Asked to list the qualities that contribute to the “livability” of cities and communities, most of us would be quick to cite the obvious: good schools; efficient municipal services; low crime rates; the availability of parks and green space; a vibrant local economy. There is, however, a growing awareness of yet another factor, no less important: a sense of continuity; a clear linkage between a community’s living past and present. Like so many others today, Alhambra is a city struggling for that balance between the need of any thriving community to grow and develop and the equally strong need to honor and preserve its past.

Alhambra’s history is, in so many ways, the story of the settlement of our region, the growth of Los Angeles as a commercial and population center, and the development of Southern California’s suburban lifestyle. While all of those who populated and shaped the early development of Alhambra are gone, a good deal of what they built remains. The rich heritage of our city is made visible through the historic architecture that defines the unique character of our community, offering a sense of continuity, integrating past and present.

Over the past several years, and amid a climate of rampant, anything-goes over-building and high density development, a groundswell of concern has been building among Alhambra residents and property owners that, in its rush to embrace the new, our city has sacrificed an alarmingly high percentage of its character-defining historic architectural resources. Once sacrificed, these can never be recovered. This is the realm of historic preservation – and this is the goal of Alhambra Preservation Group.

Established in 2003, under the auspices of the Alhambra Historical Society, Alhambra Preservation was incorporated as a fully independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007. Through education, advocacy and awareness-building programs, APG seeks to ensure that the historical, architectural and cultural resources of our city are identified, protected and celebrated for their contributions to Alhambra’s heritage, economy and environment.

President	Vice-President	Secretary	Eleanor Carter Treasurer	Barbara Beckley
Michael Lawrence	Lisa Selje	SSusan Bejeckian	Nong Lawrence	Kathy Hildreth In memory & spirit

APG is an all-volunteer organization, governed by a ten-member Board of Directors. Our activities are supported by the paid memberships of over 100 Alhambra households and by earned income generated by our periodic Alhambra Historic Home Tours. We conduct a full slate of community-awareness-building activities and events including Meet the Candidates Forums, informational programs, meetings, presentations and “field trips” to locations of historic and architectural significance throughout the area. All are welcome at our meetings and events, regardless of membership status!

In our effort to influence the public discourse on preservation issues at every level, APG volunteers provide a regular and visible presence at meetings of Alhambra’s decision-making bodies, including the Design Review Board, Planning Commission and City Council.

Thank you for your interest in Alhambra Preservation Group! We hope that you will keep in touch. Bookmark our website and check back to keep abreast of preservation-related developments in Alhambra; add your name to our mailing list for up-to-the-minute news; join us at one – or all – of our many fun and educational events. Of course, we would also love to count you among APG’s official, paid membership! Please follow this link for membership information.

We can be reached by telephone at (626) 755-3467. If we miss you, please leave us a message; one of our knowledgeable volunteers will get back to you shortly.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND that, due to the time constraints upon our all-volunteer workforce, we are unable to conduct personalized research or fact-finding inquiries concerning people, homes or historical information. You are, of course, welcome to email us with your question and, if the answer lies within our existing knowledge base, we’ll be happy to share it with you – or, perhaps, to point you in the right direction to pursue your own inquiry.