Law enforcement and elected officials are meeting Monday morning to urge California Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a new bill that calls for tougher laws on copper wire theft.

Copper theft has left neighborhoods across Los Angeles and California in darkness and has cost taxpayers millions in repair bills. The 6th Street Bridge — which spans downtown Los Angeles and Boyle Heights — was once dubbed the "Ribbon of Light" but has been in the dark since thieves ripped open electrical boxes and took the copper wires.

“Our Sixth Street Bridge in Los Angeles no longer lights up at night and it is covered with graffiti. Thieves repeatedly steal the copper wiring and have left the bridge in the dark. Patrol has been increased and graffiti removal requested,” Los Angeles Police Commander Lillian L. Carr

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