West End Neighbor not allowed to exercise? Health enthusiast, Kay Sullivan is dedicated to challenging her body with daily exercise. Climbing the 5  flights of stairs at the nearby 7th Street garage is one of her favorite workouts. She was recently told by a City employee that folks are not allowed to use the parking garage in this manner- read her recent Letter to the Editor in the Press Democrat on January 15, 2010.

Walking on Dark Streets

Downtown neighborhoods are first targets for Street Light Reduction Program- S. R. City Council approved this program in 2008. The program is estimated to reduce energy costs for the city to the tune of $400,000. Highlights: Lights will remain on during normal active hours (dusk to midnight) and off during typical non-activehours (midnight to either dawn or 5:30 a.m.) Work will be completed over four years. The City recognized street lighting to enhance public safety for: Crossing intersections as a motorist; Pedestrian or cyclist; Identification of unusual or unexpected roadway features, such as tight curves, medians or traffic calming devices; Identification of critical facilities such as hospitals and fire stations.

Concern:   If Santa Rosa is trying to stimulate the downtown economy and support downtown neighborhoods, why would downtown pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods be first in line for street light reductions? Program slated to cover all of Santa Rosa, why not start in car oriented neighborhoods ( without nearby amenities easily accessible by foot or bicycle)?

For comments, concerns and questions contact: Rick Moshier, PW Director (707) 543-3800 or rmoshier@ci.santa-rosa.ca.us.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  — Martin Luther King Jr.

Light is good from whatever lamp it shines. ~Author Unknown

Street Light Reduction Program