LED Lights Make Isla Vista Bright

Ribbon cuttings usually happen during the day, but a ribbon cutting to celebrate new lights happened in Isla Vista on Tuesday night.

Students had the bright idea of adding better lights to the area crammed with student housing.

They went to the county and public works, and got the idea approved.

Thanks to a $210,000 federal grant, 85 new light emitting diode fixtures were installed in 85 lamposts before Halloween.

Another 70 will be installed by spring.

County Supervisor Doreen Farr thanked the students for their participation.

Sheriff Bill Brown cited studies that showed a 7 to 20 percent drop in crime in areas with bright lights.

Brown said the lights will help witnesses report crimes, too.

New LED lights illuminate Del Playa, Sabado Tarde, Trigo, Camino Corto and the streets in between.

The cross streets will be next.