Reflections
Newsletter
The Raising of the S.S. Catalina
By María E. Castillo de CurryThe SS Catalina, semi-submerged in Ensenada, Baja California since 1998 is finally in the refloating phase. Thanks to the support of preservationists from both sides of the border, all the necessary technical work to make this dream possible is about to be realized. The latest donations received by the S.S. Catalina Preservation Association have been used to purchase a heavy duty pump and diesel generator that will help in raising her from the harbor floor.
However, the SSCPA is still approximately $10,000 short of the necessary funds to have her towed to a nearby dry dock. Once in dry dock another $8,000 will be needed for essential repairs that will make her seaworthy again and prepare her for re-launch, restoration, and her trip back to the United States. A Use Plan is currently being generated and the SSCPA is in the process of pursuing various grant programs for the work to come.
The SSCPA has accomplished so much and yet much remains to be done. If the SSCPA does not raise the necessary funds to pay the dry dock and the initial repairs, we are still in danger of losing this beautiful ship. The S.S. Catalina is considered one of the most famous ships in Southern California's maritime history. She still needs your help. Please make a donation today at:
SSCPA 18242 McDurmott, Ste J, Irvine CA 92614. The web site of the SS Catalina Preservation Association is www.savethecatalina.org, and includes information updates of the ongoing fundraising and rescue efforts.
Ms. Kane was invited by Christine Kehoe and CalTrans to join our group and share her work as was archeologist Martin Rosen who is with CalTrans San Diego area cultural resources staff.
In the meantime, at the committee's initiative through Kehoe's office, and with CalTrans support the "Cabrillo Parkway" this fall was designated a local historic site by the San Diego Cultural State Register of Historic Places; it has previously been determined to be eligible for national register listing.
SOHO has been represented by president Bruce Coons and myself, David Swarens. The committee also included Katheryn Willetts, architect and past chair of the San Diego Historic sites board, and Peggy Lacey of the Balboa Park Committee along with prominent landscape architects and others with very focused professional and personal expertise, including CalTrans Project Manager Greg Gastelum.
Working with CalTrans we hope to develop an award winning model project which will preserve the unique character of this local resource while providing "signposts" for historic roadways in other communities.
More from this issue
- The Raising of the S.S. Catalina
By María E. Castillo de Curry- Cabrillo parkway - A Safe and Scenic 163
By David Swarens- Temple Beth Israel to be Saved From Demolition!!
By Stan Schwartz- Ballpark Preservation plans Continue Even as Construction Stops
By David Swarens- Preservation Action Subcommittee News
By Erik Hanson- R.I.P. - Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant House
Copyright ©2008, Save Our Heritage Organisation. Copyright Warning