OUR MISSION: To provide our customers with high-quality, efficient and reliable water, power and sewer services in a manner that values environmental and community interests and sustains the resources entrusted to our care.
525 Golden Gate Avenue, 13th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
T 415.554.3155
F 415.554.3161
TTY 415.554.3488
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Correspondence Log
March 18, 2025 through March 26, 2025
Date Received From Subject
March 18, 2025 Richard B. Allen The high-pressure water system for firefighting on the West Side of San Francisco
March 19, 2025 Julie Moore, MS
Principal Environmental Planner
Environmental Planning Division
Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Report
and Notice of Public Hearing - PG&E Power Asset
Acquisition Project (email and attachment)
March 22, 2025 Leo and JoAnna Mankiewicz Proposed electricity rate increase for PG&E March 24, 2025 Dave Warner Learning from the SDCWA's experiences (email and attachment)
March 26, 2025 Jialu Liu Streeter, Stanford
University
Invitation: Policy Forum on Wildfires in California
| Stanford U | April 24, 2025
March 26, 2025 Julie Moore Public Notice: Availability of a Draft EIR and Notice of Public Hearing
March 26, 2025 Commission Streamlining Task
Force staff
Update on Prop E Commission Streamlining Task
Force
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From: Richard B. Allen
To: [email protected]; FirePIO, FIR (FIR); Commission; DPW, (DPW) Cc: Frank Noto; Dick Morten; Peder Jones; Matt Boschetto; MelgarStaff (BOS); Farrah, Michael (BOS); Joel Engardio; [email protected]; Richard B. Allen
Subject: The high pressure water system for fire fighting on the West Side of San Francisco Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 9:49:18 AM
Attachments: image.png
"Since 2010, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Fire Department, and Public Works have been implementing projects
to improve the AWSS."
The Auxiliary Water Supply System (AWSS, though often referred to on manhole covers and hydrants as HPFS for High Pressure Fire System) is a high pressure water supply network built for the city of San Francisco in response to the failure of the existing emergency water system during the 1906 earthquake.
3/18/2025
Good morning,
I have been reminded that the SF Board of Supervisors has restricted authority over the timely management project of the AWSS for the West Side of San Francisco. I have enclosed the City Charter language that
outlines the responsibilities at San Franciso City Hall.
On behalf of the 141,506 residents on the West Side in San Francisco Districts 7 and 4, please announce the name of the person responsible for developing a
detailed timeline that will show when the AWSS high-pressure water system will be operational on the West Side of San Francisco.
Enclosed is a picture of the devastating fire that destroyed a community and lives on the West Side of Los Angeles in January 2025.
"Here are the latest updates from LA County's Coordinated Joint Information Center as of 10 a.m. on Jan. 19, 2025. The fires have resulted in 27 confirmed deaths, according to the LA County Medical Examiner." "More than 12,900 households displaced by the fires."
image.png
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Dick Allen, District 7
Former San Francisco Planning Commissioner
ARTICLE III:
EXECUTIVE BRANCH – OFFICE OF MAYOR
SEC. 3.100. POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
The Mayor shall be the chief executive officer and the official representative of the City and County, and shall serve full time in that capacity. The Mayor shall devote his or her entire time and attention to the duties of the office, and shall not devote time or attention to any other occupation or business activity. The Mayor shall enforce all laws relating to the City and County, and accept service of process on its behalf.
The Mayor shall have responsibility for:
1. General administration and oversight of all departments and governmental units in the executive branch of the City and County;
2. Coordination of all intergovernmental activities of the City and County;
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Neither the Board of Supervisors, its committees, nor any of its members, shall have any power or authority, nor shall they dictate, suggest or interfere with respect to any appointment, promotion, compensation, disciplinary action, contract or requisition for purchase or other administrative actions or recommendations of the City Administrator or of department heads under the City Administrator or under the respective boards and commissions. The Board of Supervisors shall deal with administrative matters only in the manner provided by this Charter, and any dictation, suggestion or interference herein prohibited on the part of any Supervisor shall constitute official misconduct; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall restrict the power of hearing and inquiry as provided in this Charter.
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From: CPC.PGEPowerAssetsEIR
To: CPC.PGEPowerAssetsEIR
Subject: Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Report and Notice of Public Hearing - PG&E Power Asset Acquisition Project
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 3:32:40 PM
Attachments: NOA_PGE Power Asset Acquisition DEIR_3.19.25.pdf The San Francisco Planning Department has published a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the PG&E Power Asset Acquisition Project, available at Environmental Review Documents | SF Planning. If you wish to comment on the adequacy of the Draft EIR, you may submit comments in either or both of the following ways: (1) in person at the San Francisco Planning Commission public hearing on April 17th; or (2) written comments to San Francisco Planning department due by 5 p.m. on May 5, 2025.
Please refer to the attached Notice of Availability of Draft EIR and Notice of Public Hearing for more information.
Julie Moore, MS
Principal Environmental Planner
Environmental Planning Division
San Francisco Planning
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 1400 San Francisco, CA 94103 Direct: 628.652.7566 | www.sfplanning.org
San Francisco Property Information Map
PUBLIC NOTICE
Availability of a Draft
Environmental impact report
and Notice of Public Hearing
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Title: PG&E Power Asset Acquisition Project
Project Address: Various Locations in San Francisco and San Mateo counties
Case No.: 2023-005370ENV
Block/Lot Nos.: Various
Zoning District(s): Various
Neighborhoods: Outer Mission, Bayview, Crocker Amazon,
Ingleside, Lakeshore, Merced Heights,
Oceanview, Sunnydale, Little Hollywood,
Visitacion Valley, Excelsior, Cayuga Terrace
(San Francisco); Bayshore, Crocker,
Peninsula Gateway, Mission Street,
Southern Hills, Vista Grande, Westlake (Daly
City); Baylands, Bayfront, Beatty, Northwest
Bayshore (Brisbane); Unincorporated San
Mateo County
Project Sponsor: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Sue Chau – 415.554.3238
EIR Coordinator: Julie Moore – 628.652.7566
[email protected]
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION
Hearing Date: April 17, 2025
Time: 12 :00 pm or later
Location: In- person hearing (see below and
visit
https://sfplanning.org/planning-
commission for details)
Case Type: Environmental (Draft EIR)
Hearing Body: Planning Commission
The San Francisco Planning Department (San Francisco Planning) has studied this project’s potential physical environmental effects and welcomes your comments on the adequacy of the draft environmental impact report (Draft EIR). Refer to the Project Description and Purpose of Notice sections below for more information.
Notice of Availability CASE NO. 2023-005370ENV
March 19, 2025 PG&E Power Asset Acquisition Project
2 Project Description
The City and County of San Francisco (the “City”) is proposing to purchase Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)-owned electrical transmission and distribution assets (the “Assets”) in San Francisco and San Mateo County that are needed to provide electricity service to customers within the city (the “project”). After the City completes its acquisition of the Assets, the City would own, operate, and maintain the electricity grid in San Francisco, most of which is currently owned by PG&E.
This project does not include the purchase of PG&E’s natural gas facilities; thus, PG&E would continue providing natural gas services to customers in San Francisco.
The change in ownership itself would not result in physical changes to the environment; however, the City would need to physically separate PG&E’s existing electric system into two separate systems (generally divided along the San Francisco/San Mateo county border), to allow both systems to be safely, reliably, and independently operated by the City and PG&E. The City would provide electricity service to city customers; PG&E would continue to provide electricity service to its customers outside of San Francisco.
The portion of the project requiring new construction or modifications to existing facilities would primarily be in the southern portion of San Francisco and along the county border in the northern portions of Brisbane and Daly City. The City would modify the existing Martin Substation (or construct a new substation, which is analyzed in the EIR as a new substation variant), construct new underground distribution express feeders, and modify the existing distribution infrastructure. The distribution express feeders alignment would be approximately 3.8 miles long and generally installed within streets, sidewalks, and other publicly owned land. It would extend from near Arch Street in the west, south to Brotherhood Way and Sagamore Street, east along Sickles Avenue, northeast along Huron Avenue and Alemany Boulevard, and southeast along Geneva Avenue to the Martin Substation in Brisbane. Disconnecting and connecting distribution lines between overhead poles and underground vaults could occur either above- or below-ground, and would be performed in small, discontinuous areas generally located near the county border. Construction associated with the project would take approximately 3 years after the purchase and transfer of the Assets.
Draft EIR: The Draft EIR finds that the project could result in significant unavoidable impacts related to noise. The Draft EIR provides a detailed project description, an analysis of physical environmental effects of the project, and identifies feasible mitigation measures and alternatives that would avoid or reduce project impacts. The Draft EIR is available for public review and comment on the San Francisco Planning’s website at sfplanning.org/sfceqadocs and at the San Francisco Permit Center, 49 South Van Ness Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103. Paper copies and electronic copies (on a flash drive) of the Draft EIR are available upon request to the project planner. Referenced materials are available at https://tinyurl.com/pgepowerasseteir.
Projects on State Hazardous Materials Lists:
As required by CEQA Guidelines section 150 87(c)(6), the following information is provided because the project site contains multiple listed properties included on the GeoTracker (State Water Resources Control Board) and EnviroStor (California Department of Toxic Substances Control) lists compiled pursuant to California Government Code section 65962.5. The detailed list of properties and their regulatory identification numbers are available at sfplanning.org/sfceqadocs, or by contacting [email protected].
Notice of Availability CASE NO. 2023-005370ENV
March 19, 2025 PG&E Power Asset Acquisition Project
3 Purpose of Notice
You are not required to take any action. If you wish to comment on the adequacy of the Draft EIR, you may do so in either or both of the following ways:
WRITTEN COMMENTS
Planner: Julie Moore
Via Mail: 49 South Van Ness Ave, Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94103
Via Email: [email protected]
From: March 19, 2025, to 5 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025
COMMENTS AT THE PUBLIC HEARING
Location: City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett
Place, Room 400
April 17, at 12 p.m. or later
(see hearing agenda)
The purpose of the public hearing is for the San Francisco Planning Commission and San Francisco Planning staff to receive comments on the adequacy and accuracy of the Draft EIR. The commission will not respond to any of the comments or take action on the project at this hearing. Certification of the Final EIR will be considered at a later hearing. Additional information may be found on San Francisco Planning’s website or by contacting the EIR coordinator listed above.
General Information About Procedures
Members of the public are not required to provide personal identifying information when they communicate with the department. All written or oral communications available, including submitted personal contact information, may be made available for inspection and copying upon request from the public. These communications may also be posted on the department’s website or in other public documents. Only commenters on the Draft EIR will be permitted to file an appeal of the certification of the Final EIR to the Board of Supervisors.
At the close of the public review period, San Francisco Planning will prepare and publish a Responses to Comments document to respond to all substantive comments on the Draft EIR presented at the public hearing and received in writing during the public review period. It may also specify changes to this Draft EIR. The Responses to Comments document and all other associated documents will be made available at sfplanning.org/sfceqadocs. All commenters that provide an email or physical address will receive a notice of the Responses to Comments document availability. The Draft EIR together with the Responses to Comments document will be considered by the San Francisco Planning Commission in an advertised public meeting and will be certified as a Final EIR if deemed adequate.
www.sfplanning.org
Date: March 19, 2025
The San Francisco Planning Department is studying a pro ject’s potential environmental effects and welcomes your comments. The enclosed notice concerns the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Power Asset Acquisition Project (2023-005370ENV). You may provide comments by 5/0 5/2025 or request future project updates from the staff contact indicated in the attached notice. There is a hearing before the Planning Commission scheduled for 04/17/2025.
To obtain information about this notice in Spanish , Chinese, or Filipino, please see https://tinyurl.com/SFPlanningPGE or call 628.652.7550. Please be advise d that the Planning Department will require at least one business day to respond to any call.
三藩市規劃局 (San Francisco Planning Department) 正在研究一項項目的潛在環境影響，歡迎大 家踴躍提出意見。本函所附的通知書涉及太平洋瓦斯電力公司 (PG&E) 電力資產收購項目 (2023-
005370ENV) 的項目。本頁背面對加州法律規定的環境影響審核流程做了詳細說明。請於
5/05/2025 日之前針對本案提出評論，或者向本函所附通知書中指定的聯絡人提出要求，繼續瞭
解項目的最新發展。 [規劃委員會定於 2025 年 4 月 17 日召開聽證會]。
請參閱 https://tinyurl.com/SFPlanningPGE 或致電 628.652.7550 索取該通知的中文版本。請注意， 規劃部門至少需要一個工作天才能回覆您的電話。請注意，規劃局需要至少一個工作天才能回電。
El Departamento de Planificación está estudiando los posibles efectos medioambientales de un proyecto y desea saber su opinión. El aviso incluido concierne el proyecto de adquisición de activos de energía de Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) (2023 -005370ENV). Usted puede entregar sus opiniones y comentarios a más tardar el 5/5/2025 o solicitar futuras actualizaciones sobre el proyecto al contacto indicado en el aviso adjunto. Hay una audiencia ante la Comisión de Planificación programada para el 17 de abril del 2025.
Para obtener información sobre este aviso en español, https://tinyurl.com/SFPlanningPGE, llame al 628.652.7550. Le informamos que el Departamento de Planificación necesitará por lo menos un día hábil para responder cualquier llamada.
Pinag-aaralan ng Kagawaran ng Pagpaplano ng San Francisco ang mga potensyal na epekto sa kapaligiran ng isang proyekto at tinatanggap ang i nyong mga komento. Ang nakapaloob na paunawa ay patungkol sa isang proyekto (2023-005370ENV). Maaari kang magbigay ng mga komento sa 05/05/2025 o humiling ng mga bagong kaalaman sa proyekto sa hinaharap mula sa pagkontak sa kawani na nakalagay sa kalakip na abiso. Mayroong pagdinig bago sa naka -iskedyul na Komisyon sa Pagpaplano para sa 04/17/2025.
Para makakuha ng impormasyon tungkol sa notice na ito sa Filipino, mangyaring tingnan ang https://tinyurl.com/SFplanningPGE o tumawag sa 628.652.7550 . Mangyaring maabisuhan na ang Kagawaran ng Pagpaplano ay mangangailangan ng kahit isang araw ng may trabaho o pasok upang tumugon sa anumang tawag.
EIR
An environmental impact report (EIR) is a study
required for a project that may have a significant
effect on the environment.
What is an EIR?
The Purpose of an EIR is:
To inform decision makers and the public about the potential significant environment impacts of a proposed project. Mitigation measures identify the ways that the environmental damage can be avoided or reduced.
The EIR analysis includes alternatives to the project that would avoid or substantially lessen the proposed project’s impacts. The alternatives must meet most of the basic project objectives.
The basic parts of an EIR are:
Notice of Preparation:a notice to inform the public that the City is preparing an EIR. The public is invited to
comment on the scope of and topics analyzed in the EIR.
Draft EIR includes:
Description of the project, including the project
goals (called objectives).
Environmental impact analysis, focusing on the
project's significant environmental impacts and
mitigation measures to reduce its impacts.
A range of other options (called alternatives) that
meet project goals and reduce its significant
impacts.
May include an initial study, which is a
preliminary analysis prepared to determine
the relative environmental impacts of the
project.
Public comments on the accuracy of the draft EIR are
accepted in writing and at a public hearing.
Responses to Comments:
A document formally responding to comments
received on the draft EIR.
1 2
3 中文詢問請電 Para información en Español llamar al Para sa impormasyon sa Filipino tumawag sa 628.652.7550 1 2
EIR steps
scoping
Determines the scope of the EIR
in consultation with agencies,
the public, and the applicant
proposing the project. The EIR
notice of preparation describes
the project and EIR process.
This notice may include the
initial study.
3 4
5 Draft EIR
Incorporates prior public
comment, and includes project
description, environmental
impact analysis, and
alternatives. This may include
an initial study, if not previously
published.
public comment period
a. Draft EIR public hearing
b. Written public comments
accepted
Responses to Comments
Responds to comments on the
draft EIR and makes revisions to
draft EIR, as needed.
EIR certification
The Planning Commission
certifies the final EIR (the draft
EIR and the Responses to
Comments document) if it is
adequate, accurate, and
complete. It is not a project
approval.
WHERE can I find
more information?
To learn more, please visit:
sfplanning.org/
environmental-review
To view all published EIR
documents:
sfplanning.org/sfceqadocs
To learn more about CEQA:
sfplanning.org/whatisCEQA
More questions on this
particular project?
Contact the assigned
environmental planner
What is a mitigation
measure?Mitigation
measures identify the ways
that the environmental
damage can be avoided or
reduced.
Scoping period - 30 days
Written comments accepted throughout
the 30 day period. Some projects have
public meetings called scoping
meetings, which anyone can attend to
learn about the project and make
comments on the environmental
analysis topics, methods, or potential
alternatives.
Draft EIR public comment period
Once the draft EIR is published, written
comments are accepted during the
comment period, which is generally 45
days. Spoken comments are also
accepted at the Planning Commission
draft EIR hearing.
For some projects, the Historic
Preservation Commission comments
on the draft EIR.
Draft EIR hearing at Planning
Commission
The Planning Commission comments
on the draft EIR during one of their
regularly scheduled hearings. During
this hearing, the public also can
provide spoken comments on the draft
EIR either by calling in or attending the
hearing in person.
How can I participate?
Written comments are accepted as
part of the formal EIR record
Spoken comments are accepted as
part of the formal EIR record
What is an environmental
effect? EIRs consider how a
project may affect a wide
range of topics as part of the
“physical environment. ”
Topics range from air quality
and noise to transportation
and historic resources.
Public participation is encouraged
throughout the process. Each icon
above represents a different way to
share your thoughts. You can always
contact Planning Department staff
on any questions too.
Comment period
Project approval
After the final EIR is complete, the City determines whether to approve the project or an alternative to the project.
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From: Leo Mankiewicz
To: Commission
Subject: Proposed electricity rate increase for PG&E
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025 12:32:19 PM
Dear Commissioners,
We believe it is unfair that ratepayers are saddled with the ongoing litigation costs of PG&E due to their own negligence. We'd like to see a voluntary hit to their executive pay before we endure another round of increases. Because it just won't stop. They will be back next year with another request for an increase. Please stand firm and hold them to account.
Leo and JoAnna Mankiewicz
Christopher Mankiewicz
185 Farnum Street
San Francisco, CA 94131
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From: Dave Warner
To: Lennear, Tiffany
Cc: Herrera, Dennis J; Ritchie, Steve; Hom, Nancy; Busch, Laura; Corvinova, Erin E Subject: Learning from the SDCWA"s experiences
Date: Monday, March 24, 2025 3:09:54 PM
Attachments: Learning from the SDCWA 2025-03-24.pdf
Hi Tiffany,
Sorry for being exceptionally tardy! If it's not too late, would you send the attached letter to the commissioners. I've included here the SFPUC staff on the cc list.
Best regards,
Dave
March 24, 2025
Re: Learning from the San Diego County Water Authority
Dear Commissioners,
As you may know, General Manager Herrera hosts regular meeƟngs on various topics with a number of NGO’s including the Tuolumne River Trust and the Bay Area Council (referred to as Bay Area Water Stewards (BAWS) meeƟngs).
At last week’s meeƟng Jeff Stephenson, Director of Water Resources at the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) provided a review of events that led up to their current financial challenges and mulƟple years of large past and projected annual water rate increases. The popular press (and I) had characterized the problem as them having built the Carlsbad desal plant while demand fell off, leading to big rate increases and financial problems. But he provided a more insighƞul bigger picture. There are some remarkable similariƟes to SDCWA’s experiences and with what the future might hold for the SFPUC.
What led to the SDCWA’s current situaƟon
The SDCWA is a wholesale water supplier to 22 retail agencies that serve 3 million residents.
Mr. Stephenson started with their 1991 drought situaƟon where the region came close to running out of water and there was a massive cry across the region for “never again,” and included wanƟng to have independence from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). The SDCWA started making a series of investments, including dams and lining canals that eventually included the Carlsbad desal plant. In the meanƟme, other local agencies started pursuing other supplies. They all were forecasƟng increasing demand as they had done for years.
But demand declined. Not only did they see gross per capita demand (GPCD) decline but two agencies dropped out and others reduced their purchases. Jeff described that for the last several years they’ve had major annual rate increases (he menƟoned in the 14% range). Not stated by Jeff but financially SDCWA reserves and a number of metrics have fallen below their policy minimum thresholds along with going through budget cuts. It’s also worth noƟng that the San Diego mayor objected to a proposed 18% rate increase that was later scaled
back to 14%. The latest financial plan has a number of years projected with 10% rate increases and projects declining demand.
Mr. Stephenson’s recommended learnings
Things he recommended learning from SDCWA’s experiences:
- CollaboraƟon with other water agencies. If they had collaborated beƩer, they as a group might have been able to beƩer manage regional investments.
This is relevant to the SFPUC and BAWSCA. For example, the SFPUC is looking at a 30+ mgd local recycled water project within San Francisco (project leveraging the Southeast PolluƟon Control Plant, not a part of the regional water system (RWS) alternaƟve water supply (AWS) plan). Should this happen, this could cause a major drop in demand on the RWS, causing a further jump in water rates, which at some point could cause a ratepayer revolt.
- Be nimble. Jeff emphasized that there were so many unknowns that came along, that just weren’t predictable. Be nimble to be able to adapt to changes.
The SFPUC is anything but nimble. Its costs are at least 95% fixed in part due to the large debt loads it is carrying (on a percentage of budget basis, more than double SDCWA’s load). And while SDCWA’s debt is mostly declining, the SFPUC’s debt is substanƟally increasing.
- Look carefully at your demand forecast. Jeff thought maybe flat line (perhaps a poor choice of words) despite populaƟon growth.
While the SFPUC’s finance department’s demand projecƟons are close to flat for retail, BAWSCA’s sƟll show substanƟal increases. Should these increases not occur, as San Diego experienced, rates will need to increase more than projected.
Remarkable similariƟes in demand projecƟons
The two charts in figure 1 show how both the SDCWA (chart on the leŌ) and SFPUC (chart on the right) have been projecƟng increasing demand since 2000 while demand has declined. Since 2020
the SFPUC’s finance department made
somewhat more conservaƟve projecƟons.
The SDCWA five year financial forecast
now projects a 24% decline in demand as
shown as shown in figure 2 while the
SFPUC conƟnues to project increasing
demand.
Figure 1: Past history of demand projecƟons compared
to actual demand. SDCWA (on the leŌ) and the SFPUC
on the right are remarkably similar. Both projected
increasing demand against a trend of long term declines.
2161951001502002503003502000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045MGDSFPUC Combined Retail and Wholesale Projections Comparison to Actual Demand*Actual2000 UWMP2005 UWMP2010 UWMP2015 UWMP2020 UWMP2015 ~FP2020 FP*Comparison is between the UWMP projections (dashed lines) and the finance department sales projections (dotted lines) where 6 mgd of projected water loss (non-revenue) has been added to the finance department figures. 2015 finance department projections were visually estimated from the charts in General Manager Herrera's letter to commissioners dated July 5, 2022.~190
Figure 2: Comparison of SFPUC and SDCWA
demand projecƟons to 2030. The SDCWA is
now projecƟng declining demand.
217 223 182 193 334254 150 200 250 300 3502025 2030MGD2030 Demand Projection ComparisonWater EnterpriseFinance BureauSDCWA
The SFPUC’s larger debt service means reduced ability to meet unknowns As shown in figure 3, SFPUC has significantly higher debt service costs than the SDCWA, which means higher fixed costs both in the short term and long term along with higher overall costs. It reduces the ability to address unknowns and adapt to changes in both the short term and for long term trends. It also increases exposure to adverse changes in capital markets parƟcularly with increases in debt issuances in the next 10 years.
For 2025 the SFPUC’s debt service costs are 49% of water sales. By 2030 that is expected to grow to 54% of water sales, which during that Ɵmeframe water sales are expected to grow from ~$700 million to ~$900 million, meaning that debt service costs are growing faster than water sales, a troubling trend.
Figure 3: The SFPUC’s water enterprise has much higher debt service costs than the SDCWA. Note that the SFPUC’s debt service costs are increasing while SDCWA debt service costs are declining. $339 $440 $160 $80 $- $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $7002025202620272028202920302031203220332034203520362037203820392040204120422043204420452046204720482049 $ millionsDebt Service Costs: SFPUC & SDCWA Comparison SFPUC Water SDCWA
For the SDCWA, 2025 debt service costs are 21% of water sales and by 2030 debt service costs are expected to decline to 17% of water sales.
The SDCWA has a current debt/cash funding mix of 35%/65% compared to the SFPUC’s 71%/29% (which is an improvement from last year’s 78%/22%).
The SFPUC’s higher fixed costs also reduces adaptability While the SDCWA was able to miƟgate a porƟon of its declining demand with reduced water purchases, the SFPUC does not have such an ability. The vast majority of the SFPUC’s water enterprise costs do not vary with water sales. This means that the SFPUC has liƩle ability to address unexpected downturns in demand.
The SDCWA has also been trying to miƟgate its downturn in demand by selling excess supply to the other agencies. Mr. Stephenson did not report success with that approach although he remains hopeful.
Possible AcƟons
1) Both Mr. Herrera (despite a health issue) and Mr. Ritchie were in the meeƟng. Please ask them for their views on what the SFPUC should take from the discussion.
2) Consider starƟng the process to be prepared for a downside scenario. It’s hard to image demand declining by 24% by 2030 but ask to see a downside financial scenario, perhaps using a decline in demand in the 8-10% range in five years, consistent with the SFPUC’s long term trend since 1990. What would retail and wholesale rates look like? What would affordability look like? What would the SFPUC’s policy metrics look like? Understanding the scenario is a first step towards being prepared.
3) Check that Mr. Ritchie and the execuƟve team have all the financial tools they need in order to assess the cost/benefit tradeoffs for all contemplated and in-process capital projects. For example, do he and the team have at their fingerƟps how specific projects affect water rates along with how the Ɵming of those projects affect rates? Do he and the team also have an understanding of debt implicaƟons of each project?
4) Consider asking for recommendaƟons on how SFPUC’s operaƟng costs could be reduced.
Hopefully SDCWA’s experiences will help the SFPUC avoid similar problems, or at least be beƩer prepared.
Kind regards,
Dave Warner
cc: Dennis Herrera, SFPUC General Manager
Steven Ritchie, SFPUC Assistant General Manager, Water Enterprise Nancy Hom, SFPUC Chief Financial Officer
Laura Busch, SFPUC Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Erin Corvinova, SFPUC Financial Planning Director
SFPUC Citizens’ Advisory Committee
Tom Smegal, BAWSCA CEO
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From: Jialu Liu Streeter
Subject: Invitation: Policy Forum on Wildfires in California | Stanford U | April 24, 2025 Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 9:27:57 AM
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Dear Friends,
The Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) is hosting an in-person conference on Wildfires in California on Thursday, April 24th, 2025. You are cordially invited to join us for this half-day conference.
Over the past decade, California wildfires have become more frequent and increasingly destructive, causing greater financial damage. Is this the new norm? Are we doing a good job allocating resources for fire prevention, suppression, and harm reduction? How do wildfires impact our health, wealth, and government budgets? Can Californians still insure their most valuable asset - their homes - against fire?
At this event, SIEPR brings together academics, government officials, firefighters, and other experts to explore these crucial questions and discuss strategies for better protecting our families, homes, and communities against the economic threat of wildfires.
The program begins with a networking lunch, followed by panel discussions, and conclude with a reception. The event is free.
Registration link: https://forms.gle/yaeoZU59TPZfGzzh6
Conference agenda: https://siepr.stanford.edu/events/policy-forum/economics-wildfire Add to calendar: https://www.addevent.com/event/bZ25177229 Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on April 24th! Warm regards,
Jialu
--------------------------------
Jialu Streeter, PhD
Executive Director
Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) https://siepr.stanford.edu/people/jialu-streeter
San Francisco
Planning
49 South Van Ness Avenue. Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94103
628.652.7600
VATAT st plann ng.org
PWYMi.!
AVAILABILITY OF A DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PROJECT INFORMATION PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION
Case No.:
Block/Lot Nos.:
Zoning District(s):
Neighborhoods:
Project Title:
Project Address:
April 17, 2025
12:00 pm or later
Remote or in-person hearing
(see below and visit
h ttps://sfpla nning.org/pla nning-
commission for details)
Environmental (Draft E1R)
Planning Commission
Project Sponsor:
EIR Coordinator:
PG&E Power Asset Acquisition Project Hearing Dote:
Various Locations in San Francisco and San Time:
Mateo counties Location:
2023-005370ENV
Various
Various
Outer Mission, Bayview, Crocker Amazon, Case Type:
Ingleside, Lakeshore, Merced Heights, Hearing Body:
Oceanview, Sunnydale, Little Hollywood,
Visitacion Valley, Excelsior, Cayuga Terrace
(San Francisco); Bayshore, Crocker,
Peninsula Gateway, Mission Street,
Southern Hills, Vista Grande, Westlake (Daly
City); Baylands, Bayfront, Beatty, Northwest
Bayshore (Brisbane); Unincorporated San
Mateo County
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Sue Chau - 415.554.3238
Julie Moore - 628.652.7566
[email protected]
The San Francisco Planning Department (San Francisco Planning) has studied this project's potential physical environmental effects and welcomes your comments on the adequacy of the draft environmental impact report (Draft EIR). Refer to the Project Description and Purpose of Notice sections below for more information.
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Notice of Availability CASE NO. 2023-005370ENV
March 19, 2025 PG&E Power Asset Acquisition Project
Project Description
The City and County of San Francisco (the "City") is proposing to purchase Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)-owned electrical transmission and distribution assets (the "Assets") in San Francisco and San Mateo County that are needed to provide electricity service to customers within the city (the "project"). After the City completes its acquisition of the Assets, the City would own, operate, and maintain the electricity grid in San Francisco, most of which is currently owned by PG&E.
This project does not include the purchase of PG&E's natural gas facilities; thus, PG&E would continue providing natural gas services to customers in San Francisco.
The change in ownership itself would not result in physical changes to the environment; however, the City would need to physically separate PG&E's existing electric system into two separate systems (generally divided along the San Francisco/San Mateo county border), to allow both systems to be safely, reliably, and independently operated by the City and PG&E. The City would provide electricity service to city customers; PG&E would continue to provide electricity service to its customers outside of San Francisco.
The portion of the project requiring new construction or modifications to existing facilities would primarily be in the southern portion of San Francisco and along the county border in the northern portions of Brisbane and Daly City. The City would modify the existing Martin Substation (or construct a new substation, which is analyzed in the EIR as a new substation variant), construct new underground distribution express feeders, and modify the existing distribution infrastructure. The distribution express feeders alignment would be approximately 3.8 miles long and generally installed within streets, sidewalks, and other publicly owned land. It would extend from near Arch Street in the west, south to Brotherhood Way and Sagamore Street, east along Sickles Avenue, northeast along Huron Avenue and Alemany Boulevard, and southeast along Geneva Avenue to the Martin Substation in Brisbane. Disconnecting and connecting distribution lines between overhead poles and underground vaults could occur either above- or below-ground, and would be performed in small, discontinuous areas generally located near the county border. Construction associated with the project would take approximately 3 years after the purchase and transfer of the Assets.
Draft EIR: The Draft EIR finds that the project could result in significant unavoidable impacts related to noise. The Draft EIR provides a detailed project description, an analysis of physical environmental effects of the project, and identifies feasible mitigation measures and alternatives that would avoid or reduce project impacts. The Draft EIR is available for public review and comment on the San Francisco Planning's website at sfplanning.org/sfceqadocs and at the San Francisco Permit Center, 49 South Van Ness Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103. Paper copies and electronic copies (on a flash drive) of the Draft EIR are available upon request to the project planner. Referenced materials are available at https://tinyurl.com/pgepowerasseteir.
Projects on State Hazardous Materials Lists:
As required by CEQA Guidelines section 15087(c)(6), the following information is provided because the project site contains multiple listed properties included on the GeoTracker (State Water Resources Control Board) and EnviroStor (California Department of Toxic Substances Control) lists compiled pursuant to California Government Code section 65962.5. The detailed list of properties and their regulatory identification numbers are available at sfplanning.orgisfceqadocs, or by contacting CPC.PGEPowerAssetsEIRPsfgov.org .
Plaitird
Notice of Availability CASE NO. 2023-005370ENV
March 19,2025 PG&E Power Asset Acquisition Project
Purpose of Notice
You are not required to take any action. If you wish to comment on the adequacy of the Draft EIR, you may do so in either or both of the following ways:
WRITTEN COMMENTS COMMENTS AT THE PUBLIC HEARING
Planner:
Via Mail:
Via Email:
From:
Julie Moore
49 South Van Ness Ave, Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94103
[email protected]
March 19, 2025, to 5 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025
Live Stream: https://sfgovtv.org/planning, or
live on Cable Channel 78
April 17, at 12 p.m. or later
(see hearing agenda)
The purpose of the public hearing is for the San Francisco Planning Commission and San Francisco Planning staff to receive comments on the adequacy and accuracy of the Draft EIR. The commission will not respond to any of the comments or take action on the project at this hearing. Certification of the Final EIR will be considered at a later hearing. Additional information may be found on San Francisco Planning's website or by contacting the EIR coordinator listed above.
General Information About Procedures
Members of the public are not required to provide personal identifying information when they communicate with the department. All written or oral communications available, including submitted personal contact information, may be made available for inspection and copying upon request from the public. These communications may also be posted on the department's website or in other public documents. Only commenters on the Draft EIR will be permitted to file an appeal of the certification of the Final EIR to the Board of Supervisors.
At the close of the public review period, San Francisco Planning will prepare and publish a Responses to Comments document to respond to all substantive comments on the Draft EIR presented at the public hearing and received in writing during the public review period. It may also specify changes to this Draft EIR. The Responses to Comments document and all other associated documents will be made available at sfplanning.orgisfceqadocs. All commenters that provide an email or physical address will receive a notice of the Responses to Comments document availability. The Draft EIR together with the Responses to Comments document will be considered by the San Francisco Planning Commission in an advertised public meeting and will be certified as a Final EIR if deemed adequate.
PinFiritE
49 South Van Ness Avenue. Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94103
628.6521600
www.sfplanning.org
San Francisco
Date: March 19, 2025
The San Francisco Planning Department is studying a project's potential environmental effects and welcomes your comments. The enclosed notice concerns the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Power Asset Acquisition Project (2023-005370ENV). You may provide comments by 5/04/2025 or request future project updates from the staff contact indicated in the attached notice. There is a hearing before the Planning Commission scheduled for 04/17/2025.
To obtain information about this notice in Spanish, Chinese, or Filipino, please see https://tinyurl.com/SFPlanningPGE or call 628.652.7550. Please be advised that the Planning Department will require at least one business day to respond to any call.
R (San Francisco Planning Department) JEA:Ifffi', -- AA Ft ri<MATAJAVA4-', tt3,92_-k-
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El Departamento de PlanificaciOn esta estudiando los posibles efectos medioambientates de un proyecto y desea saber su opinion. El aviso incluido concierne el proyecto de adquisicion de activos de energia de Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) (2023-005370ENV). Usted puede entregar sus opiniones y comentarios a mas tardar el 5/4/2025 o solicitar futuras actualizaciones sobre el proyecto al contact° indicado en el aviso adjunto. Hay una audiencia ante la Comisicin de Planificacion programada para el 17 de abril del 2025.
Para obtener informacion sobre este aviso en espanol, https://tinyurl.com/SFPlanningPGE, (lame al 628.652.7550. Le informamos que el Departamento de Planificacion necesitara por lo menos un dia habil para responder cualquier llamada.
Pinag-aaralan ng Kagawaran ng Pagpaplano ng San Francisco ang mga potensyal na epekto sa kapaligiran ng isang proyekto at tinatanggap ang inyong mga komento. Ang nakapaloob na paunawa ay patungkol sa isang proyektothe Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Power Asset Acquisition Project (2023-005370ENV). Maaari kang magbigay ng mga komento sa 05/04/2025 o humiling ng mga bagong kaalaman sa proyekto sa hinaharap mula sa pagkontak sa kawani na nakalagay sa kalakip na abiso.
Mayroong pagdinig bago sa naka-iskedyul na Komisyon sa Pagpaplano para sa 04/17/2025.
Para makakuha ng impormasyon tungkol sa notice na ito sa Filipino, mangyaring tingnan ang https://tinyurl.com/SFplanningPGE o tumawag sa 628.652.7550. Mangyaring maabisuhan na ang Kagawaran ng Pagpaplano ay mangangailangan ng kahit isang araw ng may trabaho o pasok upang tumugon sa anumang tawag.
Para inforrnacibn en Espanol llarnai al Para sa impoimasyon sa Filipino tumawag sa 628.6523550
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pact report (EIR) is a study
required for a project that may have a significant
effect on the environment.
THE BASIC PARTS OF AN EIR ARE:
Notice of Preparation: a notice to inform the public that the City is preparing an EIR. The public is invited to
comment on the scope of and topics analyzed in the EIR.
Draft EIR includes:
Description of the project, including the project
goals (called objectives).
Environmental impact analysis, focusing on the
project's significant environmental impacts and
mitigation measures to reduce its impacts.
A range of other options (called alternatives) that
meet project goals and reduce its significant
impacts.
May include an initial study, which is a
preliminary analysis prepared to determine
the relative environmental impacts of the
project.
Public comments on the accuracy of the draft EIR are
accepted in writing and at a public hearing.
Responses to Comments:
A document formally responding to comments
received on the draft EIR.
THE PURPOSE OF AN EIR IS:
To inform decision makers and the public about the potential significant environment impacts of a proposed project. Mitigation measures identify the ways that the environmental damage can be avoided or reduced.
The EIR analysis includes alternatives to the project that would avoid or substantially lessen the proposed project's impacts. The alternatives must meet most of the basic project objectives.
San Francisco
Planning
rix 2a Para informacidn en Espatiol Hamar al Para sa impormasyon sa Filipino tumawag sa 628.652.7550
EIR STEPS HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
SCOPING
Determines the scope of the EIR
in consultation with agencies,
the public, and the applicant
proposing the project. The EIR
notice of preparation describes
the project and EIR process.
This notice may include the
initial study.
DRAFT EIR
Incorporates prior public
comment, and includes project
description, environmental
impact analysis, and
alternatives. This may include
an initial study, if not previously
published.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
a. Draft EIR public hearing
b. Written public comments
accepted
RESPONSES TO COMMENTS
Responds to comments on the
draft EIR and makes revisions to
draft EIR, as needed.
EIR CERTIFICATION
The Planning Commission
certifies the final EIR (the draft
EIR and the Responses to
Comments document) if it is
adequate, accurate, and
complete. It is not a project
approval.
SCOPING PERIOD -30 DAYS
Written comments accepted throughout
the 30 day period. Some projects have
public meetings called scoping
meetings, which anyone can attend to
learn about the project and make
comments on the environmental
analysis topics, methods, or potential
alternatives.
DRAFT EIR PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Once the draft EIR is published, written
comments are accepted during the
comment period, which is generally 45
days. Spoken comments are also
accepted at the Planning Commission
draft EIR hearing.
For some projects, the Historic
Preservation Commission comments
on the draft EIR.
DRAFT EIR HEARING AT PLANNING
COMMISSION
The Planning Commission comments
on the draft EIR during one of their
regularly scheduled hearings. During
this hearing, the public also can
provide spoken comments on the draft
EIR either by calling in or attending the
hearing in person.
Public participation is encouraged
throughout the process. Each icon
above represents a different way to
share your thoughts. You can always
contact Planning Department staff
on any questions too.
-Written cOrrirrier‘ts are accepted
part of forma' • I . a, the ! rer;orc.
Spoken comments are accepted a7
part of the formal DR record
What is an environmental
effect? EIRs consider how a
project may affect a wide
range of topics as part of the
"physical environment."
Topics range from air quality
and noise to transportation
and historic resources.
What is a mitigation
measure? Mitigation
measures identify the ways
that the environmental
damage can be avoided or
reduced.
MORE QUESTIONS ON THIS
PARTICULAR PROJECT?
Contact the assigned
environmental planner
WHERE CAN I FIND
MORE INFORMATION?
To learn more, please visit:
sfplanning.org/
environmental-review
Comment period
PROJECT APPROVAL
After the final EIR is complete, the City determines whether to approve the project or an alternative to the project.
To view all published EIR
documents:
sfplanning.org/sfceqadocs
To learn more about CEQA:
sfplanning.org/whatisCEQA
Attn: Julie Moore
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94103
Presorted
First-Class Mail
U.S. Postage PAID
San Francisco, CA
Permit No. 925
16 8
SFPUC Commission
Donna Hood
525 GOLDEN GATE AVE FL 13TH
SAN FRANCISCO CA 94102-3220
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From: commissionstreamlining
To: commissionstreamlining
Subject: Update on Prop E Commission Streamlining Task Force Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 3:50:42 PM
Dear colleagues,
Proposition E, approved by the voters in November 2024, established the Commission Streamlining Task Force. The Commission Streamlining Task Force is responsible for making recommendations to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors about ways to modify, eliminate, or combine the City’s appointive boards and commissions to improve the administration of government.
Prop E requires the Task Force to submit recommendations by February 1, 2026 for consideration for the November 2026 election. To support the Task Force’s review process, Prop E additionally requires the Budget and Legislative Analyst (BLA) to assess the financial costs of operating and supporting the City’s boards, commissions, and advisory bodies.
What to expect
In early April, the BLA will reach out to your department to request information about the financial cost of operating or supporting City boards, commissions, and advisory groups.
Costs include but are not limited to the costs of City staff time spent to support, brief, meet with, or develop materials for the body.
This financial assessment will be one piece of the Task Force’s robust review of the City’s boards and commissions. The Task Force is also developing a framework to gather feedback from department staff and commissioners on the effectiveness of these bodies and areas for improvement; we will reach back out to you this summer.
What to do now
We are asking three things of you at this time:
1. Please give your colleagues a heads up about this work by forwarding this email to commissioners, department leaders, and employees who work with boards, commissions, and advisory groups;
2. Start thinking about costs of supporting these public bodies to prepare to respond when the BLA reaches out in April; and,
3. Please reply confirming your desired points of contact for the commissions and advisory bodies related to your department.
Thank you for your support to strengthen our administration of good government. If you have any questions, please reach out to Prop E project manager Rachel Alonso at [email protected]. You can also learn more about the Task Force’s work on our website on SF.gov.
Sincerely,
Commission Streamlining Task Force staff