Summary
The city's energy-efficient lighting upgrade left baseball fields with dark spots and a strobe effect, and staff proposed removing 39 trees to fix it. Youth baseball coaches brought foot-candle data showing the lights themselves are inadequate, and the council tabled tree removal pending neighbor notification and possibly a lighting study.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
The tabled tree removal contract was $57,060; a lighting study could cost more, with coaches offering $1,000 toward it.
Youth baseball players who need safe, well-lit fields for night games and tournaments.
Nearby homeowners who could lose shade from 39 trees in summer heat if removal proceeds.
Mentions & discussions (4)
City Council - Jul 27, 2026
After the original LED installation fell short, the council approved a $273,408 Musco Sports Lighting system with a 25-year warranty for fields 1 and 2, reusing existing fixtures on field 3. Youth baseball leaders endorsed the plan.
City Council - Mar 9, 2026
Youth baseball coaches say the city mismanaged $80,000+ in ARPA funds meant to fix field lighting at Costa Fields, leaving fields dangerously dim — including a girl hit in the face by a ball lost in the lights. They're pushing back on the city manager's claim that CYB's referral caused the problem.
City Council - Feb 9, 2026
The city's energy-efficient lighting upgrade left baseball fields with dark spots and a strobe effect, and staff proposed removing 39 trees to fix it. Youth baseball coaches brought foot-candle data showing the lights themselves are inadequate, and the council tabled tree removal pending neighbor notification and possibly a lighting study.
City Council - Jan 26, 2026
Ceres Youth Baseball leaders told the council the newly replaced lights at Costa Fields are worse than before — glare in players' eyes, dark spots in the outfield, and safety worries with high-powered bats. They want the city to hold the contractor accountable.
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