Nabih Youssef, a former board member of the Los Angeles Conservancy, recently passed away at the age of 80. Youssef was a highly regarded and award winning structural engineer who played a key role in the success of numerous preservation projects during his tenure with the Conservancy. Born in Egypt, he emigrated to the United States and began his career at Welton Becket. It was there he first focused on earthquake engineering and embarked on a pioneering career in seismic design and safety. In 1989, he established his firm, Nabih Youssef & Associates, a leader in its field. He is perhaps best remembered for his work on L.A. Live and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, and was behind numerous renovations across Los Angeles, including L.A. City Hall and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House. Youssef shared his passions with numerous non-profits and institutions, teaching at various universities for decades, and received numerous accolades, Thanks to his design ingenuity, Youssef leaves a lasting foundation in L.A.’s built environment.

The Los Angeles Conservancy is saddened to learn of the passing of Alan Sieroty: founding Conservancy board member and civic leader, who died on March 16 in Los Angeles at 93. Alan Sieroty’s roots in our city ran deep, and his impact on the rich cultural tapestry of Los Angeles cannot be underestimated. “Thanks to Alan’s support,” recalls Ruthann Lehrer, the Conservancy’s first executive director, “our first office space in the Art-Deco masterpiece, the Eastern Columbia Building built by Alan’s grandfather, reinforced the L.A. Conservancy’s presence, identity, and sense of purpose.” Alan will be especially remembered as a gifted policymaker during his career as a California legislator from 1966-1982. As a state Senator, he played a key role in creating the California Coastal Commission and championed disability rights, environmental protection, and the arts. Most recently, Alan served as chairman of the real estate company Sieroty Co. Alan leaves a lasting and powerful legacy, and the preservation community owes him a debt of gratitude

The L.A. Conservancy staff and our volunteer tour guides are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Planaria Price. For decades, we had the joy and privilege of working alongside Planaria in the Angelino Heights neighborhood that she loved so deeply. A historic preservation hero, she was responsible for saving and preserving some 30 Victorian and craftsmanstyle homes in historic Angelino Heights, including the iconic “Charmed House” where she would kindly open the doors to L.A. Conservancy tourgoers. Before her passing, Planaria was able to write her own obituary and we are honored to share a selection of it here: “Planaria lived her life practicing Tikkun Olam; a Jewish lesson that one must try, however one can, to Heal the World, and she spent her life doing that. Planaria also dedicated her life to historic preservation, attempting—successfully—to save and restore over 30 Victorian and craftsman houses in the Angelino Heights area of Echo Park. She lived in her historic house on Carroll Avenue for over 50 years where she delighted in frightening children every Halloween with her green face and loud cackle.” Loved by Conservancy tour guides and staff alike, our thoughts are with Planaria’s friends and family, and we wish them comfort during this difficult time.

We are sad to hear of the passing of respected architect and educator Bob Harris. Harris, a former president of the Los Angeles Conservancy’s board, was the USC School of Architecture dean from 1981 to 1992 and enjoyed an extraordinary academic career spanning five decades. In addition to his much-admired work at USC, Harris was passionate about historic preservation and was an active civic leader, helping preserve L.A.’s built environment. In addition to his leadership role at the Conservancy, he co-chaired the Downtown Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, founded the Urban Design Advisory Coalition, and helped develop historic preservation programs at USC and the University of Oregon. His loss will be felt not only by a generation of USC alums but by all who had the pleasure of working with him at the civic level.

The Conservancy is saddened by the loss of Wayne Ratkovich, the legendary real estate developer and preservation champion who helped save and restore such architectural icons as the Wiltern Theatre, the Oviatt Building, and the Fine Arts Building. When the Conservancy was still in its infancy, Ratkovich was the proud owner of the Oviatt Building and saved the Art Deco jewel from becoming a parking lot. It was a transformative experience for Ratkovich, who said, “I realized that my little company could make a positive difference in the city.” He continued to work closely with preservation groups on crucial preservation battles—such as the fight to save the Wiltern Theatre—and visionary adaptive reuse projects like the Hercules Campus. “The greatest thing Wayne did is shine a bright light on historic buildings in downtown L.A. and beyond,” says the L.A. Conservancy’s outgoing president and CEO Linda Dishman. “He was a towering figure and will be greatly missed

Stephen Douglas McAvoy, an L.A. Conservancy lifetime Cornerstone member passed away on June 18th, 2023, at the age of 77. A lifelong Angeleno, McAvoy’s love for Los Angeles and Hollywood history was genetic: his parents worked at the Walt Disney Studios in the Ink & Paint Department from the 1930s to the ‘70s. Stephen’s natural love for history fueled his passion for collecting historic photographs as well as generously donating his time and resources to help advance photo conservation efforts. Stephen was a true leader, from his invaluable efforts to preserve Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House to helping champion the Conservancy’s “Centering Central Avenue”student program with his wife Christy McAvoy (former Conservancy board President and Advisory Council Member). This educational youth program is rooted in their shared belief that “preservation education should start with our youngest citizens.” Steve advocated to increase support for non-profits at all of the corporations where he worked. His generosity and kindness will be missed, and our thoughts are with the McAvoy family during this difficult time.

We’re sure many of you are aware of the recent passing of Tony Valdez, the barrier-breaking journalist who—for some 40 years— brought his passion for L.A. history, pride in community, and talent as a gifted storyteller to Angelenos everywhere. A local broadcast legend, Tony’s love for journalism began at a young age. He worked a number of gigs for La Opinión and KCET before joining his longtime home KTTV in 1981. During his storied career, he hosted shows like “Midday Sunday” and “L.A.’s Most Wanted” for decades, and covered milestone moments in L.A. history: the O.J. Simpson trial, the Northridge earthquake, and so much more. But to Conservancy staff, members, and volunteers, Tony was also a dear friend. He started volunteering for the Conservancy around the year 2000, where he became a popular docent. Not only did his volunteer work provide a welcome escape from his demanding work, but it also allowed him to share his love for L.A.’s layered history with countless locals and tourists alike. Tony’s tours were both infectious and enlightening— especially when it came to Union Station, where he was known as a ‘walking history book.’ A mentor to many, Tony Valdez was an irreplaceable part of the Conservancy. We are all deeply saddened by this loss and send our condolences to his family.

The Conservancy is saddened by the loss of our friend and former board member, the legendary interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein. She passed away in March 2023 following a long battle with cancer. A New Orleans native, her love of preservation came early. Suzanne was on the Conservancy Board from 1987 to 1993 serving as Secretary and then later the VP of Education/Community Relations on the Executive Committee. Expanding our membership was a priority to her and she was a Lifetime Cornerstone member. A longtime resident of Windsor Square, Suzanne and her husband Fred were part of the Windsor Square Association organizing committee that helped the neighborhood be designated as a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) in 2004. “Suzanne was our secret weapon in the effort to secure the Windsor Square Historic Preservation Overlay Zone,” Priscilla Wright, longtime friend and colleague of Suzanne’s told the Larchmont Buzz. Facing well-organized, well-financed, and heated political opposition, the Rheinsteins and their neighbors mobilized and marched right into the fire with the slogan, “GoHPOZ!” They brainstormed strategies, held community meetings and block parties, posted hundreds of lawn signs, and even began sporting custom “GoHPOZ” sneakers—a must-have for any fashionable preservationist. Their efforts won a L.A. Conservancy Preservation Award in 2005. Suzanne was truly one-of-a-kind. Her talent as a natural born designer buoyed her to national acclaim, and she also published books on the subject. Her final book, “A Welcoming Elegance,” was released just days before her passing

The Los Angeles Conservancy is saddened to learn of the passing of former board member Jan Westman. Jan began volunteering with us back in 1996 and had a deep love for the Conservancy’s work as well as the people around him. He was always willing to pitch in and help, no matter how big or small the job was, and would commonly say “just let me know if I am being a bother.” Jan was probably best known for his work with the Last Remaining Seats Volunteer Committee. He took charge of all the Last Remaining Seats mailings and would even take the people who did the mailing out to lunch. (Jan still has his own drawer inside Conservancy headquarters for all of his supplies.) In addition to the mailings, he was also a strong steward at LRS events, taking charge of the outside queues and making sure guests were properly greeted. Jan was also a docent for the Conservancy’s historic Broadway walking tours and was famous for his lengthy and informative tours. He will be greatly missed and the Conservancy sends its condolences to Jan’s friends and family.

The Conservancy is saddened to learn of the loss of Raymond Girvigian, FAIA. He was one of the most influential forces in historic preservation, not just in L.A. but across the state of California. Born in 1926 to Armenian immigrants, Girvigian would receive his masters in architecture from Berkeley in 1951 and, by the late 1950s, his lifelong dedication to historic preservation began in earnest. He authored the language that would later be adopted by the Los Angeles City Council as its first preservation ordinance in 1962. Girvigian’s career was barrier-breaking, and he served as everything from a “Freeway Fighter”to a State Senate consultant on matters of historic preservation. Here in Los Angeles, perhaps his most lasting contribution is his work in establishing the Mills Act: a milestone piece of statewide legislation that he co-authored and is currently a topic of great importance among preservationists. The Conservancy sends its deepest condolences to Girvigian’s family and remains grateful for all of his extraordinary accomplishments in helping make preservation in L.A. what it is today.

The Conservancy is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George A.V. Dunning. Dunning had a passion for California history and the buildings that tell those stories. He served on the L.A. Conservancy board in 1991 and remained a generous donor until his death. Dunning established our oral history program to record the reminisces of founding President Margaret Bach and our first Executive Director Ruthann Lehrer about the early years of the Conservancy. He was an enthusiastic participant in Conservancy events and especially loved the auctions at our fundraising events. A philanthropist and arts patron, Dunning was very active in the Historical Society of Southern California and served on their board for 15 years including a two-year term as president. Loyola Marymount University was George’s greatest passion where he served on the board for many years and funded several scholarships

The Conservancy mourns the loss of former board member Michael Estrada. Estrada was an attorney at Richards, Watson & Gershon since 1991 and served as City Attorney in many municipalities throughout Los Angeles County. A true historic preservation champion, Estrada served on the Conservancy board from 2001 to 2007 at the height of the fight to save the Ambassador Hotel. His skills as a lawyer were critical in our decision to file two CEQA lawsuits on the Ambassador and he played a central role in community outreach. He served as VP of Education/Community Relations and VP of Advocacy. Estrada loved attending the Spanish language night of Last Remaining Seats, which the Conservancy co-produced with Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles. Most recently, he served on the 2021 Preservation Awards Jury. His generosity will be dearly missed.

On May 25, longtime Conservancy volunteer and former staff member, Connie Humberger, passed away at the age of 91. Born in Los Angeles as Concha Dolores del Tiempo, Connie graduated from Manual Arts High School in 1947, attended L.A. City College, and worked for Pacific Telephone. In 1951, she married William Humberger and moved to Glendale, where she resided until her death. Predeceased by her husband, she is survived by daughter Andrea Humberger. Connie began working for the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) in the late 1960s. Fluent in Spanish, she taught English as a Second Language at Horace Mann Elementary School, and later worked with bilingual education programs. Connie had a deep love for the city of Los Angeles and its built environment, especially City Hall and the downtown theatres. After leaving GUSD, she spent more than 20 years working for the L.A. Conservancy. Warm, positive, generous, and enthusiastic, Connie was known as the heart and soul of the Conservancy and made lifelong friends while working here.
Several Conservancy co-workers and volunteers have shared memories of Connie.

To read the tributes in full, visit our blog: laconservancy.tumblr.com.

The Los Angeles Conservancy is saddened by the passing of Robert F. Maguire III, the real estate developer and civic leader who forever changed downtown L.A.’s skyline. Maguire dominated L.A.’s commercial building boom during the 1980s and ‘90s and was a key figure in saving the historic Central Library from demolition. He wanted to make L.A. thrive in the best possible way. “His courage and ambition enabled him to commit to an unprecedented and complex project that combined historic preservation, constructing new office towers, creating new public spaces and using the transfer of development rights,” remembers Ruthann Lehrer, the Conservancy’s first executive director. “He radiated energy and charisma in his drive to make an important contribution to revitalizing downtown.” “In my 40 years of knowing and working with Rob Maguire,” said former Angels Flight Railway president John H. Welborne, “starting with our early-1980s efforts to delay the proposed demolition of the Central Library, Rob always was supportive of preservation-focused requests, including how to  ebuild the Central Library’s historic West Lawn (now named Maguire Gardens). “Rob believed that his development projects had an obligation to preserve and enhance the public realm,” remembers Doug Gardner, former Conservancy board chair who worked for both Maguire Thomas and IM Pei & Partners. “He was convinced, unlike many developers, that high-quality design made good economic sense.” In the 1980s, Maguire spearheaded the Los Angeles Central Library redevelopment plan, a high-profile undertaking to save the library from demolition. He developed the U.S. Bank Tower in 1989 and the Gas Company Tower in 1991, resulting in $125 million to help fund
library repairs. The Conservancy stands grateful for Robert F. Maguire’s passion, creativity, and determination to help preserve L.A.’s beloved Central Library.

Los Angeles has lost one of its greatest champions, former L.A. City Councilmember Tom LaBonge. A native Angeleno, LaBonge began his career in local government in 1974 as part of Mayor Tom Bradley’s youth council. LaBonge would go on to have a 39-year tenure at City Hall. He worked with Councilmember John Ferraro, Mayor Richard Riordan, and served on the City Council from 2001 to 2015. “Tom loved Los Angeles and was passionate about its history. He was known as ‘Mr. Los Angeles’ and always had a story to tell and could share historic tidbits about every place in Los Angeles. Tom really fostered people’s love of this city,” says Linda Dishman, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Conservancy.

We are mourning the loss of William (Knox) Mellon, Jr., a nationally renowned figure in the historic preservation field. Twice appointed California’s State Historic Preservation Officer and Director of the State Office of Historic Preservation, Knox received the prestigious Crowninshield Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and lifetime achievement awards from the California Preservation Foundation and the California Missions Foundation, among many other accolades. Beyond Knox’s professional achievements and duty to the public, he was a gentleman and scholar. “I was fortunate to consider Knox a mentor and a friend, and will always be grateful for his encouragement and support,” says Linda Dishman

In 2020, we lost a notable contributor to Southern California’s Modern architectural movement: Victor A. Cusack, AIA. A “maverick” of expression, Cusack received Modern Masters Award by the Conservancy’s Modern Committee in 2011. Cusack spent most of his career the firms William Pereira & Associates, Pereira and Luckman, and Charles Luckman Associates. His contributions to the California Federal Savings and Loan Building in Los Angeles and Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport are among many lasting reminders of his legacy.

We are saddened by the untimely passing of Indigenous leader, Marshall McKay. A tribal elder of Pomo-Wintun heritage, he spent most of his life advocating on behalf of Native American arts and culture in California, supporting education and sustainable land-use practices, and defending the rights of all Indigenous people. McKay was former board chair of the Autry Museum of the American West and instrumental in steering the museum’s inclusion of Indigenous histories and narratives. The Conservancy worked with McKay on the Southwest Museum Steering Committee to find a long-term use for the Southwest Museum. Considered one of the 20th and 21st century’s most significant Native American leaders, his legacy will not soon be forgotten.

Marjorie Fasman, a Board member of the Los Angeles Conservancy from 1984-1990, died on July 28, 2020. A sophisticated philanthropist, creative artist, and dynamic volunteer for numerous nonprofits, Marge was a visionary in putting processes in place to help organizations grow and thrive. She was instrumental in launching the Conservancy’s upper-level Cornerstone membership program in 1985, with annual memberships beginning at $1,000. Income from Cornerstone memberships now makes up nearly half of all Conservancy membership income, providing an ongoing source of stability for the organization. “Through her commitment, energy, and community connections, Marge Fasman brought the Conservancy to a new level of success,” said Ruthann Lehrer, the Conservancy’s first Executive Director. The L.A. Conservancy is grateful for Marjorie’s many contributions towards preserving Los Angeles’ history.

The late Ray Kappe, FAIA, was one of the most influential figures in Modern architecture. An architect, urban planner, and educator, Kappe never settled for the status quo. After graduating with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, in the early 1950s, he moved to Los Angeles and started experimenting with housing. Kappe designed Modern homes with wood instead of steel and masterfully
connected them to their landscape. He was one of the earliest to use sustainable materials and understood environmental sensitivity. His own home in Pacific Palisades, completed in 1967 and delicately embedded on a steep slope of Rustic Canyon, is widely regarded as one of the
most beautiful and inviting Modern houses in the United States. His portfolio included multi-family, prefabricated, educational, public, industrial, and commercial buildings. However, he is best known for his one hundred custom residences. In the early 1970s, Kappe transformed Los Angeles’ design community when he co-founded the progressive architecture school Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). The avant-garde institution centers on design, urban planning, and creative dialogue and has become one of the top architecture schools in the country.

Dion Neutra, son and longtime partner of Modernist architect Richard Neutra, made it his life’s work to preserve his family’s architectural legacy. An accomplished architect, the younger Neutra started collaborating with his father when he was only seventeen years old. He went on to study architecture at the University of Southern California and graduated in 1950. He immediately went to work for his father. For nearly a century, Neutra and his father, individually and in collaboration, worked on hundreds of houses and civic projects throughout Los Angeles and the country. Their distinct, sleek design style became the epitome of Southern California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The younger Neutra continued to practice after his father’s death in 1970. The 1975 Huntington Beach Central Library and Cultural Center is considered his most significant project. When concerned about whether Neutra structures would be remodeled or demolished, Dion Neutra became an aggressive advocate on behalf of his family’s legacy. His last project was a house in Honduras for one of his two sons, completed in 2018.