When The Lights Go Out In The City

For one hour next month, municipal facilities in San Francisco will voluntarily turn out their lights in a citywide effort to cut energy use.

1 minute read

September 22, 2007, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"The Golden Gate Bridge, City Hall, Alcatraz and other parts of the city will go almost completely dark for an hour next month as part of a campaign to conserve energy and fight global warming."

"Organizers of Lights Out San Francisco are asking city residents and businesses to install energy-efficient bulbs and turn off all unnecessary lights for an hour on the night of Oct. 20, a Saturday. The goal is to save 15 percent of the electricity consumed on an average Saturday night."

"From 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Oct. 20, street lights and traffic lights will stay on in San Francisco, but City Hall and other municipal buildings will go dark, as will the historic prison on Alcatraz Island."

"Most lighting on the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge will be turned off, though roadway lights will remain on for safety."

Thursday, September 20, 2007 in ABC

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

Close-up of person holding hand-written "Affordable Homes Now!" sign.

America’s Housing Crisis: Lessons Ignored and Challenges Ahead

A recent study reveals how decades of policy missteps, demographic shifts, and economic forces fueled America’s housing crisis, leaving millions — especially millennials — struggling amid rising demand, racial disparities, and climate-driven emergencies.

January 19 - USC Today

Homes in Altadena, California with mountains in background on a sunny day.

Altadena’s Resilience: Restoring a Fire-Ravaged Community

The Eaton Fire has devastated Altadena, destroying homes, cultural landmarks, and community institutions, while residents rally to rebuild and preserve the town's rich history, diversity, and neighborly character.

January 19 - NBC News

View up at Chicago elevated train line with train passing and glass high-rises in background.

Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package

Public transit across the Chicagoland region could suffer massive cuts without additional funding.

January 19 - Bloomberg CityLab