WalkSanDiego Testifies On Behalf of Pedestrians
February 27, 2002

The San Diego City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to replace orange-tinted street lights installed 20 years ago to aid astronomers with brighter lights that allow partially sighted pedestrians to see better.

Mayor Dick Murphy said the switch is part of the city's effort to create friendlier neighborhoods. "They give people a sense of safety in a neighborhood, a sense of well-being," he said.

Astronomers and a few neighborhood representatives complained that the whiter lights hamper observations of the night sky. But they were far outnumbered by elderly and partially-sighted disabled advocates, and advocates for safer streets.

WalkSanDiego Vice-Chair Andy Hamilton testified that dark sky advocates’ concerns shouldn’t be dismissed, but that full-cut-off fixtures will eliminate most light pollution. "San Diegans have the right to walk without fear at night," he said. "Brighter lights may or may not deter crime, but more pedestrians certainly will provide more ‘eyes on the street’," he stated.

The only presenter to generate applause, Jimmie Sue Springs of City Heights, said, "It's so dark that we have to use flashlights." She added, "Let San Diego citizens be able to see the finest city at night. Let there be light!"

The final proposal, which called for light pollution-limiting fixtures and retaining the orange lights within 30 miles of Mount Palomar, was a compromise fashioned with astronomers from San Diego State University and Mount Palomar Observatory.

Starting in the fiscal year that begins July 1 (fiscal year 2003), orange street lights outside the 30-mile zone, and their fixtures, will be replaced as the lights burn out. Starting in fiscal year 2004, the city will begin replacing the older lights even where they have not burned out. A five-year phase-in is envisioned.

Senior Deputy City Manager George Loveland said the replacement of almost 24,000 lights will cost about $3.1 million. A possible $500,000 in labor costs may also be required, depending on how aggressively the conversion is pursued. The brighter lights, which use more energy, will cost an extra $889,296 a year to operate, according to the city’s estimate.

Councilwoman Toni Atkins, who championed the brighter lights, said the timing of the changeover could be adjusted to fit budget needs. "Yes, it will cost more," she said, "but some costs are worth it."

The change was opposed by Council members Scott Peters, Brian Maienschein and Donna Frye, who cited the expense, the lack of hard evidence showing brighter lights deter crime, and increased greenhouse gas emissions required to run the brighter lights. The three also said some residents prefer the orange lights.

While we respect these concerns, WalkSanDiego continues to believe pedestrians everywhere deserve the chance to enjoy a more welcoming nighttime environment within the urban areas of the County. In addition, San Diego’s growth strategy relies heavily on developing a walkable "village center" in each neighborhood, and implementation of a more attractive, convenient transit system. This vision simply will not work without better night lighting.