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Residents should not worry if the well-known Little Italy neighborhood sign is missing overhead during their next drive north on India Street.

The sign suffered damage from a Waste Management truck back in late January. During a June meeting, the Little Italy Association reviewed plans to remove the sign for about two weeks to complete repairs.

The group also considered a future project to fully restore the pillars and sign due to ongoing age-related wear.

From the Documenters

This story came in part from notes taken by Brisa Karow, a San Diego Documenter, at a Little Italy Association meeting this month. The Documenters program trains and pays community members to document what happens at public meetings.

Information remains limited about the earlier incident involving the sign. A Waste Management truck reportedly hit it in the early morning hours, possibly during garbage collection.

A Waste Management spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

In a departure from current trends, no one captured cell phone video of the event.

The truck driver reported the incident to the city, which then notified the association, said Chris Gomez, chief executive administrator for New City America Inc, who consults for the Little Italy Association.

Damage appears on the word SAN DIEGO along the bottom of the north side.

Repairs to restore the sign to its prior condition are estimated at $65,000. While not yet confirmed, Gomez anticipates that Waste Management insurance will cover the expense.

Gomez remains uncertain about the exact removal date or repair timeline but suggests it could happen next month with roughly two weeks needed for fixes.

Around the same time, the association started exploring a complete refurbishment of the sign. At 27 years old, it shows clear signs of deterioration, Gomez noted.

Plywood inside the support beams appears to be causing bowing and loose tiles, he added.

The association may also replace the neon lights with LED versions. Refurbishment costs could total between $200,000 and $300,000 and might occur within the next three years.

The Little Italy sign was dedicated in October 2000 during a historical event called FESTA!. It honors the former tuna fishing and canning industry as well as Sicilian immigrants who once formed the majority of residents in the area.

The west-side pillar on India Street highlights the ocean, tuna boats, and workers from the 1960s and 1970s.

The east-side pillar reflects Italian colors and features images of churches, cooking, and family life.

Both pillars use mosaic tile.

When an artist refreshes the pillars, they will not serve as exact copies, Gomez said. New tiles will preserve the original spirit while ensuring the sign endures another 30 years.