Edhat Staff
(Courtesy Photos)
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) students threw a surprise birthday party for their 94-year-old neighbor last week at the Beach City Apartment complex.
Jean Nell is one of the last original residents from the Harbor Heights Manor Apartments located in the 800 block of Cliff Drive next to SBCC. The complex was purchased five years ago by Ed St. George who renovated the building to as unofficial dorm-style housing for nearby community college students.
On Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, February 14, students and residents gathered with balloons, cake, and flowers to celebrate Nell’s birthday in the property’s courtyard.
Nell is originally from Chicago and moved to Santa Barbara 35 years ago. She lived on Oceano before moving to Harbor Heights Manor. On her free time she volunteers at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital visiting patients and she also volunteers at the Granada Theatre. On Sundays you can usually find her participating in mass at Holy Cross Church on Cliff Drive. With an interest in gardening, her favorite flowers are roses and orchids.
Nell said that the celebration last week was the largest birthday party she’s ever had and she’s grateful for all the kind students living near her. She said she loves living at Beach City and it’s her favorite home so far.
Beach City houses nearly 500 students in seven buildings, a total of 97 units that are fully furnished. A full staff lives on site, including two resident assistants assigned to each building. The complex organizes weekly events such as BBQ’s and movie nights that are available to all tenants.
Well I digress, partially. Seems like this was a great event, and kudos to everyone involved. Still, I would like to see more articles about wise old people and fewer articles about young beautiful fools.