On a warm Wednesday night, about 100 of Signal Hill’s government officials, employees, friends and family members gathered for the annual State of the City.
This year’s event was an intimate and elegant October evening, and ended with the longest-standing City employee, Vice Mayor Edward H.J. Wilson, being honored for his time in office. Wilson gave a sweet, brief speech about his nearly 30 years in office, noted his excitement to soon be married and retired, then received the key to the city.
Following an evening of video presentations about city services, Wilson’s commemoration earned the loudest applause of the night. He will be officially recognized for his time serving Signal Hill on Friday, Nov. 8.
The theme of the night was, “Celebrate, Enjoy, Envision,” with a seemingly large emphasis on the former two, with commemorations and recaps abound. The envisioning aspect took place through pre-recorded videos from councilmembers with nuggets of news sprinkled throughout.
Mayor Lori Woods and city councilmembers highlighted the five pillars of Signal Hill through their separate videos: financial stability, community safety, economic and downtown development, infrastructure and a high-functioning government.
Each video contained a brief overview of how these priorities function, and sparse local updates. City Manager Carlo Tomaino shared that the Hillbrook Park revitalization efforts are expected to be completed in the winter of 2025.
Wilson said Signal Hill is in the “best position” financially it’s been in 100 years, with its $35 million budget (40% of which goes to the Signal Hill Police Department), and their ongoing efforts to increase reserves.
Councilmember Robert D. Copeland touted new police programs, such as a mental health program for officers, the introduction of longevity pay and the creation of Community Impact Officers, who oversee neighborhood watch programs. Councilmember Keir Jones highlighted new economic developments coming to Signal Hill, such as an Audi dealership arriving in the fall and another Boys and Girls Club being established along with the new Walnut Bluff housing development.
Signal Hill is also planning to hire a firm to study its “opportunity areas” to see which parts of the city can attract inventors. When the event concluded, attendees dressed in their best business casual sauntered out the doors of the Dream City Auditorium with little news about the upcoming year, but each with their own commemorative Signal Hill flag and Centennial blue hat, some stopping to take pictures at the large #SH100Years letters outside.
