The Conservancy was proud to present 2008 awards to two projects that represented significant milestones in local preservation: the restoration and rehabilitation of Barnum Hall, as well as the ongoing work towards saving Santa Monica's last intact shotgun house. The awards were presented January 27th at the Conservancy's annual meeting.

Barnum Hall

Four Outstanding Service Awards were presented to individuals who were instrumental in the restoration and rehabilitation of historic Barnum Hall at Santa Monica High School: Jean Sedillos, Margaret Bach, Michael Hill, and Catherine Baxter.

Jean Sedillos and Margaret Bach are community leaders who organized Restore Barnum Hall!, a task force of parents, school district staff, SAMOHI alumni and community members for the purpose of restoring the historic auditorium. Michael Hill was former president of the SAMOHI Alumni Association during the restoration campaign and now serves as Community Recreation Facilities Coordinator of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Catherine Baxter is Dean of Administrative Services at SAMOHI. Together, their tireless efforts throughout the many-phased initiative achieved wide-ranging community support and succeeded in raising funds for the $8 million restoration. Restore Barnum Hall! obtained city landmark designation of the WPA-era auditorium, which paved the way for available grant funding to aid in the restoration. The SAMOHI Alumni Association led the fundraising campaign, which involved many of the school’s alumni. Catherine Baxter at SAMOHI was instrumental in monitoring the construction process of the ongoing restoration. Today, Barnum Hall is a beautifully restored state-of-the art theater that contains unique works of art – a theater curtain and wall murals - designed by Stanton MacDonald Wright, renowned artist and director of California’s WPA art program.

Mario Fonda-Bernardi, architect

The Conservancy presented its prestigious David G. Cameron Preservation Award to local architect Mario Fonda-Bonardi, in recognition of his outstanding dedication and accomplishments in preserving Santa Monica’s landmark Shotgun House. Mr. Fonda-Bernardi has been involved in preservation efforts for many years, and has generously donated his time and talents in studying relocation, reuse and operation alternatives for the house. He prepared as-built drawings as well as concept plans for its restoration and adaptive reuse as a preservation resource center. Now an active member of the Shotgun House Committee, under the umbrella of the Santa Monica Conservancy, he was instrumental in identifying an appropriate relocation site. He helped to prepare the Conservancy’s proposal to the city, which was successful.

The city selected the Conservancy to relocate the house to a site on Second Street only blocks from its original location in Ocean Park. Once funds are raised, the Shotgun House will be restored and opened as a preservation resource center operated by the Conservancy. This small artifact from Santa Monica’s earliest beginnings, which was nearly demolished, will be used for educational displays and school visits, giving valuable perspective on the city’s rapid growth and change over time.

About the David G. Cameron Preservation Award

The Conservancy presents the David G. Cameron Preservation Award annually to individuals or organizations in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments in preserving Santa Monica's unique heritage, and for promoting the value of historic preservation in the city.

It is named fr longtime Santa Monica resident David G. Cameron, attorney-at-law, historic preservation consultant and preservation activist, who passed away tragically in 1997. David Cameron was a pioneer in preservation in Santa Monica, having served as a charter member and past president of the SM Historical Society, a founding member of the SM Heritage Square Museum Society and member and chair of the City Landmarks Commission from 1980 to 1988. In this latter capacity Cameron was instrumental in the establishment of the city's first Landmarks Ordinance and was a passionate and tireless advocate for the preservation of its historic heritage.

In addition to his important work in SM, Mr. Cameron also served as an early board member of the L.A. Conservancy, and as chair of the Conservancy's Cultural Resource Committee. His many awards and commendations include the City of L.A. Mayor's Certificate of Appreciation, granted in 1987, "for his advice to and support of the Cultural Heritage Commission, and for his role as guardian of Historic-Cultural Monuments in the city of Los Angeles." Much the same could be said of his contribution to the early growth and sustenance of the preservation movement in Santa Monica. This award is dedicated to his memory and the lasting legacy of his work.