{"id":52,"date":"2026-04-30T15:06:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T15:06:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tnnnews.xyz\/?p=52"},"modified":"2026-04-30T15:06:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T15:06:34","slug":"inventor-creates-ingeniously-simple-device-to-end-las-copper-wire-theft-the-city-immediately-shot-it-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tnnnews.xyz\/?p=52","title":{"rendered":"Inventor creates ingeniously simple device to end LA\u2019s copper wire theft. The city immediately shot it down"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content featured-image featured-image__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nyp-video-player \" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\">\n<div class=\"nyp-video-player__video-container\">\n<div id=\"jw-player-CTwMRAEM-jY9Ioy83-Toq2ZZoq\">\n<div id=\"jwPlacementDiv_hmicJcvf\" data-jw-placement-id=\"hmicJcvf\">\n<div id=\"jwExperienceDiv_1jg3onw1vky8\">\n<div class=\"cnx-ui-wrapper cnx-bp-lg-lit \">\n<div>\n<div class=\"cnx-bp-lg-lit title\">New streetlights tax hits Los Angeles<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"floating-close-button-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"floating-close-button \" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close Player\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"single__content entry-content m-bottom\">\n<p>Los Angeles has rejected an entrepreneur\u2019s cheap and simple fix to stop\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/04\/23\/us-news\/ballot-sent-to-la-homeowner-to-raise-taxes-for-broken-streetlights\/\">the city\u2019s crippling copper wire theft<\/a>\u00a0crisis.<\/p>\n<p>End Metal Theft spokesman Mark James revealed to the California Post it had created a hardened cover that secures streetlights and would stop neighborhoods being plunged into darkness.<\/p>\n<p>The device, which fastens over the lid to the wires, would make it harder, louder and far riskier for criminals to try to gain access.<\/p>\n<p>They would cost about $300 to install, are easily maintained and would save the tens of thousands of dollars it costs to repair vandalized streetlamps.<\/p>\n<p>But James revealed City Hall chiefs shot it down, instead wanting to focus on converting to solar lamps that will cost up to $6,000 each.<\/p>\n<div id=\"connatix-outstream-video\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/04\/29\/us-news\/inventor-creates-ingenious-simple-device-to-keep-las-lights-on-the-city-immediately-shot-it-down\/?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawRgTnlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZcWpvdlVGWm9ZWVh2cnRac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnOgSpDAAWidZiWqe9i_saJRxqSeWasbjle5kYZypxjIOHiJs6jC-rT67unz_aem_AG9CEfDD97SgqtOD_Jgrtw#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"1\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39235186\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 817w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=225,300&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 225w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=768,1024&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=450,600&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 450w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=441,589&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 441w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=372,496&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 372w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=483,644&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 483w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=368,491&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 368w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=211,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 211w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=154,206&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 154w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=53,71&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 53w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=30,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 30w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=52,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 52w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=40,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 40w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=150,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 150w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=231,308&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=322,430&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=300,400&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=331,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 331w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=45,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 45w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=60,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 60w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=43,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 43w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=117,156&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 117w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590731-edited.jpg?resize=37,50&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 37w\" alt=\"Lockbox on a streetlight pole designed to prevent metal theft.\" width=\"443\" height=\"590\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">8<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>Close-up of a metal theft deterrent device installed on a streetlight pole.<span class=\"credit\"><span class=\"credit\">End Metal theft<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/04\/29\/us-news\/inventor-creates-ingenious-simple-device-to-keep-las-lights-on-the-city-immediately-shot-it-down\/?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawRgTnlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZcWpvdlVGWm9ZWVh2cnRac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnOgSpDAAWidZiWqe9i_saJRxqSeWasbjle5kYZypxjIOHiJs6jC-rT67unz_aem_AG9CEfDD97SgqtOD_Jgrtw#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"2\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39225826\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?w=1024\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 885px) 100vw, 885px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 7956w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=300,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=768,512&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=1024,683&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=1536,1024&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=2048,1365&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 2048w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=600,400&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 600w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=878,585&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 878w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=744,496&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 744w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=720,480&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 720w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=576,384&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 576w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=457,305&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 457w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=440,293&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=424,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 424w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=389,260&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 389w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=360,240&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 360w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=340,227&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 340w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=320,213&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 320w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=314,209&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 314w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=306,204&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 306w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=280,187&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 280w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=260,174&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 260w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=246,164&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 246w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=234,156&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 234w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=195,130&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 195w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=180,120&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=171,114&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 171w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=160,107&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 160w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=144,96&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 144w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=107,71&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 107w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=93,62&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 93w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=84,56&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 84w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=60,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 60w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=105,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 105w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=81,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 81w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=200,133&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=231,154&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=322,215&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=662,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 662w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=90,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 90w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=120,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 120w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=1200,800&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=1038,692&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1038w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=87,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-stands-street-light-126140610_3a6465.jpg?resize=50,33&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" alt=\"Richie Varga stands by a street light near his home in Woodland Hills, CA.\" width=\"885\" height=\"590\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">8<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>A damaged streetlight pole shows exposed wiring after thieves stripped copper, part of a cycle the city says is fueling a push for higher fees.<span class=\"credit\">Allison Dinner<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>He told The Post: \u201cThe most cost-effective theft deterrent isn\u2019t replacing what thieves are after, it\u2019s making it not worth their time to try.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He continued: \u201cA locking cover does that for a fraction of what any alternative infrastructure decision costs.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Copper wire theft has sparked havoc across the city and left neighborhoods in darkness while a backlog of repairs are carried out.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile Los Angeles started sending ballots out to residents to try to get them to stack up the funds to pay for ones outside their homes.<\/p>\n<p>James said: \u201cA lot of these thefts happen in plain sight, guys in vests, middle of the day, looking like they belong there.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat changes things is when they walk up and see it\u2019s not an easy target anymore. That visual alone is usually enough. They move on.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/04\/29\/us-news\/inventor-creates-ingenious-simple-device-to-keep-las-lights-on-the-city-immediately-shot-it-down\/?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawRgTnlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZcWpvdlVGWm9ZWVh2cnRac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnOgSpDAAWidZiWqe9i_saJRxqSeWasbjle5kYZypxjIOHiJs6jC-rT67unz_aem_AG9CEfDD97SgqtOD_Jgrtw#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"3\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39235175\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 400w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=150,150&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 150w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=300,300&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=282,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 282w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=180,180&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=71,71&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 71w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=40,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 40w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=70,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 70w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=54,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 54w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=200,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=231,231&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=322,322&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=60,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 60w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=80,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 80w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=58,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 58w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=156,156&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 156w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/mark-james-end-metal-theft-126648128.jpg?resize=50,50&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" alt=\"Headshot of Mark James, spokesman for End Metal Theft.\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">8<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>End Metal Theft spokesman Mark James revealed to the California Post it had created a hardened cover that secures streetlights and would stop neighborhoods being plunged into darkness.<span class=\"credit\">LinkedIn\/MarkJames<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/04\/29\/us-news\/inventor-creates-ingenious-simple-device-to-keep-las-lights-on-the-city-immediately-shot-it-down\/?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawRgTnlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZcWpvdlVGWm9ZWVh2cnRac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnOgSpDAAWidZiWqe9i_saJRxqSeWasbjle5kYZypxjIOHiJs6jC-rT67unz_aem_AG9CEfDD97SgqtOD_Jgrtw#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"4\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39225852\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 493px) 100vw, 493px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 493w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=150,150&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 150w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=300,300&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=440,440&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=282,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 282w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=180,180&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=71,71&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 71w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=40,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 40w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=70,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 70w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=54,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 54w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=200,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=231,231&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=322,322&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=441,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 441w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=60,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 60w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=80,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 80w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=58,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 58w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=156,156&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 156w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/125-million-year-fix-streetlights-126590570.jpg?resize=50,50&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" alt=\"A secure, metal anti-theft box for outdoor electrical connections, set in dirt.\" width=\"493\" height=\"493\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">8<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>Products Built To Stop Metal Theft For Good. LA is asking residents to pay $125 million a year to fix streetlights ravaged by copper theft.<span class=\"credit\">End Metal theft<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/04\/29\/us-news\/inventor-creates-ingenious-simple-device-to-keep-las-lights-on-the-city-immediately-shot-it-down\/?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawRgTnlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZcWpvdlVGWm9ZWVh2cnRac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnOgSpDAAWidZiWqe9i_saJRxqSeWasbjle5kYZypxjIOHiJs6jC-rT67unz_aem_AG9CEfDD97SgqtOD_Jgrtw#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"5\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39225819\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?w=1024\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 885px) 100vw, 885px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 5760w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=300,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=768,512&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=1024,683&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=1536,1025&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=2048,1366&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 2048w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=600,400&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 600w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=878,586&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 878w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=744,496&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 744w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=720,480&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 720w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=576,384&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 576w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=457,305&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 457w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=440,293&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=424,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 424w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=389,260&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 389w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=360,240&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 360w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=340,227&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 340w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=320,213&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 320w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=314,209&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 314w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=306,204&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 306w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=280,187&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 280w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=260,174&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 260w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=246,164&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 246w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=234,156&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 234w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=195,130&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 195w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=180,120&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=171,114&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 171w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=160,107&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 160w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=144,96&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 144w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=107,71&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 107w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=93,62&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 93w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=84,56&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 84w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=60,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 60w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=105,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 105w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=81,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 81w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=200,133&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=231,154&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=322,215&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=661,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 661w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=90,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 90w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=120,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 120w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=1200,800&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=1038,692&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1038w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=87,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/800-homes-workers-continue-clear-126112987_f8c454.jpg?resize=50,33&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" alt=\"A utility worker in a white hard hat and orange shirt repairs utility lines from a lift bucket, with a charred tree in the foreground and destroyed homes in the background.\" width=\"885\" height=\"590\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">8<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>\nCrews work to repair vandalized streetlights in Los Angeles, where copper wire theft is driving millions in repeat repair costs each year.<span class=\"credit\">Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The company presented the idea to the city for the first time during the planning for the $600 million Sixth Street Bridge in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>But leaders moved ahead without it and soon after the site was finished the copper wire thefts began. End Metal Theft claims its simple device has proven to stop criminals.<\/p>\n<p>James said: \u201cIn Glendale, contractors repulled wire and within 48 hours it was stolen again, taxpayers paid twice for the same repair.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter installing locking covers, theft at that park stopped. What\u2019s telling is copper wire theft started showing up in nearby unprotected areas. They\u2019re choosing the easiest target.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Despite this, LA is weighing bringing in solar streetlights that will not need the wiring that will cost between $3,000 and $6,000 per unit and more for maintenance and battery replacements.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/04\/29\/us-news\/inventor-creates-ingenious-simple-device-to-keep-las-lights-on-the-city-immediately-shot-it-down\/?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawRgTnlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZcWpvdlVGWm9ZWVh2cnRac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnOgSpDAAWidZiWqe9i_saJRxqSeWasbjle5kYZypxjIOHiJs6jC-rT67unz_aem_AG9CEfDD97SgqtOD_Jgrtw#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"6\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39234173\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 2316w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=150,150&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 150w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=300,300&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=768,768&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=1024,1024&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=1536,1536&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=2048,2048&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 2048w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=600,600&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 600w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=589,589&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 589w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=496,496&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 496w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=576,576&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 576w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=440,440&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=282,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 282w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=180,180&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=71,71&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 71w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=40,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 40w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=70,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 70w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=54,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 54w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=200,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=231,231&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=322,322&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=441,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 441w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=60,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 60w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=80,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 80w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=1200,1200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=58,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 58w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=156,156&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 156w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/richie-varga-126111789_5a0c76-edited.jpg?resize=50,50&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" alt=\"Richie Varga holding an official ballot from the Los Angeles City Clerk Election Division.\" width=\"590\" height=\"590\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">8<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>Richie Varga holding an official ballot from the Los Angeles City Clerk Election Division.<span class=\"credit\">Ritchie Varga<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Last week The Post revealed the city was planning to slug homeowners with hundreds of dollars to fix streetlights in their neighborhood.<\/p>\n<p>Ballots have started popping up in the mailboxes of Angelenos who benefit from streetlights illuminating their property \u2014 asking them to sign off on an initiative to fork over hundreds of dollars in property fees each year to replace 200,000 streetlights across the city.<\/p>\n<p>The plan, aimed at repairing streetlights continuously damaged by vandals and copper thieves, would increase the current budget from $45 million to $125 million.<\/p>\n<p>Wire theft is currently costing LA more than $20 million a year. The ballot is expected to be sent to 600,000 property owners.<\/p>\n<p>The Democrat-dominated LA City Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of the measure last month \u2014 with only one \u201cno\u201d vote \u2014 arguing more money is needed to cover permanent fixes to lighting infrastructure while copper-wire bandits have run rampant pillaging streetlights.<\/p>\n<p>Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has voiced strong support for the initiative. \u201cAs long as voters support the street lighting assessment, we\u2019ll be able to replace all 200,000 lights across the city,\u201d she said. Calling the repairs \u201csomething long overdue.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The initiative comes from the same LA City Council that spent $300 million on hotel rooms for homeless people \u2014 only to see 40% of those people return to the streets.<\/p>\n<p>Woodland Hills resident Richie Varga was shocked to see the \u201cbonehead ballot\u201d sitting in his mailbox on Monday.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/04\/29\/us-news\/inventor-creates-ingenious-simple-device-to-keep-las-lights-on-the-city-immediately-shot-it-down\/?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawRgTnlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZcWpvdlVGWm9ZWVh2cnRac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnOgSpDAAWidZiWqe9i_saJRxqSeWasbjle5kYZypxjIOHiJs6jC-rT67unz_aem_AG9CEfDD97SgqtOD_Jgrtw#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"7\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39225821\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?w=1024\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 787px) 100vw, 787px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 3808w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=300,225&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=768,576&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=1024,768&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=1536,1152&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=2048,1536&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 2048w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=600,450&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 600w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=785,589&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 785w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=661,496&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 661w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=576,432&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 576w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=440,330&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 440w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=376,282&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 376w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=180,135&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=95,71&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 95w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=53,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 53w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=93,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 93w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=72,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 72w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=200,150&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=231,173&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=322,242&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=588,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 588w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=80,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 80w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=107,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 107w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=1200,900&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=77,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 77w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=208,156&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 208w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/ribbon-bridge-downtown-los-angeles-119845473_ce8f09.jpg?resize=50,38&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" alt=\"The Ribbon Bridge in Downtown Los Angeles at night with no lights due to stolen copper wire.\" width=\"787\" height=\"590\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">8<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>The Sixth Street Bridge, a nearly $600 million project, has already seen miles of copper wiring stolen, triggering millions in additional repair costs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cWhen I opened it up I said, is this a joke?\u201d he told The California Post of the proposed $200-plus fee he\u2019s now staring down. \u201cIt\u2019s legit.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The ballot, pushed out by LA City Council, asks residents if they\u2019re in favor of or opposed to paying the amount \u2014 which for Varga would equal $205.91 more per year for his two-bedroom duplex.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVote no \u2014 it\u2019s a hard no with a middle finger, a hell no,\u201d he said. \u201cWho\u2019s going to vote yes?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProperties are considered to receive a special benefit from the lighting if the portion of roadway and sidewalk adjacent to the property is receiving significant illumination from the lighting,\u201d the bureau said, claiming the fee is \u201cnot a tax\u201d but rather \u201ca levy or charge for a special benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The amount Angelenos would pay varies based on factors like their property type and lot size, but estimates show many single-family homeowners would pay roughly $120 to $175 per year.<\/p>\n<p>Apartment buildings with hundreds of units would have to pay a maximum of about $4,700 per year, while commercial properties would need to fork over as much as $8,200, according to review of various addresses.<\/p>\n<p>Monica Rodriguez \u2014 the lone city councilmember to vote against the plan to charge property owners \u2014 told The Post that \u201cit\u2019s unreasonable to ask them to shoulder yet another cost.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can\u2019t ask people to pay more when you haven\u2019t even done the work to rein in the expenses you\u2019ve already passed on to them,\u201d she said. \u201cBefore moving forward with any fee increase, the city should present a clear, up-to-date plan for maintaining and protecting this infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Residents in the Pacific Palisades who lost everything, and can\u2019t even live in their homes would also be on the hook for the extra hundreds of dollars if passed.<\/p>\n<p>Jessica Rogers, president of the Pacific Palisades Residents Association, called the proposal \u201cyet another sign the City of Los Angeles is failing its residents.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\">\n<div class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper\"><a title=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2026\/04\/29\/us-news\/inventor-creates-ingenious-simple-device-to-keep-las-lights-on-the-city-immediately-shot-it-down\/?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_campaign=capost&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawRgTnlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZcWpvdlVGWm9ZWVh2cnRac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnOgSpDAAWidZiWqe9i_saJRxqSeWasbjle5kYZypxjIOHiJs6jC-rT67unz_aem_AG9CEfDD97SgqtOD_Jgrtw#\" aria-controls=\"nyp-slideshow-modal\" data-slideshow-modal=\"trigger\" aria-label=\"Open a slideshow of all 8 article images.\" data-slideshow-slide-number=\"8\" data-slideshow-slides-total=\"8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39225823\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?w=1024\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 885px) 100vw, 885px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 2517w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=300,200&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=768,512&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=1024,683&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=1536,1024&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=2048,1365&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 2048w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=600,400&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 600w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=878,585&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 878w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=744,496&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 744w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=720,480&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 720w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=576,384&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 576w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=457,305&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 457w, 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https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=231,154&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=322,215&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=662,441&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 662w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=90,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 90w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=120,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 120w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=1200,800&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=1038,692&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1038w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=87,58&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/copper-wire-recycling-plant-details-22209543.jpg?resize=50,33&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" alt=\"A pile of copper wire at a recycling plant.\" width=\"885\" height=\"590\" \/><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"nyp-slideshow-modal-image__icon-text\"><span data-slideshow-modal=\"count\">8<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption>Los Angeles is asking taxpayers to bankroll a $125 million streetlight system just to keep the lights on, after it keeps getting stripped for parts.<span class=\"credit\">Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cInstead of addressing the root causes of these failures, the city continues to rely on short-term fixes and Band-Aid solutions,\u201d she told The Post. \u201cWe\u2019re not going to improve infrastructure if the default answer is always to raise taxes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The ballots sent to property owners \u2014 which must be returned by June 2 \u2014 will be weighted to favor property owners with higher proposed fees.<\/p>\n<p>Varga, who also owns \u201ca few modest rental properties,\u201d said he would need to pass the cost of any new fees for those units on to his renters.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI try to be cool, but people\u2019s rents are gonna get raised by other landlords,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>The push comes as copper-wire theft has remained a scourge across Los Angeles as the value of the metal creeps upward.<\/p>\n<p>Most of the stolen wire turns up found in scrap markets as thieves try to sell it for profit. Some heartless crooks have even stooped to stealing copper wire from Little League fields.<\/p>\n<p>The crime spree has left neighborhoods in Los Angeles without power and have had thieves strike repeatedly.<\/p>\n<p>Varga says people who work hard are now being asked to clean up the city\u2019s crime mess. \u201cA third of LA\u2019s City Council are democratic socialists of America. They don\u2019t care about crime.\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New streetlights tax hits Los Angeles Los Angeles has rejected an entrepreneur\u2019s cheap and simple fix to stop\u00a0the city\u2019s crippling copper wire theft\u00a0crisis. End Metal Theft spokesman Mark James revealed &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":53,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-52","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Inventor creates ingeniously simple device to end LA\u2019s copper wire theft. 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