California Construction News staff writer
Hundreds of new solar-powered streetlights are being installed in Los Angeles’ Filipinotown neighborhood as part of a citywide initiative to curb copper wire theft and improve infrastructure. The installation aims to enhance public safety, reduce theft, and modernize city infrastructure. The updated solar powered streetlights help curb copper wire theft as they do not require copper wire to be used at the bottom of the light pole.
“We are using new and innovative ways to improve city services for Angelenos – from modernizing the MyLA311 system to installing new solar lighting,” Mayor Bass said during a visit to the Bureau of Street Lighting crews who were working to install the new technology. “The City is taking action to make your neighborhoods safer and cleaner.”
The solar-powered lights are part of a broader effort to combat the ongoing issue of copper wire theft, which has caused widespread damage to street lighting systems across Los Angeles. By using solar energy, the new lights offer a sustainable and resilient solution to the problem, ensuring neighborhoods stay lit while also protecting the city’s infrastructure from theft and vandalism.
“Solar lighting disrupts the cycle of vandalism and robbery, providing a long-term, sustainable solution to dark streets caused by copper wire theft,” Mayor Bass added. “This improvement helps keep the lights on and preserves City resources, allowing personnel to focus on system upgrades and maintenance.”
“Investing in sustainable infrastructure like these solar streetlights is a win for our communities and our planet,” said Council member Eunisses Hernandez. “We’re reducing our carbon footprint, deterring copper wire theft, and tackling the streetlight backlog in the neighborhoods that need it most.”
The Filipinotown project is one of several initiatives aimed at addressing the ongoing streetlight issues in Los Angeles. Last year, Mayor Bass launched the first phase of this project in the San Fernando Valley, installing more than 100 solar-powered lights to improve safety for residents and local schools. In addition to Filipinotown, solar lights are also being installed in Watts, with plans to expand the program across the city.
“Getting the lights back on faster and delivering basic city services more efficiently is a top priority for our office, and we’re excited to work with Mayor Bass to bring innovative solutions like this to the people of CD1,” Hernandez added.
As the new solar lights continue to be installed, city officials are hopeful the initiative will not only reduce crime but also improve the overall quality of life for Angelenos by providing safer, better-lit streets for residents and businesses alike.
