Throughout the past 13 years, funds raised by the California Heights Neighborhood Association (CHNA) Home and Garden Tours have combined with CHNA’s Lamppost Adoption Program and Long Beach Navy Memorial Heritage Association grants to restore 136 of the 284 vintage lampposts in Cal Heights.
The first restored post was unveiled in front of an Olive Avenue home at the 1999 Home and Garden Tour. By the end of December, City Light and Power, a private company contracted to maintain the city’s public lighting, will complete the installation of 80 replicate tops.
Paved streets and lighting were established in Cal Heights in 1929, but through out eight decades the lampposts deteriorated as various globes replaced the originals and the metal fretting, struts and finials that form the decorative “cages” were removed or rusted away.
CHNA’s restoration project includes period-correct cast-aluminum cages, finials and nearly unbreakable, non-yellowing polycarbonate globes.
“The vintage posts enhance the unique charm and sense of place enjoyed in Cal Heights and contribute to the significance of the neighborhood’s historic designation. CHNA’s official logo incorporates the lamppost image,” according to a prepared statement from CHNA members.
Seventh District Councilmember James Johnson and his staff worked with CHNA to secure plans for repainting. In recognition of CHNA’s $120,000 investment so far, the City’s public works department granted the painting request in August. Painting began last week and will continue for several weeks as weather allows. CHNA funded an additional $2,000 to paint the silver acanthus leaf details at the top of each post.
Private adoptions include a dedication plaque to replace the posts’ utility access doors. The 2012 adoptions include a memorial to Laura Costley, a well known Bixby Knolls volunteer at Longfellow Elementary who passed away suddenly this year from cancer. Laura’s Cal Heights and Bixby Knolls area neighbors chose the lamppost at the corner of Bixby Road and California Avenue, a popular crossing spot for students attending Longfellow and Hughes schools. The dedication plaques will be installed by a Cal Heights resident volunteer early next year.
In February, CHNA received a preservation award from Long Beach Heritage in recognition of the program, and California Heights received national accolades, winning the 2012 Neighborhoods, USA Neighborhood of the Year first place and grand prize finishes for its Home and Garden Tours and the ongoing community projects.
More Information
(562) 424-6727
calheights.org
