LOS ANGELES — Today, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez was joined by the Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL) and Lincoln Heights community members to break ground on a $500,000 infrastructure project to convert 91 streetlights in Council District 1 to solar power. Funded by Council District 1 discretionary funds, Councilmember Hernandez continues to aggressively bridge gaps in neighborhood services that have historically been underfunded in the city budget.
Work on the project began today, with completion scheduled for the end of February 2026, and will include 66 solar units in Lincoln Heights, featuring 57 high-efficiency 190W panels and 9 all-in-one fixtures at key intersections, including Mozart Street and Avenue 18, and Darwin Street and Avenue 19. In Cypress Park, another 25 units will be converted near Jeffries Avenue and Avenue 28, using 24 190W panels to improve safety on local streets.
Councilmember Hernandez has long advocated for rightsizing the City’s budget to provide adequate funding for the Bureau of Street Lighting and reducing streetlight outages. Currently, underfunding has led to long delays in streetlight repairs, with typical wait times stretching close to a year. Hernandez has advocated for expanding solarization of streetlights, which prevents outages that result from copper wire theft while reducing carbon emissions and operations costs. This project, funded by Hernandez through Council District 1 discretionary dollars, reflects her ongoing commitment to clean energy solutions and public safety by enhancing visibility while reducing reliance on traditional power sources.
“For too long, our neighborhoods have had to wait for the city to catch up on basic repairs while residents navigate the safety risks of dark streets,” said Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez. “It is far more cost-effective to invest in proactive solutions that keep the lights on than to pay for the consequences of neglect. That’s why I invested half a million dollars in solar lighting to deliver immediate, long-lasting results in Lincoln Heights and Cypress Park. As we enter critical budget conversations, I remain committed to securing the resources our departments need to provide reliable city services that are foundational to real public safety for every community in Council District 1.”
“We’re grateful for Council District 1’s investment in our neighborhoods and proud to deliver a solution that addresses long-standing lighting challenges,” said Miguel Sangalang, Director of the Bureau of Street Lighting. “By converting 91 streetlights to solar, we’re reducing maintenance needs, improving reliability and resiliency, and creating safer, well-lit streets near schools and high-pedestrian areas.”
“Street lighting is one of the most fundamental services a city provides, and when it fails, communities feel it immediately,” said John Grant, Commissioner of the Board of Public Works. “This investment in repairs and solar conversions in Lincoln Heights and Cypress Park reflects the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure strategy Los Angeles needs: one that addresses copper wire theft, reduces long-term maintenance costs, and improves reliability.”
“This solar project helps keep our parks and surrounding areas safer, brighter, and more welcoming for families", said Jimmy Kim, General Manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks. "It’s a smart investment that benefits the community today and reduces costs for the future.”
This project builds on Councilmember Hernandez’s leadership as Chair of the Public Works Committee, where she continues to push for cost-effective and sustainable city infrastructure. She is dedicated to expanding green spaces, improving city services, and advocating for sustainable infrastructure throughout Northeast Los Angeles.
Photos, b-roll, and maps of solar lighting coverage available here.