Empowering Boulder Creek: How PG&E is Transforming Community Resilience Against Extreme Weather

Boulder Creek, California, is gearing up for a safer future thanks to an initiative by PG&E aimed at fortifying community support in the face of increasingly extreme weather conditions. As climate change continues to impact our lives, local organizations are stepping up to ensure residents have the resources they need to weather the storm—literally. Here’s how PG&E is making a difference.

Transforming The Highlands Park Senior and Community Center

PG&E is converting the Highlands Park Senior and Community Center into an emergency response center, a move that signifies a proactive approach to community safety. This transformation includes:

• Installation of a generator to keep the center operational during power outages.
• Registration as an Emergency Response Location to provide a safe gathering space.
• Access to essential services such as Meals on Wheels, helping to combat isolation.

Coco Raner-Walter, the board president for the center, expressed gratitude for PG&E's support, stating, “We are very happy that PG&E wants to help us meet our goals.” This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing community resilience.

Funding to Boost Emergency Preparedness

Between 2023 and 2024, PG&E has allocated $15,000 to the center for the generator installation, underscoring the importance of emergency preparedness. The funds will help ensure that vital services remain available even in the most challenging times.

Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS)

Given the wildfire risks that loom over the San Lorenzo Valley, PG&E is also implementing Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) designed to mitigate these dangers. Key features of EPSS include:

• Immediate power shutdown within one-tenth of a second upon detecting hazards near powerlines.
• Enhanced monitoring to prevent wildfires, offering peace of mind to residents.

Teresa Alvarado, vice president for PG&E's South Bay and Central Coast region, commended the community’s proactive approach: “We are so grateful that our customers in the San Lorenzo Valley understand the risk and take measures to protect themselves in all seasons and conditions.”

A Center for Community Services

The Highlands Park Senior and Community Center already plays a multifaceted role in the community, functioning as:

• A vaccination clinic
• A vote-by-mail polling location
• A cooling center during heat waves
• A venue for essential community meetings

This comprehensive service model not only addresses immediate needs but also strengthens the fabric of the community, ensuring residents have a reliable hub for support.

Conclusion

As Boulder Creek adapts to the realities of climate change, initiatives like this remind us of the importance of community resilience and preparedness. With PG&E’s help, residents can face future challenges with greater confidence and support.

What do you think?

• Is enough being done to prepare communities for climate-related emergencies?
• Should more funding be allocated to community centers like The Center?
• How do you feel about PG&E’s role in local emergency preparedness?
• Could this model be replicated in other communities facing similar risks?
• Do you believe the benefits of EPSS outweigh the potential inconveniences of power outages?