Lights and crime

EDITOR: In 2009, budget trouble compelled the drastic cutting of Santa Rosa Junior College neighborhood streetlight hours. At the time, one city official helpfully pointed out that residents would enjoy better viewing of the stars (never mind the ambient light from wealthier adjoining neighborhoods).

For much of the night now, the streets are black. Not only can we see the Big Dipper, but, alas, we can also see slashed tires at first light ("Tire slasher hits at least 50 cars in SR," Monday). How is crime faring with the darker circumstances? Could The Press Democrat perhaps run an article on crime rates before and after?

I realize I may be baying at the moon here — which I can certainly see better now that the streetlights are out — but I am curious.

LINDA ROSS

Santa Rosa