Neighbors that started traditions that continue today
Thank You, by Sonia Jekums
Rome was not built in a day and the same can be said for Peralta Hills. Nowhere is there a community which, for almost five decades, has seen the nurturing and care by its homeowners. A community’s will for self preservation and enhancement is measured mainly on its unified membership to take action against elements that threaten or enhance its being. We, in Peralta Hills, have shown that when faced with that prospect our response as a community is resolute and compelling.
Many years ago a handful of residents were called upon to help in the formation and implementation of neighborhood committees. This group of people met the challenges boldly and squarely laying the foundation by which a community can preserve, improve, and protect itself. I would like to dedicate this column to that original group of people and thank them for working together in unity and camaraderie and for those who took their responsibilities seriously. Every issue, no matter how trivial, was diligently pursued.
I would like to thank the following individuals who worked tenaciously to bring to life their vision of our unique community:
The first PHEIA BOD
- The late elder statesman Roland Kreuger, an invaluable mentor to those the PHEIA leaders that followed.
- Lou Bell whose humor and wit and knowledge of Peralta Hills made our board meetings fun and lively.
- Margaret Peng and Elaine Bruney, whose work with the neighborhood signs, and dusk to dawn lights have given us a sense of security.
- Mary Ruth Pinson and Ward Howland created the first community resident contact list, to ensure that we have the ability to get in touch with each other in case of emergencies.
- Linda Knohl and Delia Cabo were the first welcome committee, that greeted new residents and eased their transition into our neighborhood.
- Dr Howie and Linda Knohl opened their Fox Pointe Manor for the inaugural PHEIA Gala in 1995, as well as hosted many other PHEIA events.
- Joan Schlund who started the tennis club and brought countless neighbors together who share this interest.
- Carolyn Dominguez started the Kid’s Club and wine club
- Kim Carpenter who won the battle with the city officials on the Crescent Dr. speed and traffic control.
- Bill Boesinger was the first to take the initiative to help make our neighborhood clean.
- Charlie Bogner, campaigned for the large sound wall to block the 91 freeway.
- Patrick Mahoney, spearheaded the underground utilities project. As a result, these residents have forever changed the face of Peralta Hills
- Lucille Krueger, a descendant of Yorba, and past historian who recalled her ancestors sold an acre of land for 25 cents when the county’s tax was a dollar.
- Helen Curtis who unconditionally gave their loyalty and support to all my endeavors.
- Sonia Jekums- Peralta Hills Icon, The Annual Good Neighbor Award named in her honor
Let us work together in unity to continue to make Peralta Hills the premier place to live and build our lives. Our choice to be members of this community brings the responsibility to be proactive so we can continue to enjoy the quality of living that drew us here in the first place.
Sincerely,
Sonia Jekums