(Photo from Hillcrest Business Association)
Community, Hillcrest

Bestowing Love on a Neighborhood Landmark

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

The iconic ‘Hillcrest’ sign that stretches across University Avenue and emits a welcoming neon glow after sunset is in need of some TLC.

Since its renovation 10 years ago, the LED components inside the sign have begun failing. And despite band-aid repairs here and there, those lighting elements need to be fully replaced. Hence a fundraiser has been launched by the Hillcrest Business Association (HBA) and the Hillcrest Community Foundation to repair and enhance the sign. They’ve set a goal of generating $15,000 for the project. As of late August, a little more than $3,500 was raised.

In the meantime, shipping delays and supply shortages have slowed some of the progress. But the HBA is confident that the fundraising campaign will be successful, and that the sign will eventually take on the addition of color-changing components to reflect certain holidays and annual events such as Christmas, San Diego Pride and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Donations are tax deductible, and “recognition panels” will eventually be added to the legs of the sign to honor donors.