Sample Letter

to Los Angeles City Council

(Light Pollution Affecting My Home)

Dear Councilmember [Last Name],

I am writing to bring your attention to an ongoing issue that is negatively impacting my quality of life and health: intrusive outdoor lighting from a [neighboring residence / nearby business] that shines directly into my home during nighttime hours.

Despite my efforts to address this with the responsible party, the light remains excessively bright, unshielded, and improperly directed—often illuminating my bedroom and living space late into the night. This persistent exposure to artificial light is more than a nuisance; it disrupts sleep and contributes to serious health concerns.

Exposure to nighttime light has been linked to:

  • Disruption of circadian rhythms and melatonin suppression

  • Sleep disorders and poor sleep quality

  • Increased risks of depression, anxiety, obesity, and cardiovascular disease

The American Medical Association has acknowledged these dangers and recommends using fully shielded fixtures and warm-color lighting to minimize health risks. Unfortunately, the City of Los Angeles currently lacks enforceable protections to prevent light trespass onto private homes.

I respectfully urge you to support or introduce policies that would:

  • Define and prohibit nuisance lighting that spills into others' homes

  • Require shielded, downward-facing fixtures on residential and commercial properties

  • Limit brightness and color temperature for outdoor lights

  • Create a clear process for residents to file and resolve lighting complaints

  • Educate the public on responsible lighting practices

Excessive artificial light is a growing, preventable form of pollution. Your leadership on this issue can help protect the health, well-being, and sleep of countless Angelenos.

Thank you for your service and attention to this important matter. I would appreciate any steps you can take to address this issue in our community.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address or Neighborhood]
[Your Email Address]

Sample Letter

to Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

(Light Pollution Affecting My County)

Dear Supervisor Barger,

I am writing to you as a resident of Los Angeles County to express my concern about the increasing problem of light pollution across our communities. As Chair of the Board of Supervisors, I hope you will take a leadership role in strengthening outdoor lighting regulations to better protect residents, wildlife, and the natural environment.

While the existing Rural Outdoor Lighting District (ROLD) Ordinance has made a difference in some unincorporated areas, enforcement remains inconsistent, and large portions of the County are still without meaningful protections. Light pollution disrupts ecosystems, obscures our view of the stars, and increasingly poses documented threats to human health—including sleep disruption, increased anxiety, and long-term risks such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

I respectfully ask that you and your colleagues consider the following actions:

  • Expand shielded lighting requirements beyond ROLD boundaries

  • Establish maximum brightness levels and limits on blue-rich LED lighting

  • Improve enforcement mechanisms and provide clear complaint pathways for residents

  • Support public outreach on safe, responsible lighting practices

  • Prioritize dark-sky protections in planning and development review processes

Excessive, poorly directed light at night is a form of pollution that is entirely preventable. With your leadership, Los Angeles County can set a strong example for other jurisdictions by adopting smart, health-conscious, and environmentally responsible lighting standards.

Thank you for your time and your service. I look forward to seeing meaningful action on this important issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Community or ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Optional: Phone Number]

Email:
📧 kathrynbarger@lacounty.gov

Sample Letter

to Los Angeles City Council

(Light Pollution Affecting My Community)

Dear Councilmember [Last Name],

I am writing to you as a concerned resident of [Your Neighborhood or Council District] regarding the growing problem of light pollution and its effect on our community’s health, safety, and environment. Whether from unshielded commercial lighting, high-intensity LEDs, or new development projects, excessive nighttime illumination is degrading our quality of life.

This issue goes beyond individual nuisance—it affects entire neighborhoods. Artificial light that spills into homes and public spaces has been shown to:

  • Disrupt sleep and circadian rhythms, contributing to insomnia, anxiety, and metabolic disorders

  • Increase glare and reduce nighttime visibility, making streets less safe for pedestrians and drivers

  • Harm urban wildlife, including birds, insects, and nocturnal mammals, by altering their natural behaviors

  • Diminish our ability to see the night sky, disconnecting residents from nature and cultural traditions

Currently, the City of Los Angeles lacks a comprehensive light pollution ordinance. I urge you to take action by supporting legislation that:

  • Defines and limits light trespass and glare from both public and private sources

  • Requires shielded, downward-directed lighting for outdoor fixtures

  • Establishes maximum brightness and color temperature standards (3000K or lower)

  • Empowers city departments to investigate and respond to community complaints

  • Promotes awareness of dark-sky practices through public outreach and development guidelines

As our city continues to grow and modernize, now is the time to adopt policies that ensure lighting serves its purpose—enhancing safety and accessibility—without compromising health, ecosystems, or the nighttime environment.

Thank you for your service and for considering action on this important issue for the well-being of all Angelenos.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Neighborhood or ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Optional: Phone Number]