Historic Buildings California

More than two years after an earthquake devastated downtown Santa Cruz, a state commission dealt an aftershock to the district's historical status. The State Historical Resources Commission on Friday recommended that Santa Cruz's landmark Pacific Garden Mall lose its place on the prestigious National Registry of Historic Places. Commission members said they had little choice because the district is too decimated to qualify for the list.

More than two years after an earthquake devastated downtown Santa Cruz, a state commission dealt an aftershock to the district's historical status. The State Historical Resources Commission on Friday recommended that Santa Cruz's landmark Pacific Garden Mall lose its place on the prestigious National Registry of Historic Places. Commission members said they had little choice because the district is too decimated to qualify for the list.

Negotiations to preserve the Hearst Ranch at San Simeon are moving again as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration is pursuing the project and focusing on turning the most visible part of the ranch -- 18 miles of coastline -- into state parkland. Although the Hearst Corp. has long floated the idea of preserving its historic family ranch for a price, only this week have details begun to emerge.

The former mayor of South Pasadena has his building permit back this week after winning a ruling from the state Supreme Court that has ramifications for historic buildings throughout California. Former Mayor Lee Prentiss now has permission to expand his 86-year-old Craftsman-style home, some of which has been sitting under tarps during Prentiss' three-year legal battle against the city. "They say you can't fight City Hall," Prentiss said triumphantly. "Well, you can. And you can beat it."

At many state parks, if you bring your dog along for a romp, it'll cost an extra buck. Got an inflatable raft or a rowboat on top of the SUV? That's an additional $1. But come Jan. 1, such charges--derisively dubbed "nuisance fees" by parks employees--will be abolished. State officials say those fees generate little revenue but draw a surplus of gripes from park visitors who feel gouged.

The best-laid plans of many an urban reformer have foundered on Pershing Square, the city's oldest--but far from its proudest--public park. A longtime haven for dope peddlers, panhandlers and homeless people, the 124-year-old downtown Los Angeles park enjoyed a hurried $1-million face lift in time for the 1984 Olympics.

For historian Judith Triem, a quick trip to old Rancho Sespe near Fillmore two weeks ago was to be another visit to a little-known jewel of Ventura County's past. But Triem found only bare land. Gone was a distinctive two-story bunkhouse built in 1910 to segregate Japanese laborers from Mexican, Chinese and Sikh field hands who also worked the 4,500-acre citrus ranch after the turn of the century. "It was a gem of a building--one of the most unique in the county," Triem said.

They get no respect. At least, that's what the Travel staff thinks about these destinations. So much the better for the crafty traveler who can find a little slice of heaven away from the throngs. Carpinteria, Calif. Why people ignore it: A low-profile beach town, Carpinteria lives in the shadow of Santa Barbara, its glamorous big sister, just 12 miles up the coast. Why you shouldn't: It's a charming, affordable family getaway, where everyone can find something fun to do, less than 100 miles from Los Angeles.