Free Event to Celebrate the Release of "Captain of her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies"

Through Gabrielle's meticulous research and gift for storytelling, Davies takes shape as a deep and nuanced individual. Throughout her career, she successfully navigated an environment dominated by powerful men and she was devoted to philanthropic efforts, particularly in the service of children. A woman who lived life on her own terms, Davies declared herself "the captain of her soul."

Lara Gabrielle is a film writer and researcher whose work on Marion Davies has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The San Francisco Chronicle, Alta Journal, and PBS’s American Experience. She has spoken about Davies at film festivals and retrospectives worldwide and has served as a consultant on her life and legacy for books, dissertations, and film projects. Gabrielle lives in Oakland.

Gabrielle's special reading at Davies' former guest house will be followed by a Q&A, book sale and signing. Light refreshments will be served. Begin your exploration of this remarkable woman with a tour of the Guest House, offered by Conservancy docents Fridays through Mondays from noon to 2 p.m.

The Conservancy’s 20^th Anniversary celebrations continue with an exciting new virtual event! Join us Sunday, November 6th from 5-6:15 p.m. for a fully illustrated program exploring how local adaptive reuse projects conserve resources, help the environment, save the city's historic heritage and preserve a sense of place and identity.

Over time, the needs of a community can change. Buildings with rich histories and architectural value often become outmoded, underutilized, or abandoned altogether. Yet they can live on to serve new and different uses through the process of adaptive reuse. Adaptively reused buildings, whose exteriors are kept intact and authentic, can be creatively transformed on the inside while retaining the architectural characteristics and charm that reflect their original use.

Everything Old is New Again will offer attendees insight into several high profile adaptive reuse projects from around Santa Monica. Key team members will share behind the scenes details and images from their projects. With four speakers, seven segments and dozens of illustrations, this 75-minute livestream will be one of the Conservancy’s most ambitious virtual productions!

Pono Burger, a military building now a hamburger restaurant. Presented by KFA, LLP Partner John Arnold, AIA.

The Proper, an office building now an upscale hotel. Presented by Howard Laks, AIA, principal at Howard Laks Architects, and historic architect Robert Chattel, president of Chattel, Inc.

The Conservancy's own Preservation Resource Center, formerly a shotgun house. Presented by Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA, Principal of Fonda-Bonardi & Hohman Architects.

And the show will look at the future of adaptive reuse with an exclusive look at Frank Gehry's Ocean Avenue Project, presented by Historic Architect Robert Chattel!

Admission to Everything Old is New Again is free for Conservancy members and students and $10 for the general public. Click here to become a member and enjoy discounts on this and future events.