Pride takes on Arch

Orland Pride is taking on the lighting of the historic Orland Arch project.

The nonprofit's board unanimously agreed to work on the effort at its September meeting, according to President Tracey Quarne.

A visit from Orland Economic Development Commissioner Gary Campbell prompted the group to move forward and complete it.

It is one of three major projects Orland Pride has going this year, Quarne said.

A previously developed fund has about $2,400 in it, but the cost of the lighting is likely to run around $4,000 to $5,000, Campbell said in the past.

He has worked with the EDC to try and light the arch on Old Highway 99 by seeking private funding since city officials say Orland does not have money for the project.

Orland Pride plans to "re-engage the Motor Ice-Cycle Run," Quarne said, as a fundraiser.

It could possibly be run again in January on Martin Luther King Jr. Day or in February on Presidents' Day, he said, as no date is yet set.

The project "satisfies our mission of bettering Orland," Quarne said, which is why it is involved.

It will provide a very attractive entryway into the city, he added.

"We are an optimistic bunch who hope to wrap this up in six months," Quarne said.

Campbell and other economic development commissioners have advocated lighting the arch for some time.

They believe it would lure travelers off Interstate 5 and complement the city as it did years ago.

The structure was built in the 1930s and had lights on it for many years as cars entered town from Old Highway 99 just north of the city.

It was repainted in 2009 in time for the city's Centennial Celebration and is considered an important landmark by local history buffs.

Power to the structure is already there, but Pacific Gas and Electric Co. would have to hook it up again if solar lighting is not used, Campbell said in February.

LED lights are available for lowering energy consumption, he said.

Bob Pasero, vice-president of Orland Pride, said his group wants to assist in valuable projects like this.

The arch is a landmark people can see entering town from either end of Old Highway 99, and it is readily identifiable with Orland.

"People take hundreds of pictures of the arch," Pasero said, and a Google search reveals numerous images of the landmark on the Internet.

He said Thursday he believes the original fixtures must be around somewhere and it would be great to get them put up again.

However, running the power to the arch and getting things set up will likely cost up to $7,000, Pasero added.

Orland Pride's major project is the memorial statue to Orland's fallen heroes which will be erected near Orland Memorial Hall.

The statue is a soldier leading a riderless horse in honor of those Orland military members lost to was from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Local sculptor Ulises Meza designed the bronze statue and will complete it as funding becomes available.

Cost of the statue is estimated at $40,000, Pasero said, and about 25 percent or $12,000 has been raised.

It is to be placed on the south side of the Orland Memorial Hall behind the cannon, he said.

Local artist Michael Swann is doing a painting of the statue so people can see what it will look like in the park, Pasero said. It will be put on display after it is finished.

The group also is working toward putting in a community center for the city and will work with the City Council, commissions, other nonprofits and community groups that goal, Quarne said.