Nevada City aims for the stars with Dark Sky community certification
In a world that's growing brighter by the year, one small gold rush town is working to keep its night dark and its skies full of stars.
Something unique about Nevada City is that it still uses historic gas lamps, which benefit it during mandatory electricity power shut-offs during fire season. But the low-light gas lamps have another benefit, for the night sky.
The city is continuing the effort to protect the night sky by applying to become a certified dark sky community.
"It's alarming how many people actually can't see stars in the world," said City Planner Lisa McCandless.
Light pollution is increasing roughly 10 percent each year, according to Dark Sky International's website. It's an organization committed to protecting night skies on a global level.
"One of the reasons I live here is that I can see the stars," Mayor Gary Petersen said. "But you just see over time it starts to decline."
"Nevada City has the opportunity to be the first city in Northern California to be certified," said Rod Brown, chair of the Nevada City Planning Commission.
The only other two certified dark sky communities in the state are down near San Diego. And Nevada City is applying to join them. Part of the criteria is community outreach and lighting ordinances, things the city has been working on over the last two years.
"So the ordinance that I drafted, I tried to make it just right for Nevada City, not overly restrictive but also protective," McCandless said.
In the ordinance, they aren't asking constituents to change out lighting. But they are putting regulations on the type of lighting that can go in from now on, in addition to switching out any city lighting.
"Brighter lights do not mean safety or security, but what it really means is that we start to not see the beautiful sky," Mayor Petersen said.
"It's an illusion thinking that brighter lights that shine out are safer. In actuality, if the lights are pointed down on the ground, you can see your surroundings better," McCandless said.
The city will be opting for warmer, more pointed lighting that won't shine out and up into the sky as much. Therefore, allowing you to see the stars and the Milky Way.
"It's amazing. It's beautiful, especially if you go a little outside and into the woods, you can just see everything," said a nearby resident, Margot Roa.
"Light pollution is bad for human health. It disrupts our sleeping rhythms and such. It's also bad for the environment and nature," Brown said.
"It is easy to forget that life keeps going, and there are plenty of species that really rely on dark skies and nighttime to survive," said Aaron Zettler-Mann, executive director with the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL).
SYRCL is in support of the city's application. Zettler-Mann says animals like owls and bats will benefit, due to their nocturnal hunting habits.
"Their eyes are accustomed to very dark places," Zettler-Mann said. "Just like for a human, if you're driving down the street at night and someone with those incredibly bright blue headlights is coming in the other direction, you can't see as well. Street lights are kinda doing something similar with owls."
Nevada City says if the application does go through, the goal for certification is March 2026.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Lawmakers propose ban on controversial item for sale at many pet stores — here's what you need to know
New York state lawmakers have proposed a new bill to restrict the sale of captive birds throughout the state. According to World Animal News, Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal proposed Assembly Bill A8327, which would ban the sale of birds in pet stores across the state, except for certain domesticated bird species. The new legislation would build on current laws that already restrict the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail pet shops. While selling animals in a pet shop may not seem like a bad idea, the truth is that the animals are often kept in less-than-ideal conditions and seldom receive adequate veterinary care prior to being sold by the store. On top of that, the sale of birds is complicated by the fact that the vast majority of birds sold in pet shops, like parrots, parakeets, and finches, are not ethically obtained. They are found by wildlife trafficking networks that can occasionally operate in legal gray areas, and with little to no regard for wild bird populations. Removing these birds from their native ecosystems can have a cascading impact on those ecosystems, and can push those birds closer to threatened or endangered levels in the wild. Their transit from their native habitats to the pet stores is seldom done responsibly, and often puts the animals' lives at risk. If that weren't enough, oftentimes birds like parrots struggle in captivity, dealing with immense levels of stress that can cause them to lose feathers and even die. Fortunately, legislation is being discussed to help combat the wildlife trade. On the national level, a bill is under discussion that would help provide resources for trafficked animals to receive the care they need after being seized by the government. New York has also recently passed stricter laws on the trafficking and sale of animals, giving stricter punishments to those found guilty of animal cruelty. Legislation like what's being put forth in New York will help to combat the wildlife trade and keep these birds where they belong, in their native ecosystems. Do you think people should be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets? Yes No It depends on the animal It depends on the person Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
'Teacher,' 'Companion': Grade 1 Winner Forbidden Apple Dies At 30
'Teacher,' 'Companion': Grade 1 Winner Forbidden Apple Dies At 30 originally appeared on Paulick Report. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is deeply saddened to share the passing of Forbidden Apple, a cherished 30-year-old member of the TRF herd. Forbidden Apple was humanely euthanized on Monday, June 16, due to the infirmities of old age. Arriving at the TRF's Second Chances Program at Lowell Correctional Facility in Ocala, Florida on Aug. 2, 2013, Forbidden Apple spent the last 12 years of his life teaching, healing, and inspiring the incarcerated women of Lowell, who cared for him daily.A Grade 1 winner with lifetime earnings of $1.6 million, Forbidden Apple made 31 career starts, including three appearances in the prestigious Breeders' Cup Mile. Known for his brilliance on the turf, Forbidden Apple raced with heart and consistency, earning his place among racing's elite. His time after racing was just as important as his time on the track. At Lowell, Forbidden Apple, affectionately known as 'Apple,' quickly became a favorite among Second Chances Program students and staff. His gentle demeanor, playful nature, and deep love for treats and grooming brushes made him both a teacher and a companion to all who knew in all the right ways, Forbidden Apple enjoyed a peaceful retirement, surrounded by people who loved and cared for him every day. Whether trotting across the pasture or gently nosing a brush from a student's pocket, Forbidden Apple found a forever place in the hearts of everyone he Apple lived a long and meaningful life, filled with success, love, and sanctity. The TRF family is especially grateful for the years he spent at Lowell, gently guiding and teaching the women in our Second Chances Program, and being a steady, four-legged friend to all who knew him. To learn more about the TRF Second Chances Program or to support the care of horses like Forbidden Apple, please visit: TRF: Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to dignified lifetime care for retired Thoroughbred racehorses. As the oldest Thoroughbred rescue in the country, the TRF provides sanctuary to retired Thoroughbreds throughout their entire known for its pioneering TRF Second Chances program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with vocational training through its accredited equine care and stable management program. At seven correctional facilities across the country this program offers second careers to its horses and a second chance at life for inmates upon release from cares for approximately 400 rescued and retired Thoroughbreds at Second Chances prison farms and Sanctuary Farms across the country. The organization is funded entirely by private donations. The TRF is accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and has a Platinum rating with Guide Star. For more information visit: This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Associated Press
Ancient rap: lyrical dualists battle it out in traditional Cypriot rap showdown
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.
