The Power Line Fight Continues in Chino Hills

Residents in Chino Hills are still fighting to keep giant, high-voltage power lines out of their back yards

Rosely Iwata and her husband moved into their Chino Hills home seven years ago for a beautiful backyard and "gorgeous, open view of the city."

But on Tuesday there was one giant reason they want to move out -- a huge power pole, right next to their back yard.

"We don't know how this is going to affect us health wise, and for sure it uglified the whole neighborhood," Iwata said.

Dozens of nearly 200-foot tall, 500,000 volt transmission lines now line several neighborhoods in Chino Hills. The towers can be seen throughout much of the city and are part of a project by Southern California Edison to help meet California's renewable energy goals.

"This group isn't against green energy,” said Joanne Genis, Chino Hills resident and member of Hope for the Hills. “It's the placement of these towers: 70 feet from people’s homes.”

Genis is one of nearly 1,000 Chino Hills residents who are involved in the community group working against the lines.

The group has successfully lobbied the California Public Utilities Commission to stop construction on the lines and seek out alternatives.

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"The commission, after a thorough evaluation focusing on Chino Hills' concerns, made the difficult decision that was a reasonable outcome and in the best interest of California," said Les Starck, Senior VP Southern California Edison in a statement.

But the project definitely isn't in Iwata's interest, she said. Six months ago, Iwata put her home up for sale and had many interested buyers at first.

Now, she said, nobody wants Edison for a neighbor.

"The saddest thing is," Iwata said, "we cannot move."

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