Bernal Love for Lights along Cortland

Laurie Kanes is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

The Bernal Business and Arts Alliance is raising funds to pay for the new festival lights along Cortland Avenue that were installed over the holidays. Grants from Avenue Greenlight and The Civic Joy Fund paid for three blocks of lights installed in November, but once they were up, the BBAA realized we couldn't leave the rest of Cortland in the dark!

We took a risk and had lights installed along the remaining Cortland business corridor for all to enjoy. Not only do they create a festive, village charm for our neighborhood, but they really help improve lighting for pedestrians strolling around at night. Please show a little Bernal Love by contributing whatever you can to lighting up our neighborhood!

Thank you from the Bernal Business and Arts Alliance

Here's some more information:

- The lights will hopefully stay up year round for three to five years or more depending on the elements or vandalism, at which time we can reevaluate.

- The initial $13,000 cost was covered by grants, $7500 for the lights and for installation on street light poles and trees, and $5500 for installing electrical outlets on the outside of buildings.

- The second installation was $9500 for additional outlets and $9000 for the lights and stringing, or $18,500. We had $2000 left over from the grants and are raising the additional $16,500 needed through this Go-Fund-Me.

- Different businesses along Cortland who had the outdoor outlets installed are paying for the electricity each month and we are very grateful for their help and sponsorship.

- We will be installing timers on the lights soon so they will turn on around 5:00pm and turn off at midnight, as some residents living in apartments near the lights need darkness during sleeping hours.

The Bernal Business and Arts Alliance is a 501C-6 nonprofit neighborhood organization dedicated to promoting communication and collaboration among local businesses, artists, and residents, to support the well-being and vibrancy of our Bernal Heights community. Thank you for your support!