QUARTERLY MEETING

January 18, 2005 | Architectural Resources Group Office, San Francisco

Our second meeting was held at the office of Architectural Resources Group. Much progress was made towards our goal of organizing an approach to documenting Northern California's noteworthy landscapes. Co-chair, Betsy Flack, suggested that we define "northern" as anywhere north of San Luis Obispo.

Minutes:

1. Outreach

   After self-introductions Cathy Garrett posed the question, "Have we done enough outreach?" She reminded everyone to extend invitations to interested professionals who have something to contribute.

2. Comprehensive List of Notable Landscapes

   Betsy Flack is continuing to collect lists of landscapes for a Comprehensive List of Gardens and Notable Landscapes in Northern California. The Garden Conservancy, PGAdesign and Jill Johnson each submitted lists. Kimball Koch suggested doing a search on the National Park Service database for additional sites. Others who have suggestions should e-mail them to Betsy at bflack AT gardenconservancy DOT org

   We agreed that the list of sites and associated data would be put into a database that will enable users to sort the information. Steve Cancian suggested that this database could be housed on our web site.

   Chris Pattillo provided examples of two Access databases as models and an outline of information that could be included in the database.

   Betsy will head a task group along with Marlea Graham and Kimball to pursue this task. If you have something to contribute, contact Betsy at bflack AT gardenconservancy DOT org

3. Making HALS Nominations

   The heart of this meeting was a discussion of how we are progressing in creating a short-list of candidates for HALS documentation. At our previous meeting we had agreed to use the Draft Short Form obtained from the National Park Services/ASLA HALS Group to propose sites for the short list. Four forms have been completed and were submitted.

   They are for: 1) Kaiser Roof Garden, Oakland, 2) Fairyland in Lakeside Park, Oakland, 3) Olompali State Historic Park, Novato, and 4) Oakland Museum of California, Oakland.

   Others are working on nominations for: 5) Arizona Garden at Stanford University, 6) Alcatraz, and 7) Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland. Jill Johnson recommended: 8) Glen Oaks Ranch, Glen Ellen, 9) a dairy farm within the GGNRA, and 10) Mission Delores, San Francisco.

   The following points were made during this discussion.

   1. How do we handle sites with multiple designers or with an original designer and subsequent supplemental designers and/or restorers? Who is identified in the description and to what extent?
   2. Phoebe Cutler expressed objections to the format of the Short Form. She offered an example from the California Garden and Landscape History Society, which asks for more specific information, and requires source information. Phoebe expressed concerns that we take care to provide accurate information. Many shared this sentiment.
   3. We discussed the need for peer review, of whatever material is prepared by our group, to insure accuracy and a high-level of quality. Review should apply not only to material that will be ultimately submitted to the National HALS Repository, but also to material submitted via the web site.
   4. Kimball suggested that we look to HABS/HAER for models.
   5. There was some discussion regarding the differences between HALS documentation and landmark designation.
   6. It was agreed that PGAdesign would maintain records of which sites are being considered for HALS short forms until such time that the web site is operational. Ultimately, the web site will be the repository for all digital data text and images. If you plan to prepare a short form nomination for a site, please notify Chris at Pattillo AT PGAdesign DOT com NOTE: Volunteering to do a short form does not commit you to undertaking the long form.
   7. We talked about how to prioritize our work. A site's status of being threatened would be one criterion for giving priority. Having existing documentation material available would be another consideration. Olompali and the dairy farms in the GGNRA were cited as having a wealth of existing material.
   8. One question that arose was, "Do we need owner consent for HALS?"

4. HALS Web Site

   Steve Rasmussen Cancian reported that 2 professors at UC Berkeley, in the landscape department, have agreed to recommend that UCB host our web site. They will present their recommendation to the faculty for approval along with their recommendation that a student staff position be funded. The position would pay a student to design, set up and administer the site. Thank you, Steve.

   Steve asked, "What we thought should be on the site?" Responses included:

   • An explanation of what HALS is and its objectives;
   • Descriptions of the 3 major products of our efforts: the Comprehensive List, Short Form nominations and HALS documentations as it is accumulated towards a complete HALS submittal (NOTE: Completed HALS submittals will be sent to the National HALS Repository where they will be numbered and officially recorded);
   • Copies of the nomination forms, and Guidelines for filling them out;
   • Explain the relationship between HALS and the National Register; and
   • Links to associate web sites such as HABS and HAER.

   Steve will lead a task group to further develop an outline for the web site. Carrie McDade volunteered to assist. If you have interest or suggestions for the web site, please contact Steve at canciansteve AT hotmail DOT com

5. Student Support

   Cathy Garrett gave a report on Helaine Kaplan-Prentice and Linda Jewell's efforts to solicit support from environmental design students at UC Berkeley. Helaine is giving a multi-disciplinary class on preservation and will report on progress at the next meeting. This is one reason why we need to prepare a list of priority sites -- so we can respond to students who may be looking for a class or thesis project. New member, Ellen Joslin Johnck is a student at Sonoma State University and is currently working on documentation of the Cargill Salt Ponds. Her efforts could lead to a HALS nomination.

6. Professional Photographers

   Chris Pattillo reported on her efforts to identify professional photographers who would be interested in assisting us with the documentation. The feedback received suggests that the Guidelines for Photography, provided by ASLA, may need some modifications. Suggestions for other photographers (Tom Fox and Seth Bergstein) were made, and Margaret Mori and Jill Johnson, respectively, offered to follow up. Kimball Koch offered that Elaine Jackson-Retondo would have additional names of suitably qualified photographers.

7. Communication

   It seems that our e-group venue for communication is working for most members. We agreed to contact persons that we have not heard from, to confirm their interest, or ask that they send alternate representatives from their organization if they are unable to participate.

8. Project Funding

   The question was raised regarding how to obtain funding to support our efforts. Money and/or volunteers will be needed for photography and other expenses. Jill Johnson mentioned a couple of grant programs that we might pursue. Kimball Koch suggested following up with SHPO and the National HALS Group.

9. Next Meeting

   Our next meeting is scheduled for April 26th at 4:00 PM in The East Bay UCB Archives