Line of controversy
Dwight and Lynda Pepin of Vandenberg Village, Calif., stargaze at their Yaqui Well campsite in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The proposed Sunrise Powerlink transmission lines would pass over the site. Lynda Pepin said of their week at the park: “It’s phenomenal! Dead quiet all night. We’ll be back.” If approved, the 100-foot-high towers and high-voltage lines will alter visitors’ experience with buzzing and crackling from 500-kilovolt lines. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Seen through the branches of an ocotillo bush from high atop Yaqui Pass, Highway 78 runs east-west across the vast desert landscape below. In this area of the park, the Sunrise Powerlink transmission lines would parallel the highway. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
San Diego Gas & Electric and its parent company, Sempra Energy, wants to erect transmission towers, some over 100 foot high, on its easement through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Here, smaller poles and wires on the route cut through the Yaqui Well camping and hiking area. Foes charge the Sunrise Powerlink will degrade the tranquil desert preserve with a line of ugly, crackling wires. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Trees, center right, in the Tamarisk Grove campground provide shade and shelter for visitors just off Yaqui Pass road near the junction of Highway 78 inside Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Proposed Sunrise Powerlink towers would be next to the campground. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)