November 19th, 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath’s motion to initiate proceedings with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to advance critical utility undergrounding in the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains. The motion responds to long-standing delays from telecommunications companies whose failure to participate in undergrounding projects has slowed community recovery and left residents vulnerable to ongoing wildfire risks.

“Undergrounding utilities is essential to preventing wildfires and protecting our communities,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Fire season is here now, and our residents cannot wait for safer infrastructure. Undergrounding telecommunications reduces fire risks, keeps evacuation routes clear, and strengthens the systems our communities rely on every day. Through today’s action, we will work with the CPUC to require the urgent action our communities deserve. We owe it to fire survivors to build infrastructure that keeps them safe.”

Southern California Edison (SCE) has made significant progress on its 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. Leaving overhead electrical and telecommunications infrastructure can fuel fires, block evacuation routes, and intensify emergencies – especially in areas where residents depend on only one or two evacuation routes.

With the Board’s approval, the County will move forward with formal CPUC proceedings to address this issue in the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains communities like Topanga, Las Flores, and others. The motion directs the Department of Public Works, in consultation 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.

More Information
Read the full motion here >

###