Category Archives: Public Policy

Judge Rules Against NORCO Pettition To Underground RTRP

Hi Power Transmission Tower

 THE CPUC MEETS TOMORROW, Thursday Feb 15th, 11 a.m.

IN ORANGE COUNTY and can reverse the Judge’s decision

PLEASE CAN CALL IN – Your Voice Is Needed. Details Below

Date: 02/15/2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92630;

also available via webcast or phone

Call-in-Number: (800) 857-1917
Participant PASSCODE: 9899501#
Contact: VotingMeetingHelp@cpuc.ca.gov or call (415) 703-5263
Webcast: http://www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc

Additional information including agenda can be found here.

Providing Public Comments:

If you would like to speak during the public comment period at the start of the meeting, you may comment in-person or participate by phone. We encourage you to call in or sign-up by 11 a.m. however you may make a public comment until the public comment period has ended.

Reminder: parties to a proceeding cannot speak to issues related to the proceeding to which they are a party, nor can the public comment on matters outside the CPUC’s jurisdiction or on adjudicatory matters.

Phone line:

Instructions:

  • If you are attending in-person and wish to make a public comment, please sign-up at the Public Advisor’s table.
  • To make a comment by phone, dial 1-800-857-1917 and enter the passcode for the English or Spanish phone line, as indicated above. To make a public comment, unmute your phone, and press *1 (star one) when prompted by the operator. Once you press *1 you will be prompted to state your name and/or organization, please do so slowly and clearly. The operator will call on you when it is your turn to speak.

If you experience difficulty calling into the Public Comment line, please send an email to VotingMeetingHelp@cpuc.ca.gov or call (415) 703-1496

Additional information on public comments and voting meetings can be found here.

Talking Points:

RE: A.15-04-013 – Full undergrounding of Riverside Transmission Reliability Project as proposed by Petition from the City of Norco in Riverside County

Edison has distributed false information about this project to everyone, including the City of Riverside. Such as:
1. The cost, Edison overstated the cost to be ~4.7 times greater, this was confirmed by an
independent consultant hired by Riverside and confirmed by Edison rep at a CC meeting
2. Edison misrepresented the additional time to build underground by almost 5 fold or greater which caused the City of Riverside to not consider underground in the initial
EIR…confirmed at city council meeting with both Edison Rep and Consultant hired by city in attendance.
3. Edison told the City of Riverside they were shovel ready…not true as the easements to build have not been purchased and one land owner was at the city council meeting and said he has made no arrangements to sell his property for an easement.
4. The fire risk; Edison has said the fire risk is minimal at best, this is a 2 Tier Fire rated area, possibly soon to be rated a 3 Tier Fire area
5. Governor Newsom signed legislation in 2023 declaring that NO OVERHEAD transmission lines will be built in California due to the fire risk. Edison is pushing to go forward as the project was approved prior to this safety legislation being signed.
6. Riverside residents DO NOT WANT overhead transmission lines
7. These lines are behind homes
8. These lines would go through a wildlife habitat
9. Norco residents do not want overhead transmission lines
10.Jurupa Valley did not want overhead transmission lines and the CPUC allowed Jurupa Valley to do a supplemental EIR and the CPUC voted to have Edison UNDERGROUND
the lines through Jurupa Valley, a contiguous neighbor of Riverside

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 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 than the hurricane winds that caused the Lahaina fire.

Leave A Voicemail At CPUC – Underground RTRP

Hi Power Transmission Tower

Your voice is needed. I am making an appeal for you to make a phone call and leave a voicemail. Or, write a letter.

If you Call: (You can do both!)

866-849-8390

  • #1 for English
  • #4 to comment and include the Utility Company name and the proceeding number   RE: A.15-04-013, Edison, Riverside Transmission Reliability Project
  • Your comment will be given to every commissioner reviewing the petition.
  • Public.advisor@CPUC.ca.gov
    • Give the hearing # A.15-04-013 Riverside Transmission Reliability Project
    • Give your position, such as:  “I want you to approve the City of Norco’s petition to underground this project:”

The voicemail and  letter can be as short as you would like.  I recommend keeping a voicemail and letter short. Say this:

“My name is ________, and I am asking the CPUC to approve Norco’s petition to underground the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project.  RE: A.15-04-013 – Full undergrounding of Riverside Transmission Reliability Project as proposed by Petition from the City of Norco in Riverside County.”

 Say anything you would like after that, but end with the same request!  Use any of the letter points in your voicemail if you like.

RTRP Route Map

If you can do more, Write a letter to the CPUC;  Use the sample letter. Send a word doc to Sharon Mateja, smateja@earthlink.net

She will forward to the City of Norco to scan them on Monday and forward them on our behalf to the CPUC.  Or, Mail it yourself.

We need a data set filled with community voices. Spread the word. This is a short and sweet moment to make a difference.  The review starts Tuesday Nov 14th. Your voice will determine the legacy we leave future residents

THE REVIEW STARTS ON TUESDAY!!!!! Please do this ASAP

Sample Letter Text

Alice Bushing Reynolds, President

Genevieve Shiroma, Commissioner

Darcie L. Hauck, Commissioner

John Reynolds, Commissioner

Karen Douglas, Commissioner

505 Van Ness Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94102

 

RE: A.15-04-013 – Full undergrounding of Riverside Transmission Reliability Project as proposed by Petition from the City of Norco in Riverside County

Dear Madame President and Commissioners:

I write this letter in support of fully undergrounding the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project (RTRP). While I recognize the need for a transmission project in our county, I want to urge the Commission to re-evaluate its prior decisions in this matter and require the undergrounding of the project.

Since the last review by the Commission, much has changed that demands undergrounding of the project. Most significant among these new factors are the rapidly expanding threats from wildfires in the region. Fighting wildfires in California has become one of the major undertakings for our state and local communities. Overhead transmission lines will limit the firefighters from using planes and helicopters to fight the fires. And, these air attack resources are critical to stopping the spread of wildfires. Even worse, overhead transmission lines can be the cause of these conflagrations.

Earlier in your deliberations, you decided to underground a portion of the RTRP because of its impact on poorer neighborhoods in Riverside County. Jurupa Valley was wise enough to pursue this with the Commission, and it is time for the Commission to realize that these same issues exist in other areas now scheduled for aerial transmission lines. Please underground the RTRP through these areas of our county, as well.

One final thought—Southern California Edison (SCE) has made much of the impact of the RTRP project on ratepayers of the county. As you know, however, this is not nearly as impactful as described by SCE. The costs of undergrounding this project are spread among the ratepayers in the service area of the ISO, not just the territory of SCE. Please do not be blindsided by SCE’s assertions in this matter.

In conclusion, please support the undergrounding of the RTRP in Riverside County. Thank you,

(Sign Name Here)

 

UNA September 2023 Meeting Agenda

Map and Directions To Crest Community Church
3431 Mt Vernon Ave, Riverside, CA 92507

1. Welcome – Introductions                                       5 min.

2. Watkins Dr Re-striping                                          15 min.

      Neighborhood Specific Plan

3. Mt Vernon / Lizard Hill                                          15 min.

4.RTRP Update                                                                15 min.

5. Utility Rate Increases                                              20 min.

6. Idea Survey: Neighborhood Yard Sale,

Permaculture / Food Forest

7.  Neighborhood Award Nominations

1rnpinfo@gmail.com

Neighborhood Issues & Resources

Follow Our Courts

US Covid Atlas

Riverside Neighborhood Partnership

Neighbors Better Together

UNA July 2023 Meeting Agenda

Map and Directions To Crest Community Church
3431 Mt Vernon Ave, Riverside, CA 92507

1. Welcome – Introductions                                              5 min.

2 City Receives $38.5 Million Transportation Grant

3. Council Updates                                                               20  min.

4. Announcements                                                                20 min.

Watkins Dr Re striping

5. Speaker Suggestions 2023

6. Idea Survey: Neighborhood Yard Sale,

Permaculture / Food Forest

7. Mt Vernon / Lizard Hill Update

Neighborhood Issues & Resources

Follow Our Courts

US Covid Atlas

Riverside Neighborhood Partnership

Neighbors Better Together

UNA June 2023 Meeting Agenda

Map and Directions To Crest Community Church
3431 Mt Vernon Ave, Riverside, CA 92507

1. Welcome – Introductions                                              5 min.

2. Crest Community Church Housing Plan           20 min.

click link for PDF details

3. Council Updates                                                               20  min.

4. Announcements

5. Speaker Suggestions 2023

Neighborhood Issues & Resources

Follow Our Courts

US Covid Atlas

Riverside Neighborhood Partnership

Neighbors Better Together

UNA May 2023 Meeting Agenda

Map and Directions To Crest Community Church
3431 Mt Vernon Ave, Riverside, CA 92507

1. Welcome – Introductions                                              5 min.

2. Last Property Development Possibility              20 min.

3. Council Updates                                                                20  min.

Engagement Policy Workshop

Tuesday, May 16th City Council Meeting

https://riversideca.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=11950959&GUID=EA738E00-77E9-47C3-83A0-454CF26BC7EE

4. UCR Updates                                                                      10  min

5. Announcements

Watkins Clean Up

Flag Volunteers                                                          10 min

6. Speaker Suggestions 2023

Neighborhood Issues & Resources

Follow Our Courts

US Covid Atlas

Riverside Neighborhood Partnership

Neighbors Better Together

Community Needs Assessment Survey

Community Needs Assessment Survey

We are looking for many friends to help us share this community needs assessment survey with as many Riverside County residents as possible.

Community Needs Assessment Survey Flyer 2023This survey data is collected annually by Community Action Partnership and Inland SoCal United Way, and helps to drive priorities for CAP programs to align with community interests and needs. If you’re curious about what CAP does, check out their website: https://capriverside.org/

Surveys are intended for residents of Riverside County. You may choose to remain anonymous, or include contact information to be eligible for prizes. For questions, please ask Mark at the contact info below. Survey deadline: May 15th.

Please spend a few moments to take the survey and share with your friends and neighbors. Here are links to the flyers in English and Spanish.

 

 

UNA Apr 2023 Meeting Agenda

Map and Directions To Crest Community Church
3431 Mt Vernon Ave, Riverside, CA 92507

1. Welcome – Introductions                                              5 min.

2. Nora Update                                                                       15 min.

3. Highland Elementary Name Change                    20 min.

Hello,

My name is Denise Allen, and I am a teacher at Highland Elementary School, and also have lived in the neighborhood for 30+ years.  I am unable to attend the April UNA meeting, but I was asked by the principal of the school to get input on a possible name change to the elementary school.
The Riverside Unified School District is considering a name change for Highland Elementary School effective next fall.  The District would like to change the name of the school to honor the Harada family of Riverside, a prominent Japanese-American family who were interned during World War II.
From Wikipedia:
The Harada House  is a historic house in Riverside, California. The house was the focus of a critical application of the California Alien Land Law of 1913, which prevented foreigners who were ineligible for citizenship from owning property. The state of California attempted to seize the property from the family in California v. Harada, but the Haradas ultimately won the case and retained ownership of the house. The house, created in 1884 and built upon by the Harada family, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1990[4] and is currently overseen by the Museum of Riverside.
The Harada House is located on the east side of Riverside on Lemon Street.  A book has been written on the Harada history:  The House on Lemon Street.
There will be a community meeting on Friday, April 28th at 5:30 p.m. at Highland Elementary School to present the possible name change and receive community input.  I was wondering if you would be able to announce this at the UNA meeting next week?  The district also plans to mail out flyers to neighborhood homes, but it is helpful for people to know as early as possible if they have questions or input.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, input, or other thoughts about this process for the school district leaders.
Thank you,
Denise Allen

Highland Elementary School

Riverside Unified School District

3. Council Updates                                                               20  min.

4. UCR Updates                                                                      10  min

5. Announcements                                                                10 min

 

6. Speaker Suggestions 2023

Neighborhood Issues & Resources

Follow Our Courts

US Covid Atlas

Riverside Neighborhood Partnership

Neighbors Better Together

UNA Mar 2023 Meeting Agenda

Map and Directions To Crest Community Church
3431 Mt Vernon Ave, Riverside, CA 92507

1. Welcome – Introductions                                              5 min.

2. Small Sparks Grants Available                                 15 min.

3. City Traffic Engineer                                                      30 min.

3. Council Updates                                                               30  min.

4. UCR Updates                                                                      10  min

5. Announcements                                                                10 min

6. Speaker Suggestions 2023

Neighborhood Issues & Resources

Follow Our Courts

US Covid Atlas

Riverside Neighborhood Partnership

Neighbors Better Together

Planning Commission To Re Zone Park For STEM High School

The proposed STEM school site on Blaine and Canyon Crest, contains two parcels of property.
One belonging to UCR, the other to the city of Riverside.
This Thursday, Feb 16 at 9am at city hall, RUSD will be presenting to the city’s planning commission a proposal to change the zoning on the city owned property in order to build the school. After hearing the presentation, the commission will make its recommendation to the city council for a final vote.
Make an E Comment, Call in or Zoom it.
We need everyone to come to the meeting or contact the planning commission to let them know our concerns about these possible changes and the impact they will have on our community.
Because this is a zoning meeting, it has been highly recommended that we focus our opposition to the zone change on issues that we feel will impact our community.  Key factors to consider are:
  • This is not a neighborhood school where traditionally students walk to.  This is a commuter school bringing school buses and hundreds of cars into our area.
  • District’s proposal indicates 1,200 students and 60 staff members. The proposal does not address the need for a parking lot to accommodate this many people. There are no places for parents to line up when dropping off and picking up students on Blaine, Canyon Crest, Rustin and Linden.
  • The proposal is to have the flow of school traffic go from Blaine to Canyon Crest then right onto the narrow parking lot by the ball fields, then exiting onto Rustin.  Rustin is a very narrow two lane street already jammed with apt. cars parking on both sides of the street.  Traffic from the STEAM school on the corner of Rustin and Linden already is impacting Linden and Rustin.
  • There is no legal parking/waiting on either side of Blaine.
  • UCR will begin the 2nd phase of building a 1,600 student dorm from Blaine towards Linden across from the proposed STEM site. The parking lot for the dorm will be similar to the one near Watkins with egress and ingress onto Blaine. This will severely impact traffic flow around Blaine and Canyon Crest
  • With the 1,260 STEM population, along with 1,600 UCR dorm students, rezoning will result in nearly 3,000 people crammed into a very small block area.
  • Canyon Crest is a two lane road already jammed with RTA buses, commuter cars, cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Rezoning will eliminate the only developed Park and Rec facility in our community. We may lose our baseball/softball and soccer fields .  This field is used often by UCR intramural sports, community sport clubs and other community organizations needing a large field.
  •  Less than a 1/2 mile from the proposed school, plans are to tear down the old Kmart on 3rd and Iowa and construct a 1-3 bedroom complex adding hundreds of cars onto Blaine/3rd and Iowa.
  • Less than 1/2 mile from the proposed school site is the new warehouse on the corner of Watkins and Spruce, which will now bring commercial trucks into our neighborhood.
  • With the STEM traffic, UCR dorm(s) traffic, the new apt. complex at Kmart traffic, the warehouse on Spruce and Watkins trucks, the cross town commuters by passing the freeway, traffic jams already around the North High School, University Heights Middle and Highland Elementary school, rezoning this property is detrimental in increasing harmful carbon emissions from cars, buses and trucks into the air affecting especially those with health issues, our children and the elderly living in our neighborhoods.
  • We must first ask for a denial for this zone change or a least ask for a postponement on rezoning until an in-depth traffic and environmental study independent of the district is conducted.
  • We must demand that the district present a detailed plan to the commission and to the community addressing our concerns with traffic, parking and environmental issues before a decision is made to rezone, something the district has denied us for years.
We need you to contact the planning commission expressing your opposition to rezoning the city property. 
Email the commissioners at fandrade@riversideca.gov.  There is no individual email for each commissioner. Your email will be disseminated to each commissioner.
You are limited to 3 minutes if participating orally on Thursday, Feb 16 at 9am.
  1. Speak in person on Thursday, Feb16 at city hall.
  2. Calling in at (669) 900-6833 and enter Meeting ID: 926 9699 1265. Press star 9 (*9) to request to speak.  Individuals in the queue will be prompted to press star 6 (*6) to unmute and speak.
  3. By zoom at: 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.
Follow along with the meeting via www.RiversideCA.gov/Meeting or Riverside TV
cable channels,
Please pass this along to family and neighbors.  Any additional comments to add to the list are welcomed.