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Protecting San Diego's architectural and cultural heritage since 1969.

January/February 2025

President David Goldberg

President's Message


At the beginning of each new year, I find it useful to reflect on the recent past as well as to contemplate the challenges and opportunities the next 12 months may hold. Like the year before it, 2024 was one for the record books in both good and not so good ways. Much energy was...Read more

(5-minute read)

Affordable housing

The Mills Act: A Vital Tool for Affordable Housing & Sustainability


The state Mills Act is widely recognized as one of San Diego’s most effective tools for protecting historic homes and commercial buildings. However, what often goes underappreciated is its role in...Read more

(7-minute read)

Sim Bruce Richards house

2024 Year in Review Countywide Historic Designations


Developments in preservation in San Diego began at a gallop last year, and never slowed down. In February 2024, the City of San Diego launched its still-ongoing Preservation and Progress initiative to update and overhaul heritage preservation policies, procedures, and...read more

(7-minute read)

ADVOCACY

Map of San Diego county

SOHO's 4,500-Square-Mile Mission


While much of SOHO’s work is rooted in the city of San Diego—due to the density of historic places within its boundaries—our mission stretches far beyond. SOHO is a countywide organization dedicated to ensuring the stories, structures, and cultural landmarks of all San Diego County communities are protected...Read more

(4-minute read)

Meme says the greenest building isn't just the one already standing—it's the one already housing people.

Why Historic Buildings are the

Ultimate in Sustainability


As architect and author Carl Elefante famously said, "The greenest building is … one that is already built.” Today we propose that the greenest building isn’t just the one already standing—it’s the one already housing people. ...Read more

(6-minute read)

Historically designated home

San Diego City and County Historic Designations


At their November 2024 meeting, the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board designated three houses and an apartment building and heard a detailed informational report on the current Heritage Preservation Program, which...Read more

(8-minute read)

historical marker

Designation Reports: Preserving San Diego's History


Historic designation reports are often seen as technical documents, essential for evaluating a site’s architectural integrity and historical significance. But their value extends far beyond these...Read more

(5-minute read)

Historic building in Tijuana

Baja California Preservation News


Tijuana’s Teniente Guerrero Park turns 100. The Baja California ministry of culture recently organized a centennial celebration in downtown Tijuana for Teniente Guerrero Park, the city’s first public green space, founded...Read more

(7-minute read)

A bunch of people in circles

Nominate a Preservation Champion!


Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to preserve San Diego’s rich history and historic architecture? It’s not too early to start the process for potential public recognition at our awards event. SOHO invites you to nominate outstanding individuals, teams, or projects for our 2025 People In Preservation Awards!...Read more

(2-minute read)

MUSEUMS & EDUCATION

Front door to the Marston House

Marston House Museum Now Open Fridays, Too!


SOHO is happy to announce that the newly restored Marston House Museum & Gardens is now open on Fridays, in addition to our regular weekend hours! As of Friday, January 10, 2025, visitors can enjoy this historic gem every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am-4pm.


The recent exterior restoration of the 1905 Marston House, along with the garden walls and walkways, and the carriage house museum shop, has brought new life to...Read more

(2-minute read)

Anna Lee Gunn

Catfish and Waffles


As we look back on the year-end holiday season, who can deny that food traditions are an important ingredient. I’m curious about the meals spread upon George and Anna Lee Marston's dining table at Thanksgiving, ...Read more

(6-minute read)

Image of 10 book covers

Penning the Past Returns for Year Two


Our popular "Penning the Past" talks resume February 8, 2025, with author Sandra Bonura discussing Empire Builder: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego. Zoom talks occur on the second Saturday of each month, February through...Read more

(2-minute read)

Spanish studio 1929

Milton Sessions

Master Landscape Designer


Milton Paine Sessions was born in San Diego in 1900 and grew up firmly rooted in the art and science of horticulture. His father, Frank Sessions, was a notable nurseryman, and his aunt, Kate Sessions, is renowned as one of San Diego’s premier pioneering horticulturists. Under their...Read more

(13-minute read)

John Wayne and kids

Hollywood in Warner Valley

A Star-Studded History


Visitors to the Warner Valley and Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museum often comment that they look like a Western movie set. In fact, over the...Read more

(3-minute read)

1920s cars in front of the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House

Cruise Through History

Invitation for Classic Car Clubs


Calling all antique, classic, and vintage car enthusiasts! Combine your passion for classic cars with the rich history of two of San Diego’s most iconic historic sites: the Marston House Museum & Gardens and the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House...Read more

(3-minute read)

Robert Veres giving a tour

Volunteer for a Healthier New Year!


As we welcome the New Year, many of us resolve to exercise more, eat healthier, and prioritize our well-being. But did you know there’s another powerful way to boost your health that doesn’t require a gym membership or a special diet? ...Read more

(3-minute read)

Thank you to SOHO

Museum Pass Program

Supports Community


At SOHO, we believe in the power of community and the importance of coming together to support vital local organizations. That’s why, for over two decades, we’ve partnered with nonprofits across San Diego County, ...Read more

(3-minute read)

FRIENDS IN PRESERVATION

PRESERVATION IN THE NEWS

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