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Preservation Action Subcommittee News
By Erik Hanson
 Well, we've got dozens of irons in the old fire now. The upturn of the economy, the "smart growth" movement and the rediscovery of downtown have increased the number of issues we are juggling. We have heard from the Gaslamp Black Historical Society regarding the "Harlem of the West" district downtown, from Old Town business people regarding a massive CalTrans district headquarters project planned for Taylor Street, and about a four story parking garage and hotel expansion directly across from Heritage Park. We are keeping pressure on old issues such as the Police Headquarters removal scheme, the proposed demolition of the Hebbard & Gill Elks Lodge (Mitchell Residence) to be heard on appeal by the City Council, and the slow-motion collapse of La Jolla's ancient Red Roost and Red Rest cottages.
New issues arising include expansion plans for the Oceanside Museum of Art (Gill's City Hall and Fire station), and the County of San Diego's disassembly of the 1896 George Garrettson house, a major contributor to the Golden Hill Historic district, with no certain ideas about how to put it back together. The city's Historic resources Board has been wildly inconsistent this year: at one time designating a 1940's builder designed adobe home against the owner's wishes and at another time not finding the votes to save the U.S. Grant Presidential Library (Julia Dent Grant Residence). the City Council has been willing to override any designation that anybody has a problem with. We keep some optimism from seeing the accomplishments of our PIP winners and the large numbers of good projects in some residential neighborhoods.
A huge increase has been seen in applications for historic designation by owners of single family homes. We like to think that SOHO's Mills Act Workshops have had a part in this.
Things happen so quickly that we will continue to try to keep you updated about preservation threats through our e-mail bulletins and our web-site which is under construction. Please consider attending our sub-committee meetings; they are open to all. We meet at 6:30 pm on the first Monday of each month at the Sherman-Gilbert house in Heritage Park. It's the one way to hear all the details of those situations and projects that are given no attention elsewhere.
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MORE FROM THIS ISSUE
SOHO Assumes the Whaley House
President's Message
Ballpark Preservation Plans Continue Even As Construction Stops
Temple Beth Israel to be Saved From Demolition!!
Cabrillo Parkway-A Safe And Scenic 163
The Raising of the S.S. Catalina
The La Jolla Saga Continues
Preservation Action Subcommittee News
The California Preservation Foundation Chooses San Diego for Conference in 2001
Thank You For Your Support
SOHO Welcomes The New Board of Directors
Rest in Peace - Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant House
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