HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2009-187RESOLUTION NO. 2009-187
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA EXPRESSING ITS SUPPORT FOR SAN
DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC'S EMERGENCY POWER SHUT-
OFF PLAN AND ENCOURAGING THE CALIFORNIA
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO APPROVE THE PLAN
FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CITIZENS OF CHULA VISTA
WHEREAS, both devastating wildfires in San Diego County in October 2003 and
October 2007 created a tremendous hardship for local, regional, and state firefighting resources;
and
WHEREAS, the wildfires of 2003 and 2007 originated in the rural backcountry of San
Diego County and spread rapidly to the west into more populated areas of the City of Chula
Vista; and
WHEREAS, the evacuation of several hundred thousand residents of San Diego County
was required at the time of the wildfires, as well as the deployment of the majority of the City of
Chula Vista's Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to ensure that new fire safety recommendations aze implemented
each year, Governor Schwarzenneger established a Blue Ribbon Task Force on June 29, 2009;
and
WHEREAS, the Task Force recognizes the critical role of timely emergency notification
of the public of imminent threats and recommends that local governments prioritize the
development of appropriate early warning systems to address the needs of their communities;
and
WHEREAS, with the annual fire season approaching, the City of Chula Vista reviews
existing and new fire safety policies and procedures annually in an effort to prepare for and
properly respond to wildfires; and
WHEREAS, San Diego Gas & Electric's Emergency Power Shut-Off Plan (Plan) is a
new fire safety option that would temporarily disconnect electricity service in azeas of San Diego
County where extreme fire and weather conditions create a high risk of wildfires; and
WHEREAS, the Plan would only be used as a last resort to prevent catastrophic fires
when all five of the following conditions are met: moisture level in "non-living" fuel is ten
percent or less; moisture level in "live" fuel is seventy-five percent or less; relative humidity is
twenty percent or less; the National Weather Service declares a Red Flag Warning; localized
wind speeds are sustained at 35 mph or 55 mph gusts or greater with 30 mph sustained winds;
and
Resolution No. 2009-187
Page 2
WHEREAS, San Diego Gas & Electric, as part of the Plan, is committed to working with
stakeholders to minimize the impact of any power outage by providing backup generators,
opening community care centers, and coordinating with fire, law enforcement,
telecommunication companies, and the County Office of Emergency Services; and
WHEREAS, while Chula Vista may be entering another fire season during serious
drought conditions, it is important for the City to consider all options for preventing fires and
allocating resources to protect Chula Vistans; and
WHEREAS, in no way shall the passage of this resolution or the position of the City
Council of the City of Chula Vista herein support any action that shifts any liability from
SDG&E associated with its decision to shut off power to any other entity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Chula
Vista hereby expresses its support for San Diego Gas & Electric's Emergency Power Shut-Off
Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City Of Chula Vista
encourages the California Public Utilities Commission to approve this plan for the safety of the
citizens of Chula Vista.
Approved as to form by
Resolution No. 2009-187
Page 3
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista,
California, this 4th day of August 2009 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers: Bensoussan, Castaneda, and Ramirez
NAYS: Councilmembers: Cox
ABSENT: Councilmembers: McCann
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Cheryl Cox, ~ ay r
ATTEST:
0
Donna R. Norris, MC, ity Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO
CITY OF CHULA VISTA
I, Donna R. Norris, City Clerk of Chula Vista, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution No. 2009-187 was duly passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council at a
regular meeting of the Chula Vista City Council held on the 4th day of August 2009.
Executed this 4th day of August 2009.
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Donna R. Norris, CM ,City Clerk