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Susan Bugbee, Kelley Stanco, David Swarens, and Bernie Turgeon
Preservationist of the Year Award
 Last fall, the Historical Resources Board voted unanimously to designate the South Park Historic District. This preservation victory was the culmination of years of painstaking research, extensive writing, community outreach, and dogged persistence.
With its collective historical and architectural significance, South Park is an inviting, virtually intact example of an early 20th century streetcar suburb. Nearly 300 identified homes and commercial buildings represent the full spectrum of socio-economic life and architectural styles from 1906 to1949. On these historic streets you'll find a charming mix of Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, Prairie, Neoclassical, Tudor, and Tract Ranch homes.
South Park supporters were still celebrating the new district when it was challenged by a handful of mostly misinformed residents. So, preservationists—including our PIP winners and many community members—and SOHO staff rushed back to testify before the City Council to defend the district's historic importance and the rigorous, fact-based designation process. In February, the Council voted unanimously to uphold and reaffirm the district. SOHO offers profound thanks to South Park's many enthusiastic volunteers and history-loving property owners who supported the district throughout the long process.
I've been leading up to the Preservationist of the Year Award—SOHO's highest honor—for people who have made an exceptional contribution to our heritage. This year, the award is being shared by four people who devoted years to an enormous, multifaceted project. Their massive effort to designate the South Park Historic District involved countless community members and two exemplary city employees.
First, we heartily congratulate South Park resident and historian Susan Bugbee, who spent years on the initial research and authored the nomination report in 2011. And congratulations to David Swarens, who, as a historic homeowner, SOHO board member and chair of the Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee, eloquently and relentlessly advocated for the district's creation.
And from the City of San Diego Planning Department, SOHO also recognizes Kelley Stanco and Bernie Turgeon for their professionalism in working with the community, hours of fieldwork, on-the-ground assessment of houses to establish contributors and editing the nomination, and their support to the Historic Resources Board to ensure that the South Park Historic District would finally come to fruition.
Congratulations to these outstanding leaders whose lasting accomplishment rises to the level of Preservationist of the Year. All of them have helped make a civic contribution that will enrich and preserve the history, rich character and livability of San Diego, now and for generations to come.
Pictured left to right - From the City of San Diego Planning Department, Bernie Turgeon and Kelley Stanco, South Park resident and historian Susan Bugbee, and historic homeowner and SOHO board member David Swarens. Photos by Sandé Lollis
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