From the Editor

For well over two centuries San Diego has attracted people outside the native population who have been drawn to the region by the spectacular attributes of an area rich in natural beauty and resources. Much of what we value today is from their unique contributions that have shaped the social, cultural and historic landscape.

But just how much do we fully know of this tapestry of cultures? Our understanding of how we have been molded by these pioneers, trailblazers, and immigrants may be somewhat incomplete. This issue shines a light on a few of the peoples who have made us what we are today, however short a time they were here, but can only scratch the surface of the multitude of stories that make up the diversity of ethnicities of our communities.

This diversity of cultures has greatly influenced our region's architecture, landscapes, and commercial and residential communities. From our historic architecture to our indoor/outdoor lifestyle that was embraced by the Spanish and Mexican people, to the layer upon layer of newcomers from all over the world who arrived here one way or another, by land or sea, our overall character has been established and grown from all of this.

SOHO has been vocal about the loss of the African-American district downtown, and most of the Italian and Portuguese communities that once made up Little Italy and parts of Point Loma; we feel these are some of the worst changes we have endured as a city. The elimination of a community's architectural and cultural heritage so rich in texture and narrative is nothing short of devastating. On the positive side is the restoration of Warner-Carrillo Ranch House where the westward movement, the immigrant story, will be told and the acquisition of the Santa Ysabel General Store allows us to further spotlight the many stories of the people who inhabited the back country, Native Americans, farmers, miners, and entrepreneurs. With so many stories and so much to explore, these sites provide for us and our partners the opportunity to educate and raise awareness of the historic, cultural and natural resources that still endure.

SOHO encourages you to get out and explore the history around you, to embrace what we still have. The San Diego Chinese Historical Society has a great museum and walking tour; sandiegojewishworld.com has self-guided tours available of Jewish San Diego; and there are many groups that have specialty tours that reflect their own culture. Explore San Diego's heritage! We promise you next a heritage tourism issue that will highlight every public historic site in the county we can find as your personal passport to San Diego's Heritage.

SOHO will be publishing one issue of Our Heritage a year now supplemented by an online magazine, an ezine, three or more times a year. This issue is your 2011 issue and you will be getting the 2012 by summer. We appreciate your patience and understanding.