California Heights Neighborhood Association

The California Heights Neighborhood Association (CHNA) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing one of Long Beach's most treasured neighborhoods. As stewards of the California Heights Historic District, our mission is simple: Educating the Present, Preserving the Past.

For more than 35 years, CHNA has served as the voice of the California Heights community, advocating for thoughtful neighborhood improvements, historic preservation, community engagement, and quality of life initiatives that benefit residents today while safeguarding the neighborhood's character for future generations.

California Heights is home to more than 1,600 historic homes and represents one of the largest historic districts in Southern California. While our beautiful tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and strong sense of community make our neighborhood unique, maintaining and protecting these assets requires ongoing effort, advocacy, and investment.

Thanks to the support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, CHNA has accomplished an extraordinary amount in recent years.

Together, we have:

• Restored and painted 233 historic street lamps throughout the neighborhood.

• Planted nearly 600 new trees to strengthen our urban forest and replace lost canopy.

• Installed new neighborhood signage and beautification improvements.

• Supported public art projects, including neighborhood murals that celebrate our community's history and identity.

• Organized neighborhood cleanups through our Clean Streets Program, removing more than a ton of trash from our streets and alleys.

• Hosted educational workshops to help homeowners understand the history and preservation of their homes.

• Produced and delivered our award-winning neighborhood newsletter, keeping residents informed and connected.

• Advocated for preservation-friendly policies, infrastructure improvements, public safety enhancements, and responsible development throughout the neighborhood.

• Created opportunities for neighbors to connect through events, meetings, community gatherings, and volunteer programs.

But CHNA is more than projects and programs. We are neighbors helping neighbors.

Every year, volunteers contribute countless hours to improve our community. Whether planting trees, organizing events, researching neighborhood history, cleaning streets, advocating at City Hall, or welcoming new residents, our volunteers help make California Heights one of Long Beach's most vibrant and engaged neighborhoods.

Our annual events bring thousands of residents together and help strengthen the relationships that make neighborhoods thrive. One of our most beloved traditions is the California Heights Block Party, which transforms our neighborhood into a celebration of community, featuring live music, local vendors, family activities, food, and opportunities for neighbors to connect. In 2026, we are excited to celebrate our Centennial Block Party as California Heights marks 100 years of history, architecture, and community pride.

CHNA is also proud to host the California Heights Home & Garden Tour, one of Long Beach's premier historic preservation events. This highly anticipated tour showcases some of the neighborhood's most beautiful historic homes while educating visitors about architecture, preservation, and the unique character that makes California Heights special. The tour not only celebrates our neighborhood's rich history but also serves as an important fundraiser supporting preservation and community initiatives. We look forward to celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Home & Garden Tour in 2027.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on preserving the historic character of California Heights while investing in projects that improve quality of life for everyone who calls this neighborhood home.

Your support through Long Beach Gives allows us to continue funding:

• Historic preservation initiatives

• Tree planting and urban forest programs

• Neighborhood beautification projects

• Community events and educational programming

• Neighborhood communication and outreach

• Public art and cultural projects

• Advocacy efforts that protect and enhance our community

Every contribution, no matter the size, directly supports projects that make a visible and lasting difference in our neighborhood.

When you donate to CHNA, you are investing in a stronger, more connected, and more beautiful California Heights. You are helping preserve our neighborhood's unique history while ensuring it remains a welcoming place for generations to come.

We invite you to join us in continuing this important work.

Together, we can preserve the past, strengthen the present, and build an even brighter future for California Heights.

Thank you for supporting the California Heights Neighborhood Association.