Residents press city for safety plan after nearby battery facility, urge extra inspections

At the start of the meeting several members of the public raised separate safety concerns about a nearby lithium‑ion battery storage facility in Canyon Country, saying they had seen fires at other facilities and had received little information about evacuation plans or oversight.

Tony Maldonado and other residents told the council families living within 500 feet of the facility had received no direct notice from the city and asked for clarity about evacuation plans and inspections. One resident noted the facility owner had experienced at least two fires in other jurisdictions and asked what protections are available to nearby apartment residents.

City manager (staff) responded the city had met with the fire department and that annual inspections are required; he said the facility’s construction includes compartmentalized storage designed to limit propagation of fire and, according to the department, smoke would not require broad evacuations. City staff told the council they had sent notices of violation to a problem property and had contacted listing platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) about recurring party‑house problems related to an unrelated short‑term rental complaint.

Council members directed staff to continue outreach to residents and to consider additional fire‑safety inspections in light of local concerns. Councilmember Ayala asked staff to look into emergency plans for vulnerable residential areas, including a nearby trailer park with residents who have mobility challenges.

The council did not take formal action on the battery‑facility requests; staff said they would reach out to residents and the fire department to provide greater public education on response procedures and to report back if further regulatory or inspection steps are warranted.