Old Town San Diego marked a momentous occasion today with the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the community’s new gateway sign, located at the entrance to San Diego Avenue near Twiggs Street. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of local officials, community members, and Old Town advocates to celebrate this long-anticipated project that showcases the neighborhood’s cultural heritage and charm.
The program began with a warm welcome by Fred Grand, President of the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce, who expressed his gratitude to the community and stakeholders for making this vision a reality.
Honoring Community Leadership
Fred introduced Retired Supervisor Ron Roberts, a longtime advocate for San Diego’s historic and cultural preservation. Roberts reflected on Old Town’s rich history and the importance of gateway landmarks in preserving its unique identity.
Next, Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell, representing District 2, addressed the audience. She emphasized the gateway sign as a symbol of Old Town’s vibrant culture and its importance as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Dr. Campbell then directed attendees to the corner of San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street for the unveiling of a surprise Honorary street name and sign in tribute to Diane Powers, a visionary and beloved leader in Old Town’s revitalization efforts. The unveiling of “Diane Powers Way” brought applause and emotional cheers from the crowd.
A Community Champion Recognized
Seated at the center of the stage, Diane Powers, the legendary entrepreneur behind Bazaar del Mundo Shops, Casa Guadalajara, Casa de Pico, and Casa de Bandini, graciously addressed the audience after being introduced by Fred Grand. She shared heartfelt remarks about her decades-long work to celebrate and preserve the cultural vibrancy of Old Town and thanked those gathered for the honorary street name.
Remarks from the Mayor and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Fred then welcomed Mayor Todd Gloria, who commended the collaborative efforts of everyone involved in the project, from city staff to community leaders and organizations. Mayor Gloria highlighted the sign as a testament to Old Town’s enduring legacy as the birthplace of California.
The Mayor invited California Assemblymember Chris Ward and Sheriff Kelly Martinez to join him, along with other dignitaries, for the ceremonial ribbon cutting. With a unified snip of the ribbon, applause erupted, and the gateway sign was officially unveiled, standing as a proud beacon welcoming visitors to Old Town San Diego.
A Heartfelt Thanks
Fred concluded the ceremony by thanking the many contributors who brought this project to fruition, including Integrated Sign Associates for their craftsmanship, City staff, the Chamber of Commerce team, Old Town Trolley Tours, and The Mormon Battalion Historic Site for providing equipment for the dedication event. Special acknowledgements were also given to California Assemblymember Chris Ward and State Senator Akilah Weber, MD, for their certificates of recognition celebrating the achievement.
Post-Ceremony Celebration at Casa Guadalajara
The celebration continued at Casa Guadalajara, where attendees enjoyed refreshments and camaraderie. The new gateway sign is expected to serve as a lasting symbol of Old Town San Diego’s historic charm and as an inviting welcome for generations to come.
About the New Sign
The new gateway sign in Old Town San Diego is a stunning tribute to the community’s rich history and cultural heritage. Framed by elegant stucco columns that mirror the façade of the Church of the Immaculate Conception and other historic landmarks in Old Town, the sign seamlessly blends into its surroundings while standing as a bold statement of pride and identity.
The sign’s rod iron archway is adorned with intricate filigree and iconography, symbolizing the four key periods of San Diego’s history: the Kumeyaay, the Spanish, the Mexican, and the American eras. This thoughtful design celebrates the layers of history that have shaped Old Town into the vibrant cultural destination it is today. At the center of the archway, a lighted cabinet sign reads, “Historic Old Town San Diego”, warmly welcoming visitors and locals alike. Above it, the words “Birthplace of California” crown the structure, reaffirming Old Town’s role as a foundational piece of California’s story.
The idea for the gateway sign was conceived many years ago, with a formal plan taking shape in 2018 when funding was secured through the County of San Diego. Its completion marks not only a celebration of history but also a milestone in community collaboration and perseverance. The new gateway sign joins the ranks of San Diego’s iconic neighborhood signs, each a testament to the city’s distinct cultural tapestry and sense of place.
This remarkable addition to Old Town serves as both a landmark and a symbol, standing tall to greet visitors and remind all who pass through of the enduring legacy and spirit of the “Birthplace of California.”
