Editor:
The Journal’s Oct. 16 cover story by Griffin Mancuso, “Protecting the Night,” included snippets from an interview with yours truly! After reading Doug Ingold’s letter (‘Disappointed,’ Oct. 30), I’m writing to provide more information on how we can all keep Humboldt’s night skies dark, why that’s important for people and wildlife, and where to find details about the county’s new Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.
To protect the night sky, choose lighting that is fully shielded, directed downward, and turns off when not needed (for example, use motion sensors, which you can get built-in on some bulbs). Brightness should be 1,000 lumens or less, and the color temperature warm (2,700 K or less). You can see our Dark Sky Friendly Lighting signs in the lighting sections of Hensel’s Ace Hardware (Arcata) and Pierson’s Building Center (Eureka).
You can also check out our full guidance on “How You Can Protect the Night Sky & Prevent Light Pollution” on our website at humboldtwaterkeeper.org.
Sylvia van Royen, Humboldt Waterkeeper, Arcata
Editor:
I am lucky to live on a lovely little street in Eureka.
In February 2008, I went on a road trip and when I returned home and was unloading the back of my car, I felt a really odd sensation. I was really tired because I had put in a lot of miles and it was night, but then it hit me. Damn, if a streetlight wasn’t shining right across the street from me! My little once-upon-a-time dirt road now had streetlights!! Progress, some might say, bullshit, I thought.
We had had a neighborhood watch meeting previously and there were other notable people present. A police person made a declaration that significant lighting was necessary for safety purposes. I was directly opposed, like yeah, light things up so the bad guys get a good look. Motion lights made more sense, if needed. And I also loved our night sky. One neighbor piped up that we should get streetlights and I practically howled NOOOOOOO! So the neighbor moves to Washington State and shortly after the lights are installed. I still find it suspicious that it was done during my absence and I still resent it.
I rarely have my porch light on except when needed. I worry for the moths who are so terribly attracted, which is something not addressed in the article … the insects.
I will likely be dead, but I am concerned about the future of the Samoa Peninsula and its horrible industrialization with all the required lighting.
Growth and the needs of humans in Humboldt County do not bode well for what remains of its natural glory.
The two supervisors that voted against the ordinance should be obvious … Bushnell and Bohn.
Kathryn Travers, Eureka
This article appears in Green-and-Gold Washing on the Menu?.