History of PHEIA
The Pioneers of our Neighborhood
In 1960, Peralta Hills residents, Roland Krueger, James Nagamatsu, Clyde Schlund, Ward Howland, Clarence Graham, Andy Anderson, and Herb Christianson formed an organized structure to advocate to the City of Anaheim the ever-changing needs and concerns of our community.
James Nagamatsu became the first president of our newly formed neighborhood association. On May 17, 1960, he had his attorney register Peralta Hills Estates Improvement Association (PHEIA) as a non-profit corporation in California. Terms and conditions of PHEIA stated that there would be elected officers, a board of directors, bylaws, but no CC&R’s (conditions, covenants, and restrictions), and voluntary annual dues of $10. All property owners and residents were encouraged to join. In the early days, PHEIA’s focus was advocacy.
In 1963, Roland Krueger, a.k.a. Peralta Hills Estates elder statesman, became president. During his tenure, there was a lot of growth. Peralta Hills went from 64 to 264 homes. Discussions about annexation to the city of Anaheim began, so Roland became the voice of the neighborhood and worked with Anaheim to obtain lot size variances, retaining a minimum requirement of one-acre. He made designations mandating no streetlights, curbs, or gutters, agricultural and livestock considerations and allowances, and residential ownership of their water company. Peralta Hills was annexed in 1967 with all their requested mandates in place.
With the residents’ ownership of the Peralta Hills Water Company, came a need for its management. Andy Anderson became PHEIA’s new president and Roland Krueger became president of the water company, overseeing its operation. Roland’s wife, Lucille, became the company’s business manager, handling orders for water service hook ups, billings, payments, service complaints, and managing residents’ usage records. Eventually, in 1986, due to the continued growth of Peralta Hills, Roland met with city leaders to transfer our water service to Anaheim. He orchestrated the sale of the reservoir land with equal shares of its proceeds to be distributed to all the homeowners and Peralta Hills Water Company ceased operation.
Presidents, Andy Anderson, Alan Jennings, Al Hyatt, and Brian Bittke, followed Krueger’s tenure, and although we have little information during their terms in our historical archives, we know they served honorably and with care.
During the 1970’s building boom, traffic was increasing throughout Santa Ana Canyon Road. Anaheim made a proposal to extend Lakeview Avenue to East Meats Avenue. This was a major threat to our neighborhood. PHEIA president, Herb Christenson, and Roland Krueger, spearheaded the fight to prevent it and with the support of Anaheim Mayor, John Seymor, their efforts worked.
In 1976, Dr. Howard Knohl and his family moved into the area, and he became president in 1978. This was when the face of Peralta Hills was changing as orchards were developed into tracts. Knohl initiated the proposal for the first gated residence within our community on Cobblestone Lane.
In 1969, Richard Cramer and his family moved to Peralta Hills. Shortly after, he became involved in the community as a member of the Peralta Hills Water Company’s board of trustees. In 1980 Richard Cramer became the next PHEIA president. While president, he proposed for our community to be gated. Anaheim city council members suggested to the succeeding PHEIA president, Gerry Goodwin, to apply for a special measure with California State Legislature in Sacramento. Senator John Seymour agreed to support the legislation if all the residents agreed. Proposal committee chair, Bob Smith, obtained 166 signatures in support of gating our community, and 19 in opposition to it; consequently, the proposal was vetoed in 1985.
That same year, during Jim Jennison’s presidency, Anaheim was considering a county proposal for a prison and dumpsite in Gypsum Canyon. He attended several meetings with Mayor Don Roth and other city officials. All were in opposition, but the county continued its research. To ensure the voices of our community were heard, Bob McComber, PHEIA’s next president, continued to represent our neighborhood at the meetings. Fortunately, in 1991 the proposals were rejected and the projects never reached fruition.
In 1994, several PHEIA officers had moved out of the area, and current president, Tom McMullen, unexpectedly passed away. At this time, the association decided to form a leadership board, in addition to a new president. Elections were held and on May 6, 1994, Sonia Jekums was voted in as the new President, Lou Bell as Vice President, Yorba’s descendant, Lucille Krueger, as Treasurer, and Helen Curtis as Secretary. These officers rejuvenated the association. The PHEIA Gazette was created for a community forum, and several committees were formed with appointed volunteers.
This was the beginning of our Neighborhood Watch. Residents, Margaret Peng and Elaine Bruney, posted neighborhood signs and had lights installed to give our neighborhood a sense of security. Mary Ruth Pinson and Ward Howland started the Telephone Emergency Committee and created the first Community Resident Contact List. Linda Knohl and Delia Cabo formed the Welcome Committee to greet new residents and ease their transition into the neighborhood. Kim Carpenter worked with city officials to control traffic and speed on Crescent Drive. The Clean Up Committee, led by Bill Boesinger, kept our neighborhood clean. Several clubs were formed, such as the Tennis Club, started by Joan Schlund. We also had a Book Club, Bridge Club, Musical Theater West, and a dinner group.
The Peralta Hills community is unique. Residents are supportive of each other and willing to work together for the good of the neighborhood. Our neighborhood association not only advocates for our community but also encourages comradery by organizing wonderful activities and events for residents to enjoy.
In 1995, Dr. Howard Knohl and his wife, Linda, held the first annual PHEIA Gala at their estate, Fox Pointe Manor. This communal event has become an annual tradition, coming up on 30 years, and is our neighborhood’s sole fundraising event.
In 1998, resident, Charlie Bognar, fought for a sound wall to be built to block Santa Ana Canyon Road from the 91 Freeway. In 2000, he was backed by a committee and funding of residents and proceeded with this proposal. In October of 2003, with the help of legislators, Todd Spitzer and Lyn Daucher, OCTA and Cal Trans, approved the funding with tax dollars from Measure M. In 2005, the sound wall was complete.
In 1998, resident, Patrick Mahoney, chaired the Underground Utility Project, to ensure the unsightly and potentially hazardous utility lines on the main thoroughfares through Peralta Hills were buried underground. This joint project, involving the City of Anaheim and AT&T, was done in three phases and was completed in 2007.
In 2005, Patrick Mahoney was elected as president, James Jekums as Vice President, Lucille Krueger remained as Treasurer, and Helen Curtis as Secretary. We have had a distinguished group of people that have served as President during the years. Jim Nagamatsu, Roland Krueger, Andy Anderson, Alan Jennings, Al Hyatt, Brian Bittke, Herb Christianson, Dr. Howard Knohl, Richard Cramer, Jerry Goodwin, Jim Jennison, Bob McCombers, Thomas McMullen, Sonia Jekums, and the current president Patrick Mahoney have all served with distinction, dedication, and care.
In 2006, a Management Service Center was hired. President Pat Mahoney substantially improved our landscaping/gardening services, and the board created the “Beautification Award” to encourage pride of ownership. The annual Gala evolved from a casual gathering to an upscale event, which now has its own Event Committee. The minimum voluntary dues were increased to a $50 Bronze Level, and up to a Platinum Level. Raja Kitsigianis formed the Kids Club and Cathy Wills formed the Wine Club and the Peralta Hills Pet Registry. In 2009, new resident at the time, Ray Mize, volunteered his expertise to create our website: www.peraltahillsassociation.com. In 2012, Molly Mahoney Dominguez took over management and the maintenance and redesign of the website. In 2014, a new PHEIA manager, Andrew Steedman, took over. He modernized the organization within the association. He streamlined the finances by tailoring professional accounting software to our specific needs. He re-created the website layout, hosting, and functionality to accept credit cards for Dues, Gala Tickets, and Auction Items. This modernization increased the wealth of our association. The new convenient method to pay dues, along with the generous contributions of our members, allowed us to survive the 2020 Covid year without income from the Annual Gala. During his management, the association gained funds to build a community camera system as part of our Neighborhood Watch and acquire a P.O Box to receive dues and other business correspondence. The ongoing maintenance and landscaping of our neighborhood has never run so smoothly.
In 2022, in honor of the late Sonia Jekums, longtime resident and Peralta Hills icon, we created the “Annual Good Neighbor Award,” to recognize a Peralta Hills Estate homeowner who exemplifies leadership in our community through acts of selfless service and active participation in neighborhood activities and events. This award is granted at the Annual PHEIA Gala.
In 2024, after a decade of management, Andrew Steedman resigned, and Andrea Benn took over his role. As a Gala Committee member for the past five years and familiarity with our association, Andrea is a perfect fit. With new management, changes also come. Welcome to our new peraltahillsestatesassociation.com website with updated esthetics, improved features, functionality, and offering better mobile viewing experience.
As the world around us evolves, so does PHEIA.
In honor of our Past Presidents:
Sonia Jekums
Dr. Howard Knohl
Richard Cramer
Roland Krueger
Bob McComber
Herb Christenson
Jim Jennison
Special thank you residents to who go above & beyond:
Helen Curtis
Lane Curtis
Joan Schlund
Lucille Krueger
Pat Mahoney
Jolynn Mahoney
Molly Mahoney
Bill Manos
Becky Handley
Cathy Wills
Original Zoning Letters
