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Defend San Diego’s Historic Preservation Program
On February 24, 2026, the San Diego City Council voted to approve the so-called Preservation and Progress Package A, despite overwhelming public opposition and repeated warnings that the proposal violated environmental law and weakened long-standing preservation safeguards.
More than 600 written public comments were submitted, with roughly twelve to one in opposition. Twenty-eight community planning groups voted against the proposal, along with preservation organizations across the city. The City’s own Historical Resources Board rejected it twice. Yet the Council moved forward anyway.
When elected officials disregard environmental law, bypass required analysis, and undermine established protections for historic resources, the courts become the forum of last resort.
That is why SOHO has taken legal action.
Our legal counsel, Susan Brandt-Hawley—one of California’s leading authorities on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)—has identified serious deficiencies in the City’s process. Environmental review and preservation safeguards exist to prevent irreversible harm to historic buildings, cultural resources, and neighborhoods. The Council chose to ignore those safeguards.
For more than fifty years, Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) has worked through public process, collaboration, and careful advocacy to protect San Diego’s historic places. Litigation is never our preferred path—but when the law is ignored and historic neighborhoods are placed at risk, standing aside is not an option.
A second phase of the City’s Preservation and Progress project—Package B—is already under discussion. Early proposals indicate it may directly affect the Mills Act program, one of California’s most successful preservation tools. Changes under consideration could reduce benefits or limit existing contracts that help property owners preserve historic buildings throughout San Diego.
Help Defend San Diego’s Historic Resources
Litigation is complex and resource-intensive. Filing and pursuing this case requires legal research and drafting, preparation of the administrative record, court filing fees, expert analysis, and ongoing legal representation through hearings and potential appeals.
If you believe preservation laws should be enforced—not weakened, ignored, or manipulated—we ask you to act now.
A contribution to SOHO’s Legal Defense Fund will help ensure that San Diego’s preservation laws are upheld and that historic neighborhoods continue to have a voice.
And remember contributions to SOHO are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
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What is the City's Preservation and Progress project—and what does it mean for San Diego?
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ADVOCACY
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