LAMORINDA WEEKLY | New historic landmark plaque for Orinda lamppost


Historic cast iron lamppost was moved to 94 Tarry Ln. in Orinda.

An historic cast-iron lamppost originally installed in the Orinda Triangle in the 1920s was virtually honored with a plaque at the Dec. 1 city council meeting. The historic landmark plaque was dedicated by Bobbie Landers, chair of the Orinda Landmark Committee. Also present at the Zoom meeting was the new owner of 94 Tarry Lane, Chiyo Shidara.

The lamppost was originally associated with the Hacienda Homes real estate office. When the office was demolished around 1970, the lamppost was rescued by Joe Cleary, who installed it on his property at 94 Tarry Lane. The landmark plaque was installed in coordination with Shidara, the new owner of the property and a new Orinda resident. "I feel like I am already part of Orinda," she told the city council. "This lamppost is so special to me." She said that she is very happy to be in Orinda and part of this program.

Mayor Darlene Gee presented Shidara with a certificate of recognition. Vice Mayor Amy Worth thanked all who were involved in preserving the lamppost, which she called "another icon of Orinda" that Bobbie Landers was instrumental in saving, the first being the Orinda sign outside the Community Center. Worth also praised Landers as the first woman mayor of Orinda.