jtrain, I think it's worth a call to the Streets Department to request more lighting. You may be bounced around to different departments and I'm sure they get these requests all the time, but it's worth advocating for. Maybe even send an email to Officer Gibson at
CRO17th@aol.com explaining what you experienced last night and how more light would help. He seems to have "contacts" in the city departments.
We bought a few solar powered porch lights at Lowe's ($20 each) and plan to install them on some of the vacant properties on our block. If they work well if might be worth looking into ways to raise/obtain money to install them in poorly lit areas throughout the neighborhood.
There are Universal offices across the street from me. How well would I be received if I went over there and discussed the "Tree Man Garden" with them? Or should I just call? That little corner has the potential to be very cute, but the goal for now is clean and maintained.