Celebrating the 40th anniversary of its People In Preservation awards, Save Our Heritage Organisation’s 2023 list of honorees includes high-profile preservationists Dorothea Laub and Diane Coombs, who are receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards.

SOHO’s mission since 1969 has been to be a powerful catalyst for preservation by raising awareness and appreciation of our region’s architectural and cultural heritage through education, advocacy, and stewardship. Over the past 40 years, SOHO has presented 432 PIP Awards to more than 700 individuals, agencies, institutions, and businesses.

Laub was honored for her work that has centered around the restoration of Balboa Park’s historic buildings and landscapes, the historic buildings of Liberty Station Arts District, and Point Loma Village restorations. At Liberty Station, her love of dance led to the transformation of a1940s former Navy building into Dorothea Laub Dance Place, now the home of the prominent companies Malashock Dance and San Diego Ballet.

Coombs is a dedicated advocate and activist for the environment and community, who has actively contributed to land-use and preservation projects in San Diego County for decades.

The PIP honoree’s list also includes noteworthy La Jollans such as David Goldberg (above), honored with SOHO’s Legacy: Cultural Stewardship Award. Goldberg joined SOHO in 1978, and in 40-plus years has volunteered in every area, from home tour docent to board and committee member to president.

Goldberg has also been involved with the La Jolla Historical Society for decades as a board member and treasurer and is now co-chair of its Historic Preservation Committee.

“His long-term volunteer work is a testament to his deep passion for San Diego’s architectural heritage and the city itself,” said SOHO in a statement adding the organization applauds Goldberg’s “commitment to preservation organizations and successful campaigns to save significant historic architecture and sites, resulting in a meaningful legacy of broad and far-reaching impact.”

“I’ve always felt a strong connection to history and old buildings,” said Goldberg adding, “Some of my earliest memories are living in two circa 1915 cottages on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus.”

Added Goldberg, “It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that I learned there was a burgeoning preservation movement. It was a revelation that there were kindred spirits who shared my conviction for safeguarding cherished architecture and a sense of place. After returning to San Diego, I joined SOHO. Not long thereafter, I joined the La Jolla Historical Society. It’s a privilege to be a part of these two wonderful organizations that do so much good for the community.”

Also singled out in the PIP awards this year was Carmen Lucas, an Elder in the Kwaaymii Laguna Band of Indians, and the multidisciplinary team of Courtney Ann Coyle, Nick Doose, Rachel Ruston, and Brian Williams. All were honored with the Culture Keeper: Tribal Cultural Landscape Award.

“SOHO advocates beyond the built environment, including cultural lands conservation,” said Alana Coons, SOHO’S education and communications director. “The 354-page Ah-Ha’ Mut-ta-ti’ e report, which took five years, was a monumental team effort to protect a mostly undeveloped area that holds immense importance for sustaining ongoing tribal spiritual life, practices, legends, shared wisdom, and daily sustenance. It is so comprehensive that it has the potential to become a model for documenting and preserving other tribal lands and reserves. Throughout this effort, Carmen Lucas, a tribal Elder, is a legendary figure in preserving and sharing her cultural knowledge, and it is an absolute honor for SOHO to express our gratitude to her.”

In summarizing the PIP awards, Coons concluded, “The purpose is to put the spotlight on the people behind well-done preservation projects and on those whose efforts give to the greater community because they add to our shared heritage. The awards are a bit of a love fest in that they provide an opportunity for SOHO as an organization to thank remarkable preservationists, and at the same time help others recognize what their fellow community members have accomplished in preserving the historic resources of our region.”

PIP awardees are role models. “We often refer to the honorees as preservation heroes and heroines because they play such a crucial role in safeguarding our shared history for future generations,” Coons said. “We celebrate them, not only to acknowledge their contributions but also as a call to action for others to be mindful of the historical treasures around us.”

Coons said historical preservation has never been more important. “It’s evident that we are not just facing the risk of losing our historical identity and character; we are experiencing it,” she said. “Preserving the historical and cultural essence of San Diego is a crucial concern, especially with the current Wild West of development, where anything goes. San Diego is facing significant challenges, and it’s vital for people to pay close attention to what’s happening now.”