Save Our Heritage Organisation

Save Our Heritage Organisation SOHO-Historic preservation of architectural, cultural, and historical links and landmarks of the SD r

Commissioner on the Los Angeles Historical Records and Landmarks Commission, is putting out a call for preservation arch...
01/13/2025

Commissioner on the Los Angeles Historical Records and Landmarks Commission, is putting out a call for preservation architects and design professionals who can build Altadena back as an historic district after the

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1131805552279520&set=a.131043002355785

Benjamin Kahle, realtor and Commissioner on the Los Angeles Historical Records and Landmarks Commission, is putting out a call for preservation architects and design professionals who can build Altadena back as an historic district after the
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEtC7hFy5hz/

The devastation in Los Angeles is beyond words. This historic disaster has caused the overwhelming loss of homes, school...
01/10/2025

The devastation in Los Angeles is beyond words. This historic disaster has caused the overwhelming loss of homes, schools, cultural landmarks, legacy businesses, and cherished community spaces. And yet, the threat continues, with windstorms, wildfires, and risks to lives and structures persisting.

The Los Angeles Conservancy is working diligently to gather information amidst this crisis. While the full extent of the damage to historic places is not yet known, these tragic events remind us of the profound value these sites hold for all of us.

They have compiled a partial list of confirmed losses, with sources confirming the impacts. Locations without links have been independently verified. With over 9,000 structures damaged or destroyed so far, the Conservancy is focused on identifying and documenting historic places affected by these fires.

For those impacted, the Conservancy has provided essential resources.

Our thoughts are with the people of Los Angeles and the Conservancy as they work to navigate this unprecedented disaster. To view the list and access resources, visit their website for up-to-date information.

HERE:
https://www.laconservancy.org/save-places/issues/disaster-relief-for-l-a-county-fires/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR131G6T9kQdknpUYy0GsSGAoIKw-WuqlPh_Gxj1DRDU1U-8VjJeqKqR9Pw_aem_D83uAC1XVmnDDP2xlFvnDA

Photos © Gary Leonard.

Restoration in progress. "The 96-year-old bell tower of St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla will be shroud...
01/09/2025

Restoration in progress.

"The 96-year-old bell tower of St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla will be shrouded in scaffolding for the next several weeks after damage was discovered to concrete inside and on the exterior of the tower."

Also, cracks are found inside, prompting the church to put up scaffolding and protective netting in preparation for repairs, which will take weeks

Devastating news from California State Parks, we extend our deepest sympathies, and fortunately, no one was hurt."While ...
01/08/2025

Devastating news from California State Parks, we extend our deepest sympathies, and fortunately, no one was hurt.

"While a full assessment of the damages and losses isn’t immediately available, here are the significant impacts known:

* Will Rogers’ historic ranch house and other historic buildings at Will Rogers SHP destroyed;
* Topanga Ranch Motel and all concessions destroyed;
* State Park employee residences destroyed;
* More than 30 structural losses at Topanga SP and Will Rogers SHP.

State Parks was able to evacuate the horses and some of the cultural and historical artifacts, including artwork, at Will Rogers SHP ahead of the fire."

State Parks continues to support the efforts of first responders battling the Palisades Fire, one of a number of fires burning throughout Southern California. For the latest updates on state parks impacted, please visit parks.ca.gov/incidents.

https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1346?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2j2heXVfJosPpzE5xYqdbciFnRkXYLC2IaQm3inBiaJ52nJPsD4_Lzidw_aem_0tyu7ZGO-4OdbWcWAZ8XCw

...“We don’t utilize the Mills Act enough and don’t utilize historical designation in lower-income areas enough to help ...
01/07/2025

...“We don’t utilize the Mills Act enough and don’t utilize historical designation in lower-income areas enough to help maximize the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing,” concluded C***s. He added, “The development industry wants as few constraints, and costs, as possible to make the maximum profit. They’re only building market-rate housing, and the City has been letting them off on all the infrastructure fees. If they (developers) can sell an unlimited number of market-rate units, why would they build anything else?”

The City Planning Department acknowledged that it needs to find additional ways to improve the regulations and guidance around how historical designation can be accomplished to provide a clearer pathway for those interested in adding homes to properties with historical resources...

The City and a local historical architectural preservation group are squabbling over whether historic housing stock supports or restricts, increasing the housing supply in San Diego. Since 1969, the nonprofit Save Our Heritage Organisation has led the way as a powerful catalyst for historical preser...

Baja California Preservation NewsBy Maria CurryJanuary/February 2025
01/03/2025

Baja California Preservation News
By Maria Curry
January/February 2025

The Baja California ministry of culture recently organized a centennial celebration in downtown Tijuana for Teniente Guerrero Park, the city’s first public green space, founded in 1924 through a grassroots initiative.

2024 Year in Review Countywide Historic DesignationIntro by Ann JarmuschJanuary/February 2025In 2024, the City of San Di...
01/02/2025

2024 Year in Review Countywide Historic Designation
Intro by Ann Jarmusch
January/February 2025

In 2024, the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board designated 29 historical resources, 26 which are single-family residences.

Richards House photo by Andrei Booriakin

Developments in preservation in San Diego began at a gallop last year, and never slowed down. In February 2024, the City of San Diego launched its still-ongoing Preservation and Progress initiative to update and overhaul heritage preservation policies, procedures, and perhaps the 1965 ordinance itse...

SOHO President's MessageBy David W. GoldbergJanuary/February 2025At the beginning of each new year, I find it useful to ...
01/01/2025

SOHO President's Message
By David W. Goldberg
January/February 2025

At the beginning of each new year, I find it useful to reflect on the recent past as well as to contemplate the challenges and opportunities the next 12 months may hold. ..

Read David's full message at the photo link.

At the beginning of each new year, I find it useful to reflect on the recent past as well as to contemplate the challenges and opportunities the next 12 months may hold. Like the year before it, 2024 was one for the record books in both good and not so good ways.

SOHO's 4,500-Square-Mile Mission Excerpt: .."We know you are deeply passionate about preservation issues that personally...
12/31/2024

SOHO's 4,500-Square-Mile Mission

Excerpt: .."We know you are deeply passionate about preservation issues that personally impact your community, and want you to know that we hear you. SOHO's small but mighty staff works to balance serving individual communities while meeting expectations as a countywide organization. Your passion for preservation inspires us, and we remain committed to advocating for the historic resources that matter to you.

And, of course, preservation isn’t just about saving individual landmarks. You will often hear more about our fights to protect the most well-known and beloved sites than about our actions in quieter or even remote, but vital historic places. Every community we serve contributes to this broader, multidimensional narrative, and every preservation victory strengthens our county's collective cultural fabric.

We ask our members, supporters, and community partners to solidly uphold SOHO’s mission and to recognize the ongoing challenges we face. Preservation is a collective effort, relying on collaboration and support from all parts of San Diego County. Together, we can ensure that the stories and places that have shaped our region's rich, authentic character are preserved for generations.

We invite you to join SOHO as a member, to donate funds, or to volunteer your time and skills. Your support is crucial to protecting and celebrating our shared heritage."

While much of SOHO’s work is rooted in the city of San Diego, due to the density of historic places within its boundaries, our mission stretches far beyond. SOHO is a countywide organization dedicated to ensuring the stories, structures, and cultural landmarks of all San Diego County communities a...

The Year the Internet Started to Care About Architectural Preservation   News of everything from celebrities to climate ...
12/28/2024

The Year the Internet Started to Care About Architectural Preservation

News of everything from celebrities to climate crises threatening classic structures sparked outcry beyond the expected design crowd—and actually got results.
Text by
Marah Eakin

Our very most favorite historic tour company, Esotouric's Secret Los Angeles are featured heavily in this Dwell Article!
Congrats to these passionate, wonderful, and impactful preservationists for raising such awareness!

News of everything from celebrities to climate crises threatening classic structures sparked outcry beyond the expected design crowd—and actually got results.

There’s something truly special about SOHO – it feels like family. Every time we come together, we’re reminded of the co...
12/21/2024

There’s something truly special about SOHO – it feels like family. Every time we come together, we’re reminded of the connections and friendships that make our mission so meaningful. If you’re looking for a place where you can belong and make a difference, join us!

https://www.sohosandiego.org/main/membership.htm

As a SOHO member, you get more than just free admission to the Marston House Museum and Gardens. You get the satisfactio...
12/14/2024

As a SOHO member, you get more than just free admission to the Marston House Museum and Gardens. You get the satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to the preservation of San Diego’s history. We’re grateful to each and every member who helps us keep this beautiful landmark accessible to all. Your support truly makes a difference!

Photo by Robert Veres.

We are so thankful for having Ann on our (award-winning) communications team!Learn a little bit about why in this spotli...
12/07/2024

We are so thankful for having Ann on our (award-winning) communications team!

Learn a little bit about why in this spotlight!

Ann Jarmusch, part of SOHO’s publications and communications team, credits her family for preparing her from a young age to be a strong preservationist enamored of architecture, diverse cultures, and history.

One of the best things about SOHO? It’s not just a group – it’s a family! Our members bring warmth, dedication, and frie...
12/07/2024

One of the best things about SOHO? It’s not just a group – it’s a family! Our members bring warmth, dedication, and friendship to everything we do together. If you’re passionate about history, community, and meaningful connections, we’d love to welcome you into the SOHO family.

A Victory Thanks to You! Here’s What We Can Achieve TogetherThanks to supporters like you, we secured key wins this year...
12/03/2024

A Victory Thanks to You! Here’s What We Can Achieve Together

Thanks to supporters like you, we secured key wins this year—but the challenges keep coming. This , your donation will fund the legal and advocacy work needed to keep historic San Diego intact. Together, we can face these threats head-on. Help SOHO protect what we all love.

https://www.sohosandiego.org/giving/generalfund.htm

Your donation to our general fund will help us continue our mission by helping defray our general expenses. Donations to our General Fund can be used to support all our work. This means we can allocate our resources in the most effective ways possible.

PRESERVATION ACTION ALERT in Coronado please take a minute to submit your comments.To submit a public comment directly t...
12/02/2024

PRESERVATION ACTION ALERT in Coronado please take a minute to submit your comments.
To submit a public comment directly through the Coronado website visit https://www.coronado.ca.us/449/Agendas-Minutes and click the speech bubble icon. For direct assistance or additional clarification, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (619) 522-7320 or [email protected]​.

The City of Coronado is proposing significant changes to its Historic Preservation Program that could put our community’s heritage at risk. Under the proposed amendments, 1,007 homes built before 1949—classified as "Tier 3" properties—would no longer require historic review for renovations or demolitions. We need your voice to ensure Coronado honors its historic legacy. Join us in urging the City Council to reconsider these changes and protect our community’s history.

To submit a public comment directly through the Coronado website visit https://www.coronado.ca.us/449/Agendas-Minutes and click the speech bubble icon. For direct assistance or additional clarification, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (619) 522-7320 or [email protected]​.

Help Us Fight to Save San Diego’s Historic Places! The push for demolitions and new development in San Diego is threaten...
12/02/2024

Help Us Fight to Save San Diego’s Historic Places!

The push for demolitions and new development in San Diego is threatening to erase our history. This , your support is crucial. Stand with us to protect our historic neighborhoods, from iconic sites to beloved local landmarks. Every donation makes a difference!

https://www.sohosandiego.org/giving/generalfund.htm

Remember this loss? Pictured: The 1914 Hotel San Diego after demolition. Photo by Sandé Lollis.

Did you catch this great article from Our Heritage eNews?   Check it out in full at the image link.San Diego’s Success W...
12/02/2024

Did you catch this great article from Our Heritage eNews? Check it out in full at the image link.

San Diego’s Success Was Built on Historic Preservation

"San Diego’s preservation efforts have consistently proven to be a smart investment. The city’s adaptive reuse success stories—like the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building (1928), transformed into the Courtyard San Diego Downtown hotel—are solid evidence of the economic benefits that come from preserving and repurposing our architectural heritage. Each saved building tells the story of San Diego's growth and transformation, offering a finer-grained community development that fosters a sense of place and continuity.

Developers who fail to understand the profound role that preservation has played in shaping San Diego should not be allowed to dictate the city’s future. Their calls to sideline preservation anytime they please reveal a profound ignorance of what makes this city unique. San Diego’s history is not a liability; it is an asset that continues to draw people to the area. We must continue to champion preservation, not only to honor our past but to ensure a more sustainable and vibrant future for generations to come.

As in the Gaslamp Quarter, our city’s treasured collection of historic buildings is worth preserving for everyone’s benefit and glory. We cannot sacrifice our priceless architectural heritage for the sake of luxury housing and reckless, self-serving development schemes."

More...at the image link.

San Diego’s identity and success as an international tourism destination was built on historic preservation, yet the city is allowing both homegrown and out-of-town developers to dismiss the value of historic sites when it suits them. The same people who shrug off preservation as a costly, inconve...

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3525 7th Avenue
San Diego, CA
92103

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Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

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+16192979327

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