Residents Urge LADWP to Find Alternative Locations For Second Power Station

According to Pacific Palisades Community Council Vice Chair and Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association Vice President Haldis Toppel, about 200 people attended a meeting at on Feb. 29. The purpose of the gathering was to open up a discussion between the community and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power regarding the location of a second power substation.

According to the LADWP, due to increased power requirements in the community, a second power station is needed. The LADWP proposed two sites for the second station. One location is behind , which would mean LADWP would have to buy state park land. The second location is on Marquez Avenue, next to Marquez Charter Elementary.

Toppel noted in an email to Pali Patch that the LADWP gave an "excellent presentation on the technology and the needs for an additional power substation." However, she also noted that of the 30 people who spoke at the meeting—many of them attorneys, doctors and even parents—a big concern was possible health risks associated with electromagnetic frequency.

Some of the attendees urged the LADWP to pursue the public land behind Fire Station 23, but a few residents spoke out against the location, including members of the , according to Toppel.

"DWP was left with the clear task to find available land other than the two preferred sites on Marquez and Fire Station 23," stated Toppel in an email.

Toppel also told Pali Patch the meeting brought the community together.

"It was a tremendous outpouring of public interest in a community that truly cares about its character and social and aesthetic integrity," said Toppel. "Even though the topic was heated and highly emotional, the evening proceeded orderly and with respect for all."

Pali Patch has contacted the LADWP for reaction from the meeting and how the department plans to proceed. We will post further information as it becomes available.

• For a preview story about the meeting,
• For information about a petition written by a local attorney who lives on Marquez, click here.
• For an announcement about the power station from a community member, .
• For details about the event, .