The last time the exterior lighting regulation was revised was back in 1998, twenty four years ago. So there is no doubt that we need a new lighting regulation. Work on this go-around of the lighting regulation was started over two years ago. A first version of the proposed regulation was posted for member comment about 1 1/2 years ago. Right from the get go, there was disagreement between the Board and Art Jury with regard to landscape uplighting.
I ran a poll about this issue, results here.
I wrote a backgrounder about “Dark Skies” and what it means here.
I wrote about one of the debates the Board had amongst themselves here, and I must say I still think that was one of my best debate summaries I have ever written. It still makes me chuckle.
Anyways! Here’s the link to the very latest, most freshest lighting regulation that the Board just voted to be posted for member comment. Without substantial member input, it is likely this new regulation will be voted to be put into effect at the next board meeting, so please review and send your comments to memberinput@rsfassociation.org.
In a nutshell, the only exterior landscape lighting going forward is downcast path lighting, which is a big change from the current regulation which allows up to twelve uplights. No tree or bush uplights are now allowed at all. No decorative lighting (like tree wraps) unless used for holiday decoration (and must be removed December 26 if for Christmas).
Even the International Dark Skies suggested regulations don’t prohibit landscape uplighting.
Patio lighting must all be downcast only and have tight beam angles. Also no chandeliers or more ordinary room illumination lighting above an enclosed patio table.
Again, the Dark Skies association has no restriction like this in their suggested regulations.
Zero, and I mean zero “light trespass” from one property to the next from outdoor lighting, verified by a photometer. Is that even physically possible? That would mean as you drive around Rancho, you would see nothing but blackness.
I found an oddly specific item in the regulation:
14.0404.05 Security and Safety Lighting. Limited use of flood or spotlights may be permitted, provided that the lights are motion-activated and equipped with an automatic timing device that turns the lights off automatically after 10 minutes. Light systems shall be controlled by a lighting transformer with a controller unit that can turn lights off and on by diming and transitions. Most major lighting manufacturers allow the resident to control all lights by way of a smartphone. Security lighting shall allow for gradual illumination upon activation. The activation control shall allow for a at least 5 second transition from dark to maximum light. The device shall also use the 5 second transition to turn off the light.
So you can’t install regular old security lights that have a motion and photo sensor? This requirement of a 5 second on to off and off to on transition is something you’d see in high end lighting control systems, which seems like overkill for a typical security light.
Even with these major changes, one Board member tried to make the case that it wasn’t restrictive enough. The regulation does allow for landscape lighting, which now means only path lighting, to be lit until 11pm. In the Board meeting, Director Laurel Lemarié made a case for that to be changed to only allow lights until two hours after sunset. I guess we would all need to carry flashlights when visiting friends in the winter months.
When we did our own RSF poll, it was clear that the existing restrictions were felt to be adequate by almost 2/3 of residents. This proposed regulation is a major change in policy for Rancho. Just as we had a community wide vote on things like roundabouts versus traffic lights, and for spending our dues on large projects, I would hope that such big regulation changes would also go to a member vote.
If implemented fully and consistently, this regulation would make Rancho appear to be a black hole (zero light trespass). Is that what we want or need?
Send your comments to memberinput@rsfassociation.org.
Click here to sign up to our mailing list.
Board Communication - Closed.
Hardie Board - Closed.
Restaurant Upgrade - Closed.
Exterior Lighting - Closed.
Jonathon Heyward, conductor Yeol Eum Son, piano
BEETHOVEN: Leonore Overture No. 3 MOZART: Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 9 in E-flat Major
A rising star among young American conductors, Jonathon Heyward, leads the Orchestra in Dmitri Shostakovich‘s Symphony No. 9. Written in 1945 at the end of World War 2, this symphony was expected by the Soviet authorities to be a loud and noisy public celebration; when the composer created instead this lovely work of lightness, delicacy, charm and personal sorrow, he was roundly criticized by the political hacks. South Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son, well-known for her interpretations of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, makes her San Diego debut with one of that master’s greatest concertos.
Click here to see all subscription packages, including the three Village Church series (scroll down).
BRANDEN & JAMES. Described by NPR music as a duo with “dazzling cello and soaring tenor vocals”, the soulful timbre of James on his cello combined with Branden’s emotional and powerful vocals, create a sound that leaves audiences feeling moved and inspired. Tickets: https://www.ccrsf.org/
Give Blood. Help save lives! The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be on campus Sunday, April 3. Schedule your appointment today, visit www.redcrossblood.org , call 1.800.RED.CROSS or use The Blood Donor App and enter sponsor code: VCPC.
Questions, Contact Alycen Noon at alycenn@villagechurch.org or 858.756.2441 x123
MARK KINGSWOOD and his 4-piece band, featuring selections from the Michael Buble and Josh Groban songbooks. Mark Kingswood’s modern take on Big Band jazz infused with pop sensibilities, combines energy with elegance for a classy, ultra-cool style that harkens back to the days of crisp suits and the sexy sheen of The Rat Pack. Tickets: https://www.ccrsf.org/
Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild Demonstrations
Should you like to take part in this program, you must be a member in good standing, or the guest of a member who is in good standing. If your $75 check for this year’s dues has been received by the treasurer, you may sign up for as many demos as you would like.
Please call or email with questions. (858) 735-5971 judyhague@gmail.com
The Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center is proud to present the 7th annual Healthy Aging Conference at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, on Friday, April 29, 2022. The conference features dynamic speakers, a delicious lunch, the opportunity to explore senior resources, and prize drawings. Master of Ceremonies for the day is Richard Lederer, PhD, renowned author, speaker, and columnist.
Conference speakers include Steve Bierman, M.D., Del Mar physician, and author; Joseph Weiss, M.D., a Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology; Peter Bolland, M.A., Professor of Philosophy and Humanities at Southwestern College.
The cost of registration is $40 and includes lunch. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, April 20. You can register for the conference by calling the Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center at (858) 756-3041.
Click here for more info.
Edo de Waart, conductor Aubree Oliverson, violin
HAYDN: Symphony No. 93 in D Major MENDELSSOHN: Violin Concerto in E minor MOZART: Symphony No. 38 in D Major, Prague
Rising-star violinist Aubree Oliverson plays Felix Mendelssohn’s astonishing masterpiece, one of the best-loved violin concertos of all time, with its heart-tugging melodies and virtuoso fireworks. Edo de Waart leads the Orchestra in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s dark and dramatic Prague Symphony, and the concert begins with Franz Joseph Haydn‘s Symphony No. 93, the first of the set of 12 that he created for London audiences at the end of his career.
Click here to see all subscription packages, including the three Village Church series (scroll down).
RSFPost.com is an independent community run news site for residents of Rancho Santa Fe, CA. It is not affiliated with the Rancho Santa Fe Association.