Phone Calls to Tony Ciani

John called. I think it was in 1975. “Are you Bungalow Tony, the guy I hear is trying to save two bungalows at the beach in La Jolla? I think I can help you,” and he did.

John called. It was 1977 or ’78. His voice was deeper and raspier than the usual rustic tone: “This is Vito, I’ve got a job for you (before I could say who or what), Save the Mission Beach Roller Coaster. You’ll know what to do when you read the City’s EIR.” The Environmental Impact Report stated that demolition of the Roller Coaster would not be significant, because it did not qualify for the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a long story, but the Roller Coaster was listed on the Register and became in a National Landmark and thanks to John, thrilling folks to this day.

John called often, year after year, to remind his tribe of advocates, that we were part of a “statewide conspiracy to preserve California’s history.”

I had emailed a guy at SOHP named Jay Correia, the senior staff historian, asking about submitting what will be a difficult (controversial) NR nomination. I told him about John Merritt's call instructing me to save the Roller Coaster and how this felt like that day...then, after sending that off, I got Wayne's email informing me John passed on. No doubt, John made a flyby to make the "pondering" thoughts I had into action, Preservation Action! 

I loved John! And will forever.

He was fearless, yet guided the California Preservation Foundation with humility and humor. John remains a hero to this day, and his work will forever inspire students of history and planning for our future.