President's Message

By Erik Hanson

As with a certain other recently elected president, you may be wondering exactly how I came to be here and writing this column. With the increased number of projects taken on by SOHO, especially the operation of the Whaley House Museum, it became necessary for us to quickly take on an experienced person for SOHO's Executive Director. Bruce Coons, my able predecessor, resigned as president to take that position. As I had served two terms as vice president and several terms on the board of directors, my time had come to step up and serve as president. I'd have been foolish to allow myself to move into the presidential slot without someone of Bruce's competency to rely on. Fortunately, the board was able to convince Barry Hager, already serving as a director at large, to step into the vice presidential position. Barry has been doing a tremendous job for SOHO, working on the donation of the Neon Majorette, the Façade Easement, and heading the newly formed Revolving Preservation Fund Committee.

I'm happy to say that for the first time in several years, SOHO has the financial stability to fund the executive director position. Having Bruce on the job, along with Assistant to the Board, Beth Montes, and four paid Whaley House docents, will allow us to catch up with the huge quantity and variety of projects, events, reviews and testimonies we take on. The articles you read in Reflections represent just the smallest portion of the work SOHO does.

SOHO is to some a social organization, to others a band of street level activists, to many a group of well informed consultants, and to all a tribal memory of San Diego's past. The Board of Directors and the staff must perform all these roles at once and often pull their own stage curtain as well. I invite you to explore the "other" SOHO from the one you know by becoming a Whaley House volunteer, joining a subcommittee, or even filling our board vacancy.

2001 - Volume 32, Issue 1

MORE FROM THIS ISSUE

President's Message

The La Jolla Saga Continues

Whaley House Garden Restoration Project

Villa Montezuma Provides Lessons in Color

History Alive! Chautauqua

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