By TR Robertson
Taken from the Old Testament Book of Genisis, Iโm not sure if โLet there be lightโ was on Vista Deputy Mayor Katie Melendezโs mind when she began advocating for additional city lighting in areas of Vista that needed adequate lighting in their neighborhoods, but the process of providing lighting for some Vista neighborhoods has begun. Residents of Spires, Tatum and Cocapah Streets in District 3 are the recipients of the beginning stages of the Solar Street Lighting Project Pilot Program. In a ceremony on a rainy Monday afternoon, Street neighbors, Vista City Officials, Vista Sheriffโs officers, Firefighters from Station 1, Handalโs Ice Cream personnel, the La Taqueria Jalisco Food Truck, and employees of Fonroche Lighting America all gathered to celebrate the installation of 12 new solar-powered streetlights.
The crowd of people began to grow around 6:00 pm, enjoying visiting with members of the Sheriffโs Office Crime Prevention Bureau and Vista Fire Rescue Department from Station 1, picking up information and give-away items that were provided by The City of Vista, enjoying a variety of ice cream selections provided by Handalโs Ice Cream, and lining up to enjoy the street tacos provided by La Taqueria Jalisco. On hand to speak with residents were Vista City Manager John Conley, Vista Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta, Vista Communications Officer Fred Tracey and Vista District 3 City Councilmember and Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez. The Deputy Mayor took a few minutes to welcome the residents and ask them how they felt about the lights in their community telling them funding is available for additional lighting in the city. She also thanked all of the agencies in attendance and encouraged the residents to take time to speak with them. The lights began to shine around 7:30 pm on this particular evening.
The City of Vista Solar Streetlight Pilot Project began on January 6, 2025, with the beginning installation of these 12 streetlights on the three streets in District 3. The project is set for completion in September of 2025 with the installation of 66 additional solar streetlights in selected streets in Vista. A Solar Streetlight Request Form is available on www.vista.gov/solar where residents can give suggestions on where they feel additional lighting may be needed in the city. The Pilot Program is said to revolutionize street lighting by providing sustainable, cost effective solar powered solutions. The Fonroche Lighting America company, out of Ft. Worth, Texas, says solar lighting will reduce long-term electricity costs, it is faster to install and has a lower environmental impact. They provided 4 styles to choose from. The solar lights on the three District 3 streets are called Essential, said to be highly functional, and are adapted for any project, especially perfect for housing developments. Properly maintained, the solar lights are said to have a lifespan of 10-20 years. Fonroche has provided solar lighting in developments of Ft. Worth, Dallas, Tucson, Las Vegas, River Landing in Florida and Lathrop, California.
In speaking with Christine Walker, a 30-year resident of Tatum Street, she said the lighting makes her feel safer in her community and she feels better about walking her dog at night now. Nestor Hernandez, a 6-year resident with 2 children, said he also feels safer, and the lighting provides better visibility and makes drivers slow down in the area because they now see better.
For more information about Fonroche go to www.FonrochesolarLighting.com.
