If you’re interested in learning about Dark Skies, we’ll be having an introductory presentation at our next planning commission study session 6 p.m. Wednesday in the City Council Chambers, 100 Avenida Presidio. This is an open meeting and anyone is welcome to attend.
Dark Skies is a global movement focused on reducing the amount of light pollution that communities produce. Many municipalities have implemented or are planning to implement Dark Skies measures.
San Clemente’s next General Plan--a package of zoning and land use ordinaces that will set the course of development for years--will include policies that reduce our light pollution to take advantage of our unique location to return our night skies to a more natural state.
The goals of Dark Skies are to:
- Bring out the natural beauty of the night sky
- Reduce energy waste
- Decrease municipal expenses
- Increase health and safety
- Improve the natural environment for our ocean and open spaces.
Planning commission study sessions are informal public meetings used to educate the planning commission and other citizens on new initiatives, the progress of existing programs, and other city concerns. They are usually held before the regular planning commission meeting.
Right. Can't wait to hear how this works. Especially after a week that included two violent gang attacks in town . One has to wonder just how many people in SC really care about this Dark Sky subject considering the state of the world around us. Certainly the planning commission has better things to do. The statement "Many municipalities have implemented or are planning to implement Dark Skies measures." is simply not true. The truth is, there is a very small group of rural communities that have achieved IDS approval. An easier solution might be for Mr. Ruehlin to move to Borrego Springs or Glen Illinois or perhaps to the top of a tall mountain somewhere far from the offending lights of civilization.
Regarding safety, when you look at the data it becomes clear that reducing outdoor night lighting from current levels usually results in less crime. I'll explain why at the study session. And you're incorrect to say my statement is false. In our region alone, San Juan Capistrano, Los Angeles County, Laguna Beach, and Riverside County have all implemented or are considering Dark Skies measures that address areas like light trespass, security lighting, and parking lot lighting. Municipalities around the world have reduced lighting for a variety of reasons, including saving money and bringing back the night sky.
Thanks for your comments, I'll bear them in mind. To be clear, this is just a Study Session, not a regular Planning Commission meeting. Study Sessions are informal educational meetings designed to inform the Planning Commission and the public on current and upcoming issues. There will be no decisions made about lighting issues. We're doing a Study Session on this subject because the General Plan Advisory Committee has advocated reducing light pollution in San Clemente. We'll be seeing goals, policies, and implementation instructions regarding this in the General Plan, which the Planning Commission and City Council need to approve. You're welcome to provide your comments to both bodies at any time, and there will be PC and CC meetings that consider approving these areas where you can comment as well. If you come to the Study Session, I think you'll find that starting to implement darker skies is easier and less expensive than you might think. And there are cost savings that businesses, residences, and the city will gain that will surpass any added expense. I hope to see you there.
Anyone who has been paying attention knows that you are a stargazer. That's a nice, if somewhat sedate hobby. However, from where I sit, it somehow seems to be the reason you got yourself appointed to the planning commission. Reducing light pollution and saving energy are great goals but unless we have a major catastrophe and lose our power grid we will never have Dark Skies. Your comment regarding other communities implementation of Dark Skies measures is laughable and typical of a budding politician. The Los Angeles county plans are restricted to rural areas only. In Riverside county, the ordinance covers only unincorporated areas. In typical Laguna Beach fashion, if you find your neighbors lights too bright, you simply walk over and ask then to change it. After nearly 30 years in town, I prefer avoid any city meetings and remain behind the scenes but you can always find me. I'm the guy with the porchlight on at night.
Do you object to darker skys, if the end result is money is saved, and crime goes down? I'm not sure how the crime part works, But that 60 watt light going all night on your porch is probably costing you $50 a year. So, are your warding off crime with it?