Conservancy News

Photo Reference: Remains of the Palisades Business Block. View from Swarthmore at Sunset Blvd. | Photo credit: LA City Planning 2025 Mosaic Episode 3: When Landmarks Fall

When Landmarks Fall: Honoring the Past to Inspire the Future premieres Sunday, November 2, at 5 p.m. This is the final livestream event of the 2025 Mosaic season, dedicated to Pacific Palisades following its devastation in the January wildfire.

The first two events, The Way We Were and A Cultural Landscape, explored “what was” with a reflection on the Palisades’ origins and growth as a community. When Landmarks Fall will discuss “what’s next”, bringing together three civic leaders to discuss historic resources that were impacted during the fire and various approaches toward recovery.

“We’ve been honored to tell the story of our stricken coastal neighbors as they face the long recovery ahead,” said Mosaic co-producer Steve Loeper. “We stand in support of their determination to rebuild their cherished community.”

Don’t forget to RSVP for the watch party at the Shotgun House!

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. to ensure attendees are seated upon the start of the Mosaic livestream event at 5:00 p.m. Please email alissa@smconservancy.org to reserve your spot.

Meet Our Panelists

Ken BernsteinKen Bernstein is a Principal City Planner for the Los Angeles Department of City Planning, where he serves as Manager of the City’s Office of Historic Resources and directs Los Angeles’ historic preservation policies. As lead staff member for the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission, he has overseen the completion of SurveyLA, a multi-year citywide survey of historic resources, and has led the creation of a comprehensive historic preservation program for Los Angeles. He previously served for eight years as Director of Preservation Issues for the Los Angeles Conservancy. Ken is currently an Adjunct Professor in urban planning for the USC Price School of Public Policy and serves as a Senior Fellow for UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs. He holds a Master’s Degree from Princeton University and a B.A. from Yale University. He is the author of Preserving Los Angeles: How Historic Places Can Transform America’s Cities.

 

Barbara TejadaBarbara Tejada is the Cultural Resources Program Manager for the Angeles District of California State Parks. In this role, Barbara oversees historic structures and landscapes, museum collections, archaeological resources, and collections, and acts as the district tribal liaison. Barbara has over 25 years’ experience in cultural heritage in Southern California, working for the Getty Museum, Caltrans, cultural resource consulting firms, and State Parks, with expertise in pre-contact and historical archaeology. She has participated in several archaeological projects throughout the region. Barbara has contributed to the preservation and interpretation of California’s diverse cultural heritage. Barbara also sits as board chair for the Oakbrook Chumash Indian Museum in Thousand Oaks, where she works to promote understanding of Indigenous history and culture.

 

Randy YoungRandy Young is a local historian, author, and activist who has lived in the Rustic Canyon neighborhood of Pacific Palisades since 1953. After graduating from Pacific Palisades High School, Randy went on to become president of the Thomas Young Photo Studio from 1980 to 1995, and since 1974, chairman of the Casa Vieja Press. There, he authored or coauthored several books on local history, including “Rustic Canyon and the Story of the Uplifters” and “Santa Monica Canyon and Other Tales.” As a longtime community advocate, Randy’s associations have included the Pacific Palisades Community Council, Will Rogers Cooperative Association, Southern California Environment and History Conference, Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission, Los Liones State Park, and the Brentwood-Palisades Community Plan.

The Preservation Awards, hosted annually by Santa Monica Conservancy, is a large gathering of community members, working professionals, public officials, and historians, recognizing exceptional efforts in local heritage conservation, celebrating the arts, history, and culture that define Santa Monica.

We anticipate an attendance of 150-200+, including residents and industry professionals in the following sectors: design, architecture, hospitality, history/academia, preservation, construction, engineering, government, and nonprofit.

Thus, placing a commercial ad or public tribute in the 2025 Preservation Awards program puts your organization, service, or business in direct exposure with an intentional community that values sustainability, storytelling, and craftsmanship.

Please note that the deadline to add a print ad/tribute has passed. All ads/tributes submitted after Nov. 1 will be included in the digital program, but not the print program.

Potential Impressions:

  • 150-200+ Attendees at Preservation Awards
  • 200-300+ Community Members at Public Preservation Awards Reception/Taste of Santa Monica
  • 4100+ Community Members in Santa Monica Conservancy Newsletter

Why place an ad?

Being around like-minded people may lead to more organic connections and generate both short-term and long-term client relationships.

Why submit a tribute?

You may submit a tribute to recognize a notable individual or service in attendance. View the honorees. 

How to Place a Tribute or Ad in the Print Program

You may purchase a quarter- ($250), half-($500), or full-page ($750) ad or tribute. The deadline to request a designed ad or tribute is October 30th if you’d like a draft for one round of feedback or November 1st if you trust us with a final draft. Please note that ads can be placed in a premium location (e.g., inner cover) for an additional $50.

Purchase your ad or tribute at this link: https://smc.givecloud.co/2025-pres-awards-sponsor

After purchase, please email melina@smconservancy.org and provide:

  • Logo (preferably a high-resolution PNG or vector file – AI, SVG, EPS, or PDF)
  • Name of Tribute or Business
  • Relevant Contact Information if Applicable
  • Relevant Image(s) (PNG, TIFF, JPEG)
  • Relevant Text (Suggested MAX Word Count)
    • Quarter Page Ad: 10-20 words
    • Half Page Ad: 20-30 words
    • Full Page Ad: 30-50 words
  • Any Guiding Comments (e.g., color palette)

The deadline to submit a finished ad or tribute (your design) or tribute is November 3rd. To ensure we can lay out your ad appropriately in the print program, ensure your ad is within the following parameters:

  • Quarter Page Ad: 4.25 in x 2.75 in
  • Half Page Ad: 4.25 in x 5.5 in
  • Full Page Ad: 8.5 in x 5.5 in

Please contact melina@smconservancy.org for any questions regarding the print program or additional sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 Preservation Awards.

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE] SANTA MONICA, CA – Join Santa Monica Conservancy and Santa Monica Public Library for an evening of storytelling, Untold Stories with Sharon Reyes: The History of the Marquez-Reyes Family, on Wednesday, October 8.

Children in the 19th Century in Santa Monica.

The Mexican Presence in Santa Monica Project, Sharon Reyes Collection.

Reception: Historic Shotgun House at 2520 Second Street (5:00-6:15 p.m.)
Talk & Q&A: Ocean Park Library at 2601 Main Street (6:30-7:30 p.m.)

The program starts at the Historic Shotgun House with the unveiling of exhibition panels on Rancho life in Santa Monica, followed by a talk and Q&A at Ocean Park Library between Sharon Reyes and historian Nina Fresco, featuring never-before-seen historic photos from Sharon’s personal collection. Attendees may RSVP for Untold Stories with Sharon Reyes on Eventbrite.

Honoring the Marquez-Reyes Family Legacy

Men in the 19th century in Santa Monica.

The Mexican Presence in Santa Monica Project, Sharon Reyes Collection.

When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, the Mexican government awarded land grants to Mexican citizens who met specific requirements: be a person of good character; provide a diseño (drawn map) of the requested land; stock the land with at least 500 head of cattle; plant fruit trees; and build a house within a year. In 1839, Ysidro Reyes and Francisco Marquez were granted Rancho Boca de Santa Monica with full ownership of the land. To this day, the Reyes and Marquez family members are significant contributors to the rich cultural history, genealogy, and influence of Mexican American families in Santa Monica.

While the family has influenced the larger Southern California region, this event will focus on their experiences in Santa Monica and Santa Monica Canyon.

New Collection Highlights Mexican Presence

Four women

The Mexican Presence in Santa Monica Project, Angie Marquez Collection

Untold Stories follows an event on September 20, piloting Santa Monica Public Library’s new Mexican Presence in Santa Monica Collection, a collection of images and oral histories of generations of Mexican American families whose histories are woven into Santa Monica’s culture and environment. Learn more here.

About Santa Monica Conservancy

The Santa Monica Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the city’s historic places and cultural heritage. Through walking tours, educational programs, and community events, the Conservancy helps foster deeper connections between residents, visitors, and the stories that shape Santa Monica.

About Santa Monica Public Library

The Santa Monica Public Library serves as a vibrant hub for learning, culture, and community connection. Committed to fostering literacy, lifelong learning, civic engagement, and cultural awareness, the Library champions values of equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Guided by its vision to preserve the past, serve the present, and shape the future, the Library’s mission is to provide resources, services, and welcoming spaces that inspire the community to read, connect, relax, and learn.

Media Contact:
Melina Castorillo, Communications Associate
Santa Monica Conservancy
melina@smconservancy.org

 

Three volunteers with blue "Santa Monica Conservancy" hats at an outreach table, representing the Conservancy at State of the City, a community event hosted at Miles Playhouse.

Conservancy docents (Michelle, Ellen, Anita) at the outreach table at State of the City, before hosting tours of the Historic Miles Playhouse.

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE] Santa Monica, CA – The Santa Monica Conservancy is looking for volunteers to tell the stories of Santa Monica’s most iconic and beloved sites in celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary.  

Volunteer opportunities range from conducting guided tours of historic places like Main Street and the Marion Davies Guest House (at Annenberg Community Beach House) to writing stories about the city’s colorful history for the Conservancy newsletter. 

“Working with volunteers has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey,” says Alissa Reid, the Conservancy’s community outreach coordinator. “Each person brings their own story, passion, and reason for wanting to preserve the history of this city. I’m constantly reminded how deeply people care about the places that have shaped their lives.” 

Two staff members posted at the check-in/entrance of a "A Celebration of Historic Homes", a member event including a guided tour of a historic home designed by Cecil Gale.

Community Outreach Coordinator Alissa Reid and Communications Association Melina Castorillo host check-in member event including a guided tour of a historic Cecil Gale home.

Volunteers who complete at least four events annually are eligible for a complimentary Conservancy membership, which includes access to member-only events and special guided tours of historic places throughout Los Angeles and beyond. 

Volunteers are needed at the following Conservancy events: 

  • Doors Open California: Explore a Tiny Home Turned Local Landmark! | Sept. 13–14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (2520 Second Street)
    Tour the Historic Shotgun House during Doors Open, a statewide celebration of over 70 historic sites. Built in 1897, the tiny house was saved from demolition by local community members and now serves as the Conservancy’s headquarters.
  • Route 66 Centennial Exhibition | POSTPONED TO 2026 (2520 Second Street)
    Commemorate 100 years of Route 66 with a special exhibition at the Shotgun House. 
  • Untold Stories: The History of the Marquez-Reyes Family with Sharon Reyes | Oct. 8, Reception: 5:00 p.m. (2520 Second Street) • Talk: 6:30 p.m. (Ocean Park Library) An evening of storytelling with Marquez-Reyes family member Sharon Reyes and historian Nina Fresco, highlighting the impact of Mexican American families in Santa Monica through rare photos and family stories. 

 The Conservancy has many ongoing volunteer opportunities: 

  • Guided tours, highlighting Santa Monica’s architectural and cultural landmarks, including the Main Street Walk, Downtown Walking Tour, Shotgun House Tour, and Tour of Marion Davies Guest House at Annenberg Community Beach House. 
  • Gardening at the historic Shotgun House Native Plant Garden, led by garden expert and docent Hilda Weiss, who also brings volunteers on field trips to local nurseries! 
  • Writers’ Circle, where volunteers collaborate with the Conservancy’s communications team to craft stories and relay news on architectural preservation, local history, and cultural events shared with over 4,000 subscribers.

To learn more about volunteering at the Santa Monica Conservancy, contact Community Outreach Coordinator Alissa Reid at alissa@smconservancy.org. 

Volunteer shows a visitor a miniature model of the Shotgun House.

Docent Patty Godon-Tann shows a visitor a miniature version of the Shotgun House (Doors Open California 2024).

Two volunteers at a table with supplies for a seedball workshop (seeds, clay, envelopes).

Hilda and Mya host a Seedball workshop at the Shotgun House Garden dedication to Doris Sosin.

About the Santa Monica Conservancy 

The Santa Monica Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the city’s historic places and cultural heritage. Through walking tours, educational programs, and community events, the Conservancy helps foster deeper connections between residents, visitors, and the stories that shape Santa Monica. 

The Historic Shotgun House and the Marion Davies Guest House (located at the Annenberg Community Beach House a.k.a. the Beach House) are both open for extended hours during Doors Open California, a statewide celebration of design, architecture, and history, featuring over 70 historic sites.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 13th and 14th, you can tour two local landmarks and learn about various aspects of coastal living in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

If you miss Doors Open, the Shotgun House is open for tours on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month from 12 to 2 p.m. And the Marion Davies Guest House is open for tour Friday through Monday from 12 to 2 p.m.

Tour the Historic Shotgun House

(Left) Historic Shotgun House Prior to Move and (Right) Present Day Shotgun House in Ocean Park

The Historic Shotgun House is located in Ocean Park, just a couple of miles from its original location in Sunset Park. Built in 1897, the tiny home served various families for nearly a century. In 2002, the Shotgun House garnered support from community members to resist its demolition. Through an adaptive reuse plan, the Santa Monica Conservancy rehabilitated and reopened the site in 2016, serving simultaneously as a museum for local history and the headquarters for Conservancy staff. Learn More About the Shotgun House in Our Historic Resources Inventory

What to Expect:

At the Shotgun House tour, a docent will guide you through the house’s history and explore some of the house’s original features. You can also view a miniature model of the house in the Victorian era and immerse yourself in Ocean Park history through existing exhibition panels.

How to Get There: The Shotgun House is located on Second Street next to the Ocean Park Library, parallel to Main Street in Ocean Park.

Address: 2520 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Parking: Please allow extra time to park, especially in the summer months. Metered parking is available along Norman Place and Main Street. The nearest parking lot is city lot #10 at 111 Hill Street, just south along Main. Better yet, take the bus or use a rideshare service! Big Blue Bus #1 will drop you off near the corner of Main and Ocean Park Blvd (by Ocean Park Library).

Tour Marion Davies Guest House

Postcard of Marion Davies in front of her beach house in Santa Monica, California

The Marion Davies Guest House is located at the Annenberg Community Beach House, which stands at the site of the now-demolished 110-room, Georgian Revival Mansion—designed by architect Julia Morgan, and built for actress Marion Davies by publisher and politician William Randolph Hearst. Davies became Hollywood’s premier hostess in the late 20s and 30s. She and Hearst resided here for portions of their 35-year-long relationship, and together they welcomed hundreds of celebrities, politicians, artists, and other notables to their luxurious paradise by the ocean. Learn More About the Marion Davies Guest House in Our Historic Resources Inventory

What to Expect:

Santa Monica Conservancy docents will be on hand to share the rich history of the Annenberg Community Beach House site from the 1920s into the Present Day.

How to Get There: The Marion Davies Guest House is located at the Annenberg Community Beach House on Pacific Coast Highway.

Address: 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Parking: There is limited parking available at the Annenberg Community Beach House Lot. You may also park at the nearby Beach Parking Lot 9 North, located at 530 Pacific Coast Highway, or Beach Parking Lot 8 North (furthest from the site), located at 810 Pacific Coast Highway.

Marion Davies Birthday at the Estate

Doors Open California is hosted by the California Preservation Foundation (CPF). Every year, CPF invites historic sites throughout California to open their doors for this month-long, state-wide celebration. See other participating locations on their website.