Corina Herrera-Loera
Running for:
Supervisor District 2
Campaign Website:
1) PAC*SJ recently released its second annual “Endangered Eight” list of the most threatened historic places in San José. Which of these places (including those from our 2022 “Endangered Eight” of which some remain endangered) most resonates with you personally? Which of these would you use the power of your elected office to address, and how?
Alum Rock Park Log Cabin
I would support community engagement including the following:
Education and Awareness: Develop educational programs to raise awareness about the cultural and economic significance of historical buildings, fostering public support for preservation efforts.
Community Participation: Encourage community involvement in the preservation process through volunteer programs, fundraising initiatives, and public hearings to gather input on preservation projects.
Historical Tours and Events: Organize tours, exhibitions, and events that highlight the historical significance of buildings and engage the public in their preservation.
2) Is there a historic place or preservation issue not on our 2022 or 2023 “Endangered Eight” lists that you would nominate to be added? If so, what solutions would you offer as an elected official to address the issue/threat?
We should work hard to preserve all significant structures that have a historical meaning to San Jose.
3) In the past three years alone, at least six vacant historic buildings in San José have been lost to fire, and many more have suffered from chronic neglect and vandalism. Often, these properties were left vacant after former tenants were displaced in anticipation of future development that never materialized. How would you propose more effective code enforcement and security measures to encourage better stewardship and to prevent the continued loss of our historic resources to neglect? What additional solutions would you propose to address these systemic problems?
Develop specific guidelines for the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of historical buildings, taking into account their unique architectural features, materials, and construction methods.
Provide resources and training for building inspectors and code enforcement officers to familiarize them with the special considerations and techniques required when inspecting historical structures. Offer technical assistance and resources to property owners, developers, and contractors to help them navigate code requirements and ensure compliance with applicable regulations while preserving historical integrity.
4) Do you believe the County should require compensatory mitigation fees and/or surety bonds from developers who request and receive entitlements to alter or demolish historic resources under County jurisdiction? If such policies are instituted and enforced, how would you like to see those funds directed?
The effectiveness and fairness of compensatory mitigation fees depend on transparent and accountable management, careful consideration of environmental and social factors, and ongoing evaluation to ensure that they achieve their intended goals of balancing development with environmental protection.
5) The County has long acknowledged that its Heritage Resource Inventory-- a countywide survey of historic sites intended to proactively guide development decisions-- is incomplete and out-of-date. Do you support increased County funding and staffing levels to ensure that the HRI is an up-to-date and effective planning tool for communities and developers alike?
I support an up-to-date Heritage Resource Inventory b having regular surveys and assessments. It's important to:
-Conduct periodic surveys and assessments of historical sites to identify new additions, changes, or threats to existing sites.
-Establish a schedule for updating the HRI, such as every five years, to ensure that it reflects the latest information.
-Have community engagement:
Involve local communities, historical societies, preservation organizations, and experts in the process of updating the HRI.
Encourage community members to report changes or additions to historical sites they encounter during their daily activities.
6) Santa Clara County has yet to receive final approval for its State-mandated Housing Element, and is therefore currently subject to the “Builder’s Remedy” law requiring streamlined approval of otherwise non-conforming residential development projects in unincorporated areas of the County. How would you help ensure that citizens continue to have a voice in developments that might threaten the character and livability of their neighborhoods, particularly if there are historic resources at risk?
Community Engagement is key:
Education and Awareness: Develop educational programs to raise awareness about the cultural and economic significance of historical buildings, fostering public support for preservation efforts.
Community Participation: Encourage community involvement in the preservation process through volunteer programs, fundraising initiatives, and public hearings to gather input on preservation projects.
7) County park lands are a critical resource for the people of San José and are potential receiver sites for distinctive historic buildings that must be relocated to make way for new developments. Would you support this as a mitigation measure for new developments with historic resources that would otherwise be demolished? How do you envision that these resources could be best utilized within the parks for the benefit of the public?
Historical buildings are tangible links to the past, representing the cultural, social, and architectural history of a community. Adaptive reuse allows these buildings to be preserved and celebrated, maintaining their significance for future generations.
Repurposing historical buildings often requires creative solutions and innovative design approaches, encouraging architects, designers, and developers to think outside the box. Adaptive reuse projects can serve as showcases for innovative design, demonstrating how historical preservation and contemporary functionality can coexist harmoniously.
8) Santa Clara County has owned and maintained the historic but vacant Former San Jose City Hall since 2005. In 2022, County Supervisors voted unanimously to reject the building’s proposed demolition and directed staff to explore adaptive reuse options. Do you support this decision? Would you support a proposal to convert the building for housing or any other adaptive reuse? Why or why not?
Yes, I support adaptive reuse options because it is needed.
9) What role do you believe that historic preservation should play in creating and sustaining a vibrant and culturally diverse future for Santa Clara County? Is there a particular project or effort you have undertaken or would propose to undertake--either professionally or personally-- that best embodies your vision for historic preservation in Santa Clara County?
Historic preservation is essential for creating and sustaining a vibrant and culturally diverse future by celebrating diversity, promoting cultural exchange, preserving cultural identity, enhancing livability and quality of life, supporting economic development, fostering creativity and innovation, and promoting environmental sustainability. By valuing and preserving our shared cultural heritage, we can build inclusive, resilient, and vibrant communities for generations to come.