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SOHO President's Message
By David W. Goldberg
September/October 2022
 Photo by Sandé Lollis |
We live in challenging times. The constant litany of negative news can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, those of us in the preservation community recently got some welcome relief: The City of San Diego will receive $68.5 million in state funding to help with various projects, which will include project funding for two of San Diego’s most important historic sites.
Firstly, the Marston House, which has been managed and operated by SOHO for over ten years, will receive $1 million for restoration and repair. SOHO annually updates the City on the overall condition of the house and issues that need to be addressed, and for the last several years—with increasing urgency—we have requested that Marston House restoration be part of the City’s annual budget. Finally, it’s happened, and the timing couldn’t be better.
Appropriate and regular maintenance hasn’t been performed since the 1990s, with the 2017 roof replacement being the last major repair. Consequently, a number of serious maintenance issues have risen to levels that not only are detrimental to the historic structures on site but also represent potential threats to public health and safety. Yikes! The $1 million will go a long way in resolving these problems and help protect this historic treasure for many years.
It's said that success has many fathers (and mothers, too!), but failure is an orphan. This funding is no “orphan”—it represents a great step forward and is the result of the hard work, persistence, and collaboration among elected officials at both the City and State levels who know our city and how to get things done. For this I’m deeply grateful. On behalf of SOHO and preservationists everywhere, I’d like to personally thank Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins, Mayor Todd Gloria, Assemblymember Christopher Ward, and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn for their efforts. Simply put, this wouldn’t have happened without their support.
In addition to the Marston House funding, $5 million was allocated to the Villa Montezuma. This money will be used for site restoration and, per California Senate Bill 1028, currently held in committee and under submission, the California Department of Parks and Recreation will be authorized “to enter into an agreement with the City of San Diego for purposes of leasing the property known as Villa Montezuma from the city.” Then the state park system will take charge of this fabled property.
SOHO has been greatly concerned about the status and condition of the Villa Montezuma since its closure in 2006. This funding, together with the enactment of California Senate Bill 1028, should largely address our concerns. For this, we sincerely thank Senator Ben Hueso for sponsoring the legislation.
Lastly, after what has seemed like a Covid-induced eternity, SOHO is returning to onsite programing with Music at the Marston: Concerts for Historic Preservation, starting Friday, September 2 at 3pm. Get your tickets now! The series consists of three Friday outdoor concerts on September 2, 16, and 30, 2022. Music, friends, and the Marston House, what could be better! Hope to see you there.
Now that fall is approaching, I look forward to seeing everyone as we enjoy our beautiful and historic city together.
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