CUSD Turns Off Farallone Elementary’s New Lights Right Away in Response to Neighbors “Dark Skies” Complaints and will Continue to Develop a Longterm Plan

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VIDEO. From the Cabrillo Unified School District (CUSD) Board meeting on Thursday, Augusr 8th, 2024 at 6:30pm (NEW TIME), in person or written comments only; no remote comments.

 

 

NOTE: At the Midcoast Community Council (MCC) meeting on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 at 7:00pm there were more complaints.  See MCC meeting comments @22:23)

 

Photo taken by Kenny Hibbits (Alpacas by the Sea), who lives just east of Farallone Elementary School, on August 2nd, 2024 and posted on Nextdoor.  Follow this link see the the Nextdoor comments from this post.

 

I messaged Ken the morning after the MCC meeting (8/15/2024) for clarification. I connected Kenny with Superintendent Lee Alva so that they can continue the lighting conversation:

The situation is much better. The main lights on the new poles have been off since we contacted the district.

For several nights the only lights on at night were for the sign.

Then a few days ago they turned on the lights under the eaves of the building. While still pretty bright (certainly brighter than the previous lights before the construction) it is a better and less intrusive option than the main lights on the poles. We do not want to be difficult but we also need the district to understand that we want to be assured that we have a good plan moving forward.

We understand it’s necessary to have the lights on for evening meeting events and the like – this is reasonable. We also know that during certain times of the year it gets dark early and there will be people on site and the lights on the poles might be required on those occasions.

We just want to make sure we have a plan also it does not get lost in the transition. Also, can the lights be changed to more suitable options for Montara that are lower intensity.

The current lights could in fact be a little less bright and/or less of them could be turned on but it’s much better than before.

Also perhaps we can help those residents in El Granada avoid the same situation on their (elementary school) project.

The lights they installed do not meet the Dark Sky initiative.

Also, the white roof reflects them up into the sky dramatically. This is especially true on foggy nights.

We want to keep pushing to have the lights replaced with lower softer options if possible. We do not want to be difficult neighbors but want to try to find a good path forward

The other issue is that we were never notified about the project Not one letter – nothing and only saw one zoom but then there was nothing further. The construction company just showed up one day and started working.

I am told they are aware and that they are sensitive to the issues so we have a good start.

Thanks Ken.

 

 

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More on Dark Skies on Coastside Buzz

 

CUSD Superintendent Reviews Community Lighting and Visual Corridor Concerns for the El Granada Elementary Modernization

January 21, 2024

 

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More on CUSD on Coastside Buzz

 

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Cabrillo Unified School District (CUSD) Trustee Meetings ~ 2nd Thursday @ 6:00pm

 

The Cabrillo Unified School District School Governing Board is comprised of five school board members who are elected by the local community. The role of the school board is to provide leadership and oversight of the district. The Board ensures that the district is responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of the community.

The term of office for school board members elected in regular elections is four years, beginning on the second Friday in December after their election.  The board meets at least once a month at the District Office, 498 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay. Meetings are open to the public and are usually held on Thursday nights at 6 pm.  A portion of the board meeting consists of a “closed” session for the purpose of discussing confidential matters, such as personnel or student issues.

 

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