City earns White House honor for its preservation of the SM Pier
Santa Monica has made history once again.
Santa Monica Mayor Pam O’Connor on Friday accepted an award from the White House on behalf of the city for its commitment to historic preservation.
Santa Monica, which was recognized largely for the work it’s done to restore the pier, and the city of Monterey were named among the newest of 220 “Preserve America Communities” in the country. Fresno is the only other California city that has received the honor.
John L. Nau III, chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, presented the certificate to O’Connor and Monterey Mayor Dan Albert. The certificates were signed by first lady Laura Bush, whose office organized the effort.
“Preserve America communities demonstrate that they are committed to preserving America’s heritage while ensuring a future filled with opportunities for learning and enjoyment,” Laura Bush said in a prepared statement. “This community designation program, combined with the Preserve America Presidential Awards and federal support, provides strong incentives for continued preservation of our cultural and natural heritage resources.
“I commend them for their commitment to preserving an important part of our nation’s historic past for visitors, neighbors and, most importantly, for children.”
The Preserve America initiative was designed to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of America’s cultural and natural heritage, according to spokesman Bruce Milhans. Goals of the initiative include increasing shared knowledge about the nation’s past; strengthening regional identities and local pride; increasing local participation in preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage assets; and supporting the economic vitality of communities.
“There are significant economic, educational and cultural benefits that historic preservation, through efforts such as heritage tourism, provide a community,” Nau said in a prepared statement. “Sustainable preservation is not a cost for maintaining the past, it is an investment in the future. These communities are to be commended for their dedication to historic preservation and their vision for the future.”
Santa Monica applied for the honor last November.
“The city’s application emphasized our success and ongoing efforts in recent years to enhance the economic and cultural vitality of the city’s landmark Santa Monica Pier, an effort that has drawn support and participation by community groups, private interests, the Pier Restoration Corp. and the city,” according to a Feb. 16 city informational document.
The application was supported by Congressman Henry Waxman, State Sen. Sheila Kuehl, Assemblywoman Fran Pavley, State Historic Preservation Officer Milford Donaldson, Landmarks Commission Chairman Roger Genser and the local preservation organization represented by Santa Monica Conservancy President Joel Brand, according to city staffers.
Benefits to Preserve America cities include use of the Preserve America logo, listing in a government directory to showcase preservation and heritage tourism efforts, and eligibility for Preserve America grants, as well as funding through various government agencies, according to Milhans.
Additionally, the city will be supplied with a Preserve America road sign to inform visitors of its status.
As of January, there were 220 designated Preserve America communities in 34 states, including one American Indian tribe.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 21, 2005. Read the original PDF.