April 1999 Volume 30, Issue 2

SOHO IS THE OLDE S T CONTINUALLY OPE RATIN G HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORGANI ZATION IN C A LIFORNI A .

SERVING SAN OIEGO COUNTY SINCE 1969

SOHO or any of the preservation fights we face, we welcome 1999 People in your contribution. SOHO is a 501 (c)(3), so your donations are tax deductible. Make your reservation now by calling SOHO at 619-297- Preservationto be 9327 and sending your check to SOHO, P.O. Box 3429, San Deigo, CA 92163-1429. Tell us how many people are coming honored on May 14 to PIP if you're sending an additional donation . We will call you to acknowledge receipt of registration (we aren't printing aboardthe Berkeley tickets for this event). See you on May 14! •

LOUISE TORIO

NATIONALPRESERVATION WEEK IS COMING MAY 9 -15, AND SOHO SOHOMEMBERS STOPDESTRUCTION will announce 11 People in Preservation Awards on Friday, May 14 beginning at 6:00 PM aboard the Berkeley. Everyone OF1905 HEBBARD &GILL HOUSE is invited, and it's a wonderful chance to see the types of preservation projects happening in San Diego County today ANOTHERHISTORIC HOME ALMOST METITS FATE ON MARCH 26DUE TO and honor the people who are making them happen. THECITY'S ERROR INISSUING ADEMO PERMrr. SEE ARTICLE ONPAGE 5. The winners aren't announced until National Preservation Week (read all about them in the June issue of Reflections), so you'll have wait to hear exactly who the jury chose. The award winners were picked from dozens of nominations reviewed by the jury. This year's jury included Historical Site Board staff member Corey Braun; SOHO president and past PIP winner Bruce Coons; senior city planner Coleen Frost; SOHO Board member Fred Harder; San Diego Union-Tribune columnist Welton Jones; historian and past SOHO president Vonn Marie May; and Old Globe Theatre's Craig Noel. Come to the party! We're having it at one of the prettiest locations on the San Diego waterfront: on board the 1889 ferry Berkeley, owned by the Maritime Museum. The cost for all the good food and company is $25 per person. This gets you yummy things to eat, delightful desserts, music courtesy of the Windsor Hills Consort, the company of other preserva­ tionists, and access to the Maritime Museum displays (have you seen the Titanic Exhibit yet?). The bar is no host, and the view is romantic. When you 're on the Berkeley, imagine seeing the Catalina restored in San Diego's harbor. (The Catalina and the INSIDE THIS ISSUE Berkeley are approximately the same size.) Having SOHO's PIP Awards on board a restored ship will also highlight the PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE/NATIONAL TRUST PAGE 2 plight of the Catalina, which is sinking in Ensenada's harbor. The Catalina is one of SOHO's most endangered sites for NORTH PARK MAIN STREET PROGRAM PAGE 3 1999. (See the Catalina insert page in the center of this " WALLS CAN TALK!" WORKSHOP PAGE 4 Reflections.) Come to the party to hear what the other sites OLD POLICE HEADQUARTERSTOUR PAGE 4 are and what SOHO is trying to do to preserve those sites. ATTEMPTED DEMO/19O5 HEBBARD & GILL PAGE 5 This party is always lots of fun and helps show your sup­ OLAFWEIGHORST HOUSE UPDATE PAGE 7 port for area preservation projects. Please join us. Costs to WAREHOUSESARE HISTORIC! PAGE 8 attend is being held to the same as in previous years, but if S.S. CATALINA FUNDRAISING INSERT you'd like to be a sponsor or make any additional donation to SOHO REFLECTIONS APRIL 1999

PRESIDENTSMESSAGE

BRUCE COONS

NATIONALTRUST FOR HISTORICPRESERVATION TAKESINTEREST IN SANDIEGO On March 22 we had the opportu­ nity to take RichardMoe, President of the National Trust for HistoricPreservation, on a tour of some of the historic sites that are in peril in San Diego.Accompany­ ing Mr. Moe was Peter Brink,VP for Programs,Services & Informa­ tion, and Courtney Damkroger,the AssistantDirector of the National Trust Western Officebased in San Francisco.Mr. Moe was in town From left to right : SOHO's past president David Swarens; SOHO's current president Bruce Coons; Courtney Damkroge r, Ass t. Dir. of the Western for the National Main Street Offic e of the Nation al Trust; Richard Moe, President of the Natio nal Trust; Conference (see related article on and Peter Brink, VP, Programs, Services & Inf ormatio n. page 3). We were able to show Mr. Moe the Old San Diego Police more closelyin the future, and we type of preservation activism that Headquarters, the BalboaTheatre, welcome any help and advice they helps persuade our representatives the John Ginty House, and the site can supply. that these issues are important to of the now-demolished Cobb A program that the National us. If our elected officialsdon 't Warehouse (that's the current hole Trust may be rolling out for local hear us because we don't speak in the ground next to the "Historic preservationorganizations involves up, then we deserve what we get. Heart of San Diego" sign in the matching funds for hiring perma­ Please do all you can to talk to GaslampDistrict). Of particular nent staff.SOHO is the largest your representatives about what focus was RosarioHall and the for­ local preservation organizationin we face here in San Diego County. merly-proposedHistoric the largest city that does not have The time is now, before we lose Warehouse District that will be permanent staff to carry out its what's left. destroyed with the coming baseball preservationmission. Think of I want to thank the media for stadium development. what we could accomplishif we taking notice of these issues. All this was probablymuch could dedicate a staff to preserva­ SOHOhas been contacted and more than the National Trust staff tion issues, instead of being all vol­ interviewed no less than five times expected to see in such a short unteer, all the time. This is a goal in the past two weeks. We're time. Mr. Moe remarked that with of SOHO'swhose time has come alwayswilling to be a resource on the number of preservation threats again. any questions that you might have. facingSan Diego today,it could When SOHO'sboard members Preservation and redevelopment occupythe resources of a National were showing the NationalTrust can work together to make a Trust regional officeif it were staff around, it really hit home just strong, interesting, vibrant city. located here. He also remarked how significantSan Diego'spreser­ Let's not lose what's interesting that the Warehouse District and vation problems are. We only here. In two year's time I'd like to the Old Police Headquarterswould showed the NationalTrust the tip take Mr. Moe on another trip qualifyfor the NationalTrust's of the iceberg, and we are facing around San Diego, to show him ElevenMost EndangeredList. one of the greatest series of threats how our elected officialsrose to Think about that. in our 30 year existence. This the occasion and created a city The National Trust promised to Reflectionsis filledwith reports of where preservation and redevelop­ work with SOHOin any way possi­ threatened sites that are worth ment work together to form a great ble, and they responded quickly preservingbecause they add con­ place to live and work, a place that with letters of support to our elect­ text and meaning to our region's has a past and a histo!V.Without ed officialsregarding the Balboa history.Help us keep them around. remembering the past, we create a Theatre, the Ginty House, the I am so please and impressed shallow future. Here's to a San baseballstadium area, and the his­ with how many of you contacted Diego County with depth. • toric police building.We look for­ your councilmemberor the mayor ward to working with their staff regardingthe Ginty House; it's the

2 SOHO REFLECTIONS APRIL 1999

MANYSOHO MEMBERS SERVED ASVOLUNTEERS ATTHENATIONAL MAINSTREET CONFERENCE HELDINSAN DIEGO MARCH 22 TO25. WHILE THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM ISIN MANY SMALLER TOWNS AND cmES, ONIY TWO cmES ARE CURRENTIY PAR­ SAVEOUR TICIPfflNG:BOSTON ANDSAN DIEGO. THE CONFERENCE WASAN OPPORTUNRY FORLOCAL INTERESTED PRESERVfflONISTS TO HERITAGE SEEHOW THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM WORKS AND WHM SUPPORT THENATIONAL TRUST CAN PROVIDE FORLOCAL MAIN STREETSCONCERNED WITHSAVING HISTORIC RESOURCES WHILEDEVELOPING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNmES. THEFOLLOWING ORGANISATION ARTICLESHOWS HOW THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM ISWORKING INNORTH PARK.

President HOWA MAINSTREET PROGRAM WORKS: of revitalization efforts in North Park. Using Bruce Coons this approach, North Park Main Street has North ParkMain Street had numerous accomplishments and success­ Vice President es in just a few years. Erik Hanson partnershistoric North Park Main Street was self-designated Treasurer preservationwith an Arts, Cultural, & Entertainment district Marilyn Turner, C.P.A. and is working proactively to recruit new business development businesses into available spaces. We conduct­ Secretary R I C H A R D K U R Y L 0 ed focus groups, business surveys, and shop­ Bonnie Poppe per intercept surveys as part of an overall Assistant Director, North Park Main Street Ex Officio marketing strategy. We actively participated in storefront improvements , including sue- David Swarens NORTH PARKMAIN STREET ISSUCCESSFULLY cessful projects like the Odd Fellows Directors demonstrating that historic preservation and Building, which received a SOHO People In Pamela Bensoussan business development activities can work Preservation Award in 1998 for Historic hand-in-hand. Preservation. Art-based streetscape improve- Alex Bevil In 1996, North Park was selected as the ments have been implemented and more Maria Castillo-Curry pilot community to bring Main Street to the are on the way. North Park Main Street Alana Coons City of San Diego. Main Street is a systero created Development Criteria for Fred Harder of community-based economic revital- North Park Main Street to guide Rhonda Harder ization that was devised by the ,.,.__ _..'"" __ ~ new development in the district. National Trust for Historic These criteria received an Ingrid Helton Preservation to save historic Orchid Award for city plan- Jennifer Hughes and significant commercial ning. We played an active Christopher Pro buildings within economi- role in finding developers Maureen Steiner cally depressed commercial for the historic North Park Louise Torio districts. The Main Street Theatre, which succeeded in Program is based on the princi- attracting six competing develop- Reflections Staff pies of self-determination and ers who presented proposals. North Louise Torio direct, inclusive community participa- Park Main Street hosts an annual Steve Veach tion in the revitalization process. It Spring Festival in May and North Park works in communities of all sizes, includ- Days in October. We have hosted regular Assistant to the Board ing rural towns, small cities, and urban neigh- merchant mixers, and we actively assists in Beth Montes borhoods. There are over 1,200 Main Street retaining existing businesses. communities nationwide that enjoy a vast Database software developed for North Park network of information and support. Main Street has enabled us to identify and Reflectionsis When Main Street first appeared on the San track improvements in the district. In the published bimonthly Diego radar, there was an immediate push by first two years, there has been a net gain of by SOHO the city's Office of Small Business to imple- 12 new businesses and 61 new jobs, with ment the program by adopting it to the City's over $900 ,000 in public improvements P.O. Box 3429 Business Improvement Districts. A Business invested in the district and over $150 ,000 in San Diego, CA 92163- Improvement District (BID), supported by its private sector projects_ At the same time, 1429 member businesses, funds business-related North Park Main Street has succeeded in 619-297-9327 activities and improvements that benefit the restoring historic commercial structures and fax:c/o 619-238-1725 commercial district. Presently, there are 18 retained the historic urban design of the BIDs in the City of San Diego. Following neighborhood. NEW -- e-mail: North Park's lead as the pilot Main Street pro- The Main Street approach in the Business SOHO [email protected] gram, two other BIDs -- Mission Hills and Improvement District has shown that historic Ocean Beach -- have also officially adopted preservation and business development can the Main Street strategy. succeed as a partnership. For more informa- Moving?Send SOHOa The Main Street methodology utilizes a tion, visit North Park Main Street's website at changeof address.Bwk comprehensive four point approach empha- www.northparkrnainstreet.com / npbid, or call mail will not be forward- sizing design, economic restructuring, organi- 619-294-2501.• ed by the post office. zation, and promotion. Over 65 volunteers Rich Kurylo is also a membe r of SOHO 's on these four committees form the backbone Prese rvation Act ion co mmi ttee.

3 SOHO REFLECTIONS APRIL lQQQ Although the workshop will take place on site at a historic New workshop! 1887 San Diego home that currently could be described as an extreme fixer-upper, anyone with an older home will find "WallsCan Talk!"offered good advice on how to proceed with caution before they pick up crow bar and heat gun. on Saturday,april 24 The owners of the workshop home plan on restoring the house to the original color scheme discovered by SOHO. SOHO HAS SCHEDULEDA NEW SOHO WORKSHOPFOR Who would be interested in this workshop? Those SATURDAY,April 24, at 10:30 AM on "Walls Can Talk," or renovating an old home or considering rehabbing an how to discover when your house was built, when and old structure will be interested in this hands-on what changes were made, and what's worth keeping. workshop. Also, anyone working with historic The workshop will demonstrate how to identify the structures as part of their job, including profes­ materials typically found in old houses, how to find sionals who prepare and evaluate historic surveys, hints to the original layout, and how to keep as could benefit from the information in this work­ much historic fabric as possible while still living a shop. modern life. This workshop will also show historic Preregistration is required since space is photos of the house and briefly discuss how to find limited. Cost for SOHO members is $15 and for original paint colors. non-members is $20. You may phone in your SOHO gets calls from many people who are registration by calling SOHO at 619-297-932 7 unsure what is original to their home and what and sending your payment to SOHO Workshop, is a later remodel. In trying to restore an older P.O. Box 3429, San Diego, CA 92163-1429. home, homeowners need to be able to identify Directions to the location will be provided original fabric so that they don't mistakenly \ upon registration.You will be notified by get rid of what should be kept. The work­ phone of registration confirmation and work­ shop will be conducted by SOHO President shop location. Wear casual clothes that can Bruce Coons and Rurik Kallis, San Diego's old get dusty and bring safety glasses (if you house restoration specialist. have them). •

BE THERE! a traditional bronze plaque to be installed on a building they want to raze. Port of San Diego seeks input on Preservationists are installing the "virtu­ al" plaque to bring awareness that this is April 29. Old Police Headquarters a National Register building and a must­ see-to-believe site. All people serious gets its NationalRegister "dedication" about preservation, especially preserva­ tion of buildings on public land, are onMay8 encouraged to show your support by bringing all your friends and family. Yes, WE ARE STILLHOLDING ON FOR DEARlife billed as a planning session for the Once again tours, memorabilia and sou­ with this unique National Register site!! "Central Park" area --the park over the venirs will be on hand to enjoy. Parking The San Diego Unified Port District planned parking structure where the may be difficult, so SOHO's suggestion is needs to be convinced that their decision Police Headquarters building now stands to take the trolley blue line and get off at to demolish the National Register police --you have a right to voice your desire to the Seaport Village stop. headquarters building in order to build a see the Old Police Headquarters be an The Old San Diego Police parking structure for the Seaport Village integral part of this Seaport Village expan­ Headquarters covers two plus acres and expansion is not good public land stew­ sion project. surrounds a beautiful courtyard. It was ardship, even if the Port and its develop­ Now, this is what you MUST ATTEND: designed by master architects Alberto er have promised to "recreate" a few On Saturday, May 8, from I 0:00 AM to Treganza and the Quayle Brothers, and building elements in a different location 4:00 PM the San Diego Police Historical was constructed through the post depres­ closer to the street. Come voice your Association is sponsoring another event sion WPA and the PWA New Deal era opinion on what you want to see on the to raise awareness toward the preserva­ programs. The structure is very well site --like maybe the existing Police tion of their former police headquarters built and is begging for creative adaptive Headquarters -- in the second open meet­ and show support for retaining the struc­ re-use. ing with Port officials on Thursday, April ture. On that day the building will be Tell everyone you know to be there 29 at (probably) 5:00 PM at the "dedicated" with a virtual National on the 8th of May. This is one of those Embarcadero Planning Center (the old Register Plaque, having been listed on preservation pre-bulldozer moments. Coral Reef Restaurant -- across from the the National Register in July of 1998. Your attendance is fondly required.• Old Police Headquarters). While this is No, the Port of San Diego isn't paying for

4 SOHO REFLE C TIONS APRIL 1999 DEMOLITIONBY INTENT: In 1909 when Mr. Barber wanted a rental house designed, he went to Irving Gill, who was then not in any partnership, confinning at least that Barber respected Gill's design skills SOHOstops for this new project. Hey, don't take SOHO's word that this is an Irving Gill design. Look it up in the building list of late author and destructionof 1905 Historical Society Curator Bruce Kammerling's book Irving J. Gill, Architect. Professor Thomas Hines also attributes this house confidently as a Gill design in his soon to be released Hebbard& Gill book on Gill. Want more proof? Check out the period refer­ ences in the San Diego Union of October 16, 1904 (p. 5), December 5, 1905 (p. 6), January 1, 1905 (p. 17) and March House in Hillcrest 8, 1905 (p. 7). The fact that this house was designed by Irving Gill wasn't CITYOF SAN DIEGO ISSUES DEMO PERMIT even the main point to dozens of Hillcrest neighbors who called SOHO not knowing who Gill was but loving the house FORHISTORIC PROPERTY INERROR for its style and quaintness. The neighborhood already has a big uninteresting apartment building across the street from E R I K HANSON the Barber house (supposedly courtesy of the same owners as the Barber house property) and the neighbors don't want SOHO MEMBERSWERE ALERTED EARLY FRIDAY, MAY 26 OF THE START another character-defining corner of their neighborhood of demolition on the E. Milton Barber house at the corner of destroyed. Besides, didn't we San Diegans learn from the 1st and Robinson with the words "they're putting up a fence widespread destruction of blocks in North Park in the 1980 and tearing it down." "It" is one of the last two Hebbard & how destroying homes to build high density apartments is Gill English Revival style houses with anything resembling its original exterior shape (the other house being the Marston House Museum). The Barber house was about to join the list of fallen homes in the style that made the San Diego architec­ tural partnership famous: the Ermina Carrington house; the Julius Wangenheim house; the Edmund Parmelee house •· all now gone. SOHO immediately called the City Development Services office because we "knew" a demo permit could not have been issued for this site. As a historic site by a significant architect, a request for demolition would trigger a 90 day review by the Historical Sites Board. Unfortunately, due to city snafu, a demo permit was granted in error. SOHO got a stop work order issued and posted on the fence around the property. The demo crew was made to cease demolition and the stop work order stayed posted on the fence until at least 6:00 AM on Saturday, May 27. Somehow, the SOHO members call the police when demo work continues . demo crew arriving at 8:00 AM that morning to finish the job "didn't see" the stop work order and continued demolish· bad for neighborhoods? Must Hillcrest go through what ing the building for at least three hours until the city official North Park barely survived a decade ago? who signed the original demo pennit was brought on site. The legal situation on the Barber house is liable to drag out The combination of lax city plan checkers and aggressive for some time. The house had been in the pipeline for local property owners who wanted this historic building destroyed historic designation for some months, and its case will be leaves a noble old home without roof or most windows. heard at an upcoming Historical Sites Board meeting. With To add insult to injury, the owners have posted two banners the stop work order, the owners are legally responsible to stating "this house was not designed by Irving Gill."Well, just secure the area. Now, with the roof gone, there is no protec­ because they say it isn't a Gill doesn't make it true. In fact tion from the elements for this building. So while the area is this house is extremely well documented as a Gill design. ' secure, the rain can now continue to do the work that the This house on the northwest corner of 1st and Robinson demo crew cannot. was designed in 1904 and built in 1905. The architect was SOHO urges you to tell the Historical Sites Board, the Irving Gill, then in partnership with William S. Hebbard Mayor, and your city councilmember how special the Barber forming one of San Diego's most well regarded firms of the House is and how historic preservation is important to our period. Gill made all the drawings and the presentation city. Don't let bulldozers back into buildings in the middle of sketch himself. The eight sheets of drawings and the sketch the night. Don't let city error go unchecked. Don't let "demo survive at the University of California Santa Barbara archives by neglect" turn into "demo by city mistake" when there are (see !or yourself by calling 805-893-2724 for a viewing so many people willing and able to buy historic properties appomtment). Not only did Gill design this home, but certain like these to restore and adore them, not to redevelop their features like flush-panel doors that later became a frequent sites. SOHO will keep you apprised of new developments.• pa!t of Gill's vocabulary, but not Hebbard's, are featured in this house. SOHO REFLECTIONS APRIL IQQQ attendance, including members of INEL CAJON: Downtown El Cajon, Inc, and the Community Development group, directed by Jim Griffin. Mr. Griffin cau­ Olaf Weighorsthouse tioned that the western theme would not attract new businesses to the rede­ proposedas part of velopment area. Other council mem­ bers preferred a more diversified "Old Town" concept, incorporating the old "WildWest" downtown Fire Station and Knox Hotel into the PAMELA B E N S O U S S O N project. The mayor was, however, still upbeat, apparently encouraged by the large turnout. This was indeed an INTHE NOVEMBER1998 ISSUEOF excavation around the entire perimeter Reflections, SOHO reported on the would be required in order to slide Weighorst House and plans to move it steel girders under the floor joists .. .I closer to El Cajon's downtown. On suppose it could be argued that the November 10th, 1998, the El Cajon torquing and tweaking that inevitable City Council adopted a resolution to results from house-moving will only approving the Planning Commission's enhance the jerrybuilt charm of the decision in granting a Conditional Use place" Permit allowing the Olaf Weighorst To those concerned about the calami­ house to be moved to the downtown tous plans to move the Olaf Wieghorst Rea Avenue location and function as a house to the center of El Cajon's busi­ museum and tourist attraction. ness district, the Mayor of El Cajon Members of SOHO unsuccessfully appears to have "shot himself in the important show of concern in the com­ appealed to the Council to delay action foot." During a February 9 City munity. The newly elected Mayor on the CUP because the move would Council Meeting he endorsed holding a Lewis has asked for public input and represent an extreme risk to the workshop for the Planning Commission suggestions. integrity of the Weighorst resource. staff to work with the Downtown At last November's City Council The Weighorst Foundation and the El Management District and the neighbor­ meeting the current location of the Cajon Chamber of Commerce believe hood to "develop design guidelines of a house was described by council mem­ moving the famous Western artist's bers as crime-ridden, hazardous and an hand-built house and adobe cantina to "inappropriate environment" for the a new downtown theme center would house-museum. In response, SOHO be a "real catalyst for tourism." SOHO members advocated the installation of is concerned that the procedure would overhead lighting and security devices be equivalent to a "demolition and to protect the property. At the same rebuild," resulting in the ultimate loss time SOHO encouraged the City of an important national and local his­ Council and the Weighorst Foundation toric resource. to foster neighborhood pride by invit­ In a letter to the Council written by ing community awareness and partici­ architect Alan Campbell after a visit to pation in the property's restoration and the property, he states "the adobe can­ Western nature for development on to use the museum as an educational tina, stables, and undulating (adobe) Rea Street." Mayor Mark Lewis and and historical resource serving both the wall around the compound could not City Council member Richard Ramos local and Western Art communities. be moved, and would have to be painted a verbal picture of a wild west The Olaf Weighorst house is now on rebuilt. The attached garage, with a theme park with adobe mission style SOHO's recently adopted 1999 list of floor of brick pavers set directly on the architecture, wooden sidewalks, hitch­ endangered resources (the full list will soil, would have to be cut loose, as ing posts and staged gunfights and, of be announced at SOHO's People In would the massive stone fireplace, the course, a Wieghorst Museum as the Preservation Awards on May 14). If wonderfully sagging L-shaped entry central attraction. you would like to help save the porch, and the small extension to the When the workshop convened on Wieghorst house on its original site, southeast with the concrete block March 30, Mayor Lewis, wearing his send your letter of protest to SOHO. wainscot. The remaining structure of cowboy hat, was, according to Emmet We will forwarded all letters to the the house appears to be built with a Pierce of the Union Tribune, "blasted Mayor of El Cajon, The Wieghorst wood subfloor more or less flush with out of the saddle." The western theme Foundation, and the California State the outside grade, with a sunken crawl park idea favored by the mayor proved Office of Historic Preservation.• space ... .it would seem that substantial to be very unpopular with those in

6 SOHO REFLECTIONS APRIL 1999

for re-floating, removing and refurbishing the Catalina. Bi­ SOHOto visit the national preservation efforts such as this will help improve the relationships between the US and Mexico and advance educa­ Catalinaon April 16 tion and research in the areas of industrial heritage studies and preservation planning on the border. On Friday, April 16, SOHO board members, interested indi­ On March 6 Maria Castillo-Curry, spoke about the plight of viduals and the media will be taking a trip south of the border the Catalina at the Congress of History's Maritime Conference to check out the condition of the S.S. Catalina, which is still aboard the Berkeley. Many people from that conference will sinking off the Ensenada Harbor. SOHO and the S.S. Catalina be attending the trip on April 16. Steamship Fund has been raising money to refloat the Inserted in this Reflections is our flyer detailing the current Catalina. While in Mexico the group will be guests of El situation and how you can help. Wouldn't it be great if pre­ Colegio de la Frontera Norte (COLEF). Maria Castillo-Curry, a serving our past didn't cost anything? Until that day, anything researcher from the Urban Studies and Environment you donate care of SOHO is tax deductible. As always, we're Department of COLEF, and a SOHO board member, has been grateful for all help. instrumental in the negotiations between the Catalina Fund SOHO will keep you posted on new developments.• and the Mexican authorities in order to find the best solution

the final EIR for council approval. There will be a big push to adopt an EIR right BaseballStadium away in order for this stadium construc­ tion to start ASAP.We will all have to projectto proceed see if our concerns are address in the EIR. In the mean time, the Padres and ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, THE SAN the EIR. It could be that only the 26- Byron Wear have been quoted in San Diego City Council unanimously block project area is addressed, leaving Diego Magazine as saying they consid­ approved proceeding with the baseball the rest of the concerned communities ered the Park Bay Diagonal Plan but stadium proposed for Center City East. to deal with whatever problems come don't like it. The Padres want the stadi­ That evening, Councilmen Juan Vargas up. um to be as close as possible to the (District 8) and Byron Wear (District 2), Because the city is giving no attention Gaslamp District, but will the Gaslamp along with a rep from Christine Kehoe's to the well-designed Park Bay Diagonal District really enjoy being near this sta­ office (District 3) met with concerned Plan, which relocates the stadium two dium? The Padres and our city council community leaders and individuals in blocks east on the empty Sempra Energy seem to believe that being right on top the War Memorial Building at Balboa land recently purchased for this project, of the Gaslamp is necessary to "spark" Park. The issue: how this new develop­ the impact to the historic fabric will be this redevelopment. If this redevelop­ ment will impact surrounding areas and massive if continued as planned. (As dis­ ment is that great, being only two neighborhoods and how those impacts cussed in February's Reflections, the blocks over would give the Padres an will be mitigated. Park Bay Diagonal Plan saves most of actually larger canvas to paint this won­ This baseball stadium is moving for­ the historic Warehouse District and cre­ derful redevelopment picture and save ward without a completed EIR ates underground parking under the pro­ the historic structures. So why would (Environmental Impact Report), so peo­ posed pedestrian promenade that would any spark be needed? SOHO will keep ple living in the surrounding neighbor­ lead from the new baseball stadium up you posted. (See related article on page 8.)• hoods of Sherman Heights, Golden Hill, to Balboa Park. The redevelopment area Logan Heights, Barrio Logan, and Grant for the Padres to create the all-important Hill don't yet know how this stadium hotels, which will provide the tax rev­ will impact life in these neighborhoods. enue so the citizens of San Diego won't The effect of this massive redevelop­ pay any new taxes to support this rede­ ment needs to be studies in terms of its velopment, would come from the infill impact regarding homelessness, social on the empty lots that exist in the area services, parking, traffic, safety, litter, now.) noise, and pollution. Because this con­ Where is all this going? Supposedly in struction will drive problems into other the next two months there will be a neighborhoods, communities like North draft EIR that citizens will have 45 days Park and Hillcrest need to part of the to comment on. Then those doing the EIR study area. Actually, at this time, we EIR will go back to make sure our com­ don't even know what the scoping is for ments are addressed before presenting SOHO REFLECTIONS APRIL 1999 PRESERVATIONVICTORY! HistoricalSites Boardvotes SANDIEGO'S WAREHOUSES local landmarkstatus to three CANBE JUST AS HISTORIC ASENGLAND'S WarehouseDistrict buildings PUBSAND INNS MR. CAJN,IN HISLETTER THE OTHER DAY, HAD A HARDTIME OKAY, WE'REUSING HYPERBOLE IN THE HEADLINE HERE. (WE TAKE perceiving that a building constructed as a warehouse our victories as we find them!) On March 24, SOHO mem­ could have historic value and thought it ludicrous bers testified in front of the Historical Sites Board to grant that the Old Police was considered historic, yet he local landmark status to several buildings in the Warehouse felt the Santa Fe Depot was "a priceless part of out District. Those buildings were Rosario Hall, Nason & heritage." So many San Diego residents seem to have Company Building (Artflex, built 1913), Schiefer & Sons this dual view of our older buildings: the buildings Warehouse (built 1911) , and SDG&ECompany Office are either important and should be saved, or they are Building (built 1930). Of these, only the Artplex Building not worthy of existing a moment longer. There is no missed designation (by only one vote). The others were consensus on what buildings should stay or what approved as local landmarks. should go, but everyone has their opinion. The oldest of these buildings, Rosario Hall at the corner of In San Diego there seems to be an extreme lack of 12th and K, was built in 18 70 and is the oldest surviving respect for San Diego's history and how that history meeting hall/saloon in New Town. Besides that, it was the is revealed to us by the buildings around us. Maybe first site of Catholic Church services in New Town, as well as that's because so many San Diegans relocate to our being the oldest surviving place where theatrical perfor­ city from elsewhere; "back home" there always seem mances were held. Because it was moved off it's original site to be historical sites that all agree are worthy of to its present location around 1912, SOHO doesn't have a preservation. But here in San Diego, California's first problem in moving it again to save it from destruction . city, we dismiss our history and our older buildings as Remember, historic sites should ALWAYSbe kept on their unimportant, and that's quite sad. By tearing down so many of our older buildings, we become a city no original sites. However, in this particular case where the his­ older than "today." As a city, San Diego is eerily like toric building was previously moved and its period of signifi­ those plastic surgery ads in the back of magazines, cance is not connected to the new site, it's acceptable to where 80 year olds can look like 30 year olds. We're move the building again to keep it from demolition. systematically erasing our physical history, and that 's Think that a warehouse building can't possibly be historic? not productive. Character-defining wrinkles say that Did you read the letters to the editor in the U-T about this? we have lived; character-defining buildings say that Here as an open letter (at right) is one reply that didn't make our city has a history. What will the buildings built it in the paper.• today say about us in the future? What will we fight to preserve 30 years from now? At this time, San Diego faces the impending loss of much of our historic fabric. If things continue as indi­ cated, the Warehouse District will be squashed for the baseball stadium; the Ginty House will be cut SOHOISRECOGNIZED FOR apart and relocated off Cortez Hill; the Irving Gill house at 1st and Robinson (and others like it) will PRESERVATIONEFFORTS continue to have bulldozers tear them apart; and the Old Police Station will be "preserved" by possibly being semi-recreated elsewhere. Before it's too late, I IN FEBRUARYAND MARCH,SOHO WASHONORED THREE TIMES: invite Mr. Cain to call SOHO (Save Our Heritage · by the County of San Diego for the preservation of Organisation) at 619-297-9327 and ask for a tour of the Victorian homes that now make up Heritage Park; these city landmarks that he finds ludicrous. (Heck, if by the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, for he likes the Santa Fe Depot, which SOHO saved from SOHO's work toward preserving San Diego's histori­ destruction back in 1972, he obviously appreciates some historic sites!) Maybe SOHO can convince Mr. cal heritage; and by the Congress of History of San Cain and others like him that if we preserve nothing Diego and Imperial Counties, for significant contribu­ today, unlike England, we will never have 900 year tions to the preservation and development of the his­ old pubs and 400 year old inns to enjoy in the future. tory of this region. SOHO is grateful for being recognized by such fine Louise K. Torio organizations and is please to know that our efforts unpubli shed letter to Union-Tribune are being noticed. • April I , I 999

8 SOHO REFLEC.TIONS APR I L 1 999

questions , sharing restoration resources and allowing the tour SOHO'sArts & Crafts to go considerably longer than anticipated shows you have big Arts & Crafts hearts , and we appreciate your generosity Weekend:a greatsuccess towards SOHO. We didn 't expect that over 1,000 people would attended the home tour -- but because of the SOHOSTRIVES TO BRINGYOU THE BEST EDUCATIONALEVENTS, AND Weekend, I 09 families became new SOHO members! you told us that our third annual Arts & Crafts Week-end on Many businesses gave labor and materials for the love of March 6 and 7 was both great fun and extremely informa­ Arts & Crafts. Our appreciation goes to Curb Graphix , Andy tive. It was successful thanks to our docents, Arts & Crafts Schneider Catering, Swedenborgian Church , Francis Parker homeowners, and SOHO's volunteers (all 88 of you!) who School, David Kinney at the House of Hospitality in Balboa gave of their time and energy so generously to make it such a Park, Trader Joe's, Jakob Gerhardt-Imported Wines , Ralph's terrific event. Groceries, Holland Communications - Bernard Brosfsema , With six wonderful guest lecturers, two popular work ­ and Teresa Pyle and In To Ink. Of course , SOHO's board of shops, and our first ever Exhibition & Sale, there was plenty directors thanks Ingrid Helton for organizing the whole amaz­ to do. We could not have done it without the commitment ing event. Thank you , Ingrid , for all the hard work. and special skills that each one of our tireless helpers brought What to expect next year: the announcement of our next to the weekend. Special thanks to those who hosted lecturers Arts & Crafts Weekend in late Spring 2000; expanded work­ in their homes and entertained them during their stay in San shops; and a larger hall that will accommodate both the lec­ Diego. That personal experience went a long way in making tures and the Exhibition & Sale so we don 't have to limit the it a fun time for all, and everyone is looking forward to attendance of the workshops nor limit the number of vendors returning to an expanded Arts & Crafts gathering next year who can show their wares. If you have any lecture or work­ here in San Diego. shop ideas for next year 's event , or you want to be the first to SOHO also wants to thank the homeowners who opened sign up as a volunteer , leave a message for Ingrid Helton at their beautiful homes for the tour. Your help in answering the SOHO office. •

PSST!GOT ANY SPARE VICTORIAN PARLOR FURNITURE ORPOTBELLY STOVES? lWOMUSEUMS SEEKDONATIONS

Two NEW MUSEUMSNEED YOURHELP TO GET THEM LOOKINGLIKE THEY SHOULD, so NOW'S A GOOD TIME TO CHECKWHAT 'S IN THE ATTIC that you won't mind going to a good cause . The County of San Diego is creating a parlor museum in the Sherman-Gilbert House in Heritage Park and is looking for late 1880s period items. The original 1882 Pacific Coast Terminus of the San Fe Transcontinental Railroad System in National City has been restored and needs donations appropriate for a railroad station for it's intended July 1999 opening. You figure out which list is for which museum .•

Victorian parlor furniture 2 potbelly stoves & stove pipe coal scuttles picture frames 8 Douglas chairs (saloon chairs) whatnot shelves a partners desk brickabrack a plantation desk (or Wells Fargo-style desk) Victorian busts telegraph and insulators tidies (do you know or must you ask!) oak telephone rope portier iers desk equipment : ink stands, pens , paperweights, etc . Victorian books oil lamps Victorian paintings wire waste baskets Victorian lamps antique display cases table coverings waiting room benches lambraguins antique picture frames and hangers stereo viewer and cards Victorian tables Victorian easels original paperwork , period calendars fireplace equipment & screen baggage cart and milk can parlor organ and stool anything related to the early years of the Santa Fe and vases California Southern Railroad carpets Call Bruce Coons at 619-424-5011 Call SOHO at 619-297-9237

9 SOHO REFLECTIONS APRIL 1999 BALBOATHEATRE UPDATE: theatre to open this play in, while they and a wise developer. The city has work on restoring the Balboa. already pledged to pay for the new roof Balboaturns 7 5. What will happen at the end of April? and the seismic retrofit (about $1.4 mil­ Who knows? With so much community lion, down from much higher estimates Where are her involvement invested in meeting with calculated over a decade ago). It would this developer, it sure is a shame to only take about three million more to white knights? think that the process of finding a get rid of the dirt, clean up the place and sympathetic developer will need to put in new seats. If a developer wanted ABBOTTBROTHERS DEVELOPMENT OF begin again. to make the Balboa state of the art again, ALAMEDA,AFTER THE RUSHED request to the What was very encouraging was what as she was in opening day in 1924, no CCDC board to accelerate the process Deputy Mayor Byron Wear, State one here would object to pumping even for them to get into the Balboa to start Assemblywoman Denise Ducheny, and more money into this wonderful place. restoration, realized that they couldn't Peter Hall of CCDC said at the Balboa Several years ago, the goal was to have accomplish a restoration in time for Theatre Foundation's low-key 75th the Balboa restored and operating by her December I 999. That's when they need Birthday Celebration on March 26. (It 75 Birthday. Now the goal is to get a to have their mystery musical up and had to be low key with the limbo situa­ sympathetic developer to seize the day running in whichever town they pick. tion of the theatre.) Everyone pledged to with this project -- now, today, this year. (The Union-Tribune reported the musi­ continue the fight to make the Balboa If you restore it, the theatre and dance cal to be the Jimmy Buffet product about operate again as a theatre. (We heard and arts organizations in San Diego the good life in Marguaritteville. Abbott you -- and we have it on tape!) Especially County say they will rent it. Don't delay. Brothers will neither confirm nor deny.) coming after the Richard Moe visit and Restore the Balboa now. She's a beauty So Abbott's rep asked CCDC for an the National Main Street Conference, at 75, but she deserves to be spruced up exclusive negotiating period through the the restoration of the Balboa seems like and open for everyone to enjoy before end of April so they can find another it should be a no-brainer for San Diego she gets any older. • Trolley Barn Park Festival scheduled for April 24 AFTERYOU ATTEND THE SOHO "WALLSCAN TALK!" WORKSHOP ON April 24 (see page 4), head on over to Trolley Barn Park in University Heights (at Adams & Florida Street). You can be part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary since the last trolley left that trolley car barn. (The trolley car barn was built around 1913 and torn down in 1980. It was on the site where Trolley Barn Park is today.) The site was designated a local historic landmark by the Historical Sites Board, and the University Heights Historical Association will unveil the historical marker with Counci!member Chris Kehoe and others at the I :30 unveiling. What else is there to do? Visit the trolley, an original San Diego electric railway Class I trolley car, built in 1912 and desig­ nated as the first mobile historic site in San Diego. There will be free trolley bus rides with our favorite historian and SOHO board member Alex Bevil, duplicating one of the original trolley routes. And for the kids, there will be trolley-shaped balloons (I want one!), ice cream and other surprises. For more information, call Ernestine Bonn at the University Heights Community Development Corporation, 619-297-3166• ····-····-···-·--·------

SOHO is the preser­ SOHO MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION vationist's front line to save our historic Please complete this form and send it with your check to SOHO, P.O. Box 3429, San Diego, CA 92163. sites. Don't let San Diego County NAME ______become Anywhere, USA. Fight systemat­ ADDRESS______ic historic building destruction, and get great discounts on CITY ______STATE____ ZIP______tours & events too!

Questions? Call us at PHONE (home) ______(work1- ______619-297-9327. MEMBERSHIPCATEGORIES SPECIAL INTERESTS (architectural styles, periods, etc.) ______

D $1000LIFETIME DO YOU HAVEANY SPECIALSKILLS OR KNOWLEDGEthat other SOHO members would benefit from D 500 BENEFACTOR your sharing with us (in a workshop or seminar)? ______D 250 CORPORATE 100 EXEClfTIVE D Are you interested in helping at SOHO events (like tours, membership drives, etc.)? D 50 PROFESSIONAL I WOULDLIKE TO HELPWITH: D Tours D Newsletter □ Office D 25 INDIVIDUAU FAMIIY D Membership D Workshops D Other events. D 10 STUDENT THANKYOU FORYOUR SUPPORT.

10 SOHO MARKETPLACE APRIL 1999

STEVENVEACH PAMELABENSOUSSAN, AAlA ILLUSTRATION Appraiser 0 DESIGN Art, Antiques & Residential Contents Specializingin gouachepaintings of your home. USPAPCertified, IRS Qualified Paintingsdone from life or from photos. ~ [email protected] ~ www.aaia.com/appraisals.html 657 20th Street 61 9-420-7782 In the Sherman HeightsHistoric District San Diego, CA 92102 619-238-4537• fax: 238-1725 e-mail: [email protected]

REDWOOD FURNITURE FROMTHE 1907 DESIGNS Los CALIFORNIOS OF FLOWERSOF OUR LOST ROMANCE • IRVING GILL Songs and Dance Music of Early California • • Erik Hanson AltaCalifornia between the 1770s and 1840s, the time of the missions 619-239-6150 and ranchos,comes alive again. By studyingtwn-of·the<:entwy wax recording; made by the grandchildrenof those ranchodays, Lac;Californios captures the sound,spirit and romanceof rancho life. Extensiveliner notes explainthe backgroundof all song<,. • FOR GREATWORK ON YOUR CAR, CD: $18.16 ($15 + $1.16tax+ $2 shipping) FOREIGNOR DOMESTIC, Cassette: $12.78 ($10 + $0.78tax+ $2 shipping) Make checksµiyable to San DiegoFriends of Old Tune Music HISTORICOR OTHERW..SE, c/o Swarens& Gray;634 20th Street,San Diego, CA 92102 CHECKQUT ;:,,,...<-.·~: .::::,::~:';It> d ,.-., ,.-" Info:David Swarens at 619-232-4475 or JanetMartini at 619-283-7895 Readabout Los Califomios at www.jashford.com/calif.html

Please support the sponsors that support SOHO. TROY ARCHER/JOHN CRIAL, OWNERS

Do you have a service or an item for sale that would be of interest to SOHO's members? Do you want to reach over 600 preseivation-minded B D y individuals and groups in Southern California every R A other month? architectural photography Put your message in the SOHO MARKETPLACE!

619-296-5304 SOHO is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations to SOHO are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

II SOHO REFLECTIONS ' APRIL 1999

DON'TMISS THIS NEW SOHO WORKSHOP UPCOMINGEVENTS April/May SOHO Board meetings: 3rd Monday at 6:30. Preservation Action: 1st Wed. Education/Events: 2nd Tues. "WALLSCAN TALK!" Call SOHO for other meetings . April24 "Walls Can Talk! Workshop. SATURDAY,APRIL24 AT 10:30 AM 10:30 AM in an 1887 house in San Diego. $20 non -members; LEARNHOW TO READ YOUR OLD HOUSE. $15 members. Register now by THEWORKSHOP WILLBE HELD IN AN 1887 HOMl calling SOHO at 619-297 -9237. April29 Old San Diego Police Headquarters meeting with the Port of San Diego. 5:00 PM. See COST: details inside. May8 Tours and virtual plaque SOHOMEMBERS: $15 unveiling at the Old Police NON-MEMBERS:$20 Headquarters . 10 AM - 4 PM. June 12 South Park Old House Fair.

July TBD Oceanside Train Tour REGISTERBYCALLING SOHO Details to be announced. September TBD SOHO's Annual Meeting and AT619-297-9237. SEEDETAILS INSIDE. 30th Anniversary Celebration. Details to be announced.

t86 "ONlJWH]d V:>'oJa!Q ues OIVd 6Ztl·t91Z6 V:>'oJa!O ues aJqsod ·s-n 6Ztt xog "Ocl NOllVZINV9HO UO!Jl!S!UeliJoaJei!JaH JRO aAes lJ.:IOHd·NON OHOS he SS Catalina,a Californiahistorical In 1977 the Catalinawas sold to a privateparty, DavidEngholm res ides in Oregon,he appealed landmark,is strandedin Mexicoand and her troubles began. She was taken to to San Diego'sSave Our HeritageOrganisation Tneeds your help! Ensenada,Mexico about 15 years ago. She (SOHO)for help. beganslowly sinking towards the end of 1997 This ship is unique in designand history and, as a resultof 1998'sEl Nino season,is SOHOis a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all volunteer --the onlyone of its kind on the WestCoast. now partiallysubmerged, listing 15 degreesto organizationbased in San Diego that is her port side, California'soldest continually operating preser­ in the Port of vationgroup. During 1999, SOHOis celebrat­ THESS CATALINA ISSINKING OFF ENSENADA, MEXICO. Ensenada . ing 30 years of preservationin San Diego Our divers County.Due to SOHO's proximityto the ONLYYOU CAN HELP BRING HER BACK TO THE U.S. have inspect­ Mexicanborder, and the experienceof several ed the dam- SOHOboard members in dealingwith issuesin age, and the Mexico,SOHO is workingin partnershipwith The 1766-tonship was drivenby a steam triple­ Catalinacan be repairedand refloated. the SSCatalina Steamship Fund to help rescue expansion, 3600-skip propulsionplant. She this landmarkfrom a waterygrave. used oil rather than coalas fuel, and has a large single funnel aft of her pilothouse, and a distinctiverounded stern. Helpus get this specialship back home so she can be restored Abandonedby her previousowners, the SS and reveredagain. Catalinawas seizedby the Mexicangovern­ ment. The Port of Ensenadais buildinga $21 We desperatelyneed your help to rescue this millioncruise ship terminaland the Catalinais important part of our maritime history,and we in the way.The Mexicangovernment intends don't have much time. If you loveships and the to donatethe ship to the CatalinaFund in a sea, you'll feel goodknowing that your dona­ This historicsteamship, known as the "Great collaborativeeffort to find a positiveoutcome tion helped save this amazing ship. Any and White Steamer,"was built by SantaCatalina for this once beautifulship. However, we must all amounts are welcome, and your contribu­ Island owner and chewing gum magnate comeup with the fundsto refloatand stabilize tions are tax deductibleas allowedby law. WilliamWrigley in 1924 at a cost of one million her, then financeher towingback to the United dollars.She was used to elegantlytransport States.If we failto raise the neededfunds in a Pleasemake your check out to SOHO(put passengersto the islandof Catalinafrom the timelymanner, Ensenada officials will be forced "Catalina"in the memo portion)and send mainland.From the time of her maidenvoyage to dismantlethe Catalinafor scrapmetal in your contributionto: in 1924 to her retirementin 1975, she ferried order to get her out of their harbor. SSCatalina Steamship Fund, Inc. over 2.4 millionpeople to and fromAvalon Bay c/o SaveOur HeritageOrganisation on CatalinaIsland. P.O.Box 3429 San Diego,CA 92163-1429. DuringWorld War II, the SSCatalina did her part by being used in San Francisco Bay to If you have any questionsor if you want to get transporta total of 820,199 troops,more than The SSCatalina Steamship Fund, Inc. was further involvedin the Catalina'srescue , please any other ArmyTransport throughout the war. establishedin Oregonas a non-profitorganiza­ call DavidEngholm, Director, SS Catalina tion with the sole purposeof rescuing,preserv­ SteamshipFund , in Oregonat 541-267-0451 ; In 1976, the Great WhiteSteamer was ing, restoringand sustainingthe SSCatalina as PamelaBensoussan, SOHO board member in bestowedthe honor of beingplaced on the a floatingmonument of historicaland cultural SanDiego , at 619-420-7782;or MariaCastillo ­ NationalRegister of HistoricPlaces. She is also significance.David Engholm, a founderand Curry,SOHO board memberin Mexico,at registered as California State Historical current Directorof the CatalinaFund, traveled 011-52-66-809933. Landmark No. 894 and as the City of Los on the ship in the 1960sand 1970s,and even AngelesHistorical Cultural Monument No. 213. servedas her caretakerfor one year. Because Thankyou for yourhelp.

·------THESS CATALINA WON1 BE DISMANTLED FORSALVAGE IFI CAN HELP IT.

ENCLOSED IS MY CONTRIBUTION TO REFLOAT THE GREAT WHITE STEAMER

NAME______ADDRESS______

cnv______STATE.____ ZIP______

PHONE(DAfflME) ______(EVENING)______

CONTRIBUTIONLEVEL: □ $500 □ $250 □ $100 D$50 D$25 OTHER$._ _ _ We appreciateall contributions. Yourcontribution is tax deductible as allowedby law. Pleasemake your checkout to SOHO (put "Catalina" in the memoport ion) and mail it with this form to 4/ 99/ ZM SS Catalina Steamship Fund, Inc., c/o SOHO, P.O. Box 3429, San Diego, CA 92163-1429 . '(o AR S o NON-PROFIT SAVETHE CATALINA! ~..? "'.o ,, ._. <1><1>~ ORGANIZATION .., ~ c/o SOHO .,"' "> U.S. Postage ...., -.. Save Our HeritageOrganisation PAID "' 0 ..., -~ ~ • ~.1....1 • P.O.Box 3429 San Diego,CA ✓ C\ PERMITNo. 984 969_1'}q San Diego, CA 92163-1429

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