Residents of Bay Park are witnessing a significant change in their neighborhood as the last remaining utility pole was removed on Wednesday. Robert Mowry, a long-time resident, observed the procedure with mixed feelings of nostalgia and relief.
Mowry and his wife live in the same home that his parents built in 1957, finally seeing the utility pole that his family might have watched being erected taken down.
“My parents probably saw that pole put up,” Mowry reflected. “But I’m glad to see it go. Reliability-wise, we don’t have to worry as much about fires and stuff like that. Certainly, during a severe storm, we have a better chance of having continuous power.”
The removal of the 40-foot wooden pole was accomplished quickly by a crew, marking a significant step in the city of San Diego’s ongoing project to replace overhead power lines with underground electrical, telephone, and broadband infrastructure.
Naomi Chavez, assistant director of the city’s Transportation Department, explained the benefits of this initiative. “Putting electrical and telecommunications lines underground makes these services safer, more reliable, and beautifies the neighborhood,” she stated.
This pole removal is part of the city’s Utilities Undergrounding Program, which is a collaborative effort between the city government and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Funded through franchise agreements established in 2021, the program allocates approximately $54 million annually for various neighborhoods.
Residents in San Diego contribute to this initiative via a surcharge of $5 to $8 on their SDG&E bills, which supports undergrounding efforts. The collected funds are strictly designated for this purpose and cannot be used for other city projects.
“We currently have about 55 projects in design and construction,” said Chelsea Klaseus, deputy director of the city’s Transportation Department. “We try to start two to five projects every year, ensuring a consistent flow of work at various stages.”
Current projects are underway in neighborhoods such as Barrio Logan, Egger Highlands, and Sherman Heights, reflecting the city’s commitment to improving infrastructure.
Brittany Applestein Syz, vice president of external affairs and communications at SDG&E, emphasized community interest in undergrounding, noting that it typically costs around $3,500 to replace one pole, with trenching involved for underground placement.
Converting overhead lines to underground significantly reduces the risk of downed power lines during extreme weather, which had been a concern, especially during recent Santa Ana winds. Within San Diego’s 110 square miles, one-third falls under the California Public Utilities Commission’s High Fire Threat District designation.
Additionally, removing utility poles enhances residents’ views of the sky, ocean, and adjacent mountains. “We try to distribute the projects fairly across all council districts,” Klaseus added.
In Bay Park specifically, 203 utility poles have been taken down, directly benefiting 418 properties along three miles of city streets.
Alongside the utility work, the neighborhood will also see road repaving, the installation of 34 new high-efficiency streetlights, and the addition of 56 curb ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This initiative not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Bay Park but also promotes safety and reliability, making it a valued project among residents.
image source from：https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/04/23/an-unobstructed-view-project-replacing-utility-poles-in-bay-park-wraps-up/
