Drivers Encounter Red Led Streetlights As Denmark Tackles A Hidden Urban Habitat Crisis

What We’re Working On

There’s a lot happening in the DarkSky world over the next several months. Here’s a quick summary of what we’ve been working on and what’s ahead.

• City of Santa Cruz DarkSky Ordinance – We have met with Mayor Keeley and will be working with city staff and councilmembers with the objective of having a DarkSky ordinance in place by the end of the year. If you’d like to see the ordinance we’ve proposed, you can view it here.
  
• We’ve initiated dark sky discussions with the County of Santa Cruz. We’re currently talking with Supervisor Kim De Serpa and her team. We’re exploring ideas for DarkSky Week and the potential for a dark sky ordinance for the county. If you have ideas or thoughts, please feel free to share them with us.
  
• Significant time has been invested evaluating the new lighting and its impacts at the Hagar Development, part of the UCSC Student Housing West project. The development plans call for dark sky friendly lighting and limitations on light trespass. Until the project is complete and the lighting is commissioned, it’s hard to know if the required specifications have been met.
   
• A number of residents in the City of Santa Cruz, Capitola, and the County have emailed us with examples of light trespass that is affecting their quality of life. One of the most common issues is bright light shining in bedroom windows at night. We will be updating our website with links and numbers that may help residents get relief from problematic lighting installations.

Cabrillo Extension Programs

Light the Night Safely and Wisely – For Your Home and Community is a new program being offered through Cabrillo College and is led by Andy Kreyche, who is also DarkSky Santa Cruz’ vice president.

Through presentations, demonstrations, and activities, you’ll examine the physical and psychological aspects of light. On the practical side, you’ll see examples of lighting styes and learn professional best practices that are logical and easy to apply.

The session is: March 7, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
in Room C107 at the Watsonville Center

Please visit the site for registration information. 

Four Student Grants Available

DarkSky Santa Cruz will sponsor 4 local high school students so that they may attend the March 7th program at no cost. Interested students should email us directly.

Upcoming Events

DarkSky Santa Cruz will be hosting and participating in events throughout the year. More details will follow as they become available.

February 14 – Natural Bridges State Beach: Migration Festival, 11AM – 3:30PM, Free

March 07 – Light the Night Safely and Wisely, Cabrillo College Extension

April 13 – 19 – DarkSky Week – Stay Tuned for More Info and Events

DarkSky Santa Cruz Chapter meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. Agendas will be posted in advance on our website. If you would like to join us, please email us with your interest. 

In Case You Missed It

Image Credit: GoodTimes, Nov. 5, 2025

Palo Alto Approves Dark Sky Ordinance – Palo Alto Online

Purple Haze – GoodTimes

Why This Pennsylvania City Put Its Streetlights on a Dimmer – NY Times

Follow us on Facebook

DarkSky Santa Cruz is now on Facebook. If you can, please follow our page where you can stay up to date on our work work across the county, activities, and events. And feel free to message us with your thoughts and ideas.

Copyright (C) 2026 DarkSky Santa Cruz. All rights reserved.

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The next step is to receive input from city staff, and then on to council for adoption (hopefully). We will let you know when meetings are scheduled.

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