Lights along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk look pretty reflected in the Pacific Ocean, but the brightness wreaks havoc on the starry skies above.
Many Santa Cruzans celebrated Earth Day this past weekend. But we’re still in the middle of International Dark Sky Week, which also kicked off April 22.
It’s not as well-known as Earth Day, having just come on the scene in 2003, but this new tradition devoted to fighting light pollution and enjoying celestial beauty is an example of how one person can start a movement. Jennifer Barlow, a high school student in Virginia, promoted the idea of turning off lights during the week of April's new moon, and turning on to the sights above. Her idea gained traction, and it’s now supported by the American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical League, Sky & Telescope (which published a profile of Barlow in 2006) and the International Dark-Sky Association, or IDA.
The IDA’s purpose is simple: to protect the night from light pollution. Its consequences are greater than merely impeding our ability to enjoy views of the constellations and the Milky Way. Light pollution hurts wildlife, wastes energy, and even has an effect on human health.
For those interested in learning more, you’re in luck. Santa Cruz has its own chapter of the IDA, and its website features links to other organizations and information about the worst light pollution sources in Santa Cruz, as well as how to report nuisance lighting.
California Local Explains It All...
Well, maybe not all of it. But every week you can expect a new crop of “Explainers” on our site. This week, in addition to finding out more about International Dark Sky Week, you can learn about a new report on how drought-plagued California can save more water, and get the lowdown on life in the time of COVID-19, as the disease changes from a pandemic to an “endemic.”
California’s New ‘Endemic’ COVID Plan
California has a new plan for dealing with COVID as the disease becomes endemic. But does that mean the pandemic is over? Here’s what Gov. Newsom is proposing.
Media Matters
Another thing you can count on finding here on the California Local website is news from local media outlets. Our Santa Cruz County media page features links to members of the California Local Media Alliance (see some of their stories below). We also offer a digest of stories from other newspapers, magazines, blogs, radio stations and TV channels (a sampling is included in each week’s newsletter).
We think it’s vital to promote the work of local media. So we’re also interested in a recently introduced bill in the California State Legislature, SB 911, which was proposed in response to the crisis in California’s newspaper industry. Will this bill help? Read more below.
Calling Emergency to Save Journalism
California has lost 25 percent of its newspapers and seen a circulation plummet over the past 15 years. A bill in the State Legislature, SB 911, could help.
Lights along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk look pretty reflected in the Pacific Ocean, but the brightness wreaks havoc on the starry skies above.
