City of San Diego admits error in granting permit.
The Michaels-Carey house at 2004 El Cajon Boulevard was unexpectedly demolished Friday, May 29, 2015.
The structure is one of the city’s important early LGBTQ sites and on the Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) most endangered list. The LGBT Center documents Bernie Michaels as the initial Executive Director of the committee formed to establish “The Center”. Many of the early “planning meetings” were held at Michaels apartment on El Cajon Boulevard.
Two days ago SOHO and the developers (HG Fenton) learned that the state accepted the SOHO and LAMBDA Archives funded nomination to be designate the building as an early LGBTQ significant site. The nomination was to be heard at their next meeting.
Demolition of the building was reported to the SOHO office shortly after 5pm. By 5:40pm the building was gone. The city confirmed that a demolition permit was given. The permit was possibly granted in error or based on false information. Much information has yet to be determined.
