By Rebekah Gonzalez
May 12, 2021
The town of Julian has been accredited by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) as an International Dark Sky Community, reports
Julian is the thirtieth designation in IDA history and only the second in California.
“The dedication of the Julian Dark Sky Network to achieving today’s outcome is significant for all of San Diego County,” said IDA Executive Director
Ruskin Hartley. “A path forward to IDA accreditation has been opened for unincorporated cities and towns there as a result of the Network’s efforts.”
For an area to become an International Dark Sky Community, it must go through a rigorous application process which includes enacting a quality outdoor lighting policy.
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The scenic mountain town of Julian was recently certified as California’s second dark-sky community, following the lead of nearby Borrego Springs.
Residents established the Julian Dark Sky Network in 2016, working with the county for several years to enact an outdoor lighting ordinance that met the standards of the International Dark-Sky Association.
The result was a detailed policy requiring, among other things, that homes and businesses use specific types of bulbs and timers. Light pollution can drown out views of the night sky while also confusing birds, bats and others nocturnal animals. Bulbs that emit warmer tones are preferred to those featuring a cooler blue spectrum.