Upcoming Events

Several fun events are coming up. This week is the second Contemporary Historians at the Presidio Lecture. The first lecture was on May 11th by Frank Matero of the University of Pennsylvania. It was a fascinating look at his work in Egypt. This week it will be Richard White of Stanford University talking about the history of the transcontinental railroads, on June 16th at 6:30, located at the Golden Gate Club.
The second event is sponsored by WCAPT. It will be a behind the scenes tour of the Diego Rivera frescoes in San Francisco, on Friday June 24th. For more information click here.

Juana Briones House is being deconstructed

The Juana Briones House is being deconstructed. That so significant a building is disappearing is disheartening. Several groups are in the process of trying to raise enough money to buy the deconstructed materials so that it can be reconstructed on a separate site. Hardly a good solution, it is all that can be done. For more information on how to get involved please contact Scott Smithwick. (president@pastheritage.org)

Balancing Historic Preservation

Yesterday the Land Use Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors heard four hours of testimony in regards to "the impact of historic preservation on other city policies." Supervisor Wiener is fascinated with the topic and apparently thinks he can come up with a better process than the one that has been developed over the last 75 years. This was my public comment:

I believe that historic preservation impacts other city policies by strengthening them. The process of historic preservation leads to informed decisions.

For example the Palace of Fine Arts Restoration project began with an historic preservation report. That report provided factual information about the history and existing condition of the structure. The report was used to make decisions concerning open space, animal and plant life, seismic and pedestrian safety and accessibility. It was used to acquire funds from private donors and ultimately it led to the return of revenues as a popular wedding venue.

Historic preservation strengthens other city policies but where it lies in the balance will always change depending on the project. The Board of Supervisors must redetermine that balance of policies for every project based on the knowledge provided by your local preservation professional.

One more reason for Historic Preservation

In a month or so the City of San Francisco will hold a discussion on Historic Preservation. Supervisor Scott Wiener has asked, very publicly, "what is the point?" I'm sure he will get a lot of reasons for historic preservation. This article in the Chicago Tribune points to one reason that should convince the most skeptical. Artspace has received $27 million in tax credits to rehabilitate two dilapidated buildings to house artists and studios at low cost. Theses cities will receive low cost housing, vibrant buildings and art because of historic preservation.

Paul Williams building may lose murals

Fascinating article in the LA Times. Murals from the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building designed by african american architect, Paul Williams, may be sold to the Smithsonian. The murals were painted by Charles Alston and Hale Woodruff and completed in 1949. Read the article here.  

Art Project by Google

Art Project, powered by Google is a fantastic website. Recently launched, the website uses the Street View technology to allow users to visit museums virtually. No crowds, no fees, just art. They have museums like the Uffizi in Florence and the National Gallery in London. I expect this is just the beginning.

Tonight

Heritage YP is holding it's monthly gathering at District (216 Townsend) tonight at 6:30. See you there.