SCE Helicopters Will Be Flying Above Palos Verdes Estates Over The Next Few Weeks. Here's Why

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA — Helicopters roaming over the Palos Verdes Estates skies in the next few weeks may most likely be related to an infrastructure project by Southern California Edison, according to city officials.

The electric company will use a helicopter to perform system-hardening work that will improve fire safety, strengthen grid resiliency, and enhance service reliability, Palos Verdes Estates city officials said in a statement on Tuesday.

In this case, the helicopter will be used to set new utility poles, according to Southern California Edison. Residents in the impacted zones will need to vacate their homes between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. while the helicopter sets the new utility pole.

Work in the area will begin on Friday, August. 22. Here are the other tentative dates and areas when the work will take place:

• Monday, Aug. 25 – Via Jose to Via Tejon work area
• Friday, Aug. 29 – Via Somonte work area
• Thursday, Sept. 4 – Via Pinale and Via Segunda work area
• Friday, Sept. 12– Via Somonte work area

The dates are subject to change due to unforeseen issues or bad weather, according to SCE. If that happens, residents in the impacted zones will be notified.

In addition, some sidewalks and roads may be closed while crews work on the project.

"SCE will use a combination of traffic control signs & crew members with flags to ensure vehicle and pedestrian safety," city officials said. "Road closures will be intermittent, typically lasting 2–5 minutes."

SCE and city officials suggest residents in the evacuation zone secure items such as umbrellas, chimes, canopies, potted plants and pets while the helicopter is in the area. Anyone in the evacuation zone will be contacted directly by SCE or its contractors.