We are living in perplexing times! For every two steps forward there seems to be at least one step backward. Case in point is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With the rollout and broad acceptance of highly effective vaccines it looked like the end was in sight. The initial surge in vaccinations appeared to have the virus on the run. But the surge dropped off, too many...Read more
In Memoriam
Sarai Goebel Johnson
(1970-2021)
The preservation and history communities have taken a blow with the enormous loss of historian Sarai Johnson, who died August 5, 2021 at age 50 of cancer. Sarai was an expert in genealogy and historical research and generously shared her knowledge. She wrote more than 100 in-depth city and county historic designation reports that...Read more
ADVOCACY & EDUCATION
Solar Panels on Your Historic Home?
The California Solar Rights Act encourages the use of solar energy systems in designated (and not-designated) historic resources. This is an example of how historic preservation can work to increase sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint. ...Read more
Parks Master Plan Approved
The San Diego City Council approved the first new Parks Master Plan since 1956 on August 3, 2021 with an 8-1 vote. Working with City staff, SOHO made several recommendations that are included in the final plan regarding historic resources and cultural landscapes. Included in the final plan is a policy geared to forming a...Read more
Your Comments Wanted for Hillcrest LGBTQ+ History Survey
The City of San Diego Planning Department is asking the public to provide comments on the draft Hillcrest LGBTQ+ Historic Context Statement. Its five themes include social life; community organizations and political activism; media, arts, and culture; and business and commerce. ...Read more
Plant More Trees Now!
The City of San Diego has a commitment to increase the number of trees in the region's tree canopy to help meet the goals of its Climate Action Plan. The goals include planting new trees in open spaces, and retaining the mature trees that define many of...Read more
Coronado Bridge Historical Resources Evaluation
The Department of California Transportation (Caltrans) had a Historical Resources Evaluation Report prepared about the c. 1969 San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge and its associated infrastructure for the...Read more
Historic Tax Credit Act
Needs Your Support!
Federal tax credits are a proven incentive for revitalizing historic resources and supporting economic recovery. When combined with the $50 million fund for the new California Historic Tax Credit, these credits can have a significant impact on preservation. San Diego is well-positioned to benefit from passage of the federal Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act (HTC-GO),...Read more
San Diego Historic Sites Receive State Funds
Three City of San Diego historic sites are beneficiaries of more than $200 million flowing to this area in recently approved state funding. Toni G. Atkins, the state Senate's President pro Tempore who also...Read more
Preserving Los Angeles
Book Review
A boxy, vine-covered building you never really looked at before. Surprise! Inside, Neil Young, Nirvana, and Fleetwood Mac laid down album tracks. Early 20th-century farmhouses are all that's left of an agricultural...Read more
Focus on Board Member
Dan Soderberg
SOHO board member Dan Soderberg is receiving national attention for his color photographs of the Samuel and Harriet Freeman House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, which he photographed extensively in...Read more
Four Cultural Resources Newly Designated in Baja California
Four cultural resources were designated in Baja California in June 2021, increasing the list to only 16 resources on the state registry. Another four resources are in the process of...Read more
City of San Diego Historical Resources Board
The City of San Diego Historical Resources Board (HRB) designated four new resources in July, including one associated with William S. Ivans, one of America's greatest sailplane...Read more
