California Preservation Foundation

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the Southern California wildfires. Among the threatened and destroyed are a number of iconic California historic landmarks. We have lost the irreplaceable Will Rogers House and Stables at Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga Ranch Motel. Be Safe! https://lnkd.in/gD6hXu_5

We are heartbroken by the devastating loss of Bidwell Mansion, Chico's iconic historic treasure. In the early hours of this morning, around 3 AM, a fire tore through this irreplaceable National Register Landmark and State Park, leaving an indelible mark on California's heritage. Our thoughts are with the Chico community and the dedicated preservationists who have passionately worked to safeguard and share the story of this remarkable site. This tragedy underscores the critical need for proactive risk mitigation and resiliency planning to protect our most cherished historic places from unforeseen disasters. In response, the California Preservation Foundation will soon launch a series of programs focused on equipping communities with tools and strategies to safeguard landmarks like Bidwell Mansion.

WEBINAR RIGHT NOW: Orientation to the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program In 2019, the California Historic Tax Credit was signed into law by Governor Newsom. Authored by Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins and sponsored by the California Preservation Foundation (CPF), this groundbreaking legislation represents one of CPF’s most significant achievements. Its passage would not have been possible without the collective effort of dedicated advocates and stakeholders who helped shape the regulations that guide this vital program. The California Historic Tax Credit is a game-changer for historic preservation, providing crucial incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings while supporting economic development and community revitalization. CPF is proud to have played a leading role in making this program a reality and appreciates the patience and commitment of everyone who has worked to bring it to life, including the Office of Historic Preservation, who is hosting this program. This webinar will provide an in-depth overview of the program, including application procedures, qualification requirements, and the steps necessary to complete tax credit projects. Special emphasis will be given to the homeowner experience, making it an invaluable resource for individuals and professionals alike. A Q&A session will follow the presentation, offering participants the opportunity to have their questions addressed directly. Event Details Date: Tuesday, November 26 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PST Location: Online Event Hosted by: Mark Huck, Restoration Architect https://lnkd.in/gBDifAv6

?? Like No Other Place ?? Celebrate and Support California’s one-of-a-kind history with three free online programs - from Wild West boomtowns and ghost towns to the hidden stories of Byron Hot Springs and Paradise Springs, and the architectural splendor of San Francisco’s iconic department stores. These online events bring the state’s legendary places to life! Bid in our annual auction for exclusive preservation-themed items and experiences, and help protect California’s heritage through a donation to the California Preservation Foundation. ?? Explore & Support: https://lnkd.in/gQgWU-zi

?? Discover Historic Alleghany! ?? Step back in time and visit the Original Sixteen to One Mine, one of America's oldest operating mines. Explore the charming town, once bustling in the 1930s, now home to just 60 residents. Don't miss a rare opportunity to tour the old theater and school gym, typically closed to the public. Pack a lunch, visit the museum, and experience a slice of history! This and 60+other sites are available exclusively as part of Doors Open California. ??? #doca24 includes behind-the-scenes access, rare tours, and captivating stories - weekends in September. ?? #HistoricAlleghany #SixteenToOneMine #CaliforniaHistory

??? Unlock California's hidden treasures with special access behind the scenes of historic buildings and sites! Join us for the 3rd Annual Doors Open California this September! ??? Explore over 60+ places across the state with exclusive behind-the-scenes access, rare tours, and captivating stories. ?? ??? Mark your calendars: SF Bay Area, Sierra Nevada Foothills, San Diego Areas?(September 7-8) San Jose, Monterey, Los Angeles Areas?(September 14-15) Sacramento, Inland Empire, and Pasadena Areas?(September 21-22) San Luis Obispo Region?(September 28-29) ??? All-access pass: $20 per person ?? Post with #DOCA24 for a chance to win exclusive merch! Learn more and register at https://lnkd.in/gAD-HF4D #CaliforniaHistory #DOCA24

THANK YOU for y'alls monumental effort writing letters opposing #AB2580 - a poorly conceived bill that implies preservation constrains housing. The Senate Housing Committee Hearing is tomorrow at 1:30 PM. We hope to see you there. Out of the 8,000 letters we've received, the one from C.C. De Vere is especially poignant: "Preserving California's older buildings for the countless residents who need them is just good common sense... Construction and demolition produce about one-quarter of America's waste, and?more than 90 percent of that is from demolition." We especially like the stats: - Of the 35 HPOZs that currently exist, 21 have populations where there is a?greater share of racial diversity?than in the rest of the city. - As much as?69% of housing in HPOZs has more than one unit, with 39% providing five or more units or apartments. - Between 1999 and 2019, L.A. created over?12,000 new housing units through adaptive reuse?of historic buildings.

AB 2580 unfairly stigmatizes historic preservation and overlooks the cost-effectiveness of historic rehabilitation in providing and retaining affordable housing. The bill reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of existing preservation programs and,?as admitted by its proponents, is the first step towards eroding protections for historic resources. AB 2580 fails to provide evidence of abuse, offers no incentives, and does not encourage housing, thereby wasting valuable resources. For this reason and others, we urge you to write your legislators to oppose this bill and appear before the Senate Housing Committee next Tuesday, June 18th at 1:30 PM at the State Capitol, Room 112. https://bit.ly/ab2580