In Memory of Ernie Bonn, Community Advocate Extraordinaire (1930-2026)
Ernie Bonn, 1999 Winner of SOHO Preservationist of the Year.
30 Years of Community Advocacy
Ernestine “Ernie” Bonn was the quintessential community advocate and an active presence in University Heights for over 30 years.
Ernie helped to revitalize the University Heights Community Development Corporation (UHCDC) and was an organizing member of the University Heights Park and Recreation Council. As a UHCDC Board member, she was instrumental in establishing the Birney Joint Use Field, the Summer in the Park concert series, and the Taste of University Heights.
Summer Concert at Trolley Barn Park
Led the Design and Installation of the Iconic University Heights Sign
She also led the design and installation of signage throughout University Heights, including our iconic University Heights sign, the three cobblestone gateway monument signs, the trolley gate at the entrance to Birney Joint Use Field, the vintage acorn streetlights along Park Blvd. between Meade and Adams, and the utility box art commemorating the early history of University Heights.
Helped Preserve Historic Landmarks in University Heights
With her great appreciation for history, Ernie established the University Heights Historical Society and helped to designate many University Heights landmarks. These include the Teachers Training Annex 1, the site of the Adams Avenue Trolley Carbarn, the former entrances to Mission Cliff Gardens and to the Bentley Ostrich Farm, the former Mission Cliff Gardens cobblestone wall and lily pond, and the old trolley stop drinking fountain.
An Avid Reader and Library Supporter
As a prodigious reader and book lover, Ernie was a member of the University Heights Friends of the Library for 15 years, helping to protect our little library. Every month, she attended the Friends of the University Heights Library book sale to peruse the treasures and purchase books.
Ernie’s collection was wide and varied — from history to fine arts to cooking to architecture to fashion to biographies — and everything in between. She also had a wellspring of paperback mysteries, children’s books, and an impressive assortment of books on the Civil War.
Recognized and Remembered by Many
Ernie collaborated with a wide network of individuals and organizations to support historic preservation throughout Uptown and North Park. She was a long-time member of both the North Park and Uptown Community Planning Groups and helped to establish the Historic Resources Committee of the Uptown Community Planning Group.
For her outstanding leadership and dedication to University Heights, Ernie was recognized as Woman of the Year in 1989 by California State Assemblywoman Lucy Killea. In 1999, she was recognized as Preservationist of the Year by Save Our Heritage Organisation.
“I met Ernie before we worked on Uptown Planners together. But on Uptown Planners, we became friends. We formed the Historical Resources Committee and served on it with Mary Wendorf. If only we had a magic wand to make right what we envisioned for our communities. Ernie saw so much during her long life, always adding perspective drawn from wisdom and also with good humor. I enjoyed her laugh, smile, and delight at the simple in life—reading a book. solving a problem or supporting or advancing others when she saw them do good. Loved her.” Janet O’Dea
“Ernie was a force in the community and a fearless supporter of our business lives and family. She will be greatly missed.” Roxanne Govari, Sanaam Govari, Mahin Mofazeli
When minutes were scheduled for approval, Ernie frequently had five details submitted for correction when most in the meeting had none.” Rob Steppke
“Ernie was unequaled in her commitment to the community. She did the work of many people.” Tom Mullaney
“Ernie. Just. Knew. Everything. I served with Ernie on a planning committee sub-committee and was always certain that if there was a question about what been done before in University Heights/North Park, Ernie just knew.” Peter Hill
“Enjoyed Ernie’s sense of humor and her involvement in so many community activities. A blessing to have known her.” Sol Schumer
An Enduring Legacy
Thanks to Ernie’s vision, advocacy, and persistence, she has left a legacy of protected landmarks and community treasures for future generations of University Heights residents to enjoy.
Produced by Marc Johnson