Southern California Desert Video Astronomers
MBDSA Dark Skies News
By Leonard Holmberg
Morongo Basin Light pollution that looms over the Joshua Tree National Park is becoming a grave concern to Park officials and naturalists caring for the welfare of the wildlife that live there.
DARK Skies Alliance
See latest news below
The encroaching negative influence that stems from urban sprawl and the uncontrolled use of excess night lighting is captured in special images produced by the physical science team working in the National Park.
Luke Sabala, Branch Chief Physical Scientist for the Joshua Tree National Park, has submitted these photos to the newly formed Joshua Basin Night Skies Group to show the light pollution as seen from within the park.
Light Pollution Map Courtesy of ClearDarkSky.com
This colorful picture above is a light pollution map. It is a computer generated satellite image that is centered on our astronomy observing site in Joshua Tree, California.
The area, shown, covers about 400 square miles of Southern California and outlines the zones of different light affected areas.
White zones are extremely affected areas. Red, yellow, green and blue zones become darker and stars can be seen with increasing ease. Black areas are best for night sky visibility.
The impact of light pollution is only, now, becoming understood. It is apparent that the negative impact on the environment and the well being of humanity are connected with the continued loss of this important natural resource.
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The following entries are offered so our readers can be informed about the activities of the group in the Morongo Basin area who have formed a "dark sky improvement" effort.
The latest news will be listed first and updated when there is something to report that has an impact on the effort. For information about the group, go to the end of this page and learn more about the group and their goals.
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Latest News. . . . . . . . .
MBDSA Meeting Notes
February 15, 2012, 3 p.m.
The tasks people have volunteered to complete are in blue.
1. The Ordinance Committee - status
2. Discuss and look towards putting together details for exchange of noncompliant lighting. Claudia will ask Edison whether they would advertise it if the County begins this program.
3. Alan working with Edison on pole light at church in Friendly Hills and cement plant lights in Sunfair area.
- Rotary presentations - Laraine will check with JT Rotary, Claudia for YV (2 clubs), and Stephanie will do 29 Palms.
- Stephanie, Laraine, and Victoria met earlier today to prepare a presentation with storyboards. Stephanie will prepare the outline and storyboards based on today’s meeting. Cynthia has volunteered to do the presentation for YMIA. Laraine will share the presentation information with Cynthia when it’s ready.
- Seth writing a soapbox piece for Newspaper for Earth Hour and other dark sky issues
- Seth not here to report.
- Luke noted that Park Superintendent Mark Butler has asked him to do a PSA about night skies for local radio. Luke will check to see if it can include mention of MBDSA and our activities. We also asked Luke to find out if the Earth Hour message can be carried to the lower desert by the Park’s communication.
- Luke said he will be writing and submitting the PSA by next Tuesday (2/21). It will go out to local radio stations and stations in the Coachella Valley. He will try, within his guidelines, to include support for MBDSA’s Earth Hour efforts. Stephanie will send the completed Earth Hour presentation to Luke for additional input in creating his PSA.
- It would be great to get a before and after photo for Earth Hour. Luke?
- We should get Sky’s the Limit, SCDVA, and the Andromeda Society on board for maximum impact. Ray?
- Ray is not present today. Tom noted that the Andromeda Society would like to have some bumper stickers.
- Laraine confirmed that she will.
- Victoria will see if Rebecca Unger can do a news article.
5. Earth Day is Sunday, April 22 2012 – Possible Home Depot booth/Yucca Valley Working with Home Depot asking for a booth, including Tom’s solar telescope. We’ll have a table at the Yucca Valley Earth Day.
a. Luke will invite Lorna Lange to our meeting to see how dark skies issues might be included in Park education programs.
b. Working with schools
c. facebook / blog Need a volunteer
d. Calculators online for electricity usage for website - Victoria
7. Informational documentation review: Brochures, bumper stickers, IDA flyers
Next meeting: NOTE: Conditions have changed, and the meeting will be on the regularly scheduled 3rd Thursday, MARCH 21, 3 p.m. Victoria will email everyone with the location, since it might be at the new County Building in Joshua Tree.
MBDSA meeting January 25, 2011
Present: Alan Rasmussen, Seth Shtier, Mickey Quillman, Stephanie Weigel, Marlana Brown, Victoria Fuller, Luke Sabala, Tom O’Key, Claudia Sall, Laraine Turk
The tasks people have volunteered to complete are in blue.
1. Review ordinance and next steps: Seth, Stephanie & Marlana
Seth provided a handout on the Ordinance status. Chad Moore of the Park will be looking at it. Still waiting to hear back from others to whom it has been sent for review, outside of this group. The Committee is planning to divide up sections and work on them, then combine for another edit. Seth hopes that external input and subsequent editing should be received in time to be a part of their presentation for the next meeting (Feb. 15).
2. Review of the MBCA presentation
The MBDSA presentation at MBCA’s Annual Meeting on January 21 went very well. Laraine read a paragraph summary of the presentation, that MBCA will publish to their network (nearly 400). Seth noted that issues of enforcement were of great concern at the meeting. Victoria talked more about how MBDSA is not enforcement-focused, but to empower people to do things themselves and become knowledgeable. This is what we should emphasize.
In future presentations we’ll hopefully have actual light fixtures to show. Claudia wondered whether we might find a way to quantify the amount of electricity saved with an initially more expensive approved fixture, showing that the investment pays off eventually. Maybe Teri can provide us with some relevant info. Victoria noted there are calculators online to help with this, and she’ll look to see if one can be put onto our website. However, there is the complication of different costs in different Edison electrical usage tiers. Stephanie noted that for a display it could be simplified.
Seth suggested that we need to have incentives defined, hopefully funds to help phase out noncompliant lighting. Alan reminded us that Supervisor Derry said he plans to set aside money to change out lights. Perhaps some contractors could also contribute. People would apply for the grant money. Alan can get the process started. We need to discuss how it would work, and develop some details. (Agenda item for next meeting?) Tom noted there are also savings by just changing out a light bulb.
Discussion followed on how to design a grant program, including ideas such as making it first-come first serve, residential only, and perhaps starting with replacement of mercury-vapor lights. It could be similar to the water districts’ toilet replacement program. Claudia wondered whether Edison would advertise it in bills to customers in this area. Claudia will ask Edison whether they would advertise it if the County begins this program.
It was noted that there are still many problematic Edison and County pole lights in the Basin.
Tom noted that lights on the new County building look good. Alan said he also talked with the architect about the problem lights in the other Courthouse area, and it’s still in the plans to change them.
There are still problems with the YV car dealership and JT cement plan. Tom noted that he’s checked the cement plant a few times and found all lights on, nobody there, and gates open. They have 5 inappropriately big/bright lights.
3. Earth Hour is Saturday March 31st at 8:30 pm – community focus?
We discussed encouraging broad Basinwide involvement this year:
Seth will write a soapbox piece to submit to local papers about Earth Hour and other dark sky issues.
Luke noted that Park Superintendent Mark Butler has asked him to do a PSA about night skies for local radio. Luke will check to see if it can include mention of MBDSA and our activities. We also asked Luke to find out if the Earth Hour message can be carried to the lower desert by the Park’s communication.
It would be great to get a before and after photo for Earth Hour. Who?
Tom noted there’s a fairly bright moon that night, but there will be a star party at SCDVA that night, for which they hope to get local radio coverage.
We should get Sky’s the Limit, SCDVA, and the Andromeda Society on board for maximum impact. Who?
We will send speakers to the local Rotary groups to encourage Earth Hour participation. Laraine will check with JT Rotary, Claudia for YV (2 clubs), and Stephanie will do 29 Palms. Other Community Associations should be assigned. Laraine said she would announce it at Basinwide Foundation in March.
Victoria will see if Rebecca Unger can do a news article.
4. Earth Day is Sunday, April 22 2012 – Possible Home Depot booth/Yucca Valley
Victoria already contacted Home Depot asking for a booth, including Tom’s solar telescope. We’ll have a table at the Yucca Valley Earth Day.
5. Other educational opportunities
We need to get back to planning how to carry our message into the schools. Tom has talked a bit with Diana Shay Diehl, and she was interested. Ideas expressed included connecting an educational campaign with Earth Hour. We should also check with Crystal at the Hi Desert Nature Museum, and with Kathleen Radnich. Who?
6. Informational documentation review –
Brochure – We can reprint it “as is” until other changes are agreed upon. Victoria has been donating the cost of printing, in a batch of about 100 at a time. THANKS!! We should find out how much commercial printing for at least 500 would cost.
Bumper sticker – Possibly MBCA can donate back for the 50 or so given out at their annual meeting. Seth will buy the next batch. 100 bumper stickers cost $161.62, uncut. Many were interested in getting the design printed on magnets instead or in addition.
IDA flyers – Laraine has the supply, about 20-30 each of most of the categories.
Mickey asked about advertising MBDSA via Facebook and a Blog, and recommended we get going on that in addition to the website.
JTNP educational outreach program. Luke will invite Lorna Lange to our next meeting to see how dark skies issues might be included in Park education programs.
Next 2 Meetings:
Wednesday, February 15, 3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 21, 3 p.m.
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MBDSA meeting December 21, 2011
Present: Alan Rasmussen, Victoria Fuller, Tom O’Key, Seth Shtier, Laraine Turk, Cynthia Anderson, and guest Mike Romage, SB County Code Enforcement
Mike Romage said he was here to answer questions we might have about the current lighting code and how it’s enforced.
1. Update on Ordinance
Alan reported that the Town of Yucca Valley is favorable to our interest in the lighting at the new car dealership.
Seth noted that mercury vapor lights are not allowed in the draft ordinance, even if shielded (current ordinance allows in commercial/industrial settings if fully shielded).
Victoria asked Mike about the number of lighting code-related calls per month. Mike said the ordinance was new when he started, and he was the first one enforcing it. Most calls were from Joshua Tree and Morongo Valley, but the number has been reduced over the years. He believes the most egregious lighting problems have been addressed and people are more aware of what’s legal. He gets about 6-12 complaints a month compared to several dozen each month a few years ago.
Seth asked how Mike handles problems when commercial zones abut residential zones.
Mike checks the conditional use permit to see what was permitted. There’s an upswing in complaints about signs and businesses in JT recently. If it was approved by a CUP, there’s not much that can be done. People need to know that streetlights are exempt. Mike also noted that very few lighting complaints have been prosecuted.
Mike noted that since the code allows shielded mercury vapor lights, and the lights are available at Home Depot, people buy them unaware of the shielding regulations, then are upset when there’s a complaint, but they tend to eventually comply.
Mike and his crew sometimes go out and check lights at night. They use the basic yardstick measurement to determine light trespass. He also noted that people often don’t know the difference between light trespass and light pollution. When light at a higher elevation and at a distance is perceived to be a problem, it usually isn’t light pollution or light trespass, it’s just because of the elevation difference, and nothing can be done.
Mercury vapor lights are the most common illegal light. Mike and his crew talk with both parties and see if at least one side can be shielded. Sometimes it helps, sometimes not. They always try to work with both property owners and get some kind of agreement.
Tom asked about the cement plant excessive lighting issue in the Joshua Tree Lake area. Mike said the company has an exemption for the bright lighting under a temporary use permit. Some of the lights are required by Cal OSHA. Laraine & Tom, who live in the area, noted that they haven’t been running the bright light lately.
Victoria talked about a few cases where we have heard that using the International Dark Skies model “neighbor letter” has had positive results.
Tom talked about a problem in Landers where neighbors of the Riverside astronomers group site have retaliated against what they perceive as driving too fast in their neighborhood by deliberately turning on lights when the astronomers are there.
We discussed how, in the current ordinance, definitions of light trespass and light pollution are actually very general. It doesn’t clearly state what a violation is; it’s somewhat of a judgment call.
Seth talked about lumens and zones in the new draft ordinance. Group members have received a copy of the draft via email. Mike wondered if could you measure lumens from a distance. Luke said yes, and the special light-measuring camera he has at the Park has some upgrades that can help. It can pan across 360 degrees and measure light output. It will be used to measure light incursions from the solar developments on east side of the Park.
Mike wondered if it could be used as an enforcement tool. Luke thought yes, but we agreed there are issues of determining what the measurement limits would be and getting the machine authorized to be used for enforcement.
Regarding using machines for enforcement, Mike made a comparison about the decibel-sensing sound meters they use for OHV enforcement. The $1200 meters aren’t certified; certified ones cost $4000, so there’s a cost factor. There are no current approved light-measuring devices, as far as Mike knows.
Tom noted that in a recent survey of Park visitors, over 91% wanted pristine night sky views during their visit to the Park.
Mike reiterated that even if people are mad at first about complaints made against their lighting, they usually eventually comply. Plus there are people who make complaints that aren’t justified, so Code Enforcement tries to explain. Architectural lights are difficult – they don’t always provide light trespass but can be annoying to neighbors (e.g. “The house looks like a spaceship!”).
Seth asked about a schedule for implementing a new ordinance. Mike noted that with the new OHV ordinance, they educated rather than cited for 6 months. Then for next 6 months they gave warnings, then started giving citations after a year.
We discussed the difficulties and costs of getting good fixtures. Mike noted they gave Barr Lumber the appropriate code sections when it was implemented. Tom mentioned that we’re trying to work with Home Depot, but the high cost of good fixtures is a problem, and there are also issues of national chain management and lack of local control.
Victoria mentioned the very recent adoption of a new lighting code in Riverside County, and Tom added that light pollution is a big issue on a national astronomy website.
Mike asked what definitions we are using the in the draft ordinance and Seth said we’ve adopted good ones from other organizations.
Victoria will email a draft of the proposed new ordinance to Mike when it’s ready to share. Alan added that Judy Tateman, SB County Planning Supervisor, looks forward to seeing our result. The office is too poorly staffed to permit them to attend one of our meetings, but they are open to hosting us at their office when we’re ready to share the proposal.
Seth proposed and we all agreed that for now the draft will be shared only within the MBDSA plus Teri Jackson, Hy Kaplan, and Chad Moore. We were glad to hear of Mike’s interest and told him his help would be very valuable to us. He gave us his phone number: (760) 228-5426.
In response to Mike’s offer to answer any more questions before he left, Laraine asked what the rules are on motion sensor lights. He said there is a limit on how long they can be on, and there might be a wattage limit. It’s in the code but he wasn’t sure about details at the moment.
Tom said he thought there should be a County requirement for retailers to inform consumers about problems they may have before selling them certain lights, or at least have a designated section for County-compliant lighting. There are some fixtures that carry the IDA label as meeting requirements for their model ordinance.
Mike noted that the huge number of types of lights at Home Depot is confusing even to him!
We thanked Mike and he left.
Seth said the ordinance committee is still making a few decisions, but feedback on the version he emailed today is welcome. We ask that all committee members read the draft ordinance and respond online with comments by Friday January 13 (not the 25th as suggested in Seth’s email), so that we can make significant decisions at the next meeting (January 25). Send comments to Seth, Stephanie, or Marlana, or to the whole group.
We had further discussion about measuring light trespass with a yardstick vs. a lumen-measuring device. What is the threshold when you actually see or don’t see a shadow? Tom has experience as an accident investigator, e.g. dark crosswalks, and pointed out there are many variables. Seth noted we will probably still be working with the stick; even though lumens are more scientific, can the County afford equipment and is it really better? Victoria pointed out maybe there would be a source that would donate light measurement devices to the County. Seth reminded us that many lights now have lumens listed on them, and this will be helpful.
2. Brochure
We agreed to take one more look at latest version. Here are some changes to pass along to Kelly:
One space needs to be removed under What We Do.
Add Dark Skies Association email at bottom center back
And reinforce by adding DSA email on the bottom right hand side of the inside page.
Try out Charcoal font on logo if possible. (via Samantha or maybe Cynthia can try?)
Laraine will send these changes to Kelly.
3. Bumper Sticker
Laraine asked for clarification. The decision is to order 250 black and white bumper stickers of the MBDSA logo (with the constellation), at the estimate of $157. Laraine will follow through with the order next week.
4. STRATEGY ON ORDINANCE.
We will hopefully agree on a draft to be shared with County Planning after our January 25th meeting, as noted above.
Luke noted that the lighting at the old Phelps car lot in YV, now Yucca Valley Ford, seems to be as bright as before.
Victoria spoke about the need to strategize how to work with businesses and do community outreach. She suggested we get brochures and posters to businesses, and make Chamber of Commerce presentations. Let’s come up with more ideas at the next meeting. Need to engage people from all surrounding communities, including outlying areas (e.g. HVCC, Wonder Valley) because there’s an array of different issues and viewpoints in various parts of the Basin. Contact the people who write the weekly community columns in the local papers.
Laraine added that Dark Skies issues related to energy use are on the agenda in January for the MBCA annual meeting (January 21) and Teri Jackson will be speaking. Laraine will work toward having night sky and lighting as interest areas on a volunteer interest card they plan to use at the meeting.
PLEASE NOTE THE NEXT 2 MEETINGS:
Wednesday, January 25, 2011, 3-5 P.M. (Alan’s current office)
Wednesday, February 15, 2011, 3-5 P.M. (Alan’s current office or possibly the
new one in JT)
Alan will invite Mark Butler to both of these meetings, hoping he can make at least one.
Adjourned around 4:45.
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Morongo Basin Dark Skies Alliance Meeting
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 - 3:00 p.m.
Notes in blue = action assigned.
Present: Victoria Fuller, Alan Rasmussen, Tom O’Key, Stephanie Weigel, Marlana Brown, Kelly O’Sullivan, Ray Yeager, Seth Shtier, Laraine Turk, Teri Jackson.
Victoria introduced Kelly O’Sullivan, who is a new Marstel-Day employee on the Base and will be taking Samantha Giordano’s place in our group.
1. Brochure revisions – Cynthia and Laraine
Laraine went over changes that she and Cynthia recommended. Subsequent discussions included the need for a citation if tourism is the #1 generator of income; additional possibilities for quotations; how to better state our encouragement to local businesses, i.e. thanking them rather than just asking them to conform to code; including encouragement to buy appropriate lighting fixtures from local stores; taking out the reference to red or yellow filters, which is not proven as an advantage; and different ways to state our purpose regarding the ordinance. (See website for latest version.)
We also had a discussion about how to encourage donations. A tear-off, mail-in part of the brochure was suggested, but most felt electronic methods are better. If in the future we want to include a paper donation form, we can always insert one into the brochure. Laraine and Victoria agreed to work on getting a PayPal connection with the fund recipient being MBREDC. Note that there is a 2.5 or 3% cost for transactions on PayPal.
We also will add a request on the website for sponsors, e.g. SCE or local businesses (Victoria).
2. Maps that we can show of the Lighting zones in the County
Stephanie and Seth SBC went over the proposed lighting zones, 0-3 for the SB County Desert and Mountain communities. A combination of donations from The Sonoran Institute and MBCA provided $150 to purchase files from the County. There are 15 or 20 County land use zones, and the committee matched them up with lighting zones. 3 is the most intense allowable lighting, 0 the lowest.
So far, the committee has sorted the land use categories into the lighting zones this way:
| Lighting Zone 0 |
Agriculture, floodway, open space, resource conservation |
| Lighting Zone 1 |
Rural living, multiple residential, single residential, special development, special development-residential |
| Lighting Zone 2 |
Neighborhood commercial, office, commercial, rural commercial, community industrial, institutional, regional institutional, special development-commercial |
| Lighting Zone 3 |
General commercial, highways commercial, service commercial |
Marlana noted some of the committee’s uncertainty about agricultural lighting needs. Leslie Thornburg of Cadiz will ask other large-scale desert farming operations. Teri said they’d typically be category 1.
Resource conservation is a zone class and a very large portion of the County, mostly BLM, Park and Base. But it doesn’t mean no development. There are homes on some resource conservation parcels. We may have to differentiate resource conservation parcels with homes and those without homes for zone 0.
Mining is mostly leased through the BLM, and not in the County jurisdiction. The definition of resource conservation is vague, but allows residential development in certain cases, which would then probably have to change to zone 1. There was further discussion about details of circumstances of 0 and 1 in resource conservation parcels. There are also issues of change of zoning (e.g. solar/industrial) and lumen levels, shielding, etc. Marlana asked if Teri could join the committee with her valuable input. They still plan to meet their goal of December 20 completion.
Seth noted that the overall goal is light protection, and the County is saying certain areas shouldn’t have too much lighting for various reasons, which can help guide development. Teri said that adding development of any kind has to go through a variety of processes that can be commented upon, and this array of zone overlay (land use and lighting) should help. Lighting zone language, especially 2 and 3, should be carefully written to avoid light trespass. Teri will work with the committee on careful language to keep major changes in raising the zoning level from happening.
Seth said they will look at lumens and learn more about what the numbers mean and will also research transitions between residential and higher lighting areas.
Tom noted that Riverside County’s ordinance is changing for the better. John Garrett from Temecula is a new IDA person, and W.Scott Kardel is also watching this. They are concerned about casinos and mining and solar at the southeast end of Joshua Tree National Park. They have lobbied Riverside for the last 5 years and are finally seeing some improvements.
Note from Laraine: here is a current story about the ordinance—voting has been postponed for a week:
Riverside County Fail to vote on light trespass ordinance
3. Bumper sticker/ Window cling – Update – Claudia
(Do we opt for one color and have dark background [navy, purple?] with white letters? We cannot do less than 250. 250 full color $559.00 plus tax / 250 one color $157.00 plus tax - How to cover cost?)
We agreed to go with the one-color, but need to wait until we get donations. Teri said her company, Seaport Lighting, would sponsor an order of bumper stickers. THANK YOU TERI!! Laraine will tell Claudia to go ahead with the order.
Tom would like to see us plan a fund-raising star party -- SCDVA would help.
4. Webpage – updates / revisions - Victoria
Victoria will put the latest brochure online, and add other quotations. Let her know if you have other effective quotes. She will also add a thank-you to Teri’s company for the donation.
5. Old Phelps dealership lighting – Alan
Alan knows the person who bought the property and will talk with him about lighting issues.
Victoria mentioned that if the Dollar General were built in Joshua Tree, we would need to talk lighting with them.
6. Upcoming events -
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Laraine noted that MBCA’s annual meeting presentation in mid-January will include lighting issues—or it may be the main topic.
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Victoria said that JTCA meeting on November 19 will host Stand Up California regarding the proposed JT Casino, and Victoria will bring MBDSA brochures.
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Tom noted that on November 26 SCDVA will have the “Giving Thanks Star Jam.”
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Western Governors are in YV on December 7. To attend would cost $250 but Stephanie has a call in to see if some people can come for free if they just want to be at one session.
INSERT: END CAP AT HOME DEPOT – This has been on the back burner – they’re not very responsive to what we would like to see (labeling lights as IDA-approved). Need pressure from people requesting the right kind of lights. They have no experience with the right kind of lights and have their (old) inventory. We’ll reinvest energy into this issue next year.
7. Open discussion
a. Riverside / Kern County Lighting ordinances
Discussed above
b. Stressing importance to business / tourism
Need to get support of Chambers first, then local businesses. Should list businesses who support us on the webpage. Contacting them gives us the opportunity to talk with them and get support, so when the ordinance comes up they will be advised and in support.
Let Victoria know of business you or she can contact.
Tom thinks MBDSA should be in support of the CDPA and against casinos.
c. Next meeting December 14th 3:00pm
We’ll try to arrange to show the “The City Dark” movie next time.
Alan is inviting Mark Butler to our next meeting.
Morongo Basin Dark Skies Alliance Meeting
Wednesday, October 12, 3:00 p.m.
Notes in blue = action assigned.
Present: Victoria Fuller, Alan Rasmussen, Tom O’Key, Stephanie Weigel, Marlana Brown, Samantha Giordano, Ray Yeager, Cynthia Andersen, Seth Shtier, Laraine Turk, Claudia Sall.
1. Wish Samantha well on her new job and thanks for all her hard work! Had ice cream cake in celebration!
2. Status night sky ordinance – Marlana, Seth, Stephanie
Alan mentioned that he talked to the #2 person in the County’s Land Use services, Supervising Planner Judy Tatmen, who said there’s no single staff member designated to work on dark skies issues, but she is appreciative of the current wording in the code, recognizing that it came from the Joshua Tree community some years ago. She is ready to hear our draft ordinance proposal when it’s ready.
Marlana noted the popularity of the IDA “neighbor letter.” She made copies to share at future events and Victoria has put it on the MBDSA website. One gentleman who came to the table at the Starry Nights Festival told us that with the help of the IDA “how to talk to your neighbor” letter, he had been able to improve the lighting situation in his neighborhood. Next time we should get name, permission, and details, to use as a testimonial in advertising.
Marlana described how the committee has reviewed other ordinances and decided on this organizational structure for the ordinance (somewhat different than current).
Purpose and intent.
Applicability
Lighting Zones
- Lighting Zone Map
•General Requirements (Possibly by LU Zone?)
•Non-Residential •Design standards and guidelines •Note:Designplanis subject to inspection by code enforcement
- Residential
•Design standards and guidelines
• Note: Design plan is subject to inspection by code
enforcement.
• Prohibited, exemptions and Special Permits
• Existing Lighting
• Enforcement, Violations and Penalties
- Measuring Light Trespass
• Tables
•Definitions
Stephanie talked about the “Tables” section. This will describe the Zones, 0, 1, 2, 3 (3 is for commercial properties). They are trying to line up land use ordinance regulations and lighting zones. Stephanie is working with the County and has ordered land use data necessary to proceed. The $150 cost was covered by $100 from MBCA and $50 from Sonora Institute/Open Space Group. She shared with us a draft matrix, which is a work in progress. There was some discussion of the interpretation of “overlays” listed, such as wildlife corridors, Marine Base, National Park, etc. They don’t change the underlying zoning, but add rules or conditions onto existing land use regulations; they may be either more or less restrictive.
Victoria noted that Riverside County Supervisors’ next agenda includes an updated lighting ordinance (October 25). Victoria is trying to get a copy.
Seth talked about the communication with folks who worked on the ordinance in Tucson. They also shared some of their “learning from mistakes.” They use a particular light meter and have a definition of light trespass. Tucson & Oro Valley use lumens to define the amount of light, but use foot-candles to measure light trespass. The value of lumens is that most fixtures now sold have a lumen capacity listed on them, so it’s easily specified in a plan. Another issue in Tucson was the problematic interface between contiguous commercial and residential zones. They also continue to have problems with excessive light at car dealerships because of a grandfather clause, although a few dealerships have lowered output.
The committee looked into light measuring devices and found a wide range of costs from $60 to $3000.
The committee has revised their timeline for completion of a draft to December 20.
3. Brochure revisions – Cynthia and Laraine will review the brochure for improvements/updates.
4. Starry Nights Festival update
Cynthia, Marlana, and Laraine shared the staffing of the MBDSA information table on October 1. One gentleman told them that with the help of the IDA “neighbor letter,” he had been able to improve the lighting situation in his neighborhood, and was going to try it with other neighbors.
5. Old Phelps dealership lighting. / Cement factory light - Update Alan
Nothing confirmed about Cement factory light. It’s out currently. Laraine lives nearby and will report if it goes on again.
6. Details on how to submit donations – Laraine
Laraine noted with thanks the contribution of the Morongo Basin Regional Economic Development Consortium
($52) for the printing of 100 MBDSA brochures. We need to find funding for more brochures, as well as stickers, window clings, and T-shirts. SCDVA is willing to assist with fundraising, perhaps via a star party. Claudia spoke of MBCA events next year that will include a focus on energy that might be worked into mutual benefit for both organizations. Seth indicated he will work on a donation from NPCA.
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Organizations that are partners in MBDSA are encouraged to make donations for the work of this group via the Morongo Basin Regional Economic Development Consortium. (We understand that cash donations are not possible for some of our partners.) Please specify in a note or on the check “MBDSA” or “Dark Skies.” Morongo Basin Regional Economic Development Consortium PO Box 1398 Joshua Tree, CA 92252 |
7. Webpage updates – Victoria / Cynthia
Victoria appreciates the critiques she has received and has implemented the suggestions. We thank Kimberley Bowers of MDLT for her professional review. We discussed finding a short quotation or mission statement to give more strength to the home page, and agreed to simply use the bumper sticker quote: “Turn out a light, See the night.” Claudia noted that our organization name indicates where we are and what we do.
A few more suggestions were made for the website: • Seth is willing to be PR contact, and Victoria’ scontact number is
already on the page.
• Add slogan at top of page.
• Make the list of partner organizations hot links.
• Add to partner list Morongo Basin Regional Economic Development
Consortium.
We discussed for a while whether any organization that wishes to be on the partners list should be added. Since we don’t have a structured organization, and have no membership fees, we don’t have a mechanism for this, so will just deal with it as the issue arises.
We expressed our thanks to Victoria for her many hours on developing the website. She noted that with the $2.50 per month service she’s using, there are limits on what can be done, and in only 6 pages. For now what we have seems very usable and helpful.
8. City Dark movie - Ray checked with Lynn Richardson and she agreed we could use the Museum facility for free to show the movie. Since Victoria has a one-free-showing download, we decided instead to show it next month as part of our meeting. Hopefully we’ll get some donations and can use for additional showings.
Tom showed a handout regarding national park dark skies that was shared at the recent JT music festival that includes our website.
Ray noted that there will be a FREE Pioneertown Mountains Preserve Star Party on Saturday, October 29, including a nature walk at 5:30, and star party at 6:30. Call 369-7105 for information.
Laraine will bring some of the Base lighting reduction posters to Saturday’s meeting in JT regarding the possible casino. Victoria is bringing our brochures.
9. Bumper sticker/ Window cling – Update - Claudia
Claudia will get Wanda’s estimate for say 50-75 bumper stickers
for a start, and we agreed we’ll find funding to print those and just get them “out there” to make our efforts more visible. We’ll have to wait for funds to order the more expensive window cling, so we’ll leave this topic off the agenda until we have funding and decide how to proceed.
10. T-shirts with the full color design. Samantha will work on some small design changes with Dave Miller. Victoria is checking on prices.
11. Discuss response to questions on light violations. Victoria shared that she gets calls and tries to help people understand when and how to contact Code Enforcement. She sometimes gets calls back that they aren’t getting help. Alan said if Code enforcement doesn’t follow up, he should be contacted.
We also discussed the topic of temporary variances, such as the cement plant on Sunfair in Joshua Tree. Alan said its temporary variance is one year.
12. Open discussion – set date for next meeting
JTNP Superintendent Mark Butler will come to our November meeting if the date works for him.
Next meeting is Wednesday, November 9, 3-5 p.m., Supervisor’s office.
Tom reported on the Home Depot end cap display. Even with a display, the impact won’t be much as things are now, because 1) the cost factor between non-IDA and other lighting is still prohibitive; 2) “Good” lights aren’t placed in a separate section; 3) there are no messages or even a display of the range of fixtures they have.
Tom showed a September Sky & Telescope magazine article on dark skies efforts that includes information on potential funding for projects like ours.
Tom gave us some data on the hits on the portion of his SCDVA website where he posted MBDSA information. There were 462 hits as of this morning, and this includes international viewing and some comments. This is pretty impressive!
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Morongo Basin Dark Skies Alliance Meeting
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
3:00 p.m., Supervisor Derry’s office
Present: Marlana Brown, Victoria Fuller, Samantha Giordano, Alan Rasmussen, Laraine Turk, Rebecca Unger, Ray Yeager
(Note from Laraine: The blue sentences indicate someone has committed to an action.)
1. Updates from Alan: Fundraising under umbrella of tourism group?
Alan reported that the Morongo Basin Regional Economic Development Consortium (Tourism Committee) is interested in dark skies as a tourism draw, and the group manages funds for the region’s Chambers of Commerce.
He feels that our group could work within the Consortium via the tourism interest and perhaps have them hold and manage funds we might acquire. Joe Meer of MBTA is the Treasurer.
Victoria led a discussion about the costs of our proposed giveaway items. We agreed that we should make formal requests for funding by providing our “wish list” to potential funders, including the groups represented by individuals who attend these meetings.
It would be great to get funding soon so we can order and receive things before the Starry Nights Festival on Saturday, October 1.
Victoria also noted she has rented The City Dark movie for one showing for $25. We would need to figure out funding to be able to show it to groups in the future.
Laraine will draft a letter and copy Victoria and Alan to ask MBCA for funding at their Board meeting tomorrow.
Everyone present was asked to ask their respective groups for donations, where appropriate.
1. Old Phelps dealership lighting.
Alan noted that last night the Yucca Valley Town Council meeting focused on development. Some members agreed that they didn’t want excessive late night lighting on businesses as there had been at Phelps Dodge. Alan will now talk with the person whose business is planning to move to that site.
2. Bumper sticker – Update
Costs for 250 bumper stickers (cling stickers) based on the current draft:
4-color: $768
1-color: $315
It would be great to have T-shirts with the full color design. Samantha will work on some small design changes with Dave Miller.
3. Revisions to brochure – Samantha (attached)
With one more small change, we’re all very happy with the brochure. Thanks to Samantha for all the initial work and many revisions. Laraine expressed her opinion that in future versions, she believes we should rethink the section on Ordinances, both because the brochure is so “busy” and because there might be ordinance information that would be more appropriate for residential questions.
4. Table for Andromeda Society’s annual Starry Nights Festival, Saturday, October 1 at the Yucca Valley Community Center.
Cynthia Anderson couldn’t attend today but told Victoria she will volunteer for several hours. Ray said the lectures are scheduled between 1 and 4 p.m., and we should set up around 12:30, sharing Skies The Limit’s table. Marlana and Laraine can also volunteer. Stephanie has most of the display items, and the IDA display case is in Alan’s office. Laraine will arrange to get the display materials to YVCC on the 1st.
5. Status night sky ordinance- Seth
Marlana, Seth, and Stephanie continue to get feedback to determine further work on the ordinance. Marlana said that our draft ordinance has been forwarded to the Tucson group for their comments. Because Tucson doesn’t base their code on land use zoning, we’ve also have the Oro Valley code (near Tucson). Stephanie was going to try talking to someone from SB County Planning but she couldn’t be here today so we don’t have a report. Teri and/or the Tucson group will hopefully answer some technical questions. The committee hopes to present a draft in late October.
6. Outreach on the Highway 62 Arts Tour?
Probably only per each artist’s wish, but possibly we could have brochures at the preview opening (at Hi Desert Nature Museum).
Ray is on the Tour and thinks a number of artists might be OK with putting out brochures. But the opening at the Museum where we might give them out to many Tour artists is this Friday, and we don’t have brochures. So, we agreed to personally talk with artists we know to see if they’re willing and then get them the brochures by October 22 (first Tour day for West side of Basin).
7. Open Discussion / next meeting date
Alan will invite Mark Butler to our next meeting (and let Luke know). Hopefully he’ll learn more about our work and maybe has some specific Park issues we can work on together.
Victoria would like to see us get more of our information out to businesses. The Marine Base posters are very desirable, and Marlana said she could get more. It would be good to get them all out there because the date 2011 is on the bottom picture.
We were sad to hear that Samantha’s next meeting will be the last as she’s moving to a new job in the Bay area.
Everyone should take a look at the website. www.mbdarkskiesalliance.org Victoria’s been improving it. Take the energy use quiz and give feedback. She would like to find a way to connect the quiz with the “tier” aspect of SCE rates to emphasize cost savings.
Where could we screen the City Dark movie? Ray will check with Stephanie at the Museum to see if we can show it there on their plasma screen.
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, October 12, 3-5 p.m., at Supervisor’s office; Victoria will send a reminder a week before.
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Morongo Basin Dark Skies Alliance Meeting
Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 3:00 pm - Supervisor Derry's office, courtesy Alan Rasmussen
Present: Alan Rasmussen, Seth Shteir, Laraine Turk, Cynthia Anderson, Ray Yeager, Luke Sabala, Marlana Brown, Samantha Giordano, Victoria Fuller, Stephanie Weigel
(Note from Laraine: The blue sentences indicate someone has committed to an action.)
Victoria noted that Tom O’Key is being interviewed today by Channel 2 (Coachella Valley) about his astronomy involvements and hopefully MBDSA.
Teri Jackson is still interested in being part of MBDSA but can’t be with us today.
Alan talked with Richard Warne, new 29 Palms City Manager, and he is very interested in our work on a new ordinance.
Agenda
1. Bumper sticker - Review choice and funding - Claudia
Claudia wasn’t able to attend today but provided a draft of the bumper sticker. Victoria noted that black-and-white vs. 4-color is a huge cost difference. Costs for 250 bumper stickers based on the current draft:
4-color: $768
1-color: $315
A cling sticker for inside the window in 1-color would be $315 for 250. Most of us thought the cling sticker would be more popular than a bumper sticker.
Samantha will revise the design to include the MBDSA logo.
We discussed asking Home Depot for a contribution, but no decision was made on that.
We all thought it would be great in the future to have T-shirts with the MBDSA design.
Alan can do some printing of brochures for us.
2. Revisions to brochure – Samantha
Victoria knows someone who will print our brochures for $20 per 100. Should we ask for donations? Laraine will ask MBCA. Alan will check with the Morongo Basin Economic Development group’s tourism committee about the possibility of supporting us. Victoria will check with MDLT about possible funding.
Stephanie hopes to talk with Karen Messaros (JTNP) about MBDSA sharing a table with the Park at events where possible, and maybe having our brochures at the Visitor Centers. We’ll try to get brochures printed and distributed at the Park’s special 75th anniversary program at Hidden Valley on Wednesday, August 10. Laraine expects to be there and Victoria will get some brochures to her.
Luke told us he is working with a Dark Skies effort within the National Park Service.
Cynthia made some suggestions to clarify information in the brochure, particularly to clarify points about the San Bernardino County lighting ordinance.
Ray asked that brochures be available for the local Andromeda Society’s annual Starry Nights Festival, Saturday, October 1 at the Yucca Valley Community Center. Perhaps we’ll have a table, or share with Sky’s the Limit.
Tom is still working on the end cap display at Home Depot, and will need $100 to pay for the designed background.
3. Report on 29 Palms Movies outreach - Victoria / Stephanie
The Marine Base posters were a real draw as always. Numbers weren’t real high, but they felt they probably talked to people we wouldn’t have reached otherwise, including a fair number of younger folks. Rick Hiestad (STL) was also there with a solar scope.
Victoria noted that Teri said we can keep the IDA display for a while longer.
4. Status night sky ordinance - Seth
Seth and Laraine submitted an article about MBDSA’s work to The Sierra Club’s Desert Report.
Alan noted that Richard Warne, new 29 Palms city manager, wants to keep up with the development of the ordinance.
Stephanie, Marlana, and Seth meet every 2 weeks and hope to have a draft of an ordinance by end of October to present to this group. They are examining other ordinances closely. Making light pollution easy to measure is a key concept. (Note: Alan tried to get Mike Romage here today, but couldn’t.) Romage suggested starting to engage someone from Planning. Alan will pursue this.
Seth said that among the issues that are arising is whether to apply the ordinance only to new construction. They will probably also require it for major renovations and additions. Maybe also for minor additions, if there could be funding support. There are issues with definitions, e.g. is “trespass” the same as ”spillover”? (Luke says Yes.) They’re using the purpose and needs sections from Moorpark’s ordinance. The Tucson ordinance also has good purpose and need sections, and connection to a desert environment. High intensity mercury vapor lights are an issue, and light not interfering with military night operations. The committee wants to talk with Teri about lumens and zones, and make a table.
Their next task is to look at lighting zones with appropriate Open Space Group maps to look for matches with land use zones. Marlana asked about public input for zones later on. Victoria suggested getting feedback from “our groups” (member associations) when we’re further along. Seth thought we should deal with representatives of groups, governments, and organizations. Victoria noted we’re also using IDA. Stephanie suggested communicating with the County early, just as FYI, and offering them participation in whatever mode they think is best. Perhaps we can get an official representative from their staff. (See above, Alan will pursue this.)
5. Open discussion
Victoria has heard complaints about new bright lights at night at Hi Grade Materials Cement in Joshua Tree. Victoria plans to get a few people together soon to meet with them in a friendly approach and find out what’s going on. Tom, Victoria, and Laraine are interested. _________________ Morongo Basin Dark Skies Alliance meeting Present: Victoria Fuller, Samantha Giordano, Tom O’Key, Alan Rasmussen, Seth Shtier, Laraine Turk, Stephanie Weigel, Ray Yeager 1. Brochure. Had a discussion about the black-and-white version of the MBDSA logo provided by Samantha. We generally agreed that both the color and B&W could be used; perhaps one will be better than the other in certain circumstances. We agreed to some rewording changes/improvements under “what we’re doing,” and in how the Supervisor is listed. We will eventually put the finished product it on a webpage for people to print out individually or in quantity, and suggest that other organizations in the Alliance include a link to it. Big thanks to Samantha for a great job on the logo and brochure. Victoria reported an appreciative call from Mike Cipra for using his quotation on the brochure, and he will help more if needed. She also reminded us of Wally Pacholka’s thanks and strong support for our efforts. 2. Discussion about adding organizations. We confirmed that this group is an alliance of existing organizations and open to anyone/any group with an interest in our projects, and that we are not seeking to become a 501(c)(3). Others may become more interested when we have a draft lighting ordinance. Nancy Karl, Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, told Victoria she is interested in our work; Victoria will invite her to our next meeting. Hopefully some organizational partners will be able to help financially or with volunteers for future projects. 3. Table at 29 Palms summer movies in the park tomorrow night, June 23. (Twentynine Palms family event in Luckie Park.) Victoria and Stephanie will set up a table with MBDSA and Sky’s the Limit info for a couple of hours before the movie. Laraine will arrange to get materials to them. Samantha will get more Base posters to Stephanie. 4. Bumper Sticker. We briefly discussed the draft bumper sticker design provided via email by Claudia (designed by Dave Miller). “Turn out a light… See the night!” or “Turn out a light…. See a star!” We like both phrases, but would really like to see an actual mock-up of a bumper sticker, and also the other styles and sizes such as those discussed at last meeting (e.g. cling-type for inside windshield, round, oval, etc.), and review the costs. Laraine will contact Claudia and we’ll make this a focused item at our next meeting. 5. Ordinance. Seth and Stephanie provided handouts including versions of the International Dark Skies Assn. (IDA) Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) details and charts. Seth reviewed our prior discussion of how the lighting zone concept helps differentiate animal/plant habitat and areas where humans must live safely. Note that both desert and mountain areas of San Bernardino County are to be included in the planning. Seth and Stephanie’s goal today is to get feedback on both the wording of the ordinance text, and the application of the zones to local maps. Comments on MLO text: Q: Is there any tighter definition, e.g. measured levels of lighting? Yes, lumens can be designated. But that’s not included today—we’ll come back to it in the future. Teri suggested foot-candles rather than lumens. So we’ll do that later. Maybe we don’t need Zone 4 at all, except the Base. Note that an Observatory isn’t actually mentioned in Zone 0. Some concerns with the language. The phrase “Human activity subordinate to nature” could be problematic for some decision-makers. Some thought it should be this strong. Context and preparation for presenting the zones might make a difference; i.e. if this language is used, prepare the audience for the local realities so they won’t reject it outright. Do we really need all 5 Zones? Maybe yes because the County is so large, and includes urban areas (SB County). Clarification: this is only for desert and mountains. Concerns about car dealerships with all-night lighting. Example of Phelps. Community expectations could be made clear through this, that other security methods are preferred so lighting is reduced overnight. (Tucson example.) JOTR entrance stations, recommend LZ-0. Ray reported an anecdote about Mark Butler noticing a Park light during an astronomy session. Tom said there have been discussions about Park lighting for 4 years. Luke had told us they were dealing with it, so we’ll hopefully hear a report from him in the near future. Comments on Maps and Geography Tom talked about the scattered house and yard lights that mar an otherwise dark corridor from the JT lakebed (SCDVA site) south toward the park. Sunfair area should be a low-number zone, for many reasons including wildlife crossings. Should be LZ-0 or LZ-1. Monument Manor and JT Highlands have similar characteristics. Maybe Friendly Hills also (1 and 2 family residences) should be LZ-0 or LZ-1. They may be equivalent to the area Tom talked about. Rancho Mesa has no streetlights. Should it be LZ-0 or LZ-1? Zone 3 – commercial corridors, town centers, mixed use, shopping, playing fields, etc. We thought this would include places like JTCC, hospital, county buildings, and the College. Down the grade west of YV and through Morongo and Pioneertown should be LZ-1. Morongo downtown might be LZ-2. Some thought JTCC, the hospital, etc, should be LZ-2 instead of Along Hwy. 62, most land should be LZ-2 because of commercial buildings. Try to keep all our county areas to LZ-2 or below. Tom noted gas stations and car dealerships need to be directed to correct lighting as well as assigned appropriately to zones. After this first pass, we will need to evaluate our preferred lighting zones against other types of zoning, and think about how the designations would affect future development. Stephanie noted it would be nice to match lighting and development zones, but it won’t work exactly. Thanks to Seth and Stephanie for moving us forward on the zoning ordinance project. 6. Tom reported on the end cap display at Home Depot. Tom found a place that will print a good quality 4x8 ft. color poster of a Pacholka photo for $150. This would be a backdrop for the display. The Andromeda Society might be able to make a financial donation to help with something like this. He’ll bring it back the group after more work on it. Laraine suggested for the next meeting more discussion about illegal big lights on private property--can we mount a campaign to help people deal with problems in their neighborhoods? Victoria will invite Mike Romage to a future meeting after we have progressed more on our projects, e.g. the Home Depot display, the ordinance, website, brochures, and bumper stickers. Next meeting: Wednesday, August 3, 3-5 p.m., Supervisor’s office.
June 22, 2011:
Laraine Turk continues to take notes of our meetings with great diligence. It is with her permission, we continue to publish her writing, here, on this page. We appreciate that she makes these records available to our readers as the progress of this groups efforts are best served with the fine detail she is able to share with everyone. With this we say, "Thanks, Laraine! Great Job"!
team scdva.org....
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
(Zones are described as LZ-0, LZ-1, LZ-2, LZ-3, LZ-4, with LZ-0 having the highest controls on lighting, LZ-4 allowing the largest amount of lighting.):
Note: We’re only talking about COUNTY land at this point, but hope that the local incorporated communities would eventually adopt what we develop.
LZ-3.
_________________________________________________________
May 24, 2011:
MBDSA Meeting Tuesday, 5/24/11, 3:00 p.m.,
Supervisor Derry’s office, courtesy Alan Rasmussen.
Attending: Ray Yeager (Skies the Limit’s new representative to this group), Seth Shtier (NPCA), Alan Rasmussen (Supervisor Derry), Samantha Giordano (Marine Base), Marlana Brown (Marine Base), Victoria Fuller (JTCA), Laraine Turk (MBCA), Stephanie Weigel (MB Open Space Group), Claudia Sall (MBCA)
Ray briefly told us about the Sky’s the Limit event Saturday, May 21, where the new Celestron telescope for the observatory was officially donated.
1. Update on Night Sky Ordinance - Seth
Seth, Teri, Marlana, and Stephanie have been working on this for the Desert and Mountain areas of San Bernardino County, hoping for cities to eventually follow the County model after it’s in place. There will be focus on zones. Different land is appropriate for different kinds of lighting, so there’s a parallel with land use zones. They are using the IDA ordinance model, and Seth provided a handout and described the zone concept to us.
0 = nature is more important than human activity
1 = rural areas similar to ours that don’t have reason for being lit up
2 = moderate light needs
3= safety, security, and convenience are important, probably commercial usages
4 = “uber” lighting – mostly continuous, areas with night businesses and/or intensive use
All zones mention diminished light “after curfew.” Even when human use is extensive, you want to have a turn-off time. There are limits in all zones.
Seth presented a generalized zoning map (created with Stephanie’s help) that showed commercial, rural, conservation, and open space general delineations. Stephanie noted that it includes BLM land in county zones.
Another aspect of the model is amount of lumens allowed, but we’ll use foot-candles instead (based on the Moorpark Ordinance that Teri worked on) because they’re easier to measure. Another Moorpark model they will probably use, after additional review, is methods of dealing with non-compliant lighting.
Seth and Laraine are working on an article for Desert Report. An idea they developed that they think will be useful in the near future is to set up a conference call with people in a community that has successfully changed/improved their ordinance, to get advice, find potential pitfalls in advance, and see how it’s working. That might be Flagstaff or Tucson or Moorpark or ? (to be determined).
Victoria brought up there will be issues of lighting flags at night and sometimes churches.
Stephanie reminded us that we might get funding (via Sup. Derry) for retrofits for low-income folks. Also we should remember we can’t create unfunded mandates on lighting.
This committee will meet again June 13.
Alan reminded us that Neil is very supportive and wants to see a full response.
2. Discuss MBDSA brochure – Samantha
Samantha provided draft copies of a brochure. It was well received, with discussions around some minor design changes. We need to all reply with content change suggestions (thanks to Victoria for providing content for the first draft). We agreed to add the “4 Easy Steps." Laraine suggested it would be good to get something published in the Desert Trail so it can be listed along with the Hi Desert Star and the Desert Report, for basin-wide balance. Send additional ideas and comments on the brochure to Samantha.
This lead to a discussion of the Twentynine Palms Street Fair and Car Show on Friday evening, June 3. Should we have a booth? Alan will be there and could help a little, but someone would need to take the lead. Nothing was determined definitely. Note: Laraine has the display materials, but she’ll be out of town, so call her to make arrangements to get the posters and handouts, etc.
3. Update on MBDSA-specific website - Victoria
Victoria sent out an email asking for input for the website. We will need several people’s email addresses so that contacts via the website will be answered. She also emailed us a Home Depot demonstration summary/review, emphasizing how valuable Tom O’Key’s solar telescope was at drawing folks in, the high value of the Marine Base poster, and the good response to conversations about lighting and talking to neighbors, etc.
Stephanie added that the “how to talk to your neighbor” was a popular handout, and commended Victoria for being so positively assertive towards every individual who came in the door!
4. Bumper stickers - Claudia (See info below)
Claudia passed around a color flyer from the company she has talked to, with examples of sizes and color. She recommended (and we agreed) that keeping it to 3 colors would work well with the logo Samantha devised. We discussed but came to no conclusion what the size and type should be. To cover the cost, we will probably ask for funding in small amounts from each group in the Alliance. Claudia will ask Dave Miller to do a mock-up of several possible bumper stickers, using the brochure for the basic design.
5. Yucca Valley & Home Depot Earth Day results
Home Depot offered to let us have a booth every month or two, and/or a display in the entry area. They are committed to us helping design the new endcap display (Tom), which should incorporate the design/logo from the new brochures. Claudia suggested we ask if they would do a workshop on lighting that we would help design. We also need outreach to Barr Lumber, Cactus Mart etc., after the brochure is done.
6. County & Hospital parking lot lights – Alan
Alan went to a County project managers meeting and asked about this lighting. There is only one new pole light in the new building, and it will be compliant, as they are seeking LEED certification. Alan showed us a picture of the problematic old lights and he said he’d try to get money for retrofit. Alan was uncertain about some of the other lights in the government complex area, and will try to get Teri there to review with the project manager.
A hospital engineering staff member said they are changing out to LEDs to save money – we need to find out exactly what they’re planning and make sure it’s compliant. Alan will try to connect with Teri on this, too.
7. “End Cap” at Home Depot – Tom
Tom not able to attend: discuss at next meeting.
Laraine asked to confirm whether “Turn out a light, see a star” is definitely what we want on the bumper sticker. There was general agreement to start with that.
Victoria will add Ray Yeager to the email list.
Next meeting 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, Alan’s office.
Morongo Basin Dark Skies Alliance Meeting Notes – April 21, 2011
Present: Victoria Fuller, Samantha Giordano, Teri Jackson, Tom O’Key, Alan Rasmussen, Claudia Sall, Laraine Turk, Stephanie Weigel
1. Review Yucca Valley Earth Day – Plus/Minus - Key attention-getters were Luke’s/JTNP’s light pollution photo, the IDA display board, and the Marine Base poster. A number of people took the IDA brochures and the “Four Steps” handouts. Tom’s sun telescope was a real draw. We had a great location, at the entry to the courtyard area. We probably didn’t ask people to enter the drawing often enough, although a frequent response when we did was, “I don’t have any lights on at night” – these were people who were sympathetic to our cause. Several people noted that the event was less well-attended than in past years, probably due in part to the Relay for Life occurring at the same time.
2. Finalize plans for Home Depot Earth Day April 22-23 - Victoria, Tom, and Laraine agreed to meet at 7:30 Friday when Laraine will deliver all the materials, and Victoria and Tom plan to staff the table. Stephanie will come to help around 11. Victoria noted that we have been invited to periodically have a table at Home Depot, and a place in the store to display our materials.
Tom talked about the “End Cap Display,” i.e. the space at the end of a row of shelves, where they currently have a small night sky lighting display. This is the only End Cap under the store’s control, and not only are they very willing to work with us to improve it, Wally Pacholka has offered to let us use any of his images as a backdrop, as he believes we really have a chance to make a difference in dark skies in this region (per Tom).
Tom & Victoria reviewed the Home Depot inventory of lights and made several observations. The largest amount of the inventory is cheap and non-compliant. There are some “better” lights at a higher cost, and one retrofit to focus light down. Most are less than $49. There are some that could be compliant but aren’t currently shown in the End Cap. We want to have hands-on fixtures as part of the End Cap display.
Another way to point to good fixtures might be using an IDA label/sticker, and Teri can get some for us if we can convince the store to use them.
3. Selection of winner of outdoor lighting review - We decided to include the Home Depot event in the drawing. Laraine has the submitted cards from the prior 2 events (2 from Morongo Valley and about 10 from Yucca Valley).
4. Update on Ordinance – Seth, Marlana, and Teri continue to work on it. Teri noted that the Model Ordinance is 40 pages, but we only need particular portions, and she is working on whittling it down to relevant elements. She also said there are prescriptive and performance methods and they will work on what’s best for our area. They are also working on the zone concept for our area, and by the end of May will have a review of the pertinent items from the Model Ordinance. They’ll bring to this group for input, continue revisions in June & July, and hope to have a good draft by August. Marlana is also talking with planners in 29 and Yucca, and there has been a positive response so far.
Alan noted that Supervisor Derry wants us to “do it right.”
Side note: Tom updated us on Sky’s the Limit’s observatory. They have received a donation of a telescope and mount from Celestron, so the dome from Joshua Springs can now be donated to create the observatory.
5. Prioritize our next 2 or 3 activity goals, related to refining and focusing our educational message. Explore and decide on a few clear goals for the next 6-9 months.
Organizational structure note: This group is the working group, but we need to send out information and requests for help on an email list, and use the website for communication with interested people (we’ve been gathering emails at the events).
Tom noted that Wally Pacholka is very impressed with our work and will help in any way he can.
NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, MAY 24, 3:00 P.M. at Supervisor Derry’s office L. Turk, 4/25/11 ______________________________________________ When asking for volunteers we need to be specific – such as volunteers to help with booths or to engage their groups. Discussed need to engage schools and students - some ideas Mickey & Teri met at JBWD to look at lights and made suggestions : Tom, Teri, Rebecca and Victoria met with Home Depot Store Manager (Eric Swanson) and Alisha Maizares (Asst. Store Manager) after our meeting and finalized Earth Day booth – April 22nd & 23rd 9am – 3pm. Home Depot will be ordering a sample of some of the outdoor LED lights to have on display. The fire department will also have a booth those days. ______________________________________________
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April 21, 2011:
(May 7) several planned events had taken place. The group has been very busy with outreach and community events.
(The list that follows is a combination of what was presented in the agenda and additional ideas. Action areas/commitments are in blue italics.)
1.) Offending public or business sites: Teri will email Alan the details of the problems with the County buildings and Hospital/Continuing Care Center at White Feather and Hwy. 62, and Alan will make contacts. It was noted that for non-compliant businesses, the Bank of America is a major offender that we could pursue.
2) Find more ways to get the message to parents thru students. Maybe next fall.
3) Have a booth at Farmers Markets? Maybe consider later.
4) Publications: Laraine and Seth will work toward an August deadline for an article for The Desert Report, a Sierra Club Desert Committee publication. Follow-up up to Press Enterprise story?
5) Set up a website? Yes, use Tom’s great coverage on the SCDVA website as a base, and create a MBDSA-specific website. WHO?
6) Need a MBDSA brochure – Samantha will start on this.
7) Bumper stickers, e.g. “Turn out a light – See a Star.” Claudia will check with VIP for costs and parameters.
8) Add displays at other hardware stores (in addition to the planned “End Cap” at Home Depot), specifically Barr Lumber and Cactus Mart, maybe WalMart later. WHO?
9) Possibly mount a specific educational campaign about the most frequent compliance complaint/problem, mercury vapor lights on tall poles. We’ve been told County Compliance staff is very low currently. Alan will try to get Code Enforcement Officer Mike Romage to be with us at a future meeting.
March 23, 2011:
Meeting of the MBDSA took place as planned at the office of County Supervisor Derry's representative, Alan Rasmussen . An overflow turnout, again, reflected the dedication of the group and the agenda flowed with the timeline set by Victoria as we went through the list of objectives.
A date of May 1 was set to submit the suggested adjustments to the Counties code related to night lighting. Discussion continues about needed additional information that has the appropriate insight into what the code should say and try to accomplish. Factors are forming and the guiding influences are accumulating. Seth has been following up on comparative examples and Teri has been coordinating with the knowledge provided by the IDA. The current code and the need to improve the regulations are being considered with upcoming input from existing code enforcement evaluations and practical solutions based on economic and resource availability. Code enforcement input will be provided at the next meeting that is set for April 20th.
Scheduled participation in some local events were discussed and the plans were firmed up with commitments for helping to man the tables and distribute information was established. The first event takes place, on March 26, with the Morongo Valley Spring Festival. Sharing tables with the MBCA and other groups, MBDSA will be offering information about the need for improving the health of our night sky.
The next event will be held on April 16, when we take part in the Earth Day Celebration sponsored by the Town of Yucca Valley. This is a large event and an extended effort will include a display of night lighting fixtures that will give people a chance to learn about the hardware that is available and advice on how to fix problem lighting at economically worthwhile rewards.
Following the theme of April 16 will be the Earth Day event that will be held at the Home Depot in Yucca Valley. This event will cover two days on the 22nd and 23rd of April. The intention is to set up a large display of lighting fixtures and to guide the public to help fix the night skies. Participation is in the planning stage as we will have another meeting of the group just before this event.
Helpful crossover connections we emphasized as the direction of the group has become more established. Participants in the group are getting a feel for the relevance associated with the goals of other organizations working in parity and realizing the benefits of this effort. It seems obvious that the foundation of the cause to improve night skies is fundamental in the efforts of other, similar, interests.
The outreach connections being discussed include presentations to various groups in the community with hopes of expanding support for night sky awareness. Participation in other upcoming events was encouraged where we could help to educate the public as well as city planners and those in the construction trades. Educational institutions are on the list of points of contact to extend the understanding of future opportunity in the job market for night sky lighting design and implementation. A suggestion to invite advanced students in civil engineering and community planning was offered with the idea that they could enhance their experience with the information coming from the group. Insight about the community involvement in the grass roots caring of our night sky has relevance in many related educational fields and the group seemed eager to share these concepts.
Follow up planning will work between volunteers working on sub group projects and will be posted when news is meaningful.
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March 03, 2011:
On March third the Basin Wide Foundation monthly breakfast hosted a keynote talk presented by our night sky action committee. Victoria and Laraine presented the talk while Samantha Giordano of the G5 office at the Base produced a powerpoint presentation that supported the talk.
The audience was interested and at times a unanimous raising of hands corroborated an agreed interest in the value of dark skies. some of the key figures in the audience included Mayor Huntington of Yucca Valley, Superintendent Mark Butler for the JTNP, Basin Wide Foundation and many other community leaders.
As we were on a fast track to make the talk meaningful and to provide a solid statement of the intention of the group, several things happened that are worth reporting.First, the group has established the official name that will be used from now on. We will now be known as the "Morongo Basin Dark Skies Alliance".
Other things of note include the scheduling of several events where the group will be participating. A meeting with the Home Depot management has set the stage for a demonstration booth at the upcoming Earth Day Celebration and an expansion of the effort to educate the community on the value of modern day methods of economizing with high tech night lighting ideas at the Yucca Valley Earth Day Event.
Literature and information will be provided by the International Dark Skies Association and flyers supplied by the group. A booth will be set up at the Yucca Valley event and at the Home Depot event as well.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 23rd at 3:00 PM at the County office of Alan Rasmussen.
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The February 23, 2011:
Notes by Victoria Fuller
First we welcomed Rebecca Unger from the Hi-Desert Star and Samantha Giordano, Communications Specialist from Marstel Day to our group. Rebecca is putting together a press release to cover our group, she will be at the Basin Wide meeting on Thursday and will be including information on Earth Hour. Samantha is helping with our presentations and communication ideas and will be at the Basin Wide meeting on Thursday.
The February 1, 2011:
Meeting of the Joshua Basin Night Skies Group took place, as planned, at the County offices of Neil Derry's representative, Alan Rasmussen.
In the well attended meeting, continued discussion took place about the goals set previously, including, outreach materials such as flyers and pamphlets, a press release stating the goals and scheduling of the groups outreach activities and participation planning for the Earth Hour, Earth Day and Home Depot events.
Members brought information gathered about the lighting conditions found in the region that related to commercial and institutional lighting. A list of the places documented is in preparation so as to create dialog to initiate and monitor improvements. The hope is to offer help in improving inadequate installation of existing lighting and inform everyone about night sky friendly lighting with suggested solutions.
The IDA representative, Teri Jackson, brought forward a terrific collection of literature that covered many of the topics concerned in the discussion. The applicable connection created a base for the literature that the group felt was needed and set in motion planning to produce a distilled series of similar flyers and info packs that would help to inform the public in upcoming outreach events.
A meeting was arranged with the management of the local Home Depot and will take place after the February 23rd meeting adjourns to discuss available compliant lighting fixtures and retrofitted solutions to existing lighting systems. A demonstration outreach event at Home Depot is planned in the near future to display lighting concepts and expand community awareness. The IDA representatives will assist in providing examples of hardware and outreach materials.
Accelerated planning was discussed and is underway related to the Spring schedule of other events in the community. A timeline of what is happening is creating a calendar so participation in those events is hopeful and being arranged. Starting with Earth Hour, a publicity campaign is planned and the later Earth Day celebration in correlation with the Hi Desert Nature Museum's planning is on the schedule.
Task groups formed related to many of the needed goals of the agreed activities. The immediate need for a presentation group to address the "Monthly Breakfast" of the Basin Wide Foundation's March 3rd meeting is forming. Added dimension of a possible power point presentation and the general script that meets the needs of the presentation is underway. The message that the group wants to make known and the related relevance to the effort is key to the short timeframe of the presentation.
The next meeting will be on February 23rd, 2011, at the office of Alan Rasmussen, beginning at 3pm.
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January 6, 2011 Meeting:
Another terrific gathering of the team working on the dark skies effort took place at the county office of Alan Rasmussen last Thursday, Jan 6.
Invited guest, Teri Jackson, representing the IDA, came and shared her knowledge and advice related to planning and paths of action for the group to consider.
Luke Sabala, Joshua Tree National Park's physical scientist and Marlana Brown, from the Marine Corp G-5 office, joined in with the discussion and represented the interest of the organizations they represent.
During the two hour meeting, discussions arose concerning many topics, including, types of compliant lighting, enforcement issues, educational concepts and approaches, comparative models of successful design, and an overview of the chances for success for the Morongo Basin and related areas.
All points in the discussion were very positively received and the hope for a great outcome to the challenges were shared amongst the team. Plans for the next list of goals were addressed and task groups agreed to begin, initially, with a survey of the community commercial, business and government lighting presently in place and assess existing conditions that need consideration. Positive and negative aspects the entire community were deemed as having reason for some recognition in the assessment. Praise and acknowledgment for proper and considerate examples of lighting was thought to be a good idea.
Events like Earth Hour, Earth Day and other celebrations were suggested as places to share information about the outreach efforts. The 75th Anniversary festivities of the Joshua Tree National Park was brought up and planning for involvement in these libations is underway.
The next meeting is set for February 1, 2011
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December 16, 2010 Meeting:
We, at SCDVA, are extremely excited and happy to report that an action committee is forming, here in the High Desert, that will address the issues and related concerns about the effects of light pollution on us, and our environment.
This great news comes at a time when our knowledge now shows how crucially important it is to have a natural appearance in our night sky. Particularly since there is still the opportunity to direct the future and build a smarter and more considerate community.
The benefits to us are just now being fully realized and consideration of what negative affects there are on the health and well being of all of the residents living in and around the areas surrounding the California Desert regions is being examined. Related environmental review of the harmful impact of light pollution on our immediate neighborhood is also at the forefront of attention. The concern covers much larger areas of interest, and hopes of serving as a model of future development are also part of the effort.
The group, comprised of community leaders and concerned citizens, is examining information about the analysis of data that has accumulated over the last couple of decades. Measurable and noted changes to the region and the impact that science and economic understanding reflect on the nature of the imposing unnatural condition brought about by light pollution it the night sky is being reviewed. The general regional interest is involved as well as National interest coming from the Joshua Tree National Park. The County of San Bernardino and communities of Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Morongo Valley, and Joshua Tree are all participating in the discussions and the action committee is preparing a program that will be developed over the next few months.
The effort of this group will result in a comparative understanding of the effects of what developmental impact did in the past in a negative way and what is available in new technology for improved development of the future. Recommendations coming from the international sources of scientific understanding and other resources that provide insight and opportunity in commercial and economic positive actions that will bring simple cost benefit relationships to the community.
Job related opportunities coming from the retrofitting of existing systems and the new development of better systems of forward looking business ventures will be strongly and positively built as part of the new technology brought on line. Cost reduction in energy use and conservation of natural resources will be long term benefits realized and healthier and more considerate results will positively affect the environment.
Regional economic plans based on sustainable programs related to the natural resources available in the community will be positive growth factors coming from an expanded effort in implementing new technological opportunities. Educational programs in these technologies are exportable and invite participation locally and regionally. Serving as a base for economic development in science, art and music, the Morongo Valley region has naturally existing resources that have yet to be fully tapped and offer sustainable and permanent supplies of needed opportunities in future economic development.
Considering the concepts that come from something as simple as a community caring for the health of a natural night sky, many positive opportunities abound. Simple measures and thoughtful ideas can bring economic and bountiful rewards yet unimaginable. Creative ideas bringing niche opportunities with pride and respect.
Combine these exciting thoughts with the wonderful area we have in this neighborhood, we have been given a fresh boost of enthusiasm and reason for celebration!