For years, Esteban Villanueva drove past a fading piece of East County history — a mid-century neon motel sign slowly rusting along a well-traveled stretch of road.
He saw more than decay. He saw something worth saving.
“As an East County resident, I would drive past this sign multiple times per day on my way to work. I saw this beautiful, mid-century modern, classic neon sign quietly rusting into history. I said to myself: ‘This cannot be!’ I took it upon myself to create a plan for its restoration and to make sure to bring it back to its former glory!”
That determination led to a three-year restoration effort culminating in the relighting of the iconic Fabulous 7 Motel sign at the East County Transitional Living Center, where the former motel site now serves a very different purpose.
Supported by partners including San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson and the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the project blends preservation with a broader mission of transformation.
The sign dates to 1966, when the Fabulous 5-7 Motel served Highway 80 travelers with rates of $5 for one guest and $7 for multiple occupants.
“Before the interstate system was built in the United States in 1956 — something that many people just assume has always just ‘existed’ — we had to rely on state roads and highways. Highway 80 was the road that originally connected San Diego to the East …” he said.
As Interstate 8 reshaped travel, the motel remained part of a changing corridor.
The effort proved more complex than expected.
“Originally, the plan had been to remove the sign from its current location and transport it to the Restoration Workshop at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
“Unfortunately, as we began the restoration process, we discovered that the sign had been built in place in 1967, and there was no rigid internal support structure to attach to a crane -—the sign would have crumpled under its own weight,” he said.
Instead, crews restored it on-site.
“All work was done from scaffolding, boom lifts, and ladders. It added a level of complexity, but it ensured that the sign would stay protected and safe,” he said.
Symbol of renewal
Today, the sign stands above a campus providing housing and transitional programs for people experiencing homelessness.
For Dr. Julie Hayden, CEO of the East County Transitional Living Center, it reflects the organization’s mission.
“You know, for us, restoration is a big piece of what we do. We don’t want people to just get help right now. We want them to restore their life, restore relationships. And eventually, I want that restoration for the whole community,” she continued.
“But for us, it’s a great metaphor, and I’m very excited, and, and there’s a flip side that’s just as powerful. Because we always use light in the world. You know, the idea of hope. And so, you know, if you can see that light, you know, there’s a place for you. There’s a place you can go to for safety, where you can get help.”
Evolving campus
Hayden, who became CEO three years ago, said the facility itself has been improving.
“So, we’ve been remodeling rooms and just lifting the campus, because it really helps people feel like they’re part of a community instead of a homeless shelter,” she said.
The center uses what she calls a “motel model,” offering individual rooms for families.
“And so now we call it the Fabulous Seven Motel Model.”
That model recently reached a national stage.
“… And I actually presented it at the White House. Our model, and I got to put the sign in the PowerPoint, presented it at the White House.”
Community impact
The project also sparked collaboration with the San Diego Air & Space Museum, extending into workforce opportunities.
“They also care about the training for people who need to have a new career, if they’ve been homeless and restarting, and they care a lot about just the population being able to have access to jobs.”
“Graduates, you know, who were there over the years. They’re all commenting on just how exciting it is for a sign,” Dr. Hayden said.
“This was a three-year project. I am incredibly proud of the relationships that have been formed, the friendships established, and the success of bringing a part of East County history back to its former glory,” Villanueva said. “Every time I drive by, it brings joy to me, and I can’t wait for the sun to set and the lights to turn on. It looks Fabulous!”
Looking ahead
“I hope this will inspire others to do what they can to make their own neighborhood better and to make sure San Diego and East County remain a beautiful place to live,” Hayden said.
As the sign lights up once again, it stands as both a restored landmark and a symbol of renewal for the community it now serves.
