Tuesday night, May 24th, the school board voted to approve bright lights and other improvements to Point Loma High School which include a new library, despite opposition from some local residents.
In an unanimous vote, the San Diego Unified School District Board moved forward on the improvements,which include:
- 7 new poles with speakers mounted at the top;
- Four 70 foot light poles around the field;
- four 20-foot light poles in the grandstands;
- a new classroom building
- a new library
- upgrades to existing campus structures.
Part of the stadium upgrades plan includes a use-policy that limits night time events to 18 per year. And the stadium improvements will take 9 months, when construction to begin this year. Little light and sound spill over into the community is being promised by the School District.
Local residents have been resisting these upgrades for the last couple of years. Neighbors of the high school – who endure noise and parking crowding during school days and during special events at the stadium – believe the improvements will bring crime, burglaries, car break-ins, and assaults.
Yet one of the biggest complaint in the controversial mix is the fear of nearby inhabitants of the bright lights. It’s estimated that up to 30 people spoke at the Board meeting about the issues, for and against.
One opponent stated:
“Our neighborhoods will see a dramatic increase in property crimes, we will see an increase in vehicle thefts, vehicle burglaries, burglaries, assaults, all of this associated with night games.”
Yet, those who spoke in support of the upgrades, said they provide better opportunities for students and athletes to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities, and that parents who work will also have the opportunity to watch their kids play in night games.
One parent stated:
“All children should have the opportunity to go to a good school and have access to the benefits other schools have to offer. Point Loma High cannot stay the only school in the district that does not have stadium lights. Our students deserve more than to be left in the dark by their community.“
The other improvements – including the new library – are not part of the controversy.
News source: NBCSanDiego
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
We received this comment from Jerome Agnew May 25, 2016 at 9:23 pm
I’m a proud parent of a former Pointer. It’s well overdue for PLHS to have a facelift. The 91 year old school has a great academic and athletic tradition. Our kids need the same advantages as other high schools in order to be great. Lets not keep our Pointers in the dark ages any longer.
Sincerely,
Former Pointer Dad