New stadium lights at Point Loma High School were turned on for the first time last Thursday evening and just like they illuminated the night, social media immediately lit up with opinions on both sides of the controversial issue.
“Testing testing 123,” read a public post on the anti-lighting Facebook site PPL-Pro Point Loma. “Yes they are bright. Yes they can be seen from Sea World Drive now. Yes they are ugly. And yes, we would like you to turn them off now (San Diego Unified School District).”
“Oh and by the way, Pro Point Loma is counting this as a ‘lighted event.'” The post continued, referring to the use agreement created by SDUSD that limits night events at the school to 18 per year. The post drew one “Like.”
Immediately below this post is one from Sherri Teague who wrote, “You are so ridiculous! I can see them from my house and didn’t even notice! There are so many reasons why these lights should be allowed!” Her post drew five “Likes.”
Also posted on the site were four photos taken from different locations including Voltaire Street, Clove Street, a neighboring yard and a neighboring window. They had no “Likes” listed.
With each photo is a comment “the lights are ugly.” On one, David Dick asks, “What stars?”
On the photo from Voltaire Street showing a home bordering the field, Dick commented, “All you have too see are the shadows being cast against and across that quaint cottage to realize that there is nothing ‘contained’ about the impact of the lights on the surrounding neighborhood. I believe its called ‘trespassing.'”
Joi Parker Martinez responded, “I think it looks awesome and would gladly trade homes with you David.”
Other comments also supported the lights.
Frank Anjo wrote, “Might want to reconsider living near a high school. Let’s play ball.”
The PPL-Pro Point Loma photos were also posted on the Point Loma High School Facebook page.
A fifth photo of the lighted field by a local resident posted on the Point Loma High School page has recorded 65 “Likes” and comments such as this by Scot Porter: ” Very well designed. Can’t wait to go to a night game. Never thought it would happen.”
“It’s about time,” said Kathleen Silveira.
PLHS athletic director Alex Van Heuven said the lights are not yet ready for everyday use, indicating there is still more work and training to be done.
“Our administration has yet to decide if and how the the lights will be used for the remainder of the school year,” she said.
One event that will not be held at night is the school’s 92nd Commencement, scheduled for June 14 at 3 p.m. in the stadium.
Van Heuven was present when the lights were tested last week and said, “I was very pleased. I believe we are the first in the district to have LED lights. They are very high quality.”
The final step of the construction process, according to Van Heuven, takes place when representatives from the district and construction companies walk through to make sure everything functions properly, is done to satisfaction, is safe and pre-existing property is brought back to its original aesthetic value (or better).
Opponents said they have a court date scheduled in June in which the fate of the lights will be decided “once and for all.”