20210120-Accounting Update and Letter (pdf version)
Jan 19, 2022
Dear Neighbors,
We hope you have been enjoying the colorful lighting during these short days and long nights. Here is your yearly update on the lighting finances, a request for contributions, and a little extra info we think is interesting. Enjoy!
A brief history
In January of 1999 the residents of this block took advantage of a matching grant program offered by the city. Each of the 24 households contributed about $200 to have 7 decorative lamps installed at a total cost of $9,695, of which the city paid half. Each lamp was hooked into the power meter of the house it sits in front of, and those neighbors continue to pay for the electricity to keep them lit throughout the year. The rest of the neighbors chip in some dollars, traditionally at an annual neighborhood social, to help with maintenance costs and decorations. The Streetlamp Committee replaces bulbs, sensors, purchases seasonal decorations, and arranges repair of any damage that is beyond our expertise. We are sad that the last couple of years have not been ideal for meeting you all at a social.
Lamp maintenance fund
The original organizers thought it was prudent to try to keep $300 reserved in a savings account in order to help pay for repairs. At that time a replacement globe was $72. As of 2020 that price has risen to $123! In October, 2020 you all came through with flying colors after our terrible wind storm and contributed a total of $360. After paying for wind repairs, and some new fall decorative string lights, we still have $142 remaining in the account. We even collected $30 in promotional dollars from Venmo and Amazon to contribute to the pot! If we could raise $10 from each of the 17 non-lamp households, that would fully fund our repair account, putting us in a good position to keep our lights maintained.
How to contribute
There are several ways you can get the funds to us. You can bring cash or a check to our home, or you can Zelle or Venmo the money directly to an account we set up for the street lamps at Key Bank. (See below)
Website
We created a street lamp website in order to share more details with you. The website includes historical information, and links to the accounting of income and expenses, along with copies of receipts. Please visit it at: https://wilsonavestreetlights.braymen.net
Contact and payment info
- ADDRESS: 1774 E Wilson (South side, grey house, yellow door)
- PHONE/TEXT: 760-315-0676 (Elizabeth’s cell)
- EMAIL: wilsonstreetlighting@gmail.com
- ZELLE DIRECTLY TO KEY BANK: wilsonstreetlighting@gmail.com
- VENMO: @Wilson-StreetLighting or wilsonstreetlighting@gmail.com
- MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Elizabeth Braymen
Please feel free to text, call, or email us if you ever have any questions.
Thank you!
Elizabeth and Chris Braymen
(The Lighting “Committee”)