fire, Norco’s two major fires and Lahaina.
The Santa Ana winds reach a higher wind speed then the hurricane winds that caused the Lahaina fire.
Hope Christman, our areas CPUC Rep is creating a fact sheet with additional information
We need a strong response from elected who carry more weight with the CPUC: we need specifically targeted letters to both electeds and CPUC. In the next few days we will be releasing talking points. Below are elected officials to contact and status of their support and our ask: please be respectful.
He is in full support and is currently working on figuring out the status of the re-alignment of the high transmission lines through the Hidden Valley Nature Preserve. We need a full-support letter.
Says he is supporting and has sent a rep to all RTRP meetings. Need a stronger letter that excludes the time restriction and claim of no support should rates go up (this is a false narrative being pushed by Edison)
Fully in support and onboard: Letters of support and ask to continue are appropriate.
Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes Office (951) 371-6860 https://a58.asmdc.org/contact-me Fully supports and is on board – but, as in the case of Senator Roth, we need a stronger letter of absolute support.
First District County Board Supervisor Kevin Jeffries Office (951) 955-1010 district1@rivco.org
Kevin Jeffries told me he was on board and then pulled out stating the process has gone on too long and expressed concerns incorrectly about costs. He seems to believe Edison and the ask is to fully support the fact that Riverside and Norco have formed and alliance and Norco is spending big bucks to do the right thing – he needs to get on board.
Second District County Board Supervisor Karen Spiegel district2@rivco.org Office (951) 955-1020
She is supportive and was going to agendize for a vote but it seems Edison is strong arming the Supervisors to stay quiet. Need letters encouraging her to support and agendize issue. It will not look good if it is agendized and only she votes yes – those voting no will not look so good.
Third District County Board Supervisor Chuck Washington district3@rivco.org
Office (951) 955-1030
Has stated to me he supports undergrounding – election year, send letters to encourage full support.
Fourth District County Board Supervisor V. Manuel Perez district4@rivco.orgOffice (951) 955-1040
Do not know him – send letters to support
Fifth District County Board Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez district5@rivco.orgOffice (951) 955-1050
Told me he supports Norco’s position. Send letters to encourage unqualified support.
Riverside City Council
There appears to be a deadline of September 30 – we are working really hard to have our petition in and to have the funding or a chunk in place. Steve and Chuck have done a wonderful job but holding that majority together seems to be tough. Particularly given that staff is little help. Please write each and thank them for support and encourage to do the right thing.
Erin Edwards
Has opposed vocally the coalition – letters encouraging her to support.
A scale version of this would be very doable within RPU’s service territory. Louisiana officials are smart in that they recognize the benefits of deploying hybrid sources of generation, which buys you resiliency, flexibility and adaptability.
And again, the big win is…. we would OWN the sources of generation!
Utilities are lobbying the state to make it harder and more expensive for people to get solar. They are trying to gut net metering, which lets solar users share their extra solar energy with the neighbors for a bill credit.
Even though we have Riverside Public Utilities, we can be doing so much more to lower our energy costs and raise our comfort level. Expanding city rooftop solar should maximize coverage to reduce our collective costs.
We need to make it easier for people to get rooftop solar so they can control over their energy bills and keep the power on. Will you consider signing and forwarding to others?
Good afternoon. I am writing to convey gratitude to you, as well as to convey some information.
First, thank you. Thank you for the service you provide every day to the Riverside community and to your colleagues across the City organization. Thank you, too, for your patience and support of your City management team as we have endeavored this past month to transition, adjust and get settled while striving to problem solve, add value, and serve. The City Manager’s Office is close to having its “sea legs” and will hit our stride together with you by August. I am grateful to you for who you are and what you do each day.
Second, I want to share an update on the reorganization of the City Manager’s Office, make you aware of opportunities that are becoming available within our organization, remind you of the 5-by-5 dimensions of my role as your City Manager, and to remind you of the Acting City Manager schedule for July.
Reorganization
As you know, the City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, June 19th, to reinstate the classification and salary range for the position of Deputy City Manager. As I previously reported to you, I have asked Carlie Myers and Moises Lopez to fill these two posts. (Please congratulate both of them when you see them.) They report directly to Assistant City Managers Lea Deesing and Rafael Guzman, respectively, to ensure we provide a high level of customer service to the Mayor and City Council, the public and one another. Further, Valerie Castro, Sarah Varela, Kristina Clabaugh, and Donna Finch are incredibly talented and gifted colleagues who provide the City Management Team with the wherewithal to perform at our very best. They are passionate about public service, consummate professionals, and wonderful people. I am very proud of this whole team and know they are dedicated to working with you to do the most public good.
On a practical level, with this new organization of the City Manager’s Office, the following changes to department leadership and agenda report review are now effective.
Department
CMO/ACM
Legistar Agenda Report Reviewer
Community & Economic Development
Rafael Guzman
Donna Finch
Finance
Lea Deesing
Donna Finch
Fire
Lea Deesing
Donna Finch
General Services
Rafael Guzman
Donna Finch
Human Resources
Rafael Guzman
Donna Finch
Innovation & Technology
Lea Deesing
Donna Finch
Library
Lea Deesing
Donna Finch
Museum
Lea Deesing
Donna Finch
Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Rafael Guzman
Donna Finch
Police
Lea Deesing
Donna Finch
Public Utilities
Al Zelinka
Carlie Myers
Public Works
Rafael Guzman
Donna Finch
CMO – Office of Homeless Solutions
Rafael Guzman
Moises Lopez
CMO – Office of Organizational Performance & Auditing
Al Zelinka
Carlie Myers
CMO – Office of Communications
Al Zelinka
Carlie Myers
Also, with the elevation of Lea Deesing to the role of Assistant City Manager, Chris Tilden is filling the role of Interim Chief Innovation Officer, and George Khalil is the Interim Deputy CIO. David Welch is our Interim Director of Community & Economic Development, filling the shoes vacated by Rafael Guzman when he became Assistant City Manager. Chris Christopoulos is Interim Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development. Please congratulate Chris, George, David and Chris when you see them. Many thanks to everyone for stepping in and showing leadership in their respective roles.
Books By Al Zelinka
Opportunities
Because of these changes, and because of movement that already has occurred in various jobs, we have opened, or soon will open candidate searches for the following positions: Chief Innovation Officer, Community & Economic Development Director, Library Director, Public Utilities General Manager and Principal Management Analyst. Please encourage those you know – both within and outside of City Hall – to apply.
5 by 5
I have been sharing publicly 5 attributes of Riverside that I appreciate most and that provide me with the confidence needed to serve alongside you on this journey to accomplish important things for the benefit of the public:
· Leadership: Our elected leaders care about this community and strive to represent the diverse viewpoints of Riverside in their decision-making and interaction with each of us. Likewise, City departments care about this community and deliver services, solve problems and open doors to Riverside’s promise every day.
· Community: Riverside as a diverse community is complete with hard working residents who are largely proud of living here and who want to do better for themselves and their families. It is a place with innumerable points of pride in the built and natural environments. It is also a place with heritage that people cherish and question, and build upon for the future.
· Partnership: Riverside is a community with unlimited potential and networks of social strength that can accomplish anything – think about the Cheech and CARB. While people in Riverside may not always agree, they – by and large – stay at the table with one another with an eye to realizing the good for Riverside.
· Mindset. It is inspiring to be part of a City where so many residents and businesses do things together and for one another. This community admits mistakes, learns from them, and becomes better as a result; likewise, this community celebrates is successes and its assets. The Riverside community, while not perfect, has a collective mindset that is largely outward facing and wanting to do good.
· Elevating the Conversation. The questions of “what can be?” and “what if?” are at the root of Riverside. Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote that includes “Great minds talk about ideas….” well represents what is most natural to this community. While there will always be aspects of criticism and negativity, Riverside is entrepreneurial and can-do by nature.
In addition to the 5 attributes of Riverside, I have also been sharing publicly 5 areas of focus our whole City Team and the community need to advance to ensure a promising future for Riverside – these areas are not “wants”, they are “needs” and we need to draw from the above attributes to advance them together:
· Riverside and the Region. We need to: 1) Advocate for the Inland Empire’s Equitable Share of Scarce Public Resources and Do Our Part to Uplift the Capacity of the Region’s Non-Profit Ecosystem to Secure Its Share of Philanthropic Resources; and, 2) Do Our Part to Grow Riverside’s Local Economy and Work in Partnership to Facilitate Opportunities for Improved Quality of Life for All.
· The Riverside Brand. We need to: 1) Tell the Riverside Story Better than Ever to Heighten Riverside’s Brand throughout the World; and, 2) Communicate and Engage More Effectively than Ever with Riverside Residents and Businesses.
· Resilient Riverside. We need to: 1) Elevate the Entire Community’s Preparedness for Natural and Human Caused Conditions and Events; and, 2) Ensure the Financial Health of the City and Stretch Measure Z Dollars for Maximum Public Benefit Locally.
· Self-Reliant Riverside. We need to: 1) Align and Leverage the City’s Utilities to Maximize Local Resource Recovery and Renewable Energy Production; and, 2) Realize a Second Connection to the Electrical Grid and Prepare for Our Electric-Based, Information-Driven Future.
· Riverside Serves. We need to: 1) Demonstrate Continual Improvement to the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Providing Public Services; and, 2) Improve the Volunteerism Infrastructure in Riverside to Benefit All of Riverside.
Building upon the above 5 attributes and 5 areas of focus, I am confident our City Team will continue to excel in providing a responsive, engaged and innovative local government to the residents and business community of Riverside.
In closing, I am looking forward to our journey together and what our team will do to advance public good in the years ahead. I am proud of the services you and our 2,500 colleagues deliver every day – you make a difference. And, I am here for you – if you have an idea, a question, a suggestion or a comment, please let me know – we are each other’s greatest resources.
