News

Dear Friends,

What a difficult year this has been for all of us. The pandemic has been very hard on our community but the new vaccines are greatly encouraging us in looking forward to returning to normal life. This year we’ve also witnessed a civil rights movement across the nation, which galvanized our Board to develop ways to transform our advocacy, programs and governance to be more equitable and representative.

With the cancellation of our many programs, the Conservancy was also hit hard this year, losing more than a 70% of our earned income, which would have been catastrophic without a dramatic response. In this challenging year, we’re incredibly grateful for adaptability, strength and the encouragement of our members, volunteers and staff.

But the brightest spot in this whole year has been YOU!

You – our members, friends and supporters – have inspired us with your fortitude, flexibility, generosity and deep caring. YOU are simply the reason we’re here and we’re so grateful that you are a part of our preservation community.

With you in mind, at the end of March, we began offering a weekly newsletter with exciting preservation news, virtual events and at-home activities. Many of you have told us just how much you appreciate the wide range of subjects expertly covered each week. With your support, we also launched our Santa Monica Mosaic lecture series, which has reached more than 350 guests and raised awareness about our historic Tongva, African American and Mexican American communities.

When the City made drastic cutbacks in its budget and services, crippling the Landmarks Commission, together we raised our voices about the importance of preservation. The Conservancy also took immediate action to fill these essential gaps. Our Advocacy Committee’s ongoing review of all proposed demolitions helps protect structures of historic value over 40 years old and we continue our strong efforts to save our historic places.

Your passion and commitment to preservation continue to empower us. Our Board, 21^st Century Task Force and newly formed Advisory Council are all hard at work. And our Search Committee is moving forward with plans to hire our first full-time Executive Director in late 2021, which we will share more about in the new year.

We greatly look forward to the day when we can welcome you back to the Annenberg Beach House, our Preservation Resource Center and signature walking tour and programs in historic places along with our many other gatherings. And just as importantly, we can’t wait to have our treasured docents back to share their vast historical knowledge.

Again, thank you for your generosity and commitment. We look forward seeing you in 2021. Have a wonderful and safe new year!

Sincerely,

 

 

Tom Cleys
President, Board of Directors

 

 

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