Each Woods Cove resident in the undergrounding district owes it to themselves to research the best possible vote for their property. Ten years ago, we embarked on this journey. There have been many fact-based meetings, emails, articles and submissions by the city to the website on this important issue.
In spite of slick mailers sent recently by anonymous opponents of the project making unsubstantiated claims, the committed neighborhood volunteer leaders have remained resolved to work with the city to continue to communicate the facts of the project so that residents can make an informed decision.
One recent example, our city council announced that they reevaluated the Deferment Loan Program to broaden the application criteria, allowing a larger number of property owners to qualify.
For those who qualify, it allows them to postpone hook-up fees and assessment payments until their properties are sold.
The vote NO influencer used the phrase “Displaced Elderly Retirees” saying they would be forced to sell their home. Not the case. Of course, we would love not to have to consider paying for this, but we’ve decided that the Public Utility will never bury these lines. Knowing that power lines have ignited numerous recent fires in coastal cities and the resulting destruction is our main motivation to underground. To us, it’s a practical safety issue and enhancement that protects life, property value and the property of our neighbors and community.
To those who ask, why isn’t the city paying for this? Well, it has a $14.4 million price tag. The city has committed to contributing $2,757,617, which includes $1,578,117 for the General Benefit to the larger community (think Glenneyre and Coast Hwy evacuation routes) and the $1,179,500 voluntary public safety contribution approved by the city council on Aug. 8. Funding would come from the Wildfire Mitigation and Fire Safety Fund and Street Lighting and Utility Fund.
In the works for ten years, this is most likely our only opportunity to get the city contribution of $2,757,617 toward the project. I live on an evacuation route street. There are over 300 homes on the streets above ours. It’s in their best interest, as well as mine, that a YES vote is the outcome and that city funds are used for the safety of our interconnected community.
This collective approach exists all over Laguna; one winding lane serves as another street’s evacuation route. These programs benefit the community, just like paying for schools, education, and parks & recreation. Let’s allow each property owner to make the best decision for them. Directing neighbors to fact-based information and providing updates on the return deadline will offer the best possible outcome for Woods Cove and for the community in general.
Aside from that, one final point. If you didn’t receive your ballot, contact the city for a replacement, return by mail or drop off at City Clerk’s office at City Hall before the Dec. 12 deadline.
Becky Visconti, Laguna Beach
How can a down power line that starts a fire in Woods Cove during Santa Ana winds and blows to surrounding neighborhoods not affect the whole of Laguna Beach?
Didn’t Laguna Beach have a massive fire in 1993 that claimed 16,000 acres and 441 structures?
Didn’t PG&E’s down power lines cause “MILLIONS” of acres destroyed in Northern California?
Why is the tiny neighborhood of Woods Cove financing this project for the whole of Laguna Beach?
This project is being pushed because a small number of people want to improve their “OWN” properties.
This project is a Laguna Beach decision NOT a Woods Cove decision. I would vote for a bond to underground “ALL” of Laguna Beach with “ALL” of Laguna Beach having an input.
I would NEVER vote to finance a select number of peoples properties at a cost to others even if it benefited myself personally.
Thank you Becky for your insightful letter. Kirk, are you an owner in Woods Cove. I don’t see you listed. Which explains why you were so misinformed the one accurate statement you did make is fire danger. Which is the main reason which Cove is voting to underground as have so many other neighborhoods in Laguna Beach who all paid for their own. And, of course, aesthetics is a factor.
Here are the facts:
Over 8 years ago 161 WC neighbors each paid $500 to build a district to underground.
Over the years many districts including ABH and Temple Hills and many more have voted to underground and paid for it themselves.
The state has mandated what utility companies are to contribute?
The city has contributed to Woods Cove District. The average Woods Cove assessment is $10,000 under the average and Laguna Beach.
Federal and state funds, if received will and should fund under-grounding Coast Highway and Laguna Canyon Road. I’m sure you will agree that it makes sense to fund streets that serve the entire community.
Christy Miller
Woods Cove resident
Yes-
We are a 30+ year resident of Woods Cove. I was against this decision 8 years ago when it was introduced and that is why I am NOT on your list of “161” WOODS COVE residents.
I don’t believe 161 residents should be responsible for protecting Laguna Beach from fire. The last fire we had in our town claimed 16,000 acres and 441 structures. I was also VERY uncomfortable with allowing a government agency to determine how much we benefit from the undergrounding. As it has turned out the price they were selling everyone 8 years ago is now projected to be 5x the price and we haven’t even started. Much like California’s projected $14 billion dollar deficit 2 months ago is now projected at $86 billion.
If Laguna wants this it needs to be voted on by every Laguna Beach citizen. Woods Cove is a tiny fraction of 16,0000 acres that burned last time.
What do our taxes go for if it is not infrastructure.
Water Polo Pools and District Offices????
California deficit projected at $68 Billion “NOT” $86 Billion from the $14 Billion dollar deficit our State had projection less than 2 months ago.
Sorry for inverting the numbers.
I have been in commercial construction for 40+ and if an estimate is off 20% on a project someone most likely will loose their job.
If an estimate is off 50% on a project the Company could go under.
Our State is “500%” off and their concerns are how to preserve their pensions and cut services in the highest taxed state in the Country.
This is why I will NEVER sign up for anything where the cost is projected by a government agency. Local, State or Federal.
If the 23,000 Laguna Beach residents want to vote on a bond to underground our utilities than get it on the ballot or allocated the monies yearly through our tax revenue.
Water Polo pools and administration offices need to go to the back of the line.
Well the vote is in!
Yep!!!!
For “FIRE” safety.
178 homeowners can financially burden 400 homes in a town of 23,000 people.
If you can’t see this as a slippery slope moment for the residence of Laguna Beach I don’t know what to say.
60 days ago California was looking at a $14 Billion dollar deficit. Today it has been adjusted to $68 Billion.
Much like the $dollar they were quoting 8 years ago for under-grounding.
I guess our taxes should NEVER go to utilities once you set this kind of precedent.
Congratulation on your victory. I hope you enjoy the “REAL” cost once it is completed.