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Residents raise cellphone coverage concerns; fire district begins Station 68 construction
Summary
Public comment highlighted persistent cellphone gaps in parts of southern Chino Hills that limit 911 access during power outages; council asked staff for a follow‑up and fire officials reported construction starting on Fire Station 68.
A Chino Hills resident told the City Council that persistent cell coverage gaps in Village Oaks and other southern neighborhoods create a public‑safety risk during power outages, and council members directed staff to return with a summary of possible actions. Separately, Chino Valley Fire District officials reported that construction began this week on Fire Station 68.
Resident Brett Petroff, who said he has lived in Village Oaks for 35 years, described repeated failures of cellular calls when Wi‑Fi was down during recent power outages and stressed that he could not reliably call 911 without leaving the neighborhood. He told the council the issue became acute during January storms when outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs interrupted phone and internet service. Several council members acknowledged the problem and said staff have been asked previously to explore options; city management committed to prepare an update that outlines technical options and potential steps the city can take to improve emergency communications.
Why it matters: Residents and council members described the problem as a public safety concern. Council members noted a tension when wireless carriers or infrastructure proposals come forward: line‑of‑sight towers or other equipment may improve coverage but also draw strong local opposition. Council members asked staff to return with a report summarizing signal gaps and possible remedies.
Fire district update: Deputy Chief Jeremy Ault told the council that construction started this week on Fire Station 68 and thanked city staff and partners. Ault urged residents to prepare for fire season, to buy/charge/dispose of lithium‑ion batteries carefully (a topic raised in an earlier Fire Prevention Week proclamation), and to keep evacuation plans and supplies ready. He also invited the public to a State of the Fire District event on October 23.
Ending: City staff committed to return with an update on communications and cell coverage options; the fire district will provide construction updates on the new station as work proceeds.
