Historic Preservation - Los Angeles Times

* Re “At Loggerheads Over a Cabin,” Jan. 8: I applaud Randy Young’s actions to list the Hellman cabin in Rustic Canyon on the city of Los Angeles’ roster of historic-cultural monuments. As

an active volunteer with the Los Angeles Conservancy, I have taken part in similar efforts and know what an uphill battle it is to secure designation. Even after compiling months of

research, pounds of paperwork and hours of testimony to city officials, a truly important site can be denied designation if the current owner opposes it. Many historic sites have been

demolished for new construction that never comes. The “worst” thing that can happen to an opposed owner is a one-year waiting period allowing time for a preservation solution. The

prestigious listing of eligible sites should be encouraged as a boon to the continued cultural growth of our city. CHRIS NICHOLS Chair Emeritus, Modern Committee Los Angeles Conservancy MORE

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