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Executive Director Message
Coronado Railroad, Politics and the Will of the People
By Bruce Coons
All of the historical groups in the Bay region have endorsed the preservation of this important historic resource; in fact there has been representation from 16 groups supporting designation. The State Historical Resources added it to the States List of Historical resources and reaffirmed its significance three months later when challenged by the Port and Chula Vista. Finally in November after almost all of the commissioners who had evaluated the Railroad had left the board, the politicos finally got the designation reversed. Chula Vista and National City's historic resources boards have also recommended designation and have been ignored by their city councils. The only opposition has come from politicians who are willing to compromise their moral, legal and ethical duty to protect the historic resources within their control for short-term private gain. We understand that our government is founded on compromise, but how does one make the decision to destroy the rights of present and future generations of Americans to the preservation and enjoyment of their heritage for private interests?
Chula Vista has been able to pull the wool over the eyes of the new inexperienced National City council and has allowed National City to once again be left out in the cold when it comes to having bayside tourist attractions. This time they were seeking to deal a fatal blow to any hope for the future. Heritage tourism accounts for over 56% of every tourist dollar spent in the US every year. Tourist railroads are one of the most successful of heritage tour operations, and the Coronado Railroad is the only bayfront railroad operation in the Nation. National City has some of the most outstanding historic resources in San Diego County, many on the National Register.
It doesn't take a visionary to see that developing these historic resources as a tourist destination with the bayfront railroad as the primary draw might be good for National City and the entire South Bay, both for the image of the area and for economic prosperity for its people.
The battle is far from over; it will take another two to four years. Throughout all the public meetings people have expressed their concerns for preserving the rail line for heritage and Eco-tourism. We need your help and will be notifying you of future meetings. If we all turn out and express our views the politicians will not be able to continue to ignore the will of the people. This is the time to take a stand. We have not yet begun to fight.
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MORE FROM THIS ISSUE
The Tecate Depot & the Future of the Past in Baja California
A Significant Win For the OPHQ
Coronado Railroad, Politics and the Will of the People
President's Message
South Bay About to Lose Important Transportation Link
SOHO Archivist, a Welcome Addition
New Offices For SOHO
Community Outreach
University Heights Takes Action
Events & Education News
Grants & Donations - Thank You
Preservation Action Update
Planned Giving Program
Volunteer Profile
Interstate 163 Designated Historic Parkway
SOHO Celebrates Two Year Anniversary at the Whaley House
Florence C. Shipek 1918-2003
SOHO's People In Preservation Nomination Form
The All New Sixth Annual San Diego Arts & Crafts Weekend
Red Tile Style Discovery
Strength in Numbers
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