Temecula appropriates $2 million for litigation against SDG&E's Golden Pacific Powerlink

The Temecula City Council on Oct. 27 appropriated $2 million to support litigation efforts against San Diego Gas & Electric's proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink transmission project.

The money comes from the general fund surplus left at the end of fiscal 2025-26 and goes to the City Attorney's legal services account as a fiscal 2026-27 expenditure. It was part of a year-end financial report, one of several consent items approved 5-0 on a motion by Council Member Stewart, seconded by Council Member Kalfus, according to the action minutes.

The project

Agenda reports by City Attorney Peter Thorson and City Clerk Randi Johl describe the Powerlink as a new 500-kilovolt transmission line proposed by SDG&E and the California Independent System Operator.

As currently drawn, the reports say, the line would cross the Temecula Creek corridor in the south part of the city, along with neighborhoods, schools, parks and the area's wine country.

On July 14, the council adopted, without dissent, a resolution opposing the route through the city, according to the reports. That resolution stopped short of opposing grid reliability work, but it urged agencies to study alternatives with less effect on established communities.

Its findings cited concerns including wildfire risk along Temecula Creek, emergency response, tourism and agriculture, wildlife corridors, tribal cultural resources and property values, the reports say.

Later in the meeting, the council voted 5-0 to receive its latest status update and to authorize public outreach when needed. Kalfus made that motion and Stewart seconded it.

Settlement payment and pension advance

The same financial report shifted money between capital projects to free up Quimby revenue for the city's $1,314,508.50 settlement with Solana-Winchester. The council approved that settlement in closed session on Oct. 13, earlier minutes show.

It also appropriated $1 million of the surplus to the Fire Facility Acquisition Fund. That speeds repayment of a $5 million advance from the fund that was used to pay down pension liabilities, leaving $1 million due this fiscal year, the report says.

Fire Station 73

The consent calendar also awarded Long Beach-based Newman Midland Corp. a $3,856,620 contract for a project at Fire Station 73. A staff report says the work adds a second garage behind the station to house a squad and an urban search and rescue unit, as well as a gym and rooms for storage.

Eleven bids were opened, and four were found nonresponsive. The city engineer had estimated the job at $4,035,000, the report says.

Kangaroo rat fee adopted

On a 4-1 vote, with Mayor Jessica Alexander opposed, the council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-08. It raises the Stephens' kangaroo rat mitigation fee for most development from $500 to $900 for each gross acre.

The council also received an El Niño storm preparedness plan without taking action.