Remembering Ernie Bonn (1930-2026), Champion of University Heights History

Ernie Bonn on her 80th birthday. Courtesy of University Heights Historical Society.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of longtime University Heights advocate Ernestine Bonn, 96, on February 18 at Scripps Mercy Hospital.

In addition to her many other community accomplishments, Ernestine (Ernie) Bonn was instrumental in preserving and commemorating much of the early history of University Heights. Founded in 1888, University Heights is one of San Diego’s oldest neighborhoods and home to the former Mission Cliff Gardens, Bentley’s Ostrich Farm, Hilton's Silk Mill, Adams Avenue Trolley Carbarn, and the San Diego Normal School, forerunner to San Diego State University.

In 1997, Ernie established the University Heights Historical Society and, with the assistance of historian Alex Bevil, historically designated many of these University Heights landmarks. These include the San Diego Normal School Teachers Training Annex 1 on Normal Street, site of the Adams Avenue Trolley Carbarn (now Trolley Barn Park), former entrances to Mission Cliff Gardens and to the Bentley Ostrich Farm on Adams Avenue, former Mission Cliff Gardens cobblestone wall along Adams Avenue and the lily pond on Mission Cliff Drive, and the old trolley stop drinking fountain on Adams Avenue at Park Blvd.

Teachers Training Annex 1, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Courtesy University Heights Historical Society.

Ernie also led the design and installation of signage throughout University Heights to commemorate our early history including the University Heights sign on Park at Madison, three gateway monument signs with ostrich motifs on Adams, Madison, and Washington, the trolley gate at the entrance to Birney Joint Use Field on Park at Meade, the banners along Park Blvd., and the monument sign and utility box art on Adams at North commemorating Mission Cliff Gardens superintendent John Davidson.

Though the effort has stalled, Ernie also organized the University Heights Library Task Force to secure the historically designated Teacher's Training Annex 1 for our new library.

For her outstanding leadership and dedication to historic preservation in University Heights, Ernie was awarded a People in Preservation award by Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) three times including SOHO’s highest recognition, Preservationist of the Year.

Ernie had a great sense of humor, was an avid reader, and was respected by many throughout San Diego for her dedication, persistence, and love of University Heights. Our community is very fortunate to have had such a tireless advocate who has left a legacy of protected landmarks for future generations.