Why we need dark skies

The Morongo Basin Dark Skies Alliance is one of several local groups working hard on a new county ordinance that would reduce light pollution and enhance our night skies. Why do we need dark skies?
 Effective use of outdoor lighting that casts light onto the ground (and not up into the air) is important for a number of reasons:

1. Save money and energy.
2. Improve security. Bright lights create deep shadows and provide hiding places for criminals.
3. Improve the environment. A recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows excessive night lighting inhibits the breakdown of smog.
4. Improve your health and sleep better.
5. Tourism. Our dark night skies attract astronomers and tourists from around the world.
6. Wildlife. Excessive night lighting impact the health and behavior of animals.

For more information visit the Morongo Basin Dark Skies Alliance. Turn out a light... See the Night!

Aide to former 1st District supervisor Postmus arrested

Authorities yesterday arrested a top deputy of County Assessor Bill Postmus, formerly Supervisor of the desert's 1st District including the eastern end of the Morongo Basin.

Adam Aleman, 25, was charged with six felonies, including presenting false evidence to a county grand jury and destroying public records.

Less than three hours later, that same county grand jury issued a scathing report on the operations of the assessor's office, concluding that many of the hires, including Aleman, "lacked experience or training directly associated with assessor work."

The grand jury found that employees in Postmus' executive staff engaged in political activities during normal working hours and found e-mails on the county computers arranging political meetings and soliciting campaign contributions. - Press-Enterprise

John Goritz, an assistant district attorney with the Public Integrity Unit, said the destruction of public records and vandalism charges stem from Aleman's work for Postmus when he was a county supervisor, according to the San Bernardino Sun.

Read the account in the Sun here and in the Press-Enterprise here.