We could use your help to Stop this Powerlink. What can you do?
1. Write a letter. My letter is below, you’re welcome to use any of it. Other templates are available to personalize, too. Presently we are an ‘alternate’ route. However, this project is not just about Palomar. It has the potential to impact so much of North County and Temecula. I invite you to click on Sempra Utilities / SDG&E website where you can see their map and plan to take their 500kV power, clear-cutting through our areas all the way to only benefit Orange County. No one else.
2. Like a daily update? Like to see letters that other people have written? Please follow our new interactive Facebook page: Save Palomar Mountain – Stop the Powerlink. Follow, post and click the button to Invite your friends to Follow. Every single ‘Follow’ helps our small community in a very BIG way. Tens of thousands of people have come from around the world for over 80 years to the world famous Observatory. We’ve had travelers sign our Airbnb guest books from many countries for the past 15 years. Palomar Christian Conference Center is celebrating their 75th year, now sleeping 320 people per night. Our 1800 acre State Park and other campgrounds have hosted families for generations, enjoying time in nature, around the campfires, our magnificent views and beauty of the Four Seasons. We’re already almost tripled our population at 600 follows but would like to see that number grow into the thousands.
3. Click on our SavePalomarMountain website. If you haven’t left a comment there yet, you’ll see a little snowman pop up, simply click to comment. It is so fun to read through some of the comments. Then scroll down to see a template for your letter. There is also a Donation option to help our cause.
Email or US mail your letter to:
California Public Utilities Commission
Public Advisor’s Office
Email: public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov
Subject: We oppose Golden Pacific Transmission Line clear-cutting Palomar Mountain
We were thrilled to learn that CASIO canceled the LA Basin portion of the Golden Pacific Powerlink 500kV transmission line. They figured out that it was far more cost-effective to add lines to existing poles and use a battery system. Since California also produces it’s own power and sells power to other states, another idea of course, is to keep our own power for our own state and be totally self-sustaining.
With the proven FIRE RISK already destroying over $1.4 million acres caused by transmission towers, it makes no sense to even consider our HIGH FIRE AREA. We also have 100 MPH WINDS with SNOW and ICE STORMS that have demolished transmission towers in other areas. Just on Palomar alone, our last unplanned power outage was 8 days, caused by an ice storm toppling standard residential lines. Access and repair was delayed by heavy snow. What if one of your 200 foot towers was damaged? All of Orange County would be without power! Makes no sense. There has got to be a better way.
Our last fire was July 31, 2026 with temps over 100 degrees and strong winds. It happened to be the only fire in the county that day so CalFire immediately deployed 5 planes and several helicopters and had it totally contained. The proposed towers would be run right up the center of that burn scar. CalFire did a fabulous job in the thick smoke keeping that fire to 689 acres. However, you might ask them what their estimate would be if they had to deal with dodging 200 foot towers, limiting their response? We also happened to have an earthquake minutes from when that fire started. It is unthinkable to have these lines on Palomar for many reasons.
What is under the blue line of destruction on your map planned for Palomar? I would be glad to take you to the magnificent trees that were growing before the Declaration of Independence was signed. It would also clear-cut over a beautiful trout pond filled by a spring. Then let’s go to see where the eagles are nesting on another property or over meadows with cattle, owned and worked by the same family for 6 generations. We can also stop at the stunning view property where the owners built a large home 20 years ago. What gripped my heart was to see the tree house the grandkids are now enjoying, shaded by huge sequoias – all to be destroyed, right under the blue line.
No, just no. CASIO, please let Sempra/SDGE know they need to use their reasonable options and cancel this entire project. There is nothing ‘golden’ about it for California. No more towers.
Respectfully submitted,
Bonnie Phelps, Palomar Resident since 1998
Ok, I’ve emailed mine. Ready … Set … GO!
Thank you!!!
Palomar Mountain News 
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