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Altadena Town Council asks county to pause SCE undergrounding amid tree, cost and coordination concerns
Summary
The Altadena Town Council voted to send a letter to Los Angeles County asking for a temporary pause on Southern California Edisons undergrounding work in Altadena's public right-of-way, citing homeowner costs, risks to heritage trees and a lack of telecom coordination; the motion passed with all members voting in favor at the April 21 meeting.
The Altadena Town Council voted April 21 to send a letter to Los Angeles County leadership requesting a temporary pause to Southern California Edisons undergrounding work in the towns public right-of-way, citing concerns about homeowner financial burdens, impacts to the historic tree canopy and a lack of coordination with other utilities.
Council member Morgan Wurlitzer introduced and read the letter to Supervisor Kathryn Barger asking the county to "implement a temporary pause of all work being performed by SCE in the public right-of-way within Altadena" until clear oversight, coordination and funding measures are in place. Wurlitzer said the letter reflected community testimony and more than 120 resident sign-ons as of March 28, 2026.
The letter and discussion centered on three themes: the visual and environmental cost of large transformer boxes and new sidewalk infrastructure; direct costs or burdens being shifted to homeowners for service changes; and the absence of a single, clear process that forces participation from nonparticipating telecom providers such as AT&T or Spectrum. Robert Steller, speaking during public comment, urged the council to support a pause, describing transformer boxes "more hulking" than trees on Maiden Lane and saying the current approach places the burden on residents rather than the utility.
Council discussion focused on the letters scope (including whether it should specifically reference "public right-of-way") and on seeking future coordination between the county, SCE and other providers. After public comment the council voted to send the letter; the chair announced 14 ayes and no opposition or abstentions in the meeting record.
What comes next: council members said they expected county-level meetings between SCE, the county and the countys rebuilding and infrastructure committee; Morgan Wurlitzer reported there will be a follow-up meeting that the council hopes will address coordination and oversight. The council also asked staff to post the letter and associated exhibits to the town website.
The motion and vote: The council passed a motion to send the letter to the Board of Supervisors; meeting minutes record the vote as unanimous (the chair announced 14 ayes).
