California Heights

California Heights. A neighborhood bathed in the golden California sun. A place where history whispers from the walls of Spanish Colonial Revival homes. Our journey through California Heights begins not with oil, but with cows. Imagine, if you will, the year 1920. This land, now bustling with life, was part of the Bixby Ranch, a vast expanse used primarily for grazing cattle. But then, black gold fever struck nearby Signal Hill. The oil boom transformed the landscape, and the Jotham Bixby Company saw an opportunity. They subdivided the ranch and sold lots in the newly christened “California Heights” tract, promising buyers instant riches. “Buy a Lot. Become a Millionaire!” the advertisements proclaimed. Alas, the dream of striking it rich quickly faded. There wasn’t much oil beneath these lots. But something beautiful emerged from the dust of dashed hopes. The new landowners, instead of lamenting their lost fortunes, decided to build homes. California Heights, affectionately known as “Cal Heights,” began to rise. Today, as we stand here, we are surrounded by the largest historic district in Long Beach. Nearly 1500 homes, many dating back to the 1920s and 30s, stand as a testament to the resilience and vision of those early residents. Take a moment to admire the architecture. The dominant style is Spanish Colonial Revival, with its graceful arches and ornate details. But you’ll also find charming Craftsman bungalows and stately Tudor Revival homes sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. The residents of California Heights are fiercely proud of their historic heritage. They’ve established a robust neighborhood association that works tirelessly to preserve the area’s unique charm. Did you notice the vintage-style lampposts? They’re a result of the Lamppost Restoration Project, one of the association’s many initiatives. From the annual Home & Garden Tour to Christmas caroling and weekly street clean-ups, Cal Heights maintains a strong sense of community. They even publish an award-winning bi-monthly newsletter, “The Heights,” to keep residents informed. California Heights has received accolades over the years, including being named “Neighborhood of the Year” and earning a spot in Sunset Magazine’s “Best of the West.” It’s a place where history and community intertwine. So, as you stroll through the sun-drenched streets of California Heights, remember the cows that once grazed here, the oil that wasn’t found, and the community that bloomed in its place. It’s a story of adaptation, resilience, and the enduring power of a shared vision.