Ernest Marquez and Doris Sosin will be honored at the Santa Monica Conservancy’s “Spirit of Preservation Gala” on Sunday, March 31 at 6:30 pm at the East Wing Music Hall in the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, adjacent to The Broad Stage.
Ernest Marquez is a descendant of early Mexican land grantees in the Santa Monica area. For over twenty years, he researched local and family history, amassing over 10,000 photographic prints, rare negatives and ephemera that record the development of Santa Monica and Los Angeles beginning from the 1860s. Recognizing the value of his impressive scholarship, The Huntington Library now houses The Ernest Marquez Photograph Collection. Additionally, Marquez is the author of several books, including the bestselling Santa Monica Beach: A Collector’s Pictorial History. Learn more about Marquez here.
Doris Sosin co-founded the Santa Monica Conservancy in 2002 after working with other preservationists who successfully opposed a ballot measure that would have weakened the City’s Landmark Ordinance. She also founded the North of Montana Neighborhood Association (NOMA), calling upon the City to restrict the size of the mega mansions being built that were changing the character and density of the neighborhood. She served on the City’s Urban Forest Task Force and the Recreation and Parks Commission, where she conceived of and advocated for a long-range master plan. Learn more about Sosin here.
“We are delighted to be recognizing the lifelong accomplishments of our extraordinary honorees,” said Carol Lemlein, President of the Santa Monica Conservancy. The “Spirit of Preservation Gala” will feature cocktails with classical guitarist Mauricio Ortiz followed by dinner and music by the Danny Meyer Trio as well as video profiles of the honorees. Proceeds from the event will support the Conservancy’s work to protect our historic places. Gala tickets are $190 and sponsorship and tribute opportunities are available. To purchase, visit www.smconservancy.org. To leave a message for the Conservancy, please call (310) 496-3146.
For information on programs, membership and the Conservancy’s Preservation Resource Center, visit www.smconservancy.org.
Submitted by Carol Lemlein,
