About PAC*SJ
Founded in 1990, the Preservation Action Council of San Jose is a dynamic nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to preserving our unique and diverse architectural and cultural heritage. Through advocacy, education, and civic engagement, we promote historic preservation as an essential tool for fostering equitable, distinctive, sustainable, and prosperous communities.
Advocacy
We are citizen advocates for San Jose’s historic landmarks and neighborhoods. We collaborate with residents, property owners, government agencies, elected officials, and other stakeholders to protect and revitalize the places that make San Jose special.
Education
We celebrate San Jose’s diverse architectural and cultural heritage through a robust program of walking tours, lectures, workshops and guidebooks designed for residents and visitors alike. We promote the environmental and economic benefits of preservation as a tool for sustainable, equitable development.
Civic Engagement
We provide resources and a voice for citizens to protect the places important to their communities and assist them in engaging elected officials and impacting the City’s development review process.
Board of Directors
​
Mike Sodergren (President)
Patt Curia (VP Fundraising)
Lynne Stephenson (Secretary)
John Frolli (Treasurer)
Gayle Frank (Continuity Editor)
Scott Brown
Carl Foisy
Clare Gordon Bettencourt
Jen Hembree
André Luthard
Gratia Rankin
Nancy Reynolds
Sally Zarnowitz
​
​
Staff
Ben Leech - Executive Director
​
Jennifer Roman - Office Associate
​
Matthew Massey - Outreach Associate
​
​
​
About San José
San Jose is California’s oldest civilian settlement, founded in 1777. It has a wealth of historic buildings, including over 160 City Landmarks and six historic districts (St. James Park, Alameda, Hensley, Lakehouse, Reed & River Street). However, this rich heritage is not well known outside San Jose. PAC*SJ works hard to preserve our historic resources and promote San Jose’s glorious buildings, people and traditions.