Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for April 23, 2023

‘Sky glow’ light pollution should be minimized

In the past two years, I’ve noticed a huge increase in light pollution in my neighborhood. Public facilities, commercial sites and residential buildings are all adding more lights, higher lights, brighter lights and lights with no shields on the tops or sides.

I’ve recently been affected by intense lights that shine directly through my living room and kitchen. I can no longer sit outside on a warm night because my walkway is lit up like a stage. I’m sure that there must be other residents who are being affected by intrusive lighting.

In addition to being personally affected, there is a phenomenon known as “sky glow” that has more widespread effects. According to information provided on darksky.org (the website for the International Dark-Sky Association), this is “the brightening of the sky over inhabited areas.” It prevents people from seeing the stars and also affects our circadian rhythms. It also interferes with the behavior of wildlife, whether in the sky, on the earth or in the water.

I understand that there is a need to keep areas lighted at night for visibility and to deter crime, but I think that these goals can be achieved without annoying others. I think that we need regulations to control light intrusion, just as there are regulations to control noise.

In reading the recommendations from the association, I agree that we should use “fully shielded light fixtures, direct light downwards, and use the lowest adequate light intensity.” Additionally, we should minimize blue light emissions.

— Andrea Valentine, San Rafael

Process to protest MMWD hikes does not appear fair

According to information on MarinWater.org, there is a way for affected parcel holders to overturn the Marin Municipal Water District’s plan to significantly increase rates (“Marin Municipal Water District seeks rate hikes of up to 20%,” March 19). However, the process is set up in such a difficult manner that it will never allow for eligible voters to achieve what is says is a required majority needed to scrap the plan.

Raising community awareness would require an impossible amount of organizing and funding. It would be more reasonable if MMWD officials invited affected parcel holders to approve (vote for) a rate increase rather than protest (vote against).

The process of protesting is complicated. MMWD is introducing many opportunities for error. I am concerned that this is intentional, so that MMWD may disallow some of the protests.

Here is how to do it: Go to bit.ly/3MWpltJ (or just click the blue banner at the top of Marin Water’s homepage). Scroll down to Frequently Asked Questions and select, “How do I object to the proposed rates?” The extensive process is detailed there.

Having suggested all that, I will be concerned about the authenticity of the results. Keep in mind that MMWD officials appear to be managing, validating and counting the protests. MMWD is in charge of disallowing responses. It does not appear to have any independent oversight.

— Roy Fray, Corte Madera

County must support early education, family services

I strongly support the services provided by the Fairfax-San Anselmo Children’s Center. I do so as a developmental and public health pediatrician, and a friend and colleague of Ethel Seiderman, who founded the center in 1973. I also encourage county government and the Marin County Office of Education to take a broader view of primary prevention and early child development in all of Marin.

County officials have a broad responsibility for early education and family/social services in all Marin neighborhoods. While the center is certainly a crucial part of its community, countywide responsibility means that young children (from infants to 5-year-olds) in all areas of the county should have access to high quality health, medical, environmental and family support systems. An overall plan should ensure that all young children and their families in all areas of the county have such support — including planning, evaluation and follow-up.

From a public health perspective, the outcome of children as young adults depends greatly on positive — or negative — supports, beginning in the prenatal period and throughout early childhood. While the center is an excellent example of support services during a crucial part of child development, we must also ensure that all necessary medical and developmental services are available to children and families in all areas of the county. Related developmental outcome needs — environmental, medical and social “determinants” of health — must be considered and addressed.

— Dr. Peter Michael Miller, San Rafael