CC SR 20250715 03 - SCE Ladera Linda Pole Update
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 07/15/2025
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration to approve permanently relocating a Southern California Edison (SCE)
temporary power pole currently at the Ladera Linda Community Park.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Review the power pole relocation design options prepared by both City Staff and
SCE;
(2) Determine if SCE’s design option is most practical for a permanent solution, and if
acceptable, authorize City Staff to coordinate with SCE to remove the temporary
power pole located at the Ladera Linda Community Park and permanently relocate
it using SCE’s overhead option and under the terms and conditions of the City-
approved encroachment permit; and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to approve the required easement on City land for the
implementation of the overhead variation of the City’s preferred option to
permanently relocate the temporary power pole located at the Ladera Linda
Community Park.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the City for the recommended action, if
deemed acceptable by the City Council. Costs to relocate the
temporary power pole from Ladera Linda Community Park to a
permanent location using SCE’s above-ground design solution will
have no cost to the City except for staff and consultant time to review
project plans. Furthermore, future maintenance costs of the above-
ground wires and power pole would be borne by SCE.
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Deanna Fraley, PE, Principal Engineer
REVIEWED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Director of Public Works
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manage
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. City’s Proposed Box Loop Design (page A-1)
B. City Manager Letter to SCE – May 23, 2025 (page B-1)
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C. SCE Response Letter to City – May 30, 2025 (page C-1)
D. March 4, 2025 City Council Staff Report (page D-1)
E. SCE’s Original Proposed Box Loop Design - Overhead (page E-1)
F. September 3, 2024 Terms and Conditions of the City-Issued Encroachment Permit
with SCE (page F-1)
BACKGROUND:
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Staff at the Ladera Linda Community Park (LL Park)
encountered a SCE crew initiating unpermitted and unannounced work to install a power
pole and guy wire in the outdoor recreational area east of the community center building
(see Figure 1 below).
Figure 1- Existing Temporary SCE Power Pole at Ladera Linda Community Park
Starting location of
unpermitted SCE work
for a guy wire
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When asked about this unpermitted work, SCE explained that the electrical infrastructure
on the west end of Dauntless Drive (near where it turns into Admirable Drive) supplied
power to approximately 40 homes along the landward side of Dauntless Drive, but needed
to be decommissioned, due to extreme stress from land movement. To avoid a permanent
outage, SCE developed plans to connect those homes to existing infrastructure from the
east end of Dauntless Drive, within the vicinity of LL Park. SCE planned to install one
power pole at LL Park and five more along the right-of-way on Dauntless Drive. These
new power poles would provide the Dauntless Drive homes with a connection to a power
source that runs from Palos Verdes Drive South along Forrestal Drive. Establishing this
connection would enable SCE to only de-energize the failing electrical infrastructure on
the west end of Dauntless, thereby avoiding an outage for the 40 homes generally east
of the Exultant and Dauntless Drives intersection.
The City expressed strong opposition to the power pole at LL Park and sought alternative
routes that included undergrounding lines or obtaining easements from homeowners.
However, SCE indicated that those alternatives would require additional time to
implement, which meant that long-term de-energization would be necessary for the 40
homes along the landward side of Dauntless Drive while alternatives were considered
and implemented.
As a result, on August 29, 2024, Staff authorized SCE to temporarily install the pole at LL
Park and agreed to issue a retroactive encroachment permit with conditions. The
conditions to the retroactive permit stipulated, among other things, that the temporary
pole be relocated within 6 months, with an option to extend for two additional 3-month
extensions, provided SCE makes good faith progress in designing a permanent solution
and maintains regular communication with the City. On September 3, 2024, the City
Council directed staff to continue processing the encroachment permit for SCE under the
aforementioned terms and conditions (Attachment F).
On March 4, 2025, Staff requested that the City Council approve a three-month extension
to continue working with SCE on an appropriate permanent solution and relocation of the
power pole at LL Park (Attachment D). After consideration of information presented that
evening including testimony from residents, SCE and City Staff, the City Council approved
a six-month extension.
Since the City Council-approved extension, Staff and SCE have discussed various design
routes for the temporary power pole relocation, including proposals developed by SCE
and City Staff. The City Council is now being asked to review the design options and
identify the most practical relocation of the power pole at LL Park.
DISCUSSION:
On January 23, 2025, SCE presented Staff with two proposed options (Attachment E) to
remove the temporary pole at LL Park. One option was to reroute the electrical service
along Forrestal and Main Sail (also known as Intrepid) Drives, as shown in Figure 2. The
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City expressed a concern with this route due to a higher risk for wildfires adjacent to open
space Preserve land.
Another option was along Schooner Drive, also shown in Figure 2. SCE indicated that the
Schooner Drive option would require new poles and easements which may be difficult to
secure from affected property owners. City Staff emphasized the City’s desire to
underground any new infrastructure for aesthetic reasons and wildfire risk concerns. SCE
noted that they were skeptical about how undergrounding would work in this area due to
the slope grade and proximity of houses and pools close to the property lines. Additionally,
SCE stated that the new route would maintain the SCE standard with covered conductors
and poles designed to mitigate wildfire risk.
Figure 2- Forrestal and Main Sail/ Intrepid Drive Electrical Route
Additionally, Staff were informed by SCE that it is their policy to implement the overhead
version of any project that can be designed above ground in order to reduce the cost;
therefore, the City would have to pay for any undergrounding using City funds.
Since the two options were presented, Staff and the City’s contracted firm, Transtech
Engineers, continued discussions with SCE to further refine a new route that meets SCE’s
requirements and is most suitable for the City under the constraints . Through these
discussions, Transtech and City staff developed alternative designs which could be
implemented in an underground or overhead configuration, as shown in Figure 3 on the
following page. Staff proposed and recommended an underground option due to the area
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being in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone along with the utility pole and its scenic
implications.
Figure 3 – City Preferred Route (Underground)
The overhead variation of the City’s alternative design consists of placing approximately
215 feet of overhead primary wire from an existing pole near the corner of Dauntless Drive
and the stairs to LL Park, to a new pole just north of the lot at 3495 Daun tless Drive, and
then continuing with approximately 100 feet of primary wire to the next existing pole. It
should be noted that the intent of the design is to place the new power pole such that it
would no longer be in the viewing frame as observed from the LL Park grounds. The
maximum height of the power pole is expected to be approximately 45 feet, as measured
from adjacent grade to the top of the power pole. Attachment A depicts the proposed
concept.
Although Staff brought these concerns to SCE, they rejected the new underground
proposal but did offer to change their proposed route to an overhead variation utilizing
the City’s design. SCE indicated that they did not believe the underground configuration
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was feasible or practical due to the existing terraced slopes, and even if it was, the cost
of undergrounding would need to be borne by the City. For those reasons, SCE stated
that their preferred option remains an overhead configuration utilizing the City’s proposed
alternative design as shown in Figure 4 below. Even with these options designed to keep
all existing and proposed facilities on City owned property, SCE further affirmed that they
will refuse to maintain the underground option if the City chose to go that route.
Figure 4 – SCE Preferred Route (Overhead)
On May 23, 2025, the City Manager sent a letter to SCE President, Steve Powell,
requesting he and SCE staff, among other things, reconsider the undergrounding option
and to recall the recent wildfires in the surrounding communities of Southern California
where SCE is undergrounding replacement infrastructure at their cost (Attachment B). On
May 30, 2025, the City received a response letter from SCE Executive Vice President, Jill
Anderson, reaffirming their decision to not underground the City’s preferred route
(Attachment C).
Due to the additional costs for underground and lack of maintenance commitment from
SCE, the City Council is being asked to consider proceeding with the overhead
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configuration of the revised option (Figure 4) so that the temporary pole at LL Park can
be removed and relocated whereby the new power pole will not be in the view frame as
observed from LL Park. In order to proceed with the overhead option, the City will need
to provide a public utility easement to SCE, so they can install, access, and maintain their
new infrastructure. If acceptable, the City Council is also being asked to authorize the City
Manager to proceed with required easement documents to allow the permanent power
pole to be relocated on the slope at LL Park which will be outside the view frame from the
park grounds. SCE estimates that they can prepare their design, provide the easement
documents to the City, and complete installation within approximately two to three
months.
CONCLUSION:
The City Council is being asked to consider approving relocating the temporary power
pole at the LL Park with a new permanent electrical service alignment consisting of
overhead lines and poles and provide necessary easements, based on SCE’s position
that they will not pay for nor maintain an underground alignment, even if the City bears
the cost of installation.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff’s Recommendations, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not approve the overhead option thereby making the temporary power pole
at the LL Park permanent.
2. Direct Staff to further investigate the feasibility and cost for implementing an
underground option to remove the temporary power pole from the LL Park.
3. Take other action as the Council deems appropriate.
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ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
30940 HAWTHORNE BLVD. / RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA 90275-5391 / (310) 544-5207 / FAX (310) 544-5291 / WWW.RPVCA.GOV
May 23, 2025
Via email and U.S. Mail
Steven D. Powell
President and Chief Executive Officer
Southern California Edison
2244 Walnut Grove Avenue
Rosemead, CA 91770
SUBJECT: Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Update and the Ladera Linda Community
Center SCE Box Loop Project
Dear Mr. Powell,
On behalf of the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council and community, I am writing on
matters related to the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex)
and the Ladera Linda Community Center Box Loop Project (Project).
As you are aware, on October 3, 2023, the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council declared
a local state of emergency in response to the accelerated rate of movement of the
Landslide Complex. The City has been monitoring land movement within the Landslide
Complex since 2007 using Global Position System (GPS) monitoring points at over 100
points. Since October 2022, in certain areas of the Landslide Complex, the rate of
movement has been documented at approximately 12 inches a week. As you are aware,
Southern California Edison (SCE) along with SoCalGas and Cox Communications
indefinitely shut-off service to properties within the Portuguese Bend Community
Association (PBCA), Seaview, and Portuguese Bend Beach Club (PBBC) neighborhoods
in and around August and September 2024.
In September 2024, the City began installing and operating Deep Dewatering Wells
(DDWs) along the toe of the Landslide Complex based on recommendations made by the
City’s Geotechnical Consultants. Soon after operating the DDWs, the City began to see
a sudden and significant reduction in the rate of movement especially in the Seaview and
PBBC neighboring. On January 13, 2025, Mayor Bradley, Councilmember Perestam,
Public Works Director Awwad and myself met with you and members of SCE’s staff to
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discuss the reduced rate of movement and our request to re-energize the area including
the City’s DDWs which have been powered by generators. At this meeting, we were
informed that SCE would consider re-energizing neighborhoods if the rate of movement
measured less than 1 inch per week, and because the rate of movement in the Seaview
and PBBC neighborhoods met that threshold, these two neighborhoods would be re-
energized in the weeks to come. In and around March 2025 and up to now, SCE has been
re-energizing these neighborhoods which has been welcomed news for many affected by
the power shut-offs.
As of April 2025, the PBBC and Seaview neighborhoods continue to measure
undetectable movement while the PBCA is measuring movement around 4 inches a week
(Attachment A). In light of current rate of movement in the PBCA, the City is requesting
SCE reconsider its threshold for re-energizing this neighborhood.
The City’s cost to respond to the acceleration of the Landslide Complex is projected to
total approximately $48.5 million between October 2022 and June 30, 2025. The City’s
cost for the current fiscal year is estimated to be over $37 million. The City’s cost
responding to land movement is roughly equivalent to the City’s General Fund budget of
$39 million for the current fiscal year. Of this cost, the City is projected to spend
approximately $3 million this fiscal year to maintain and operate the DDWs which
includes the fuel for the generators powering the DDWs. If power were restored to this
area, this would save the City costs incurred for fueling the DDWs which have been
instrumental in slowing and stabilizing the landslide. Moreover, restored power in the
PBCA will also result in a cost savings to the Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District
(ACLAD) who also manage and operate DDWs with generators in the area.
As you are aware, City Staff has been working closely with SCE on a solution to relocate
the errant power pole that was installed at the Ladera Linda Community Park (LLCP).
Although the teams have been making progress in the discussions, I am writing to request
that SCE move forward with the underground option, at their cost, to resolve this issue.
For background purposes, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Staff at the LLCP
encountered an SCE crew initiating unpermitted and unannounced work to install a power
pole and guy wire in the outdoor recreational area east of the LLCP building (Attachment
A). SCE had neither obtained permits/approvals/easements/licenses to install equipment
on City park property nor coordinated with City Staff in advance. Therefore, the City
immediately issued a formal stop work order.
Subsequently, SCE indicated the need to expeditiously install a power pole at LLCC to
continue providing power to approximately 40 homes along the landward side of
Dauntless Drive, a portion of which lies in the west side of Seaview, which has been
severely impacted by land movement. The City expressed strong opposition to the pole
at LLCC and sought alternative routes that included undergrounding lines or obtaining
easements from homeowners. However, SCE indicated that those alternatives would
require additional time to implement and may result in indefinite outages for residents.
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Given the importance of resolving the matter quickly and ensuring continued electrical
service to the Seaview community, the City authorized SCE to complete installation of the
pole at LLCC (Attachment B) and issued a retroactive encroachment permit with certain
conditions. One of the key conditions was that the temporary pole must be relocated
within 6 months, with an option to extend for 2 additional 3 -month periods, provided SCE
makes good faith progress in designing a permanent solution to relocate the pole.
Since that time, City Staff and SCE have been meeting on a regular basis to identify a
mutually agreeable final design for this circuit that would provide power to the 40 homes
on the landward side of Dauntless Drive. To allow more time for City Staff and SCE to
work together towards a solution, on March 4, 2025, the City council authorized a 6-month
extension to the terms and conditions of the encroachment permit.
There are the following design options that have been discussed between the City and
SCE for the box loop project:
Forrestal Drive and Main Sail Drive – Option A (Attachment C)
SCE presented the City with an option to place new poles and overhead lines along
Forrestal Drive and Main Sail Drive, as shown in Attachment B. City Staff expressed
concern with this option because it would increase the risk of wildfires with the introduction
of new vertical poles at the edge of Forrestal Reserve, a subarea of the overall Palos
Verdes Nature Preserve. Additionally, it would require the installation of 10 new poles.
Schooner Drive – Option B (Attachment C)
SCE presented the City with a second option to place new poles and overhead lines in
the vicinity of Schooner Drive, as shown in Attachment B. City Staff preferred this option;
however, City Staff proposed that a portion of the route be placed underground to reduce
the risk of wildfire. SCE shared that the new re -route would maintain the SCE standard
with covered conductors and poles designed to mitigate wildfire risk. Additionally, SCE
expressed skepticism that the underground option was feasible because o f the grade and
proximity of houses and pools to the property lines.
Dauntless Drive Undergrounding – Option C (Attachment D)
Building upon discussions with SCE, the City is proposing an undergrounding option, as
shown in Attachment C. This option involves interconnecting to the existing primary wires,
installing a new underground primary conductor with a new pole and riser which then
interconnects to the exiting primary wires. City Staff believes that this alternative would
save SCE money from their original proposal. Further, the City is willing to provide all
necessary easements required to install this underground alternative.
Considering the recent wildfires, the City is formally requesting SCE pay for the
undergrounding alternative (Option C as shown in Exhibit C) as this has been done in
other high-fire communities. Undergrounding approximately 220 lineal feet is likely less
expensive than SCE’s originally proposed overhead solution (10 poles + covered
conductor) and should not financially impact SCE’s rate payers.
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I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible and resolving this matter by the
end of this month as I must report SCE’s final decision to the City Council and community
at the June 17, 2025 City Council meeting.
Best Regards,
Ara Michael Mihranian, AICP
City Manager
cc:
Pedro J. Pizarro, President and Chief Executive Officer, Edison International
Caroline Choi, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, SCE
Larry Chung, Vice President, Customer Engagement Division, SCE
Haig Kartounian, Senior Advisor of Local Public Affairs, SCE
Celina Luna, Government Relations Manager, SCE
Jeremy Califano, PE, PMP, Senior Manager, SCE
Rancho Palos Verdes City Council
William Wynder, City Attorney
Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager
Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director
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Attachment A – Heat Map Displaying Movement
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Attachment B – Existing Circuit
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Attachment C – SCE Proposed Circuit Route Options
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Attachment D – City Proposed Alternative 1 – City Preferred Route
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May 30, 2025
Delivered via email
Ara Mihranian
City Manager
Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Dear Mr. Mihranian,
Thank you for your letter dated May 23, 2025. Steve Powell asked me to review and respond on
behalf of Southern California Edison (SCE). We understand the ongoing challenges faced by your
city and its residents, and we appreciate the close collaboration between the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes and SCE.
Your letter requests that SCE reconsider its land movement threshold for re-energizing the
Portuguese Bend area. Based on conditions in that vicinity, SCE does not believe it would be safe
or prudent to do so. While the land movement in the Portuguese Bend area has slowed since its
peak last summer, the current rate of movement still poses a safety risk if SCE power lines were
to be re-energized at this time. This is consistent with the letter that SCE’s Palos Verdes Peninsula
Project Management Office (PMO) sent to the City and residents last month. With the safety of
our customers top of mind, a continued and sustained reduction in land movement near our
electrical infrastructure to less than one inch per week (i.e., pre-2023 rates) is necessary for SCE
to consider re-energizing in this area. If land movement slows to that rate for an extended duration,
and barring any other safety concerns, SCE will install engineering solutions and then evaluate the
next steps for re-energization.
We appreciate your team’s willingness to meet with the PMO regarding the Ladera Linda Box
Loop and redesign options for serving the Seaview area. The PMO team has consulted with subject
matter experts, and after thorough analysis by planning and construction teams, determined that
the City’s preferred Option C (undergrounding the Box Loop) is not the most feasible alternative
when considering the constructability and long-term maintenance associated with underground
infrastructure on the proposed steep hillside. As an alternative, SCE is prepared to proceed with
the overhead design version of Option C. This overhead alternative design is more cost-effective,
Jill C. Anderson
Executive Vice President
Chief Operating Officer
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feasible to install and maintain long-term, and relocates the pole outside of the park and beyond
the line of sight from the Ladera Linda Community Center.
The safety of our customers, communities, and team members is our top priority. We remain
committed to working closely with the City to find the best solutions that ensure the safety and
reliability of electrical infrastructure. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we
navigate these complex issues. I encourage you to continue working with the PMO, including
Celina Luna, SCE’s dedicated Government Relations Manager for your area.
Best regards,
Jill C. Anderson
cc: Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV) City Council
William Wynder, City Attorney, RPV
Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager, RPV
Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director, RPV
Caroline Choi, EVP, Public Policy & Corporate Affairs, SCE & Edison International
Larry J. Chung, Vice President, Customer Solutions, SCE
Jeremy Califano, PE, PMP, Senior Manager, SCE
Celina Luna, Government Relations Manager, SCE
Haig Kartounian, Senior Advisor, Local Public Affairs, SCE
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 03/04/2025
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to grant a time extension to Southern California Edison
(SCE) for its temporary power pole located at the Ladera Linda Community Center.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Authorize a three-month extension to the terms and conditions of the City-
approved encroachment permit, reviewed by the City Council at its September 3,
2024, thereby allowing SCE’s temporary power pole to continue to be located at
the Ladera Linda Community Center while a permanent box circuit is designed and
constructed.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the City for the recommended action.
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Robert Quintero, Transtech Project Manager
REVIEWED BY: Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. SCE’s Proposed Box Loop Design Options (page A-1)
B. September 3, 2024 Terms and Conditions of the City-Issued Encroachment Permit
with SCE (page B-1)
C. September 3, 2024 City Council Staff Report
BACKGROUND:
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Staff at the Ladera Linda Community Center
encountered an SCE crew initiating unpermitted and unannounced work to install a power
pole and guy wire in the outdoor recreational area east of the Community Center building
(see map below). The pole itself was intended to be placed in the bioswale directly to the
south of the guy wire. It was confirmed shortly thereafter that SCE had neither obtained
permits, approvals, or easements/licenses to install equipment on City property nor
communicated their intent to City Staff in advance . On that same day, the City
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immediately halted work and issued a formal stop work order, while initiating calls and
email communication with SCE to demand an explanation.
In a series of email communications between SCE and City Staff, SCE indicated the need
to expeditiously install a power pole at Ladera Linda to continue providing power to
approximately 40 homes along the landward side of Dauntless Drive, of which a portion
lies in the west side of Seaview, which has been severely impacted by land movement.
SCE also cited that it had sufficient rights to place a pole in any public place, pursuant to
its Franchise Agreement with the City – although that interpretation has been strongly
contended by City Staff.
Given the importance of resolving the matter quickly and ensuring continued electrical
service to the Seaview community, the City called a meeting with SCE at Ladera Linda
Community Center on August 28, 2024. It was during the meeting that the intent and
purpose of the power pole was clarified.
Starting location of
unpermitted SCE work
for a guy wire
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SCE explained the need to decommission electrical infrastructure on the west end of
Dauntless Drive (near where it turns into Admirable Drive), because it is experiencing
extreme stress from active land movement; doing so would mitigate potential wildfire risks
in the event of a line break and reduce safety risk to SCE’s crews who repair equipment
on these poles.
Currently, that infrastructure feeds power to approximately 40 homes along the landward
side of Dauntless Drive. To avoid a permanent outage, SCE developed plans to connect
them to existing infrastructure from the east end of Dauntless Drive, within the vicinity of
Ladera Linda Community Center. To do this expeditiously, SCE planned to install 1 pole
at Ladera Linda and 5 more along the right-of-way on Dauntless Drive. These new poles
would provide the Dauntless Drive homes with a connection to a power source that runs
along Forrestal Drive down to Palos Verdes Drive South. Establishing this connection
would then enable SCE to de-energize the failing electrical infrastructure on the west end
of Dauntless, thereby avoiding an outage for the 40 homes.
The City expressed strong opposition to the pole at Ladera Linda and sought alternative
routes that included undergrounding lines or obtaining easements from homeowners.
However, SCE indicated that those alternatives would require additional time to
implement and may result in indefinite outages for residents, and that SCE would be
compelled to move forward with decommissioning and de-energizing the failing electrical
infrastructure near the west side of Dauntless beginning the week of September 2, 2024.
As a result, City Staff, on August 29, 2024, authorized SCE to begin installation of the
pole at Ladera Linda Community Center outside of the bioswale (a location identified as
Alternative 1, which is where the guy wire was originally planned) and agreed to issue a
binding, retroactive encroachment permit holding SCE to the following term and
conditions (Attachment B):
• SCE shall provide City with a detailed scope of work for the temporary pole prior
to construction, including the proposed location of the pole.
• The temporary pole shall be made of treated wood.
• The temporary pole shall not be installed in a bioswale or other sensitive use.
• When the temporary pole is removed, SCE shall restore the site to its original
condition, including but not limited to landscaping and pathway work.
• SCE shall maintain and repair the temporary pole, as needed, and in consultation
with City shall install signage to indicate the temporary nature of the installation.
• SCE shall provide City with bi-weekly updates (Tues/Thurs meetings or at other
times convenient to SCE and the City) on SCE’s work towards a permanent
solution.
• The temporary pole must be relocated within 6 months, with an option to extend
for 2 additional 3 month extensions, provided SCE makes good faith progress is
designing a permanent solution and maintains regular communication with the
City.
• City does not interpret the 1974 franchise agreement to apply to the location of the
temporary pole.
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• SCE shall indemnify and hold harmless the City in accordance with the provisions
of the Franchise Act of 1937.
On August 29, SCE accepted the conditions, and City Staff notified the Seaview and
Ladera Linda HOAs of the impending work (Attachment B). City Staff issued the
encroachment permit with the conditions noted on the previous page.
On September 3, 2024, the City Council directed staff to continue, retroactively,
processing the encroachment permit for SCE to install a temporary power pole at the
Ladera Linda Community Center for a period of six months with an option to extend for 2
additional 3 month extensions, provided SCE makes good faith progress is designing a
permanent solution and maintains regular communication with the City (Attachment C).
The City-issued encroachment permit is set to expire on March 5, 2025 unless a time
extension is granted. The City Council is being asked to authorize a three-month
extension.
DISCUSSION:
Since September 2024, City Staff and SCE have been meeting on a regular basis to
identify a mutually agreeable final design for the box circuit that would provide power to
the 40 homes on the landward side of Dauntless Drive.
On January 23, 2025, SCE presented City Staff with its proposed two options to reroute
the box circuit loop either along Schooner Drive or along Forrestal and Main Sail (also
known as Intrepid) Drives (Attachment A). The City expressed a concern with the
Forrestal and Main Sail Drive option because it would introduce new vertical poles at the
edge of Forrestal Reserve, a subarea of the overall Palos Verdes Nature Preserve citing
a higher risk for wildfires. City Staff preferred the Schooner Drive option provided that a
portion of the reroute would be placed underground. SCE indicated that the Schooner
Drive option would require new poles and easements which may be difficult to secure
from affected property owners. City Staff emphasized the City’s desire to underground
any new infrastructure for aesthetic reasons and wildfire risk concerns. SCE shared that
the new re-route would maintain the SCE standard with covered conductor and poles
designed to mitigate wildfire risk. SCE noted that the underground option has not been
scoped or tested for feasibility, and they were skeptical about how undergrounding would
work in this area due to the slope grade and proximity of houses and pools close to the
property lines. SCE mentioned that their 3rd party crane companies may not operate in
such close proximity to the land movement area.
SCE indicated that an additional option would be to leave the pole in the Ladera Linda
Park as-is. If none of the above-mentioned options move forward and the encroachment
is set to expire with no further extensions, SCE will need to remove the pole in the park,
leaving approximately 40 customers without power until another solution can be
established.
City Staff was informed that SCE is a steward of ratepayer funds, and any project that
can be designed above ground would need to proceed with the most responsible and
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cost-effective method. Therefore, the City would have to pay for any undergrounding
along either of the routes through a Rule 20C project.
In response, City Staff indicated it would need a few weeks to review SCE’s proposed
options and subsequently asked the City’s contracted firm, Transtech Engineers, to
review SCE’s proposed box circuit loop options and to identify if alternative routes or
designs could be considered. Transtech Engineers is expected to complete its review
after the transmittal of this staff report but before the March 4 City Council meeting, and
any new information will be reported at the City Council meeting . Thus, the City Council
is being asked to authorize granting a three-month extension in order for the City to
complete its review and provide SCE with its response.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
In order for the temporary pole at Ladera Linda Community Center to be removed without
disrupting service to Seaview residents, a new design would need to be mutually
accepted by the City and SCE and the new box loop circuit constructed. This is likely to
take several months, if not, a year. Thus, it is likely that the City will return to the City
Council with periodic updates and further time extension requests.
CONCLUSION:
The City Council is being asked to grant SCE a three-month time extension to the City-
issued encroachment permit for the placement of a temporary power pole at the Ladera
Linda Community Center.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff’s Recommendations, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not authorize the requested time extension and direct SCE to remove the
temporary power pole from the Ladera Linda Community Center which will
result in approximately 40 homes losing power indefinitely in the Seaview
neighborhood.
2. Extend the Encroachment permit by six month allowing for more time to
develop a design and to construct the new box loop circuit.
3. Take other action as the Council deems appropriate.
D-5
D-6
1
Catherine Jun
From:Celina Luna <CELINA.LUNA@SCE.COM>
Sent:Thursday, August 29, 2024 3:16 PM
To:Elena Gerli; Ara Mihranian
Cc:Catherine Jun; Robert Pontelle; Mark Rothenberg
Subject:Re: (External):SCE authorization for Ladera Linda pole at Alternate 1 location
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!.
Hi Elena and Ara,
This has been received and acknowledged. SCE accepts the conditions. Thank you again for all your hard work
during this emergency, particularly for working with us on this temporary solution. We look forward to continuing
to collaborate in this challenging, dynamic situation.
Regards,
Celina
Celina Luna
Government Relations Manager
Local Public Affairs
T. 626-302-5040 |PAX. 25040 | M. 213-523-8344| Email. celina.luna@sce.com
From: Elena Gerli <egerli@awattorneys.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2024 2:39 PM
To: Celina Luna <CELINA.LUNA@SCE.COM>; Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
Cc: Catherine Jun <cjun@rpvca.gov>; Robert Pontelle <Robert.Pontelle@sce.com>; Mark Rothenberg
<mark.a.rothenberg@sce.com>
Subject: (External):SCE authorization for Ladera Linda pole at Alternate 1 location
CAUTION: This is an external email. Be careful when opening links or attachments
This message was received from outside Edison.
Report Suspicious
Dear Celina, this email is to authorize SCE to begin installation of the pole at the site in Ladera Linda Community Center
that we identified as Alternate 1 during the 8/28 meeting with the City. The City will issue a retroactive encroachment
permit with the following conditions:
D-7
2
SCE shall provide City with a detailed scope of work for the temporary pole prior to construction, including the proposed
location of the pole.
The temporary pole shall be made of treated wood.
The temporary pole shall not be installed in a bioswale or other sensitive use.
When the temporary pole is removed, SCE shall restore the site to its original condition, including but not limited to
landscaping and pathway work.
SCE shall maintain and repair the temporary pole, as needed, and in consultation with City shall install signage to
indicate the temporary nature of the installation.
SCE shall provide City with bi-weekly updates (Tues/Thurs meetings or at other times convenient to SCE and the City) on
SCE’s work towards a permanent solution.
The temporary pole must be relocated within 6 months, with an option to extend for 2 additional 3 month extensions,
provided SCE makes good faith progress is designing a permanent solution and maintains regular communication with
the City.
City does not interpret the 1974 franchise agreement to apply to the location of the temporary pole.
SCE shall indemnify and hold harmless the City in accordance with the provisions of the Franchise Act of 1937.
Please confirm receipt and acceptance of the conditions for the encroachment permit.
Best,
Elena Q. Gerli
City Attorney
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Elena Q. Gerli | Partner
she/her/hers
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP | 3701 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 725, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Tel: (310) 527-6660 | Dir: (424) 269-3345 | egerli@awattorneys.com
This email and any files transmitted with it may contain privileged or otherwise confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you
may have received this communication in error, please advise the sender via email and delete the email you received.
D-8
E-1
1
Catherine Jun
From:Celina Luna <CELINA.LUNA@SCE.COM>
Sent:Thursday, August 29, 2024 3:16 PM
To:Elena Gerli; Ara Mihranian
Cc:Catherine Jun; Robert Pontelle; Mark Rothenberg
Subject:Re: (External):SCE authorization for Ladera Linda pole at Alternate 1 location
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe!!!.
Hi Elena and Ara,
This has been received and acknowledged. SCE accepts the conditions. Thank you again for all your hard work
during this emergency, particularly for working with us on this temporary solution. We look forward to continuing
to collaborate in this challenging, dynamic situation.
Regards,
Celina
Celina Luna
Government Relations Manager
Local Public Affairs
T. 626-302-5040 |PAX. 25040 | M. 213-523-8344| Email. celina.luna@sce.com
From: Elena Gerli <egerli@awattorneys.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2024 2:39 PM
To: Celina Luna <CELINA.LUNA@SCE.COM>; Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
Cc: Catherine Jun <cjun@rpvca.gov>; Robert Pontelle <Robert.Pontelle@sce.com>; Mark Rothenberg
<mark.a.rothenberg@sce.com>
Subject: (External):SCE authorization for Ladera Linda pole at Alternate 1 location
CAUTION: This is an external email. Be careful when opening links or attachments
This message was received from outside Edison.
Report Suspicious
Dear Celina, this email is to authorize SCE to begin installation of the pole at the site in Ladera Linda Community Center
that we identified as Alternate 1 during the 8/28 meeting with the City. The City will issue a retroactive encroachment
permit with the following conditions:
F-1
2
SCE shall provide City with a detailed scope of work for the temporary pole prior to construction, including the proposed
location of the pole.
The temporary pole shall be made of treated wood.
The temporary pole shall not be installed in a bioswale or other sensitive use.
When the temporary pole is removed, SCE shall restore the site to its original condition, including but not limited to
landscaping and pathway work.
SCE shall maintain and repair the temporary pole, as needed, and in consultation with City shall install signage to
indicate the temporary nature of the installation.
SCE shall provide City with bi-weekly updates (Tues/Thurs meetings or at other times convenient to SCE and the City) on
SCE’s work towards a permanent solution.
The temporary pole must be relocated within 6 months, with an option to extend for 2 additional 3 month extensions,
provided SCE makes good faith progress is designing a permanent solution and maintains regular communication with
the City.
City does not interpret the 1974 franchise agreement to apply to the location of the temporary pole.
SCE shall indemnify and hold harmless the City in accordance with the provisions of the Franchise Act of 1937.
Please confirm receipt and acceptance of the conditions for the encroachment permit.
Best,
Elena Q. Gerli
City Attorney
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Elena Q. Gerli | Partner
she/her/hers
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP | 3701 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 725, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Tel: (310) 527-6660 | Dir: (424) 269-3345 | egerli@awattorneys.com
This email and any files transmitted with it may contain privileged or otherwise confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you
may have received this communication in error, please advise the sender via email and delete the email you received.
F-2