Important Announcement for Descendants of Early San Diego
Presidio Soldiers Commemorative Plaque - Serra Museum
BACKSTORY: This historical rescue by "Founders of the Californias Binational Initiative" in both countries, headed by Ignacio Felix Cota and Enrique Hambleton, placing commemorative plaques to honor the Soldados de Cuera, Missionaries and Natives that founded the Presidios. These persons founded the main towns and gave birth to the Spanish Colony in Alta California with their descendants. The first plaques and monuments will be donated by Ignacio Felix Cota in USA: San Diego (Serra Museum in Presidio Park) and Santa Barbara, in Mexico: San Jose Del Cabo, Loreto and Ensenada in coordination with historical institutions. The San Diego initiative was coordinated with the San Diego History Center by Bill Lawrence and Iris Engstand. For more information contact: Connie Rascon Gunther (Cota Family), email: [email protected] Ignacio Felix Cota, email: [email protected]
EL Camino Real of the Californias World Heritage Site Initiative San Diego District Research Team As part of the newest initiative for World Heritage Site nomination of El Camino Real of the Californias, members of Corredor Histórico CAREM’s Historic Corridor Working Group and San Diego District Research Team Coordinators hosted El Camino Real Public History Workshop at the San Diego History Center in January 2017. The workshop introduced the initiative as well as the public history research projects currently underway in the San Diego District (San Diego to San Gabriel). Many workshop participants expressed interest in the initiative and are now volunteer researchers assisting in the collaborative effort. For more information, to join the Project mailing list, or to become a research volunteer please contact: Robyn Adriance, San Diego District Research Team Project Manager, [email protected] David Richardson, San Diego District Research Team Project Coordinator, [email protected]
CalTrans building on corner of Taylor and June Streets
As many of you know, the State of California has given the old CalTrans property at the corner of Juan and Taylor to (OTSHP) Old Town State Historic Park. Since that location has high historic and archaeological value, it is important for early San Diego descendants to maintain awareness of the State Park's plans and developments.
The descendant committee attended last week's meeting. Photos of the first two alternative plans are posted below. The third alternative is to leave the old CalTrans building on site.
In December, State Parks will encourage public comments regarding their General Plan. It is at that time, that Descendants of Early San Diego should voice their suggestions and/or concerns. They have not announced when the next project meeting will be, but we will remain vigilant regarding additional developments.
This State Dept. link -- http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26305 -- will explain the details of the October 21 meeting, show the 3 Alternative Conceptual Plans and offer all of the Public Meeting comments from the audience.