PPCC Library Integration Test

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Background Informa/on – Resolu/on Recommended by the
PPCC Infrastructure Commi<ee to the PPCC Board – 2/12/26
Undergrounding U+li+es.
The Infrastructure Commi2ee has had mul5ple mee5ngs with LADWP officials to discuss undergrounding of
u5li5es and related infrastructure in Pacific Palisades. It is widely understood and acknowledged within the
Palisades community that undergrounding is cri5cal for public safety, future fire resilience and insurability.
LADWP has now stated that undergrounding will take place in Pacific Palisades (as feasible), and has begun
outreach (e.g., h'ps://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Alphabets-PR-Statement-12.15.2025.Rev1_.pdf).
In that connec5on, the Commi2ee agrees with widespread community consensus that it is generally
unacceptable to install transformer boxes necessary for undergrounding of u5li5es on private property of fire
vic5ms; all such infrastructure should instead be installed underground, or, if not feasible to be placed
underground, on parkways or other public-right-of way (PROW) areas. This must be a priority.
The Commi2ee has discussed community consensus and preferences related to undergrounding of u5li5es
with LADWP officials, who have indicated in response that the agency intends to develop a Master
Infrastructure Plan (MIP) for Pacific Palisades, in coopera5on with other key City departments. The Commi2ee
understands that the process of developing and implemen5ng the MIP will take at least one year.
Plan+ng of Street Trees.
Palisadians treasure our beau5ful urban forest, which pre-fire included many street trees (trees planted in
public areas such as the PROW) that were sadly destroyed. We appreciate the efforts of volunteer
organiza5ons such as the Palisades Forestry Commi2ee and Palisades Beau5ful to assist in plan5ng and/or
obtaining necessary permits from the City for the plan5ng of street trees in certain PROW areas of the
Palisades. While we look forward to eventual restora5on of our urban forest, the Infrastructure Commi2ee
believes strongly that an official pause of at least one-year must be placed immediately on street tree plan5ng
in residen5al neighborhoods, to allow for proper planning and implementa5on of the MIP. Such addi5onal
plan5ng, if it occurs before the MIP is implemented, may interfere with eventual placement of transformer
boxes or other necessary above-ground infrastructure, and/or may force the removal of street trees that,
unless removed, may otherwise impede placement of cri5cal infrastructure in the PROW.
Streetlights, Poles and Wireless Telecommunica+ons Facili+es/Cell Towers.
The Commi2ee believes that for public safety and fire resilience, all streetlights and other above-ground u5lity
poles should be constructed and/or replaced with metal rather than wooden poles. Moreover, as to wireless
telecommunica5ons facili5es: Reliable cell recep5on is obviously cri5cally necessary not only for convenience
but for public safety as we return and rebuild the community. Many such facili5es and/or cellular towers will
need to be restored or added as we con5nue the recovery, with necessary components (e.g., antenna arrays)
required to be installed above-ground. We strongly believe that now is the 5me for a comprehensive redesign
of wireless telecommunica5ons facili5es in Pacific Palisades, subject to controlling federal law and public safety
needs. The MIP should provide for such facili5es to be incorporated within the design of metal streetlights, i.e.,
so-called “stealth” cell towers, which are already installed throughout L.A. (one example can be seen in Pacific
Palisades on Sunset Blvd. in the Riviera; h'ps://lalights.lacity.org/connected-infrastructure/connected_city.html).
Notably, more than a decade ago PPCC established a policy providing for a Master Plan for the si5ng of cell
towers and for providers to obtain the opinion of the community on the design of such towers. That policy has
never changed (see h'ps://pacpalicc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Cell-Tower-MoLonPPCC-standing-rule.pdf). For
aesthe5c as well as public safety reasons, PPCC should call for the MIP to provide for metal street light poles to
incorporate wireless telecommunica5on equipment and for community input on the design.
Prepared by Chris Spitz/PPCC At-large Rep and Reza Akef/Cmtee Chair, in connec>on with the 2/12/26 PPCC Board mee>ng
(Spitz & the Infrastructure Cmtee are co-sponsors of the mo>on to support the Resolu>on)