It was one of the worst pipeline disasters in California history, prompting a Peninsula city to become an advocate for pipeline safety.
Four years later, San Bruno continues rebuilding after a deadly explosion flattened a neighborhood, as the city plans to give an update Monday on the recovery in its Crestmoor neighborhood, city officials said. In addition, San Bruno plans to announce the next steps in the California Public Utilities Commission’s penalty proceeding against PG&E.
"The full road to recovery is obliviously emotional," San Bruno City Manager Connie Jackson said.
Jackson said much has changed four years after the deadly PG&E natural gas pipeline explosion
"So far, 22 families have returned out of the 38 homes that were destroyed totally," she said. "There are a couple more that are in progress."
She said there have been infrastructure improvements. The blast killed 8 people and injured dozens more, and this week, PG&E learned it will face a $1.4 billion fine.
"In a large measure, it means closure," Jackson said. "The fact that the CPUC has finally completed the three-year-long investigative process and has reached a decision is we think very much a contribution to the overall recovery of our community."
One sticking point is $950 million of the penalty will go to the state's general fund.
State Sen. Jerry Hill, whose district includes San Bruno, said Friday he will introduce a bill earmarking more for things like pipeline safety trust, an independent monitor overseeing safety plans.
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"We were the ones with the exposure," Hill said. "Why should the residents of Los Angeles County, Shasta County, or Yolo County--why should the rest of the state benefit?"
In an earlier statement, PG&E said it asked "the penalty is reasonable and proportionate and takes into consideration the company's investments and actions to promote safety."
An appeal is expected. In San Bruno, the city keeps pushing forward.
"This was a horrible tragedy that we vow to never see happen anywhere else," Jackson said.
