Safer Newport Heights-Underground our utility poles

Safer Newport Heights-Underground our utility polesSafer Newport Heights-Underground our utility polesSafer Newport Heights-Underground our utility poles

Safer Newport Heights-Underground our utility poles

Safer Newport Heights-Underground our utility polesSafer Newport Heights-Underground our utility polesSafer Newport Heights-Underground our utility poles

Utility Pole Undergrounding for Community Safety in Newport Heights

Utility Pole Undergrounding for Community Safety in Newport HeightsUtility Pole Undergrounding for Community Safety in Newport HeightsUtility Pole Undergrounding for Community Safety in Newport Heights

Did you know nearly 90% of California wildfires are caused by human activity, including aging overhead power lines? This highlights the importance of California wildfire prevention efforts, which often focus on community safety initiatives and the need for underground utility infrastructure to reduce fire risks.

Utility Pole Undergrounding for Community Safety in Newport Heights

Utility Pole Undergrounding for Community Safety in Newport HeightsUtility Pole Undergrounding for Community Safety in Newport HeightsUtility Pole Undergrounding for Community Safety in Newport Heights

Did you know nearly 90% of California wildfires are caused by human activity, including aging overhead power lines? This highlights the importance of California wildfire prevention efforts, which often focus on community safety initiatives and the need for underground utility infrastructure to reduce fire risks.

This time, we have the chance to act before disaster strikes

Places like Altadena and the Palisades waited too long!

Losing my house in the Pacific Palisades fire changed how I see infrastructure forever. When you’ve watched your home disappear in a matter of hours, you start to understand that prevention isn’t optional—it’s essential."  Hunter Simon 

Home burned in the Palisades fires in 2025

An open letter to Newport Heights

Before you read this letter, we wanted to provide one point of clarification. While this letter is signed by only a portion of our committee, the committee itself consists of many more Newport Heights residents. Several members chose not to include their names because recent mailings have identified individual residents by name, and they were concerned about potential personal criticism or unwanted attention. We completely respect their decision.

Those of us who felt comfortable signing this letter wanted to reach out to our fellow Newport Heights neighbors to share, from the heart, how we arrived at this point, what has taken place throughout the exploratory process, and why we believe it is important for every resident to have accurate information as our community considers whether to pursue a potential neighborhood undergrounding initiative. Regardless of where anyone ultimately stands on the issue, we hope this letter provides helpful context and encourages a respectful, informed conversation among neighbors.

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FAQ's

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What poles are proposed to come down?

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Why your neighbors are asking you to sign?

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Newport Heights has already started in some sections.

A section of La Jolla and Cliff went underground last year. Hear from a Newport Heights resident:

I live on La Jolla, and our street decided to participate in the undergrounding study and ultimately move forward with undergrounding our electrical lines. It’s been a great decision. Not only does it improve safety, but it also makes the street look so much nicer. As a realtor, I also see firsthand how improvements like this can enhance property values and make a community more attractive to buyers. I saw it as a meaningful long-term investment in our home. 

I also want to recognize the City’s communication throughout the process. They were very clear about when crews would be working in front of our homes and gave plenty of advance notice when we needed to move our cars during the day. I was concerned this was going to be a huge issue having my car in the street for months and that was not the case. Yes, it was annoying to have to move my car occasionally but not the burden I anticipated. The City’s proactive communication really helped make the process much smoother.

I'd also add that our street looked at this project several years prior when construction costs were significantly lower. With costs continuing to rise, now would be the right time to move forward rather than wait a few more years and face an even higher price tag for the same improvements. (This is a before and after of my house on La Jolla. Take a look for yourself.)

-Vanessa Morre

Learn more and email us today!

Newport Heights is one of the last remaining communities still lined with unsightly poles and tangled overhead wires, which poses challenges for California wildfire prevention efforts.  


✅ Boost Property Values: Buyers prefer homes without power lines, enhancing our community's appeal and safety initiatives.  


Lagging behind other neighborhoods could negatively impact our property values.  

✅ Beautify Our Community: No more leaning poles, drooping wires, or obstructed views with improved underground utility infrastructure.  

✅ Invest Now, Save Later: Construction costs are only rising.  


The longer we wait, the more expensive this project will become.

California Public Utilities Undergrounding Program:

Conversion of Overhead Electric Lines to Underground Facilities and Construction of New Underground:

There are many potential benefits to undergrounding distribution infrastructure, particularly in the context of California wildfire prevention. Perhaps the most noticeable benefits are aesthetic, especially along California’s miles of scenic highway, in parks and recreation areas, and in crowded urban environments; however, there may be some benefit in almost any location. Along with aesthetic improvements, there is the possibility of increased property value for homeowners along the route. 


Moreover, underground utility infrastructure enhances safety and reliability, aligning with community safety initiatives. Converting power lines to underground can eliminate safety issues that arise from vehicles crashing into poles or from vegetation igniting fires when contacting overhead conductors. Infrastructure that is moved underground is also more reliable than overhead systems, as it is less vulnerable to high winds brought about by Santa Ana winds, hurricanes, and winter storms that can damage poles and wires.

Pacific palisades going underground

The Altadena Wildfire

Altadena is currently undergoing a significant initiative to enhance community safety by implementing underground utility infrastructure, a crucial step in California wildfire prevention efforts following recent fires. For more information, visit https://www.sce.com/outages-safety/wildfire-safety/targeted-undergrounding.

Let's be progressive. It is not too late.

Let's protect our homes through California wildfire prevention efforts before a disaster strikes. By participating in community safety initiatives and investing in underground utility infrastructure, we can significantly reduce the risks we face.

About Safer Newport Heights

Map of underground assessment and utility districts in Newport Beach, color-coded by status.

Our Mission

Safer Newport Heights is a group of long-time residents committed to enhancing community safety initiatives by promoting underground utility infrastructure. We aim to reduce the risks associated with overhead lines, which is crucial for California wildfire prevention, while also improving the aesthetics of our neighborhood. Newport Beach has already taken significant steps to underground power lines in most areas, yet Newport Heights remains one of the last communities still burdened with unsightly poles and tangled overhead wires.

See what areas have already gone underground

Review the formal City Petition today!

We need a "wet" signature. Contact us via email at info@safernewportheights.com to arrange pick up, have someone discuss the process and bring you a formal petition to sign.

Official City Petition Document 7-18-26 (pdf)

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Contact Us

Join our mission!

This is our opportunity to enhance community safety initiatives, protect our homes, and invest in our future through California wildfire prevention. Join us in advocating for underground utility infrastructure before it’s too late. Email us for a formal petition and we will drop to your door.

Safer Newport Heights-Underground now!

info@safernewportheights.com

Email us for a formal petition to be dropped off!

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