8. What would you do to help prevent demolition of historically and architecturally significant buildings?

Ed Harris: FIRST, I would consult SOHO and similar organizations when reviewing candidates for the city's historical resources board. Then, I would lobby the City Council and leverage the power of the mayor's office to prevent the demolition of architecturally and historically significant buildings. I would also enforce stiff penalties for any demolitions that do occur without permits.

Lori Saldaña: Given we only have one chance to protect a potentially important structure: I would implement a 72 hour waiting period between the time a permit is issued for a demolition, and the actual process could begin. The goal would be to provide time for public notification once a permit is received and allow additional challenges or appeals.

9. The city has a large inventory of historic and cultural resources under its care. How should the city prioritize funds to maintain and restore these resources?

Ed Harris: Like all infrastructure, the city must undergo a thorough audit of its historical assets. Then we can allocate funding based on needs, not political expediency.

Lori Saldaña: I agree with this assessment of the many values of preserving public space-both environmental and constructed. As a native San Diegan, it is distressing to see so much of our natural space bulldozed, along with many older buildings that provide a glimpse into our region's interesting and diverse history. Given the many benefits of preservation, I would look for funding strategies currently used for "business improvement districts" to create "cultural improvement districts" with similar guidelines and local involvement.

10. How do you think our current historic preservation laws have affected affordable housing and are there changes that can be made to better support affordable housing?

Ed Harris: San Diego will always have a housing shortage. Everyone wants to live here and we have limited space. One of the keys to smart and managed growth is not allowing developer hysteria to threaten our quality of life and historical assets.

Lori Saldaña: As Chair of the Assembly's Housing and Community Development Committee, I learned that there are many obstacles to building affordable housing in cities around California-but preservation is not high among them. I don't believe there is a correlation between historic preservation and the crisis in affordable housing in San Diego. It is more likely the city has not done a very efficient job of using state and federal funding to assist with this challenge.

Questions 11-14
Zoning codes and other forms of land use regulation are powerful tools that shape the look and livability of a city. The city's current Zoning Ordinance is often in conflict with and unresponsive to historic preservation priorities. Clear and comprehensive zoning regulations that support the Historic Preservation Ordinance would help take the guess work out of these regulations for architects and developers, while simultaneously supporting growth and protecting historic resources.

11. What would you do to resolve this conflict?

Ed Harris: I would like to see the Historical Resources Board collaborate with the Council's Smart Growth and Land Use Committee to resolve conflicts, although that conversation will be more successful with a different committee chair.

12. If elected, how will your office prioritize a strategy that reinforces and supports historic designations?

Ed Harris: Filling vacancies on the Historical Resources Board with qualified candidates and listening to our community planning groups and historic preservation organizations.

13. Do you think current public notification systems related to historic preservation projects and opportunities for public input are adequate? (Yes, No)

Ed Harris: NO. As is the case with most development issues, there is not nearly the community engagement our communities deserve.

Lori Saldaña: (11-13) I would establish a working group to review the city's preservation goals and commitments, and task them with addressing these issues in a broad and comprehensive way. I would invite members of SOHO and other organizations to contribute their knowledge and expertise as part of this process. As mentioned in a previous response: we only have one chance to get preservation right, when it comes to possibly demolishing an important building or clearing a critical piece of habitat.

14. Do you believe that our current historic preservation ordinance adequately protects the city's historic assets? If yes, please explain how, and if not, what would you do to reform or strengthen it?

Ed Harris: I believe it is adequate, but the city needs leadership when it comes to enforcing the ordinance

Lori Saldaña: I would like to see the Historical Resources Board collaborate with the Council's Smart Growth and Land Use Committee to resolve conflicts, although that conversation will be more successful with a different committee chair.

15. Community engagement plays a critical role in the decision-making process surrounding historic preservation matters throughout the city. How important are each of the following preservation issues to you? (Extremely Important, Important, Moderately Important, Not Important)