During the San Clemente Earth Day Festival held this past April, my wife and I while strolling around looking at the displays above the pier came upon the Historical Society's exhibit celebrating San Clemente's unique history. The activities and efforts of the Historical Society are to be highly commended.

My wife and family first visited San Clemente two years ago and were immediately impressed with the historical uniqueness of the town which we had not previously known about. Our stay was so memorable, in a large part due to the attractive historic nature of the buildings and the planned urban design layout of Ole Hanson.

On one Sunday, we were made to feel so welcome by the friendly residents who we met, while browsing amongst the
craft stalls and shops that occupied the main street that we knew we would like to return.

That second visit occurred this year. It was disturbing to learn that two of the historic buildings are currently threatened by developer or private buyer interests.

I have just retired from holding a project manager position within our Provinces Department of Infrastructure.

In Alberta, the Provincial Government can designate buildings of historical interest that then become protected in
perpetuity. This maybe similar to your state designated buildings. It is the highest protection available.

At the municipal level, such as the city of Calgary, buildings that have not met the requirements for Provincial designation status are listed as buildings that have been evaluated as having significant heritage value. While not legally protected, the designation means the city will work to keep the building intact. This sometimes creates friction between the parties involved during any transaction of the property and the city's efforts to protect the building. However the city takes this responsibility very seriously and places great importance in trying to convince those involved of the buildings significance. Greed and personal opportunities for those involved some times come before the concerns of the public and those interested in preserving our heritage.

If historical buildings, individual rooms or assembly halls are demolished the historic ties with the past and what makes a place like San Clemente so special and unique are diluted. The town will eventually lose its' special identity.

The Historical Society's efforts need all the support it can get from the San Clemente City Council who are entrusted
by its citizens with an important responsibility. I hope it does not neglect these. Every time a part of our historic past
is demolished it is lost forever and can never be enjoyed, studied and appreciated by future generations. I also hope
that the readers of historical publications or letters which may become published draw awareness and become supportive to the importance of preserving ones historical heritage.

I wish you all every success with the education and awareness that the Historical Society is undertaking and hope that all the members on the council appreciate these efforts. The vision of Ole Hanson, to create an urban setting where people can live together more pleasantly than in any other place in America needs to be protected by those now holding the trust of its citizens. An essential part of this protection is to ensure that none of the remaining original buildings are demolished or materially changed through neglect or other considerations.

Michael McKerrow
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Michael McKerrow