That’s what fronds are for

They are about as native to California as the real thing. Those cellular transmission towers in the shape of fan palm trees, needed to transmit such cell phone wisdoms as “What’s it going to gross domestic?” are crafted in Tucson, Ariz., by Larson Utility Camouflage. What, you’ve missed them? They are convincing, replete with fake bark and artificial fronds a bit too firm that barely conceal antennae. Alas, they lack coconuts--and rats. Look north of the Getty Center west of the 405 or, as pictured here, on Huntington Drive in San Marino. Besides the poles’ being a lot easier on the eyes than those horrific baby blue cell-tower monoliths that have sprouted all over the region, the phony palms can withstand high winds, temperature extremes from -50 to +180 Fahrenheit and, in our desert climate, are extremely drought tolerant.