Just in time for National Public Works Week, city officials and utility company representatives commemorated the removal of the utility pole near the intersection of Draper Avenue and Genter Street — one of the last poles left standing in the neighborhood — on May 24. The pole removal marks the near completion of an $8.1 million utilities project that undergrounded 1.43 miles of utility lines, installed 30 new street lights, constructed 39 pedestrian ramps and planted 60 new trees in the area. “This is one of many beautification projects taking place throughout Council District 1, and I am proud to celebrate this accomplishment, as well as recognize the dedicated public works professionals who helped to make it happen,” said District 1 City Councilwoman Sherri Lightner. “We’ve all been anticipating a time when the overhead utility lines would be moved underground, and it’s wonderful to see the removal of one of the last utility poles for the project.” The City of San Diego is undergrounding 30 to 35 miles of overhead utility lines each year through the Utilities Undergrounding Program. For more information, visit www.sandiego.gov/undergrounding or call (619) 533-3841. For the full story, pick up a copy of our next issue, on stands on May 31.

— Mariko Lamb