Rolling Hills Estates advances siren expansion, receives broader public safety update

Rolling Hills Estates City Council received and filed an update on public safety and emergency preparedness that advances a multi-part plan to expand community warning sirens and to participate in state pilot programs intended to improve earthquake and disaster warning.

The presentation, led by Samantha Crew, the city’s management analyst and emergency preparedness coordinator, said the city and its vendor identified six candidate locations for additional siren poles after sound‑propagation studies and that the vendor proposed three sites to fill existing coverage gaps. “We have identified 6 locations throughout the city to potentially have new siren poles,” Crew said, adding that Dig Alert crews recently cleared all six candidate sites for viability.

Why it matters: councilors and residents said gaps in cell and internet service make redundant, non‑cellular alerts important on the hill. Several residents urged the council to proceed so sirens can be in place before the winter rains and fire season.

Key details: staff said the vendor recommended two possible sites per target area; the city is working with block captains and the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA) on siting, and will present three proposed sites to the RHCA and council in the coming weeks along with sound‑propagation maps. Crew told the council the vendor’s amended proposal did not indicate a per‑site cost difference from earlier estimates.

The project includes two separate elements: outdoor siren poles and an optional, in‑home receiver (“boxes”) that homeowners would request and pay for if they want one. Crew described the boxes as an optional add‑on and said they are intended to relay timed, location‑specific instructions in an emergency. Staff said the city is working with residents to avoid blocking views and to identify acceptable locations when a proposed stake in the ground affects a property owner.

Residents and technical commenters urged the city to consider alternatives such as redundant fiber or other infrastructure. A resident who identified himself as a professional in utility and infrastructure work said fiber and undergrounding could provide more permanent redundancy, while others stressed the unique benefits of an audible siren system for people outdoors or without cell service.

Other items in the report: staff said the city submitted a notice of interest for Cal OES’s voluntary buyout program and that Cal OES is completing a benefit‑cost analysis to determine eligibility; staff expect a response around August. The city will also receive two datacasting earthquake alert receivers and antennas from Cal OES as part of a pilot using USGS data via a local public television station; devices are provided at no cost and the pilot runs through Dec. 31, 2025. SoCalGas reported restoration to three homes in the Seaview area and plans staged restoration into Portuguese Bend then Rolling Hills Estates; Southern California Edison has restored power to all but one household pending permit approvals and has issued a long‑term tension‑relief strategy for fall 2025.

Council action: the council voted to receive and file the public safety and emergency preparedness update. The motion to receive and file passed (vote recorded as 5 in favor, 0 opposed).

Next steps: staff said it will return with a presentation package identifying three recommended siren locations and detailed sound maps, coordinate further with block captains and the RHCA, and pursue the Cal OES pilot participation requirements.