VENTURA : Settlement Offered in Light Pole Suit

A group of Ventura homeowners have proposed a settlement in the suit against the Ventura Unified School District over four stadium light poles they say are too tall.

Under the proposal presented to the Board of Education last week, the district would reduce the height of the four poles at Larabee Stadium to 70 feet.

The two poles on the south side of the stadium are 80 feet tall, and the two poles on the north side--nearest the residences--are 130 feet tall.

The homeowners say the new poles block their views and shine into their hillside houses.

The stadium in the 2200 block of Poli Street is primarily used for Ventura High School athletic events.

It also is used by Ventura College and other local schools, and is occasionally rented by other organizations.

The district replaced its older light poles, which were 65 feet tall, late last summer after some lights fell off during a strong wind.

The new poles cost the district about $150,000; about $25,000 came from residents’ groups that held fund-raisers, and the remainder was borrowed from the city of Ventura.

Just before the lights were installed, the homeowners sued the district to prevent installation of the lights. A judge, however, rejected their request.