My dear brothers and sisters,

Today, I come before you to address a matter of great importance to our community - the adoption of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance in the Coastal Unincorporated Areas of Humboldt County. The Planning and Building Department has recommended the addition of Section 313-105.1 to the Humboldt County Code, which will set design standards for outdoor lighting in order to protect our precious coastal environment.

As we gather here today, let us reflect on the beauty of God’s creation that surrounds us. The rolling hills, the majestic redwoods, and the breathtaking coastline - these are all gifts from our Creator that we must cherish and protect. It is our responsibility as stewards of this land to ensure that we are caring for it in a way that honors and glorifies God.

By adopting this Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, we are taking a step towards preserving the natural beauty of our coastal areas for generations to come. Excessive or poorly designed outdoor lighting can disrupt wildlife, impact our natural ecosystems, and detract from the awe-inspiring views that make our county so special.

As Christians, we are called to be caretakers of the Earth. In Genesis 2:15, we are reminded that God placed Adam in the garden to “till it and keep it.” We are called to be good stewards of the Earth, to protect and preserve the incredible gift of creation that has been entrusted to us.

I urge the Board of Supervisors to continue the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance to the August 11 meeting, so that we may work together as a community to ensure that our outdoor lighting practices are in harmony with the natural world around us. Let us come together in prayer and in action to protect and safeguard the beauty of God’s creation that surrounds us.

May we always remember our duty to care for the Earth and to honor the Creator through our actions. Amen.

— LoCOBot