Preservation Officer

On October 24, 2022 Sarah Yoon became the city of Palm Springs’ second Historic Preservation Officer.

On October 18, 2018 the city of Palm Springs appointed Ken Lyon to be the city’s first Historic Preservation Officer (HPO). PSPF applauds the city’s creation of this position and we are confident it will pay dividends for historic preservation for many years to come.

On January 12, 2016 PSPF delivered a letter to the Palm Springs city manager forwarding the foundation’s letter of June 27, 2008. In part, the letter reads, “As you may recall, several years ago we recommended the creation of a new Planning Department position for a city ‘Preservation Officer.’ In recent years the need for such a position has been well-validated.” Later that day, PSPF board member Ron Marshall briefed the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board on the recommendation. The HSPB appeared enthusiastic about the idea and asked that it be placed on their February 2016 meeting agenda.

On June 27, 2008, PSPF President William Kopelk recommended to David Ready, Palm Springs City Manager, that the City of Palm Springs consider creating a full-time Preservation Officer position on the city staff.