Still No Power Lunch

By Lookout Staff

July 27 -- Some Downtown businesses remained in the dark for a fourth day Wednesday after a pair of electrical vaults exploded under Santa Monica Boulevard last Saturday, City officials said.

While temporary power has been restored to most businesses on the Third Street Promenade, full power is not expected to kick in until Sunday evening, officials said.

During the height of the blackout, nearly 50 businesses were left in the dark, most of them along a block and a half stretch of the west side of the Third Street Promenade. Some of the businesses remained closed Wednesday or continued to operate in the dark.

The usually crowded outdoor dining area at Yankee Doodles was empty Wednesday. (Photo by Frank Gruber)

Southern California Edison crews continued working Wednesday to replace the transformers, circuits and wiring that burst into flames during a power surge triggered by record-breaking temperatures over the weekend.

"The repair work requires that some partial and full street closures be continued until at least Sunday evening," according to a statement issued by the City.

"The Santa Monica Police Department will provide traffic control officers to ensure the safety of repair crews, motorists and pedestrians in the construction zone," City officials said.

Traffic will be restricted on the following streets until the work is completed:

• 2nd Street: One lane in each direction will be open to traffic between Broadway and Santa Monica from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. only.
  
• Broadway: One lane in each direction will be open to traffic between 2nd and 4th St. from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. only.
  
• Santa Monica Boulevard.: One lane in each direction is open to traffic between 2nd and 4th Streets at all times.
  
• Court 2 (alley): Closed to all traffic between Santa Monica Boulevard. and Broadway at all times.

City officials advise those planning to attend Thursday night's Twilight Dance Series concert on the Santa Monica Pier to avoid the congestion of the downtown area by going south on 4th Street to Pico Boulevard., then west to the beach parking lots.

For more information, call the following Edison numbers: (800) 655-4555, (800) 611-1911 or (310) 315-3201.