Nearly 300 Residents Pack Save Temecula Town Hall on Proposed SDG&E Powerlink

A packed ballroom at Wilson Creek Winery: residents, many in yellow Save Temecula shirts, fill rows of round tables facing a speaker at the podium and a projection screen. Photo: James P. Davis.

Standing-room-only crowd, with overflow seating outside, hears from local leaders on the fight against the Golden Pacific Powerlink

TEMECULA, Calif. – Nov. 10, 2026 – Nearly 300 Temecula Valley residents gathered at Wilson Creek Winery on Monday night for “Fight the Powerlink,” a Town Hall hosted by Save Temecula on San Diego Gas & Electric's (SDG&E) proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink. The Champagne Ballroom was standing room only, and overflow guests followed the program on a screen set up outside.

State Sen. Kelly Seyarto addressed the crowd, joining Save Temecula and City of Temecula leaders Luke Watson (City Manager) and Mikel Alford (Emergency Manager) for an evening focused on informing residents and organizing a community response to the proposed 500-kV transmission project.

“Hundreds of residents showed up last night because they want results, not just talk,” said Mark Winkler, President of Save Temecula. “Having state and city leaders joining hands with our citizens demonstrates that Save Temecula is a serious, organized movement. We are energized, focused, and will continue to advocate for solutions that protect our community's future. This is just the beginning—we are actively building our coalition and expanding our impact to ensure this ill-conceived Greenfield utility project is stopped once and for all.”

The program included a look back at how Temecula residents defeated the Valley-Rainbow powerline proposal 20 years ago and what that history means for today's effort. Attendees also heard updates from City of Temecula leadership, an overview of Save Temecula's strategy and how residents can get involved, and a panel Q&A with City and Save Temecula leaders.

Residents at round tables in the Champagne Ballroom, many in yellow Save Temecula shirts, watch the speaker on a projection screen at the front of the room. Photo: James P. Davis.

The turnout underscores the depth of community concern over the project, which would bring 200-foot industrial power towers to the Temecula Valley. Residents have raised concerns about wildfire risk, insurance costs, property values and environmental damage.

“SDG&E's Powerlink is not a done deal, and it's not going away without a fight,” Save Temecula Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Shal Renfro, said ahead of the event. “Twenty years ago, this community stood together and defeated a similar powerline proposal.”

Photos: James P. Davis

Next Steps

Save Temecula is a grassroots non-profit coalition opposing the Golden Pacific Powerlink. The organization mobilizes the community and is pursuing legal standing with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to oppose the project. The effort is entering a critical new phase, and Save Temecula urges residents to stay informed, organized and ready to act.

About Save Temecula

Save Temecula is a grassroots non-profit coalition fighting SDG&E's proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink, a 500-kV transmission project that threatens the safety, environment and economy of the Temecula Valley. Residents can learn more and get involved at www.savetemecula.org.