Faced with new challenges, including state-required housing mandates, many cities across California and the country are looking for ways to revitalize their core and provide housing for growing populations. The city of Santa Barbara is no exception. This summer, the timely topic of urban development was explored through a unique public-private partnership entitled “Santa Barbara: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.” In the words of SBTHP’s Anne Petersen, “At its best, historic preservation represents a powerful and constructive voice when helping communities like ours manage change. It was inspiring to see preservationists come together and collaborate with professionals from diverse fields, reinforcing our shared commitment to Santa Barbara as we prepare for the future.”

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In January, we published an article on the threats facing historic post offices throughout California, stemming largely from budget cuts at the USPS. In this update, David Gilliam shares an inside look at loss – and success in Ukiah, Napa, and Richmond.

Each year the California Preservation Foundation pulls together a jury of leading architects, designers, journalists, builders, academics, and more to select the best preservation projects from across the state. This year the jury selected 21 winners, from the meticulous restoration of a single home, to reports that will guide the infill and development of entire neighborhoods. The winners will be formally recognized at the California Preservation Awards on Friday, October 18, 2019 at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco. This year’s winners provide innovative and exemplary responses to many of the problems facing not only preservation, but the world at large, while adhering to the highest professional standards.

I have always been impressed by the ability of individuals to identify a need in their community and advocate for years to address it. As CPF’s former Field Services Director, I traveled throughout California and spoke at public meetings and with community organizations and individuals to assist with local advocacy efforts to preserve California’s cultural resources.

Since February, CPF and our partners have been working to pass SB 451, a bill to create a state historic tax credit. The bill will increase the supply of affordable housing, support growth through infill development, and encourage property rehabilitation and maintenance in economically depressed areas. There are hundreds of projects that could benefit from SB 451, and we gathered a few stories to show its potential impact in communities across California.