It's been years since the 16 light posts that run the length of the Adams Avenue bridge over Interstate 15 have emitted any light. Some Kensington residents claim the lights along the bridge were never connected to the grid when the bridge was built back in 1960, whereas superintendent of San Diego's street division, Gary Gobel, says that's not true, that they did work at one time, though not since CalTrans transferred maintenance duties over to the city. Since then a blown transformer has rendered them inoperable, leaving the main route between Kensington and Normal Heights illuminated only by the headlamps of cars. Pedestrians and bicyclists at night have been on high alert when crossing the Adams Avenue bridge.

In October, residents banded together after the Kensington/Talmadge Planning Committee's monthly meeting to resolve the issue. Days after the meeting, Kensington denizen Margaret McCann sent an email to councilmember Todd Gloria's office in an effort to shed some light on the issue.

"There is a lot of foot traffic on that bridge, and the lack of lighting constitutes a safety hazard," read McCann's email. Gloria's office forwarded the issue to street division superintendent Gobel.

By December, McCann once again emailed councilmember Gloria and Mr. Gobel, this time to thank them for fixing the lights, as well as the power outlets attached to the light posts so that community members could adorn the bridge with strands of Christmas lights.

"I really want to thank your staff members for going the extra mile to provide a safe and attractive environment for our neighborhood of Kensington," read McCann's follow-up email. "We are delighted that we can start off our year of celebration with a newly lighted bridge. I hope that the next time you are heading into our neighborhood, or coming home from work, Mayor Sanders, you will take note of the lights."