Calabasas residents have approved a new funding source for public safety while their utility provider begins a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at reducing wildfire risk.
Calabasas voters have officially approved Measure K, a one-cent sales tax generating approximately $5.3 million annually for public safety and wildfire preparation. Simultaneously, Southern California Edison confirmed plans to begin undergrounding power lines in the city, starting with the Paradise circuit on Olta Pena Canyon Road.
Calabasas residents have approved a new funding source for public safety while their utility provider begins a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at reducing wildfire risk.
The City of Calabasas certified the results of Measure K at its May 27 City Council meeting. The measure, a locally proposed one-cent sales tax, passed with 2,481 votes in favor (63.29%) and 1,439 votes against (36.71%).
According to the final election returns tabulated on May 14, the measure will generate approximately $5.3 million annually for the city. The funds are designated for public safety and city services, including wildfire preparation, brush management, 911 and Sheriff response, property crime prevention, and street repairs.
"We appreciate the community’s participation in this election, the time residents took to stay informed on this issue, and the trust they have placed in us," said James R. Bozajian, Mayor of Calabasas. "The City remains committed to transparency and accountability."
While the new tax revenue will take several months to begin flowing into city coffers, immediate action is being taken on the utility side. Southern California Edison (SCE) briefed the Calabasas City Council on May 27 about its targeted undergrounding program within the city.
Stephanie Mullen, SCE government relations manager, reported that SCE has completed more than 40 miles of covered conductor and 3.21 miles of undergrounding to date. The utility plans approximately 17 miles of additional work in the region.
The first phase of targeted undergrounding in Calabasas focuses on the Paradise circuit, which covers about 1.28 miles along Olta Pena Canyon Road. Construction is expected to begin in late June or early July. Work hours are scheduled for weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with traffic control measures in place.
The undergrounding effort is part of SCE's broader wildfire mitigation strategy following recent devastating fires in California. The utility has faced lawsuits alleging its above-ground power lines sparked wildfires, including the Eaton Fire.
"SCE’s rebuilding plan will underground electrical distribution infrastructure where feasible and make the most of breakthrough technologies to reduce wildfire risk," said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company.
The combined efforts of local tax funding and utility infrastructure upgrades aim to enhance safety for the more than 23,000 residents of Calabasas, a community situated in the Santa Monica Mountains fire zone.
Residents interested in how the Measure K funds are allocated can provide input through upcoming city meetings and public comment periods. The city will continue to share updates on the implementation of both the sales tax revenue and the SCE undergrounding project.
This article was generated with AI assistance.