For two decades, it’s been a familiar visual as motorists enter the underpass at H and 57th streets headed to Fair Oaks Boulevard. It’s a community billboard with an interesting history and a bright future.
Former East Sacramento City Council member Steve Cohn orchestrated the billboard’s placement. The 4-by-12-foot frame featured changeable vinyl banners, mostly to promote the Pops in the Park concert series.
The letters said, “GREAT ART MAKES A GREAT COMMUNITY.” In 2016, new Councilmember Jeff Harris expanded the billboard’s reach to include other nonprofits and neighborhood events.
During the pandemic, Inside Sacramento sponsored a campaign called “100% Local.” We created a series of billboards featuring the “100% Local” message and photos of local business owners.
Then Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum replaced Harris. Pluckebaum wasn’t interested in managing the H Street billboard. After two decades, the sign’s plywood face deteriorated. It became impossible to hang banners.
Friends of East Sacramento stepped up late in 2025 and took responsibility for the sign. “We invested more than $1,500 to replace the wood and waterproof it,” says Lisa Schmidt, who helped found the nonprofit. “This sign should last another 20 years.”
Harris, a former building contractor, restored the sign and installed it with volunteer help from Steve Williamson and Howard Schmidt.
Friends of East Sac plans to offer the billboard to qualifying community groups promoting their events. Meridian Signage will manage fabrication and installation. The community groups will cover design and manufacturing costs.
For information on billboard qualifications, contact Lisa Schmidt at friendsofeastsac@aol.com.
