HomeMy WebLinkAboutWintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Mission - Ad Hoc Committee OACITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
a
City Council Interoffice Communication
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Connie Boardman, City Council Member 91)
Date: July 10, 2012
Subject: CITY COUNCIL A#E BER ITEM FOR JULY 16, 2012, CITY
COUNCIL MEET1 NG—ANALYSIS OF RELOCA77ON OF
HISTORIC BUILDINGS DESIGNATED TO BE DEMOLISHED ON
INICHOLS STREET AT WARNER AVE.
BACKGROUND:
In the early 1900s, the small village of Wintersburg was the center of the Japanese community
in Orange County. Japanese came to shop, socialize, and to attend services or learn English
at the Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Mission. It is one of the oldest Japanese churches in
Southern California and the Furuta property is one of the few Japanese-owned properties in
Orange County prior to the Alien Land Law of 1913.
The buildings include a church, Mission building, manse, farmhouse, and barn. The Mission was
constructed in 1909-1910, with the first services held on Christmas Day in 1910. The home and
barn of Charles Mitsuji "C.M." and Yukiko Furuta were constructed between 1909-1912. C.M.
Furuta was a Charter Member and First Trustee of the Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian
Mission, donating a portion of his five-acre property for the Church.
Japanese from around Orange County signed a prospectus to fund and build the original
Mission, starting in 1904. The Japanese community again raised funds during the Great
Depression to build a larger church on the site. In 1934, the new church was dedicated at the
corner of Warner and Nichols Lane. By 1965, the church membership had relocated to a larger
church in Santa Ana, but the Furuta family continued to reside on the property into the 21s'
Century.
In 1973, the City of Huntington Beach in its Open Space/Conservation report prepared for the
City General Plan identified the `old Japanese Church" as a historical cultural landmark. The
City's 1972-1973 Scientific Resources and Survey set a baseline for historic significance of
anything "50 years or older" (at that time, 1920 or earlier) The majority of Wintersburg
structures are now all over 100 years old, with the 1934 Church building being 78 years old.
In 1986, the Bowers Museum Japanese American Council of Orange County published their
Historic Building Survey which lists the Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian mission and church
as number one on list of significant buildings. Most of the buildings included in that County-wide
survey no longer exist.
In 1996, the City's General Plan listed the Furuta House and"Japanese Church" as local
landmarks in our Historic Resources Cultural Element. The Wintersburg site is considered
historically significant to State historians.
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CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEM FOR JULY 16,2012, CITY COUNCIL MEETING-ANALYSIS OF
RELOCATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS DESIGNATED TO BE DEMOLISHED ON NICHOLS STREET AT
WARNER AVE.
July 10,2012
The buildings are important for reasons other than their age. The local significance of
Wintersburg includes the history of agricultural development—which fueled Orange County's
economic growth—including celery, chili peppers and goldfish farms. The unique history of
Japanese Americans along the West Coast is one of our country's seminal civil liberties
moments. The majority of Wintersburg and Huntington Beach's Japanese community—
including clergy from the Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Church were interned in
Arizona.
The early Japanese community in Wintersburg—notably significant to the entire County--
previously was not mentioned in our City's official histories prior to the 2009 City centennial
book, Ebb &Flow: 100 Years of Huntington Beach.
Historically important people of national significance attended the church.
® Kazuo and Masuo Masuda—both Congressional Medal of Honor awardees—and their
family were congregants. Most of the children attended Huntington Beach High School.
The family was interned while four of the Masuda brothers served in the U.S, military.
The Masudas became nationally known when Mary Masuda faced down a group of
racists while checking on her family's farm in Talbert. The War Department issued a
nationwide statement regarding the incident and the prosecution of the men involved.
Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell presented the Masuda family with the Distinguished Service
Cross for the late Kazuo Masuda on Dec. 8, 1944, at their farmhouse, with then Capt.
Ronald Reagan. President Ronald Reagan remembered the Masudas specifically in his
remarks when signing the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. Kazuo and Masuo Masuda
received Congressional Medals of Honor in November 2011. Masuo Masuda—now in
his nineties--still attends the present-day Wintersburg Presbyterian Church.
® The Kanno family. James Kanno—the first mayor of Fountain Valley and the first
Japanese American mayor in the mainland United States—were congregants. The
entire Kanno family attended Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian and the father, Shuji
Kanno, was an elder and clerk of the church, as well as a teacher with the language
school. The Kanno family was interned at the Poston, Arizona Relocation Center.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) requires state and local public agencies to
identify the environmental impacts of proposed projects, determine if the impacts will be
significant, and identify alteratives and mitigation measures that will substantially reduce or
eliminate significant impacts to the environment.
Historical resources are considered part of the environment and a project that may cause a
substantial adverse effect on the significance of a historical resource is a project that may have
a significant effect on the environment.
Currently our planning department is processing a Focused EIR (FEIR) that proposes a General
Plan Amendment for a zone change (from residential to commercial/industrial) and analyzes
the cultural resources and impacts of the demolition of historic buildings on property owned by
Rainbow Environmental. After talking with staff, l discovered the draft FEIR does not include an
analysis of the feasibility of moving the historic buildings, or an analysis of where in the city one
or more of these buildings could be sited.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITEM FOR JULY 16,2012, CITY COUNCIL MEETING-ANALYSIS OF
RELOCATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS DESIGNATED TO BE DEMOLISHED ON NICHOLS STREET AT
WARNER AVE.
July 10,2012
1 am requesting that the City Council direct staff to include in the draft FEIR an analysis of
relocation alternatives of the historic buildings. Three potential sites that could be assessed
include Bartlett Park, Irby Park and Central Park. Each Park site would require further analysis
at a cost of approximately$30,000 per location.
In addition, should a site be deemed feasible from an environmental perspective, the City would
be required to update the Master Plan for the park site, process a CUP for the potential site and
define a source of funds for the relocation/restoration of any one or multiple buildings and
improvements to the site to provide access. In that each of these locations are park sites this
relocation could be subject to a Measure C process as well.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Direct staff to include analysis of relocation of historic buildings on the site as part of the FEIR
for this project.
xc: Fred Wilson, City Manager
Paul Emery, Deputy City Manager
Bob Hall, Deputy City Manager
Joan Flynn, City Clerk
Scott Hess, Director of Planning and Building
COMMUNICATIONS
RECEIVED REGARDING COUNCILMEMBER BOARDMAN'S
AGENDA ITEM:
DIRECTING STAFF TO INCLUDE AN ANALYSIS OF
RELOCATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS DESIGNATED TO
RE DEMOLISHED ON NICHOLS ST. AT WARNER AVE. AS
PART OF THE FEIR FOR THIS PROJECT
Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 5:04 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11655 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda & Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Mary Urashima
Description: I urge the City Council to ensure compliance with the intent of the California
Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) regarding complete analysis of alternatives for
preservation of the historic cultural resources at the Warner-Nichols site.
Historic preservation alternatives must be proposed and analyzed as mitigation measures
when there are impacts to historic resources. Mitigation must eliminate or significantly
reduce impacts.
The Warner-Nichols (Wintersburg) site contains more than a century of history, pre-
dating the incorporation of Huntington Beach. It is the only extant Japanese American
site of its type in Orange County, and is recognized by historians from around the State
as significant.
The Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Church was already known in 1930 to be the
oldest Japanese church in Southern California. The Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian
Church complex was recognized as a historic landmark by the City of Huntington Beach
in 1973. It was listed as#1 on the Historic Buildings Survey published by the Bower's
Museum Japanese American Council in 1986. Both the Furuta house and Wintersburg
Japanese Presbyterian Church complex were noted as "historic" in the City's 1996
General Plan. The fact this site is historic should not be in dispute.
The Furuta family barn and bungalow are 100 years old or older. The land was
purchased prior to the Alien Land Law of 1913, between 1904 and 1912. The owner,
C.M. Furuta came to America with nothing, worked to purchase the acreage in
Wintersburg, and donated a portion of it for use by the Japanese Presbyterian Mission.
The Mission was founded in 1904. They opened the doors for the first service at the new
Mission building on Christmas Day, 1910.
Wintersburg was the center of the early 20th Century Japanese community in Orange
County, due to the Mission, language school, the Asari market (across the street), and
the Wintersburg/ Smeltzer labor camps in the peatlands. There is a unique agricultural
history; including celery, chili peppers and goldfish farms.
The fact the Wintersburg buildings survived WWII years is remarkable. When the
Japanese of Wintersburg and Orange County were interned during WWII, chili pepper
production in the United States dropped roughly 70 percent. The significance of the
Japanese community's contribution to Orange County's development and economy is
1
notable.
Yet, the history of Wintersburg and the local Japanese community was not included in
official Huntington Beach histories until the centennial in 2009. Yet, there are
Wintersburg congregants whose lives and personal contributions are nationally
recognized, including Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.
I would urge you to read about the history of Wintersburg and view early photographs at
www.HistoricWintersburg blogspot.com. This part of our community's past is deserving
of inclusion with our local history. The former Wintersburg/present-day Oakview
community is deserving of historic preservation.
Expected Close Date: 07/11/2012
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Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 6:38 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11657 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Jodi Rios
Description: Historic preservation of our cultural sites in Huntington Beach is very important to our
community. I don't understand how the recent FEIR for the subject property does not
include mitigation measures that include preservation of these precious facilities. I urge
you to direct a complete CEQA analysis of historic preservation alternatives, including
both preservation in situ (onsite) and relocation for preservation.
Please make the historic preservation of the century-old "Warner-Nichols" Wintersburg
property a priority.
I request that you deny demolition of historically significant buildings located on the
Warner-Nichols property, including the Furuta family home and barn, and the
Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Mission, manse and Church.
I urge you to preserve our last few historical properties in Huntington Beach and honor
the historical significance of our past.
Expected Close Date: 07/11/2012
Click here to access the request
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monitored and will be ignored.
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Esparza, Patty
r
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 8:09 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11660 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Susan Hebard Holland
Description: City of Huntington Beach City Council
Public Communications for July 16, 2012 city council meeting
Reference: Warner-Nichols (Wintersburg)
http://huntingtonbeachca.gov/HBPublicComments/
As a native Californian, raised in Santa Ana and Tustin, Orange County, I watch the
activities of my home town with the eyes of a trained historian and preservationist (UCR
1976). 1 am alarmed at the potential to destroy the intact, historic and relevant story and
site of part of Orange Counties agricultural and cultural past. I strongly urge the council
to
1. Direct a complete CEQA analysis of historic preservation alternatives, including both
preservation in situ(onsite) and relocation for preservation
2. Make the historic preservation of the century-old "Warner-Nichols" Wintersburg
property a priority
3. Deny demolition of historically significant buildings located on the Warner-Nichols
property, including the Furuta family home and barn, and the Wintersburg Japanese
Presbyterian Mission, manse and Church
Susan H. Holland
Historian,ND Garden Coach
Member: Garden Writers Association
701-751-0466
NDGardenCoach(a�gmail.com
Blog - www.DiggingDakota.com
Expected Close Date: 07/12/2012
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i
Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 12:06 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11664 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Donna Graves
Description: Esteemed Members of Huntington Beach City Council,
As you consider the draft FEIR for the Warner-Nichols project, I write to ask you to
expand the follow CEQA process that takes into consideration the historic significance
of the collection of buildings that make up the historic Wintersburg Japanese Church
complex.
CEQA requires state and local public agencies identify the environmental impacts of
proposed discretionary projects, determine if the impacts will be significant, and identify
alternatives and mitigation measures that will substantially reduce or eliminate
significant impacts to the environment, including historical resources.
As Director for the statewide Preserving California's Japantowns project, I write to let
you know that the Wintersburg Japanese Church complex is a remarkably significant
and unusually intact collection of buildings and structures that reflect the early history of
Japanese Americans in the state and of the connection of immigrant communities to
Orange County agriculture. This complex is unique within the nearly 50 communities
we surveyed for the range of buildings and structures included, their physical-integrity
and the rich history they represent of an early 20th century farming community. As an
Orange County native, I urge you to search for ways to honor this important piece of
local history, one of the few that can connect current residents to these important aspects
of Orange County heritage.
In order to do so and to abide by CEQA requirements, I ask you to direct a complete
CEQA analysis of historic preservation alternatives, including both preservation in situ
(onsite) and relocation for preservation. Please deny demolition of historically
significant buildings located on the Warner-Nichols property, including the Furuta
family home and barn, and the Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Mission, manse and
Church and make the historic preservation of the century-old "Warner-Nichols"
Wintersburg property a priority.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Donna Graves, Director
Preserving California's Japantowns
Expected Close Date: 07/12/2012
Click here to access the request
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Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 12:25 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11665 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Question
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Richardson Gray
Description: Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to you in the hope that you will vote to preserve the historic buildings on
the referenced property. I feel that HB over the years has lost far too many of its
important historic buildings, and as such is losing valued parts of our past and even our
soul.
For example, I understand that Santa Barbara's local government is virtually controlled
by the City's local historic preservationists. And I cannot think of a coastal City in
Southern California that is considered more beautiful or desirable than Santa Barbara.
Similarly, I think that downtown Orange's historic preservation efforts have created one
of the best downtowns in Orange County, one that is worthy of our trying to copy as best
we can. I hope that HB can begin to do a better job of following these other,better
examples in the region. I am confident that such an approach, over the long term, will
only enhance the desirability of our City as a place to live, work, shop, and visit, which
in turn will increase property values and City tax revenues.
I lived in Boston for most of my adult life. In Boston, the City has done an excellent job
of blending new development with historic preservation which produces an eclectic mix
of buildings, blending the old and new, in a very attractive way. As such, I believe that
the historic areas of Boston are some of the most beautiful of any big City in the
country. And of course, Boston is a tourist, shopping, and commercial center, in addition
to its vibrant and attractive historic neighborhoods.
At present, our downtown area and neighborhoods retain just such an interesting mix of
new and old buildings. This attractive diversity is one of the reasons that I paid a lot of
money to buy my home in downtown at the peak of the market in 2007.
On top of all of these general observations, I have the following specific requests
regarding the historic Wintersburg property.
The City Council should vote for the City staff to take the following actions:
Direct a complete CEQA analysis of historic preservation alternatives, including both
preservation in situ(onsite) and relocation for preservation.
i
Make the historic preservation of the century-old "Warner-Nichols" Wintersburg
property a priority.
Deny demolition of historically significant buildings located on the Warner-Nichols
property, including the Furuta family home and barn, and the Wintersburg Japanese
Presbyterian Mission, manse and Church.
Thank you for your consideration of my views. I hope you will take them to heart, and
help HB begin to do a better job of preserving properties that are important to our local
history.
Richardson Gray
Expected Close Date: 07/12/2012
Click here to access the request
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monitored and will be ignored.
2
Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline[noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 1:16 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11667 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Arthur Hansen
Description: I would like to request that the council direct a complete CEQA analysis of historic
preservation alternatives for the "Warner-Nichols" Wintersburg property and to make
that century-old property's historic preservation a priority, while denying demolition of
the property's historically significant buildings, including the Furuta family home and
barn, and the Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Mission, manse and Church. I make
this request as an emeritus professor of History and Asian American Studies at
California State University, Fullerton, and immediate past director of CSUF's Center for
Oral and Public History and its Japanese American Project, as well as a past editor of the
JOURNAL OF ORANGE COUNTY STUDIES and Senior Historian at the Japanese
American National Museum.
Expected Close Date: 07/12/2012
Click here to access the request
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monitored and will be ignored.
1
Esgarza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline[noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 1:16 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11675 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Elaine Parker
Description: Please direct a complete CEQA analysis of the historic preservation alternatives,
including both preservation and relocation for preservation of the Wintersburg site and
make the preservation of this site a high priority. Deny demolition of these significantly
historic buildings located on the Warner-Nichols property, including the Fuurta family
home and barn, and the Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Mission, namse and church.
As a person who is from the Philadelphia, I can speak with some knowledge that unlike,
HB, or town appreciates historic buildings. In fact, our library was built in 1888 and still
going strong. Why here in HB are you so anxious to destroy our history - once these
buildings are gone, that is it and their history along with it. Then our future generations
will not even know about this important settlement and its inhabitants - it is a sad
commentary on this city.
Expected Close Date: 07/13/2012
Click here to access the request
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monitored and will be ignored.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
moe*v Date: 7- -/6 ZZCA/�
Agendas Item No. f
Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 4:28 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11678 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Doug Erber
Description: Dear Members of the Huntington Beach City Council:
I urge you to please ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
regarding complete analysis of the alternatives for preservation of the historically and
culturally significant Japanese American buildings at the Warner-Nichols property,
Please also deny any demolition of the buildings located on this property, including the
Furuta family home and barn, and the Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Mission,
manse and Church.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Doug Erber
President
Japan America Society of Southern California
Expected Close Date: 07/13/2012
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monitored and will be ignored.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
t�4eelirvQ We:
Agem%qem No.� /
Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2012 9:36 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11685 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: S Khatib
Description: i was born in this city, and since i was a child, the beautiful and historic Japanese
Presbyterian Church and the structures included, have been some of the more beloved
sites in my heart, in my hometown. We have lost so many of our historic buildings these
past several decades, and I truly hope we can preserve this site.
Therefore, I ask our City Council to:
Please direct a complete California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) analysis of all
historic preservation alternatives, including both preservation in situ(onsite) and if
absolutely necessary, relocation for preservation
Make the historic preservation of the century-old "Warner-Nichols" Wintersburg
property a priority
Deny demolition of historically significant buildings located on the Warner-Nichols
property, including the Furuta family home and barn, and the Wintersburg Japanese
Presbyterian Mission, manse and Church.
We are in the midst of making our city a tourist destination. Why not add a historical site
and museum to attract even more visitors, therefore adding even more activities for
citizens and visitors? Celebrate our past for our current Huntington Beach, and let us
explore, even more, our rich farming and amazing past.
Respectfully,
Stacha Khatib
Expected Close Date: 07/16/2012
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SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
tee*V Dote:2—/6
Agenda Item No. .�.d
i
4,uf
P ESERVVAT10N
F O U N D A T 1 O N
July 12, 2012 SAN RANCISCO,CALIFORNIA
94103-3205
City Council 41 5.495.0265 FAX
City of Huntington Beach CPF@CALIFORNIAPRESERVATION.ORG
2000 Main Street WWW.CALIFORNIAPRESERVATION.ORG
Huntington Beach, California 92648
RE: COMMENTS ON CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM #19: DFEIR FOR THE
WARNER NICHOLS PROPERTY "WINTERSBURG"
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dear Mayor and Members of City Council, Charles Chose,AIA,Son Francisco
PRESIDENT
VICE-PRESIDENT,PROGRAMS
On behalf of California Preservation Foundation (CPF), I am writing to Robert Chattel,AIA,Sherman Oaks
VICE-PRESIDENT,DEVELOPMENT
express our concern over the proposed demolition of the buildings Thomas Neary,Santa Monica
related to the Wintersbur Japanese Presbyterian Mission and Furuta TREASURER
g p Y David Wilkinson,Woodland
family. SECRETARY
Diane Kane,PhD,La Jolla
PAST PRESIDENT
California Preservation Foundation's Interest Christine Fedukowski,Pasadena
CPF is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the
preservation of California's diverse cultural and architectural heritage. Ray m Pomona
Robert
Imber,Palm Springs
Established in 1977, CPF works with its extensive network of 1,500 Lydia Kremer,Palm Springs
David Marshall,AIA,San Diego
members to provide statewide leadership, advocacy and education to Gil Mathew,Grass Valley
ensure the protection of California's diverse cultural heritage and historic Amy Minteer,Esq.,Los Angeles
Deborah Rosenthal,Esq.,Costa Mesa
places. Kurt Schindler,AIA,Berkeley
Carolyn Searls,PE,San Francisco
Kelly Sutherlin-McLeod,AIA,Long Beach
Historic Significance of Wintersburg Julianne Polonco,Son Francisco
Richard Sucre,San Francisco
Wintersburg is a Japanese community founded in the early 1900s is Sally Zornowitz,AIA,Berkeley
considered eligible for the National and California Register for its
significance with Japanese American history and specifically with its EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Cindy L.Heitzman
association with the lives of Masuda Family and other nationally and
locally important Japanese Americans. This site is rare in that the
buildings at the Furuta home site and Wintersburg Japanese
Presbyterian Mission and Church remain extant on the site. The site is
also significant for the history of agriculture and development in Orange
County.
The Draft Focused EIR Should Acknowledge the Archaeological and Cultural
Resources Within the Planning Area
CEQA Guidelines consistently provide that a resource is to be treated as historically
significant if it is listed on a local historic register or meets any one criterion for listing in
the California Register of Historical Resources; for example, if it is associated with
events that have made a significant contribution to broad patterns of history and
cultural heritage or is associated with the lives of important persons. (Guideline §
15064.5, subil subd.(3).) SUPPLEMENTAL.
COMMUNICATION
Ml Date:
AWda rem No. ,g
Page 2
For purposes of CEQA review, a property's potential eligibility for an historic register,
rather than actual listing, is sufficient evidence for the City to consider that resource
historic. Public Resources Code Section 21098.1 further defines what a historic
resource is for purposes of CEQA.
Historical resources included in a local register of historical resources, as
defined in subsection (k) of Section 5020.1, are presumed to be historically
or culturally significant for purposes of this section, unless the
preponderance of the evidence demonstrates that the resource is not
historically or culturally significant. The fact that a resource is not listed in,
or determined to be eligible for listing in, the California Register of
Historical Resources, not included in a local register of historical resources,
or not deemed significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (g) of
Section 5024.1 shall not preclude a lead agency from determining
whether the resource may be an historical resource for purposes of this
section.
Demolition of Historic Resources Will Have a Significant Impact
CEQA section 15064.5(b)(1) defines "substantial adverse change" to a historical
resource as "physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource
or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of an historical resource
would be materially impaired." The demolition or relocation of these historic resources
that make up the site would have a substantial adverse change that cannot be
mitigated to less than significant level. This unique historic property is significant for
more than the buildings themselves; it is the site inclusive of the buildings that are part
of the history that is told at this site. Therefore, the Draft EIR must consider a range of
feasible alternatives for preservation of the resources in situ.
Proiect Alternatives Must Include a Meaningful Preservation Option
Public agencies must "deny approval of a project with significant adverse effects
when feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures can substantially lessen
such effects." (Sierra Club v. Gilroy City Council (1990) 222 Cal.App.3d 40, 41; see also
Public Resources Code § 21002, 21002.1) The range of alternatives analyzed in the
Draft EIR should include those "that could feasibly accomplish most of the basic
objectives of the project and could avoid or substantially lessen one or more of the
significant effects." (CEQA Guideline § 15126.6(c)) It is important that the decision
makers, as well as the concerned public, are given sufficient objective information to
determine the feasibility of project alternatives.
Specifically, the Draft Focus EIR should include a preservation alternative that
achieves a reasonable number of the project objectives while complying with the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties. This alternative
need not, and should not, exclude meaningful improvements to the area that would
be consistent with the Secretary's Standards.
The Draft Focus EIR must acknowledge the,%ignificance of these resources and
analyze alternatives that would accomplish.most project goals without resulting in the
Page 3
destruction of this important part of our heritage. The proposed general plan and
zoning amendments does not require the demolition of these historic resources, nor is
there an imminent threat to these resources.
The Whole Protect
At this time there are no physical developments proposed "nor foreseeable"
according to the Initial Study prepared. CPF recommends that the buildings be
protected in place until a physical project is proposed. At that time a new Initial Study
can be completed for the "whole action", not just a part of the project, to determine
appropriate alternatives. This will create a more thorough analysis of all the potential
impacts so the public and the final approval body have a better understanding of
any project that is proposed here and how to best mitigate any impacts not just the
cultural but the aesthetic and visual impacts of industrial uses next to a school and in
a neighborhood. There are helpful guides online on how to appropriately mothball
historic properties as well as how to deter vandals and transients. Enclosing the site
with an opaque covering on the fence only encourages vandalism because they are
hidden from the public view.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment. Please feel free to contact me at (415)
495-0349 if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jennifer M. Gates, AICP
Field Services Director
In Partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation
cc: Ricky Ramos, Senior Planner
Lucinda Woodward, Office of Historic Preservation
Brian Turner, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2012 5:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11691 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Problem
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Karen Kai
Description: Dear Councilmembers,
I urge the Council to direct a complete CEQA analysis that thoroughly examines all
historic preservation alternatives for the historic properties, in particular the Wintersburg
Japanese Presbyterian Mission, manse and church. The "Warner-Nichols" property,
including Furuta family buildings and the church buildings should be protected from
demolition and their preservation made a priority for the City of Huntington Beach.
These buildings are a rare remnant of the story of Japanese Americans and their
struggles as immigrants who faced and overcame great obstacles, including pervasive
racial discrimination and their forced removal during World War I1, to establish and
return to communities on the west coast. Their story is an important part of our state and
national heritage. Their physical existence preserves an invaluable link that keeps that
heritage alive for present and future generations.
Having helped to preserve the historic Japanese YWCA building in San Francisco's
Japantown, I have seen first hand the importance of these historic buildings to the local
community and how, with sensitive stewardship, they can be utilized for public benefit.
Please take the important first step of assuring that historic preservation is thoroughly
covered in the CEQA analysis and use that information to help preserve and protect
these important historic assets.
Thank you for your consideration,
Karen N. Kai
Expected Close Date: 07/16/2012
Click here to access the request
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Monitored and will be ignored.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
M"*V Date: 7- --Z
AprWa Item No.
Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2012 5:32 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11692 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Cathy Inamasu
Description: Dear Hungtington Beach City Council,
I urge you to do a complete evaluation of the historic preservation options for the
buildings at Wintersburg. The historic buildings are important to the Japanese American
and religious communities of California.
Please seriously consider taking the following steps to safe guard historic treasures:
1. Direct a complete California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) analysis of all
historic preservation alternatives, including both preservation in situ(onsite) and
relocation for preservation.
2. Make the historic preservation of the century-old "Warner-Nichols" Wintersburg
property a priority.
3. Deny demolition of historically significant buildings located on the Warner-Nichols
property, including the Furuta family home and barn, and the Wintersburg Japanese
Presbyterian Mission, manse and Church.
Thank you for your consideration.
Expected Close Date: 07/16/2012
Click here to access the request
Note: This message is for notification purposes only. Please do not reply to this email. Email replies are not
monitored and will be ignored.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
t�set Date: —ZZ2 --
Agenda lWm No.
Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2012 1:29 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11703 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name:
Description: Preservation of Wintersburg Japanese heritage buildings.
Expected Close Date: 07/16/2012
Click here to access the request
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monitored and will be ignored.
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Moeft Date: /A
Apnda item No.^�g
1
�t ut�'ill X Page 1 of 1
Regarding Item 19 on the city council agenda for July 16:
We believe that the Wintersburg buildings in question are an important part of Huntington Beach history and deserve to receive careful consi
Please make preservation of the Wintersburg property a priority and deny demolition of buildings that mark the historical presence of Japane
White J. & Marilyn L. Harris
6902 Los Amigos Circle,
Huntington Beach
SUPPLEMENTAL.
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Bate:
Awda Item No.
http://user.govoutreach.com/surfcity/attachment.php?request=1003 83 3&access=31313 63 6... 7/16/2012
Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 8:46 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL; agendaalerts@surfcity-hb.org
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 11716 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson.
Request type: Question
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: melvin araki
Description: I hereby request that:
1. A complete CEQA analysis of historic preservation alternatives, including both
preservation in situ(onsite) and relocation for preservation
2. Make the historic preservation of the century-old "Warner-Nichols" Wintersburg
property a priority
3. Deny demolition of historically significant buildings located on the Warner-Nichols
property, including the Furuta family home and barn, and the Wintersburg Japanese
Presbyterian Mission, manse and Church
4. That a"do nothing" alternative be included in the CEQA analysis as required
Expected Close Date: 07/17/2012
Click here to access the request
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monitored and will be ignored.
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting Date:- - /� - c�D
Agenda ltem No. 2-2-
Esparza, Patty
From: Stephenson, Johanna
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 11:19 AM
To: Esparza, Patty
Subject: FW: Wintersburg Site-CC mtg #19
Johanna Stephenson / Executive Assistant /Johanna.sephenson@surfcity-hb.orci / O: 714.536.5575 / C:
714.536.5233
From: Gloria Alvarez [mailto:gloria@e-mailcom.com]
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 10:28 AM
To: CITY COUNCIL
Subject: Wintersburg Site - CC mtg #19
To City Council,
I am sending this to CC as an individual and not as a member of the Historic Resource Board.
The Wintersburg site represents a key part of HB's history and through preservation would represent both an
educational experience to our local community including students AND provide a significant point of interest
for visitors to our City. Below is my request for your review.
Direct a complete CEQA analysis of historic preservation alternatives, including both
preservation in situ (onsite) and relocation for preservation
• Make the historic preservation of the century-old "Warner-Nichols" Wintersburg
property a priority
• Deny demolition of historically significant buildings located on the Warner-
Nichols property, including the Furuta family home and barn, and the
Wintersburg Japanese Presbyterian Mission, manse and Church
We have the opportunity to preserve this history for future generations.
Thank you,
Gloria Alvarez
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
MoMN Date:
Agonea Item No.�.�/
Esparza, Patty
From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user.govoutreach.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2013 12:51 PM
To: CITY COUNCIL; Agenda Alerts
Subject: Surf City Pipeline: Comment on an Agenda Item (notification)
Request# 14075 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Agenda Alerts.
Request type: Comment
Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments
Citizen name: Paula Ortega
)[Description: Every effort must be made to preserve the past in our nation's communities, however
small or seemingly insignificant. In reading about the Historic Wintersburg District I
have learned more about Huntington Beach's unique history and our nation's history
through the stories of the people who lived there. Please preserve this rich part of your
city so that others can learn about it, and the past can truly be honored.
Expected Close Date: 04/22/2013
Click here to access the request
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monitored and will be ignored.
i