why are all the services to the street lights external instead of fed thru the pipe?

It was once a series incandescent and they (SCE) just changed the fixture and connected to 120v. This is how a lot of So Cal utilities both public ie LADWP, Anahiem, Pasadena, ect and private ie So Cal Edison install thier streetlights on wooden poles, even new installs. Some use internal ie Colton. Riverside, and Imperial Irrigation District.

Yep that's correct the external wiring was originally for series system long ago, it just has become a traditon for most SoCal utilities to use external wiring (except lights that are on metal or concrete poles, the wires are inside the arms).

Doesn't look as.... neat.

You think? I think its cool and unique!

Well, I'm just not used to it.