We reached out to readers of Essential California to share opinions on daylight saving time. The feedback was overwhelmingly against it, with only one positive response from Paul C., who wrote, “More time to do my work and to enjoy life.”
This question stems from recent discussions among lawmakers about potentially establishing daylight saving time year-round. If this change occurs, Los Angeles would experience its latest sunrise at 8 a.m. Sacramento would have sunlight beginning at 8:24 a.m., while San Francisco would see sunrise at 8:25 a.m.
For Crescent City, sunrise would occur at 8:44 a.m., making morning commutes and school journeys darker for many. Most respondents opposed the idea of permanent daylight saving time.
Here are some of their thoughts:
Jean W.: “While year-round DST might be preferable to the current shift, it is less healthy than maintaining Standard Time. Humans evolved with a 24-hour circadian rhythm. Permanent DST could make commuting to school and work less safe, especially with sunrises as late as 8 a.m.”
Susan H.: “What do I like about Daylight Saving Time? NOTHING. I wish we could revert to year-round standard time or have it for a longer period.”
Diane G.: “We are naturally aligned with ‘standard time.’ If children are traveling to school in the dark or people are commuting at night, perhaps event schedules should change—not the entire country’s time setting.”
Gaby D.: “Daylight saving time has few benefits. I appreciate standard time when my schedule aligns with natural daylight, allowing evening darkness to signal the end of the day.”
The main advantage of consistent daylight saving time is later sunsets, which could be enjoyed from Azusa in Los Angeles at 5:44 p.m. shortly after Thanksgiving. San Francisco would see its earliest sunsets at 5:51 p.m. in late November and early December.
Federal law allows California to preserve year-round standard time, but this would mean longer summer days without daylight saving time. Representative Nanette Barragán plans to oppose the bill promoting permanent daylight saving time due to health concerns.
She endorses the Sunshine for Our Kids Act, advocating for permanent standard time with states having the option to opt out. This bill has support from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Share your thoughts on the daylight saving time debate if you haven’t already.
In Other News
- Updates on California’s billionaire tax proposal, a subject of intense debate following allegations of union-related demands.
- Paramount’s acquisition deal for Warner Bros. Discovery faces delays due to antitrust challenges.
- Efforts to filter bacteria from the Arroyo Seco waterway meet opposition from community and tribal leaders.
Other Notable Events
- A Pasadena mural was vandalized with hate symbols, prompting an investigation.
- Multiple injuries resulted from a collision involving a Waymo vehicle in Los Angeles.
- The Dove fire near Yosemite led to evacuation orders in Sonora.
Opinion and Commentary
- Discussion on AI regulation by a California Republican, analyzed by columnist Anita Chabria.
- Nicole Ackermann’s guest column addresses how Botox affects acting.
For Your Downtime
- Explore top rooftop restaurants and bars in California.
- Insights into a new Eve Babitz letter collection.
- Try a recipe for a fried-Spam kimchi grilled cheese sandwich.
We appreciate your contributions to this discussion and welcome further feedback at [email protected].
Leave a Reply