By Julie BUTCHER

The Outdoor Lighting Community Survey went out in the mail to Los Angeles County residents of La Crescenta-Montrose on Monday, July 17. Owners of each property should be receiving the survey from the County Dept. of Regional Planning to assess whether the current regulations for outdoor residential lighting are acceptable or if residents want to go in a different direction.

Each property will get its own individual survey. All surveys are due back to the County by midnight on Aug. 7 and can be submitted by mail to the Los Angeles County Dept. of Regional Planning, 320 W. Temple St., 13th Floor, Room 1360, Los Angeles 90012. To submit the survey electronically, scan the completed survey or take a picture of it and email it to Carmen Sainz at csainz@planning.lacounty.gov (be sure to put “survey” in the subject line). Surveys can be dropped in the Survey Box at the front desk of the La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd. or at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station at 4554 Briggs Ave.

On Thursday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m., the Land Use Committee (LUC) of the Crescenta Valley Town Council (CVTC) will meet at the La Crescenta Library. Representatives of the County’s departments of Public Works and Regional Planning will be in attendance to answer questions about the survey and the decision facing residents regarding residential lighting.

The County will share the results of the community survey on Regional Planning’s website at http://planning.lacounty.gov on Aug. 14 and at a general meeting of the CVTC on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.

The Community Survey follows an ongoing dialogue about street lighting. In October 2016, the LA County Board of Supervisors enacted a six-month moratorium on petitions for new street lighting districts in the La Crescenta-Montrose area at the request of the CV Town Council. Since then, the committee and council have studied, researched and debated the issue, engaged the County’s professionals, and finally determined that a comprehensive survey of the affected residents was necessary.

Those who support more street lights argue that the lights increase the feeling of safety in the neighborhood and make it possible to see when walking at night; those advocating for a “Dark Sky” approach claim that reduced focused lighting is better for wildlife, reduces light pollution and is reported to be healthier for the circadian rhythms of humans.

At public meetings on Jan. 5 and March 2, the LUC heard extensive public testimony on the issue. Public comments ran approximately 18-3 in favor of “Dark Sky” over “Lights at Night,” with speakers respectful of divergent opinions.

“Last night I saw a bobcat in my yard – a bobcat! – just sitting there on top of a playhouse I made for my grandchildren,” said community member Steve Pierce. “Where else could you see that? I love that part of La Crescenta. But I understand the concerns of young families moving in who may want more lighting in the evening. I want them to feel safe and welcomed.”

  Julie BUTCHER