City Council

14A. Council Initiated Item by Deputy Mayor O’Hara: Direct City Manager’s Office to include official city participation in International Dark Sky Week 2027 (April 12-19, 2027) as part of the 2027 calendar. Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a "project" under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines. The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment. Recommended Action: Direct the City Manager's Office to explore and organize the City's Staff/Facilities and its partners to participate in International Dark Skies Week in the following capacities; City Facilities & Lighting Controls Municipal Dimmings & Audits: Turn off non-essential architectural and exterior lighting at City Hall, community parks, and administrative facilities after 9:00 PM during the week of April 12-19, 2027. Streetlight Policy Alignment: Request Public Works conduct a review of existing municipal fixtures to prioritize full-cutoff, warm-spectrum (2700K or lower) LED retrofits along sensitive ecological borders. Community & Astronomy Events Lagoon & Beach Stargazing Nights: Partner with the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and local astronomy organizations (such as the San Diego Astronomy Association) to host guided telescope viewings and nocturnal wildlife walks. Encinitas Library Public or Community Center Workshops: Host educational presentations on dark sky preservation, home lighting fixture retrofits, and night sky photography. Public Education & Business Engagement Dark Sky Business Recognition: Partner with MainStreet Associations (Downtown Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff, Chamber of Commerce) through their annual MOU to encourage downtown merchants to turn off decorative storefront signage after closing. Residential "Lights Out" Campaign: Launch a public outreach campaign encouraging residents to shield exterior fixtures, direct outdoor lights downward, and utilize motion sensors or timers. 2026-09-23 Item 14A City Council Initiated Item O’Hara - Dark Sky Week 2026-09-23 Item 14A City Council Initiated Item O’Hara - Dark Sky Week - Public Comment