January/February 2024

President's Message

At the beginning of each new year, I like to reflect on the recent and not so recent past, and think about what the future may hold. 2023 was definitely a year for the record books. It was one of the most challenging for the preservation movement that I can recall, and that’s saying something! ...Read more

2023 Year in Review Countywide Historic Designation

They say all politics is local. The same goes for historic preservation.

Thousands of civic-minded and determined San Diegans made 2023 standout by demonstrating strong public support for preservation and helping to defeat (so far) some terribly ill-conceived proposals that threatened irreparable harm to historic homes, other landmarked sites and properties, and historic districts. In short, countless citizens showed up to speak at public meetings or on the street, wrote persuasive letters, and signed petitions to protect our increasingly valuable historic neighborhoods and priceless architectural and cultural heritage. ...read more

Affordable Housing Preservation:

A Winning Solution

Historic preservation in San Diego can and should become what the San Diego Housing Commission refers to as “affordable housing preservation” by creatively integrating the goals of historical conservation and affordable housing development. This requires a collaborative approach involving...Read more

Celebrating 20 Years of Preservation Success: Revitalizing San Diego’s Warehouse District

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the robust rebirth of San Diego’s downtown Warehouse Thematic Historic District, also known as the Ballpark District. Due to the preservation of this neighborhood’s historic buildings and character, the area has...Read more

University Heights Landmark Tree Saved from Real Estate Investors

The loud whine of chainsaws pierced the tranquility of a Sunday morning in December 2023, as a crew methodically sawed limbs from an enormous bunya bunya Araucaria bidwillii tree, a beloved University Heights landmark visible for miles. ...Read more

Neighborhood Historic Preservation Coalition Rebanded

The Neighborhood Historic Preservation Coalition (NHCP) is a network of community groups focused on the preservation of historic resources and community character in San Diego's many older neighborhoods. After staying in the background for a while we are rebanding in response to the massive...Read more

Push for Amendments to Fast-Track National Register Historic Districts

in San Diego

Mission Hills Heritage has repeatedly addressed the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board urging them to ease a pathway for adding National Register Historic Districts in San Diego to the local historic register. In December 2021, the group successfully listed Inspiration Heights as a National Register Historic District, the first of its kind...Read more

The Potential for Tijuana's

García Station

The historic García train station in Tijuana, Baja California, can be designated as a state cultural heritage site (with a period of significance of 1921-1970) and has promising potential to become a railway museum and garden. Toward this goal, I have been researching this property’s chronological changes and transformational events. ...Read more

San Diego City and County

Historic Designations

At the November 2023 meeting of the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board the last meeting of the year, members designated four houses. After his 1920 Craftsman home on Falcon Street was added to the San Diego historic register, the owner addressed the board in a way that surely...Read more

Penning the Past: Insights into San Diego's Historic Neighborhoods and Architecture

This dynamic Zoom lecture series, beginning in February 2024, promises an enriching exploration of San Diego's architectural legacy and historical tapestry, brought to life...Read more

Back for 2024!

Storytime at the Marston

SOHO is pleased to announce our second year hosting Storytime at the Marston. It’s a free morning activity outdoors for families with young children, amidst the cottontail bunnies, squirrels, and butterflies who share the...Read more

Writing Contest Reminder and Deadline

Extension!

Save Our Heritage Organisation invites amateur and professional writers to help us tell real-world stories about historic preservation in San Diego by March 31, 2024. This contest encourages writers to share their...Read more

The Marstons: A California Family Part 10

Chester Gunn - Gold Mines to Apple Pies

The next time you drive to the backcountry for a slice of warm apple pie or a cup of hot cider, why not pass the time by sharing the tale of Anna Lee Marston's adventurous brother, Chester Gunn, and his prolific orchard? ...Read more

Paper Ghosts

The Ephemeral Legacy of the

Thomas Whaley Family

The history of the Thomas Whaley family and the 1856 Whaley House Museum in Old Town San Diego has been well documented over the past century. However, the...Read more

SOHO Giving: Museum Program Helps Community Partners

Nonprofit organizations are an essential part of our community. And at SOHO, we believe in the power of community. Our commitment to making a positive impact goes beyond our daily operations. One way we accomplish this is through our Community...Read more

2024 People In Preservation Nominations are Open!

If you know of an outstanding preservationist or exceptional preservation project, SOHO invites you to nominate that person, team, or restored or adaptively reused building, for example...Read more

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