Many street lights in the city of Corona are group switched in the same manner although the photocell windows are not shielded. Parallel park near one of these boxes with headlights on, wait a minute or two and an entire block would go dark. (A person with a strong flashlight will also do)
This is a CalTrans box, for traffic signal and intersection safety light and street name signs. It was replaceced several years ago and they must have put in a fast acting PC. I have seen the lights go out as cars would pass by it. I have used flashlights to shut off lights in setups like this, as well as stuffing a rag in the opening to light them for testing and repairs.
At least inductions instant-restrike