District: District 11 — San Diego and Imperial Counties
Contact: Stephen Welborn
Phone: (619) 688-6670
Caltrans, Officials Celebrate National Register of Historic Places Designation
SAN DIEGO — The Ramona Tree Trust, elected official representatives, and community members joined the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to unveil a set of signs commemorating the historic eucalyptus tree colonnade that has characterized the Main Street of Ramona as well as welcomed travelers into San Diego’s rural backcountry as a physical symbol of the townspeople’s pride in their agricultural community.
The Ramona Tree Trust recently led an initiative to list Ramona’s Main Street Colonnade Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
The colonnade consists of 2 miles of over 300 eucalyptus trees, originally established in 1909, and continues to be maintained and replanted to the present day by the community of Ramona.
Signs are used to distinguish important environmental, historic, and commercial districts. San Diego highways are used by millions of visitors and residents each year, and signage creates meaningful visibility and awareness of community places.
Representatives from local organizations and offices of elected officials were invited to attend today’s ceremony. Speakers at the ceremony include Diane Conklin, President of the Ramona Tree Trust; Julie Johnson Iavelli, Treasurer of the Ramona Tree Trust; Chris Anderson, Secretary of the Ramona Tree Trust; Gustavo Dallarda, Caltrans District 11 Director; Lori Brown, Director of Constituent Services for Office of Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, Tom Stinson, District Communications Director Assemblymember Marie Waldron, and Dante Scola, Representative for Supervisor Joel Anderson.
“The new Ramona Historic Colonnade Sign serves as a reminder of the community’s dedication to preserving the historic landscape and showcasing the unique Colonnade consisting of over 300 eucalyptus trees,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones. “I encourage everyone to come out and experience the beauty of the historic Colonnade for themselves.”
“The Ramona Historic Main Street Colonnade is one of Southern California’s premier beautification efforts,” said Assemblymember Marie Waldron. “The citizens of Ramona should be commended for their ongoing, dedicated support of this outstanding civic achievement.”
“I was pleased to hear that Ramona’s Main Street Colonnade of eucalyptus trees were receiving signs to denote their historical significance,” said Supervisor Joel Anderson. “And I am glad that visitors of Ramona will know how proud the community is of these beautiful trees.”
“Highway signs may seem commonplace or ordinary. We know they have special meaning because they notify you of places with points of interest, rich heritage, and history,” said Caltrans District 11 Director Gustavo Dallarda. “These signs highlight the special connection between the community and these imposing trees that have stood here for many generations and become essential in defining Ramona’s identity.”
Motorists are reminded to be Work Zone Alert if traveling in the area and to watch for highway workers and moving construction equipment.
The construction schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, traffic incidents, or other construction-related reasons.
For real-time traffic information, including traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities, and more, go to http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
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