The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath's motion to initiate proceedings with the California Public Utilities Commission to advance utility undergrounding in the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains.
The motion responds to delays from telecommunications companies whose failure to participate in undergrounding projects has slowed community recovery and left residents vulnerable to wildfire risks.
"Undergrounding utilities is essential to preventing wildfires and protecting our communities," Horvath said. "Fire season is here now, and our residents cannot wait for safer infrastructure."
Southern California Edison has made significant progress on undergrounding commitments, completing major work in Las Flores/Rambla Pacifico and advancing additional projects along Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway. However, telecommunications companies that share these poles have refused to underground their equipment, leaving hazardous poles standing even after SCE has removed its lines.
Overhead infrastructure can fuel fires, block evacuation routes, and intensify emergencies, particularly in areas where residents depend on limited evacuation routes.
The county will move forward with formal CPUC proceedings to address this issue in unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains communities including Topanga and Las Flores. The motion directs the Department of Public Works, consulting with County Counsel, to initiate proceedings including filing a formal complaint seeking to require telecommunications companies to underground their infrastructure in coordination with SCE's ongoing efforts, particularly in and around the Palisades Fire burn scar area.
Edited by SMDP Staff