The Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society has always been an advocate and supporter of preserving our city’s historical gems. When members of the Save Our Orchard Coalition came to us last year asking for support, we saw there vision as important and worthwhile, and so we became their fiscal sponsor. Here is the latest in their efforts to preserve this last, irreplaceable, intact orchard complex existing in our city. Please join us in supporting this grassroots endeavor that will keep our history alive and benefit our community for years to come.

The following information was supplied by the Coalition:

The City of Santa Ana recently issued a “Notice of Availability” indicating that the five-acre Sexlinger orange orchard and farmhouse is available for purchase. In June 2012, the Santa Ana City Council voted to place this unique historical resource on the City’s Register of Historical Properties. Even though this important designation has been afforded the property, the century-old orange orchard and farmhouse are at risk of destruction. The current property owners have exercised their right to request the issuance of a demolition permit for the orchard complex, pursuant to Santa Ana city code.

Such a permit cannot be issued for a designated “historical” property until 240 days have passed following the request. This eight month period, which allows for alternatives to demolition to be investigated and evaluated, is scheduled to expire in early February 2013. The Historic Resources Commission has the lead in implementing the process seeking preservation alternatives. Chapter 30-7 of the Santa Ana city code mandates that ”all feasible alternatives” to demolition be explored, including seeking out individuals or groups to purchase the historical property; and, “if feasible,” the City should purchase the site.

The Save Our Orchard Coalition has incorporated with the State of California as a public benefit corporation known as The Old Orchard Conservancy (TOOC). TOOC is in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Until we are granted such status, the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society continues to be our fiscal sponsor. It is the view of the Save Our Orchard Coalition (soon to be The Old Orchard Conservancy) that preservation through acquisition is the best way to ensure that the Sexlinger orchard and farmhouse is protected for the enjoyment and education of this and future generations. Join us in our effort to preserve Santa Ana’s last intact example of our community’s citrus agricultural heritage. Make your tax deductible contribution today. Donate to the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society in support of the Save Our Orchard Coalition. Make your check payable to the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society and send it to the Save Our Orchard Coalition, c/o Jeannie Gillett, P.O. Box 10038, Santa Ana, CA 92711– 0038.

Make a difference and donate today. Our current goal is to raise $150,000 by October 31, 2012.

The Old Orchard Conservancy mission...
“To preserve, acquire, restore and manage the Old Orange Orchard located in Santa Ana, California, as an historic, cultural, agricultural, and educational resource for all.”

www.saveourorchard.org

defendourorchard@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/saveourorchard

Sexlinger Farmhouse and Orchard page at the Santa Ana city website
http://www.santa-ana.org/pba/planning/SexlingerFarmhouseandOrchard.asp
Santa Ana City Municipal Code
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=14452