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Signs to make Fallbrook more visitor-friendly

As early as 2007, new directional signs will make Fallbrook easier to navigate for first-time visitors, says Jerri Patchett, chair of the Fallbrook Gateways, Signage and Wayfinding committee. As many as nine gateways and 18 signs are planned for installation throughout Fallbrook.

Rollout of the project will be completed in four phases. Starting with Phase 1, which covers identity and logo design, other phases include: Phase 2, an in-depth study of Fallbrook’s gateways, signage and wayfinding needs that results in a design and sign manual; Phase 3, the signage permitting process; and Phase 4, land lease agreements, finding additional funding and, finally, construction and installation.

The Fallbrook Area Visitor’s Bureau paid $6,000 for Phase 1. A grant of $50,000 in county community development funds has been secured to pay for Phase 2; beyond, however, additional funding will be needed to complete the project.

The first phase is complete and the master plan for the project will go before the Fallbrook Community Planning Group for its formal review within 90 days. Patchett says members of the group have already seen the plan and she’s optimistic about its okay.

“They’ve pretty much given their approval,” she says.

The review process could take as little as a month, Patchett says. If that occurs, Phase 2 would be launched immediately. While additional funding to complete the project will be necessary, the cost of constructing the southern gateway is in place. A donation by the Rotary Club of Fallbrook to commemorate the 2005 centennial of Rotary International will cover its cost, says Jack Wood, president of the local chapter.

Two significant obstacles remain: working through the county permit maze and fundraising for project completion. While Patchett admits “it’s hard to say” how long it will take to secure the permits, she’s been told “the county is expected to expedite the process.” Further, although fundraising will commence, the total budget for the project cannot be finalized until the sign placement mapping is completed.

Motivational Systems, Inc. of San Diego was chosen to implement the project from identity and logo design through construction.

The final logo design, a stylized tree that represents Fallbrook’s verdant green and largely agricultural landscape, was chosen from nine designs prepared by the company. Gateways, signage and wayfinding committee members, along with several local artists, participated in the final logo choice.

 

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