Balboa Island residents hot for history

Noaki Schwartz

BALBOA ISLAND -- It seems the community is definitely interested in

transforming the old fire station into a local museum.

The society sent out 1,300 questionnaires before the Thanksgiving weekend

and so far has received almost 100 responses -- most of which have been

overwhelmingly positive.

“The response to the questionnaires has been so great,” said Pat

Buderwitz, president of the Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society.

Many wrote that they were very interested and would support the idea

either through monetary donations or through volunteering their time.

Only eight people said they were not interested in a local historical

museum, and they were primarily concerned that the museum would attract

more tourists and lead to more parking problems.

Although it has not yet started a fund-raising campaign, the society has

already collected more than $15,000 in donations. In order to purchase

buy the fire station, which was built in 1932, and to renovate the

building, Buderwitz expects the group will need to raise $2 million.

“People have been calling up and offering donations,” she said.

To donate money or time, contact Buderwitz at The Balboa Island Museum

and Historical Society at (949) 675-9019.