Historic Lamppost Project
Bringing Lamppost History Back
Ever thought about our neighborhood’s logo & street signs? Ever noticed the lamppost?
Lampposts create charm, nostalgia, a sense of place and time. Ours are uniquely symbolic. Most of our streets no longer have decorative lampposts, although photographic evidence and plans show they once existed and/or were intended more broadly.
YOU’RE INVITED TO THE UNVEILING
Please be our guest at Beacons Honored: Plaques Unveiled on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM, at 20 Molino Avenue, Long Beach 90803.
Free and all are invited.
Let’s gather for about an hour to honor, celebrate, and raise a glass to the generous donors and supporters and the community who helped turn three phases of the Historic Lamppost Project from vision to reality. We’ll showcase 80 new donor plaques on the bases of the 10 historic-style lampposts installed last year.
Interested in getting a plaque in a future phase? Visit here. Or call us at (562) 449-0977. Or email lamppostproject @ bluffpark. org.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
HOW DID IT START? The project was first conceived in 2014 when a diverse subcommittee of BPNA regularly met for more than three years to set the Project‘s strategic direction and historic precedent.
WHAT’S BEEN ACCOMPLISHED? Three (3) phases have been completed, with more still to go to complete the entire historic district. By the numbers …
- 3 phases done.
- 3 streets transformed.
- 27 freeway-style lights removed.
- 30 lampposts made from the original manufacturer of the 1920s E. 1st St lights.
- 30 historic-style lampposts installed.
- 240 donor plaques affixed.
- Countless legacies created.
CAN I SEE THE IMPACT? Take a stroll or a ride and you’ll appreciate the transformative nature and charm of the streetscapes touched by the Project. Compare to the inappropriate, freeway-style lighting. What a difference your support is making!
WHAT’S NEXT? As the City prepares to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympics, the Historic Lamppost Project is bringing back iconic lampposts that brighten Bluff Park and showcase our city’s beauty. To complete the Project, more phases will need to be installed throughout the Bluff Park Historic District. We need you. Join us in preserving history and illuminating the future! Long Beach Gives is this month.
VISION
The vision of BPNA’s Bluff Park Historic Lamppost Project is to remove uncharacteristic modern street lights in the Bluff Park Historic District and install historically appropriate lampposts matching the look and pattern of the late-1920s E. 1st Street lampposts. Although the neighborhood tried to make this happen over 2 decades ago, in 2014 a committee formed inspired by historic preservation, worked with the City of Long Beach Public Works to uncover the 1927 sketch of the E. 1st Street poles and reached out to the original manufacturer still in-business today. Now that same American company is proudly making the Project’s lampposts from the same old specifications.
PHASE 1 INAUGURAL COMPLETED IN 2019
The inaugural Phase 1, comprised of the 10 newly installed lampposts with their 80 plaques along Paloma Avenue, was dedicated in a public ceremony and Block Party on July 27, 2019, called Lighting the 1st Path. Check out the gallery photos here. Walk, jog or drive the street to view the magnificent sight! This important milestone was achieved through collaboration, community engagement, volunteerism, patience, perseverance and grassroots fundraising. Applause goes to the scores of donors, committee members and residents from all over the neighborhood, our partners in the City of Long Beach, vendors and supporters from diverse areas. Special thanks especially goes to Long Beach’s 3rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price and Mayor Robert Garcia who nurtured the vision and passion.
We are grateful to the inaugural phase committee members and donors here who beginning in 2014 were instrumental in doing the hard work of creating and supporting the vision.
To find the specific locations with a map showing each of the donors’ plaques, click here.
PHASE 2 COMPLETED IN 2021
As the BPNA reached over $130,000 of cumulative grassroots fundraising revenue since the Project‘s inception, Phase 2 became a reality. The Long Beach City Council approved the Mayor’s 2020 City Budget which allocated an additional $100,000 to the augment our fundraising and help secure Phase II. Major support in amount of more than $15,000 was given by Sally Boyne, who is a longtime Long Beach resident whose great-grandmother was a pioneer in women’s empowerment and owned one of the first homes ever built in the neighborhood on E. 1st Street.
In September 2021, ten (10) more decorative lampposts, made by Union Metal, the original manufacturer of the iconic E. 1st Street lampposts, were installed along Temple Avenue, while the inappropriate, modern cobra-style lights were removed, transforming another main thoroughfare street in the Bluff Park Historic District.
A special invitation-only, catered dedication celebration, sponsored by the Port of Long Beach, took place on September 22, 2021, at That House on Broadway, at the corner of Temple Avenue and Broadway. Check out the gallery photos here. The event was streamed online via Facebook Live (click here) with guest speakers including Councilwoman Suzie Price, Mayor Robert Garcia, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn’s Field Deputy Herlinda Chico, Long Beach Public Works Director Eric Lopez, Long Beach Development Services Deputy Director Christopher Koontz, Port of Long Beach Director of Communications Kerry Gerot, Gazette Newspapers Executive Editor Harry Saltzgaver, and Long Beach Heritage President Chris Hogan.
LONG BEACH GIVES
The BPNA has been honored to have been invited to participate in Long Beach Gives, a day of giving for citywide for nonprofits, each year from 2021 to the present. Coinciding with the aforementioned 2021 dedication event, the BPNA exceeded all expectations and raised over $26,000 for the Project‘s Phase 3 from more than 50 donors the first year. Since then we are grateful for Matching Funds Challenges from donors who have helped us reach yearly goals and be recognized on the Long Beach Gives leaderboard for amount of funds raised and number of donations along with a couple special awards. The next opportunity is September 18, 2025 — with Early Giving online starting September 11, 2025. For details and to help us fundraise through your own personal social media, click here.
In 2022: The BPNA was invited to participate for a second year in a row in Long Beach Gives on September 22, 2022, and the association raised over $36,000 for the Project, in conjunction with a unique, exclusive, sold-out fundraiser event. All expectations were exceeded thanks to the generosity of so many in both big and small ways. The BPNA was recognized as a leader in Long Beach Gives 2022, ranking # 9 in total funds raised among 232 nonprofits citywide and beyond! A huge accomplishment for our little, hardworking nonprofit.
In 2023: The BPNA raised nearly $13,000 in Long Beach Gives on September 21, 2023, with special thanks to repeat major donors David Clark, Sam Elias, Christy Roeber, and Sally Boyne — all of whom put up funds for a Matching Donor Challenge! Out of the 244 nonprofits that participated, the BPNA was again high on the comparative leaderboard: Ranking #36 (in the top 15%) for the nonprofit with the highest total funds raised. Ranking #59 (in the top 24%) for highest number of donations.
NAVY TRUST GRANT
In March 2022, the BPNA was honored and privileged to have been selected as a grant recipient from the Long Beach Navy Memorial Heritage Association (known as the “Navy Trust”) with funds to help to support the Project‘s Phase 3.
LONG BEACH CITY SUPPORT
At the same time, the Long Beach City Council approved additional funding for Phase 3 as one of only 10 specially chosen projects in each of the council districts from the 2021 City Budget Mid-Year Assessment. Very special thanks go to then-District 3 Councilwoman Suzie Price for uniquely calling out the Project for this special funding opportunity and to District 2 Councilwoman Cindy Allen who, since 2022, has led the effort through City Council to approve the allocation after the citywide redistricting moved our neighborhood from District 3 to District 2.
Working with the City of Long Beach Public Works Department, our Councilwoman and then-Vice Mayor Cindy Allen’s Office, and Union Metal Industries Corporation (the original manufacturer of the 1920s E. 1st Street lampposts), the cost of materials and labor skyrocketed since the last phase.
Thanks to the concerted efforts of Vice Mayor and Councilwoman Cindy Allen, working with then-Mayor Robert Garcia and the rest of the City Council, including current Mayor Rex Richardson, Long Beach City Budget funds were specially allocated in September 2022 in the amount of $700,000 over the next 5 years to support the ongoing momentum of the Project.
While this will not cover the growing costs to complete all phases planned for the entire Historic District, it is a huge and critically important investment and acknowledgement by our City leaders of the ongoing broad-based community support for this infrastructure, beautification and historic preservation initiative that benefits all of the city and its visitors.
Since 2014, thanks to scores of personal donors, fundraiser events, and grants, the BPNA has successfully raised to-date over $250,000 towards the Project.
Let’s keep the momentum going and pay it forward. Please consider donating or helping out at any level.
PHASE 3 COMPLETED IN 2024
The purchase order was placed in September 2022 for the 10 lampposts that comprise Phase 3 for Molino Avenue. The City received the lampposts in July 2023 and installed them in Spring 2024.
Beginning in April 2023, community residents in the near vicinity received regular updates and hardcopy letters with information on what to expect and how to get involved.
A fun and unique Dedication Celebration & Fundraiser Event, called “Puttin’ on the Ritz with Lamppost Glitz“, was held on August 17, 2024. Proudly sponsored in part by the Port of Long Beach. Event photos and brochure can seen on the Gallery page above.
A special unveiling of the new 80 donor plaques around the bases will take place on September 10, 2025. For details on Beacons Honored: Plaques Unveiled, click here.
GRASSROOTS FUNDING SUPPORT FUTURE PHASES
Since 2014, thanks to scores of personal donors, fundraiser events, grants, sponsorships, filming donations, and conservative investment strategies, the BPNA has successfully raised to-date over $300,000 towards the Project. While we are honored and proud of past accomplishments, that’s a fraction of what is needed to complete the entire effort. Even when taking into City support, growing grassroots fundraising and local support will be key to achieving the end goal — especially as the costs of labor and materials for infrastructure and beautification projects, such as ours, continue to rise year after year.
Let’s keep the momentum going and pay it forward. Please consider donating or helping out at any level.
PHASE 4 AND FUTURE PHASES
Where will Phase 4 be installed, when, and how big will it be? Well, your actions will make all the difference. The BPNA board will soon be making the decision based on where there is the most interest and donor support.
Now in seeking ongoing funding, commitment, and initiative among more residents and neighbors, the BPNA is working towards the next phases in fulfillment of the entire District.
The timeline for Phase 4 and all future phases will be established once the necessary funding is secured. The locations will be determined by the residents’ level of engagement, volunteers and donors in each section.
Eventually the Project will cover the entire District, roughly from Junipero Avenue to Loma Avenue and from (but not on) E. Ocean Blvd to E. Broadway.
Our mentor and matriarch Helena Segelhorst continually reminds us, “It’s doable!” And, it is!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Fully tax-deductible donations help make the Project possible. Small and large donations alike are most appreciated. The BPNA operates as a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Scroll down for a variety of ways to donate.
Significant donors who contribute $1,000 or more will be recognized on plaques that will be affixed around the bases of the newly installed lampposts. As the installation becomes imminent, the BPNA will reach out to ask donors what they want engraved on their personalized plaques.
See below for what prior donors have engraved on their plaques which will be enduring for generations to come!
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Long Beach Gives online event takes place on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with “Early Giving” starting September 11. This is the city’s annual day of giving, and the BPNA’s Historic Lamppost Project is honored to have been selected in the past as one of the featured charities. Can you sponsor a “Matching Donor Funds” challenge? Can you become a Peer Fundraiser? Visit bluffpark.org/LBGives or email us now at lamppostproject @ bluffpark. org.
The BPNA participates annually in GivingTuesday in conjunction with Facebook and Network for Good. Please consider supporting us and making your fully tax-deductible, yearend donation on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. More details coming in the autumn on BPNA’s Facebook page: https://fb.com/bluffparkorg.
STAY INFORMED
Click here to join our email list for updates and news. Click here to read our prior e-blasts. To help prevent our emails from going into your spam folder, add lamppostproject @ bluffpark. org to your trusted Contacts list.
PHOTOS
Check out the Gallery page for photos from all of our fundraiser events!
IN THE NEWS
Read all about it! Click here to see the instances where the Project has been in the news.
VOLUNTEERS
THANKS TO OUR INAUGURAL PHASE DONORS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS. For the list of significant donors and supporters of the inaugural Phase 1 phase, click here.
JOIN OUR TEAM IN SETTING THE DIRECTION FOR FUTURE PHASES. Meet new people, volunteer, be a part of the Project in a variety of different ways tailored to meet your own interests, skills and schedule. Contact us using this form or email lamppostproject @ bluffpark. org. We need you!
WHERE IS MY PLAQUE
Where are the plaques already installed, and what do they say? Stroll the streets and look around the bases of the newly installed lampposts. So far, 240 engraved plaques have been affixed. Read the stories and legacies of our donors and supporters.
Find an index of the plaque engravings, locations, and maps for
DONATE NOW
Any amount is most appreciated! Donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized on engraved plaques. After making your donation, please complete this Donor Preferences Form (click here), so we know how to thank and acknowledge your amazing support properly.
EMPLOYER MATCHING FUNDS are offered by many corporations when employees make donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, such as ours. Click here to find out more or ask us to help you explore the possibilities and options for charitable giving with your employer.
TAX-DEDUCTIBILITY: BPNA operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity under the Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax ID # 95-3080429 and is recognized by the State of California Department of Justice as a charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable by law.
CHECK (Preferred Method): Checks should be made payable to BPNA with “Lamppost Project” on the memo line. Mail checks to BPNA, P.O . Box 14682, Long Beach, CA 90853-4682.
PAYPAL : Using any major credit card with or without a PayPal account. Click here. The BPNA will incur a processing fee; please consider adding another 3% so we can maximize the use of your donation.
VENMO: Our Venmo ID is @BluffParkNA. If asked, our 4 digit code is 4911. Use the Venmo smartphone app or go online Click here. Please let us know that you would like your donation to count towards the Historic Lamppost Project. The BPNA incurs a processing fee, so please consider adding another 3% so we can maximize the use of your donation.
DONOR PREFERENCES FORM: After making your donation in any way, please complete this Donor Preferences Form (click here), so we know how to thank you and acknowledge your amazing support.
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF LONG BEACH (HSLB) says, “BPNA has resolved to bring vintage lampposts back where they once stood, to enhance their neighborhood’s sense of place, history and camaraderie.”
Together, we are BRINGING LAMPPOST HISTORY BACK.
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