I’d like to say a few words about some exciting news for us in the Cal Heights Historic District. The latest phase of our ongoing historic lamppost-top restoration project was installed over the past few days. This is the largest installation since our program began over ten years ago and follows on the footsteps of the 2007 phase that saw every lamppost restored on the Cal Heights portion of Orange Avenue, proudly adopted and funded by the California Heights Neighborhood Association (CHNA), along with several more throughout the neighborhood that were resident or business sponsored.
Our latest phase is made possible, once again, by private sponsors, $9,000 in dedicated CHNA funds and a very special $25,000 grant that we were so luckily awarded this spring from the Long Beach Navy Memorial Heritage Association.
Seventy-two of our historic lamppost tops were restored with replicate metal cages, finials and special, clear, nearly unbreakable polycarbonate globes that mimic the originals. This investment will last for decades to enhance the historic character, charm and property values in this very special place we call home. Along with our mural, trees and street signs, it’s a gift we are proud to leave for our posterity.
All original posts that haven’t already been privately adopted will be restored at intersections within the boundaries of the historic district along 36th, 37th, Wardlow and Bixby roads, as well as several resident- and business-sponsored posts throughout the neighborhood.
We thank everyone who has participated in this exciting program over the years, with special mention to realtors John Reynolds and Lewis Ebersole for a number of those privately sponsored posts, and the Crosbys, who adopted three posts on California Avenue. A million thanks to the Long Beach Navy Memorial Heritage Association for finding us worthy of their very generous grant, and of course, all of our CHNA board members and volunteers who help with our Home and Garden Tours, newsletter and website that fuel our fundraising goals for projects like these!
Remember, CHNA is a unique, dues-free association! CHNA board member, Karen Highberger, who has expertly managed this program for years, earns our sincere thanks and appreciation for her long-standing efforts and dedication.
Sadly, budget constraints at the City will likely keep new paint for our posts at bay for the foreseeable future. In 2007, Councilwoman Tonia Reyes-Uranga worked with Public Works Director Mike Conway to ensure that painting would be done for our Orange Avenue posts in recognition of our community investment, and just in time for the Home and Garden Tour! Thank you, Tonia and Mike, for your efforts. Finally, we thank City Light and Power for holding our installation price to 2007 levels, allowing us to restore several more posts. The company’s Chris Norman and Chris Fett, who installed our new tops in 2007, returned again for this round. Nice job, guys!
We look forward to future installations.
John Royce
President
California Heights
Neighborhood Association
