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Story and photos by Janis Russell
Photo, left: Don Parent, SDG&E, presents update on gas pipeline upgrades planned on Fletcher Parkway, Amaya and Jackson Drive
October 18, 2015 (La Mesa)—At Tuesday’s La Mesa City Council meeting, Council members heard from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) about pipeline upgrades planned in La Mesa, received an update on downtown streetscape improvements nearing completion, and presented a commendation to a La Mesa resident who won the Fox TV Masterchef competition.
Don Parent, public affairs manager at SDG&E, gave a powerpoint presentation and update on the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Program (PSEP). Project managers Ryan Thomas and John Black were on hand to answer any questions. SDG&E will be doing pressure testing and retrofitting pipelines that operate in the San Diego area. There are two pipelines they’re working on in La Mesa: Pipeline 49-15 affects Amaya Drive, Jackson Drive, and Fletcher Parkway. The utility company wasn’t able to test Amaya or Fletcher and they had to put in new pipes. Construction start day is pending, but it is expected to end the first quarter of 2016.
“There will be traffic impacts,” Parent added. Pipeline 49-16 affects Baltimore Drive, Crossroads shopping center, Date Avenue, the police department parking lot, and Jesse Avenue (laydown yard). For traffic control, properties will remain accessible. Construction start day is pending, but is expected to end the first quarter of 2016.
Mayor Mark Arapostathis asked when the pressure tests will be. Parent told him, “We haven’t seen the final permit yet. Your staff will dictate concerned areas or times of day. We’re keeping driveways open as best we can.”
Vice Mayor Bill Baber wanted to know more about neighborhood impacts like noise and traffic. He wondered if they would also work with staff on those. Parent said, “There will be some impacts. We’ll take a lane [but] we’ll keep traffic flowing.”
Councilmember Kristine Alessio mentioned that at a similar recent presentation, someone mentioned that there’s a possibility people could smell natural gas. She asked if that was correct. Parent answered, “Gas will have to go out during retrofitting… In this presentation, it’s pretty much a commercial area.” Black added that there would be door hangers to warn people of gas nearby.
Councilmember Ruth Sterling wanted clarification on why there had to be new pipes put in on Amaya and Fletcher. Black said, “We did an evaluation in 2013. Based on the vintage of the lines (installed in the 1950’s), it’s better to replace it.”
For any concerns on the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Program, call 800-411-7343 where customer care representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more at http://www.sdge.com/key-initiatives/pipeline-safety-enhancement-overview. There is also more information about the smell of natural gas under the tab “What to Expect.”
Next up, Greg Humora, Director of Public Works, gave Council an update on construction in the downtown streetscape project..
“I estimate this is the second to last update of the streetscape project,” he said, adding that lights will soon be installed and some underground work remains to be completed. “Trees are coming, growing quickly right now, over the old police station spot.” Brick crosswalks are being installed. “Next week, we’re starting on Palm. We will have to close it down.” Gateway lights will be hung and asphalt will be removed at night, according to Humora. 
Alessio asked if they’re still looking to have the project done by the end of the year. Humora confirmed that all work should be completed by November or December—a welcome holiday season gift for downtown merchants and shoppers.
Earlier in the meeting, Mayor Mark Arapostathis presented the commendation to La Mesa resident and event planner Claudia Sandoval (photo, right), winner of the Fox network’s Masterchef competition on September 16.
Mayor Arapostathis stated, “She prepared for the competition with help from her friends.” Besides winning prize money, she also plans to publish a cookbook due out in spring 2016.
Sandoval voiced her joy at being a La Mesa resident—and winning the competition. “It’s surreal,” she concluded. “This is an amazing blessing.”
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