April, 2002 Volume 33, Issue 1

Executive Director Report

BRUCE COONS

The growing number of preservationists in San Diego county reflects a nationwide trend. It is a deeper understanding of the truth, that speaks so clearly to our heart that a sense of the past, a sense of place is essential and necessary for the maintenance of our personal and societal culture. In Vestiges of Grandeur by Richard Sexton, recently bought at the SOHO Museum Shop, Sexton quotes Eugene Cizek, Ph.D., FAIA Professor of Architecture and Latin American Studies, Director of Preservation Studies, Tulane School of Architecture, who says, "The Past will not go without a fight. Without the context of one's history, the image and identity of a society ceases to exist."

National Preservation Week is next month in May. One way SOHO celebrates this is by recognizing the Historic preservation community with our People In Preservation Awards, our 20th year in doing so. We are excited to be holding it at the Hotel Del Coronado. The owners, Destination Hotels & Resorts, are hosting part of the event and we thank them. Our recent settlement agreement with them to retain the industrial buildings is one that the Del and SOHO are very proud of.

If you have never joined us at this event, please come and help us thank the winners. It is through great efforts that these people have accomplished so much and in doing so these important individuals have enriched all of our lives by keeping our heritage alive. I urge you to be a part of this evening, this milestone, and which promises to be one of the best ever. This night we also unveil our Most Endangered List of sites. With the amazing accomplishmemts of the people honored, it is at this time when even the most impossible seems in reach.