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Solvang designated a Preserve America Community

By Raiza Canelon/Staff Writer/rcanelon@syvnews.com

After more than a year of work, Solvang has been named a “Preserve America Community,” by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C., officials announced Monday night.

The effort to land the designation involved the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) and the Solvang Visionary Leaders, VCB Executive Director Tracy Farhad told the Solvang City Council.

“We plan to have a public ceremony with dignitaries and officials in January to celebrate the Preserve America Community designation and unveil the award,” Farhad said excitedly.

First Lady Michelle Obama sent the letter of designation to Solvang Mayor Jim Richardson and the citizens of Solvang acknowledging the honor.

“Your community holds a treasured place in the American story, and it is through your vision and dedication that our history will be upheld and our future will be renewed. President Obama and I are proud of your community and we applaud your achievement,” Obama wrote.

Solvang is one of only 30 communities in California and 795 communities in the United States to have received this honor since the program’s inception in 2003.

Benefits to the designation include White House recognition; eligibility to apply for Preserve America Grants; Preserve America Community signage and listing in a Web-based Preserve America Community directory as well as features in National Register Travel Itineraries and in “Teaching with Historic Places” curricular material created by the National Park Service.

“It is wonderful to be nationally recognized for our historic preservation, especially in anticipation of Solvang’s centennial celebration in 2011,” Richardson said.

For more information about Preserve America, visit www.preserveamerica.gov and read Solvang’s official description at www.preserveamerica.gov/PAcommunity-solvang CA.html.

The next council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, in Council Chambers at 1644 Oak St.