Following the recent severe weather event known as the Pineapple Express, the County of Monterey Public Works, Facilities, and Parks, in partnership with the management team at Laguna Seca Recreational Area, home of the WeatherTech Raceway, announces its crucial role as the main staging area for Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) recovery operation in Monterey County. Additionally, the County of Monterey has provided PG&E with access to Toro Regional Park for the purpose of debris staging, in order to expedite the restoration of services to County residents and businesses.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, renowned for its iconic motorsports events, will now shift its focus to become a central hub for the deployment of equipment from various locations across northern California. This strategic collaboration aims to speed up the process of restoring power, inspecting critical infrastructure, and, most importantly, reconnecting over 30,000 customers who are currently without power in Monterey County.
John Narigi, President of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, expressed his dedication to the recovery effort. “During times of crisis, it is crucial for our community to come together and support one another,” he stated. “Laguna Seca Raceway is honored to play a pivotal role in facilitating the arrival and deployment of essential equipment that will assist in restoring power for our fellow residents. We stand in unity with the County of Monterey and PG&E to ensure a swift recovery for our community.”
Randy Ishii, Director of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks for the County of Monterey, emphasized the collective commitment to the recovery process. “The collaboration between the County of Monterey and Laguna Seca Raceway demonstrates the strength of our community partnerships. Our joint dedication to supporting PG&E in this recovery effort is unwavering,” Ishii said. “We recognize the urgency of restoring power to the affected areas, and our combined efforts will have a significant impact on the region’s recovery.”
This collaborative initiative highlights the resilience and unity of the Monterey County community as it comes together to overcome the challenges presented by the recent severe weather event.