Eric DuVall — Head of OB Historical Society — Presented with ‘Culture Keeper Award’ by SOHO

From SOHO (Save Our Heritage Org.)

SOME PEOPLE KEEP HISTORY ALIVE by retelling it, some by writing it, some by advocating for and protecting the places that hold it, and a rare few do all three. Eric DuVall is one of those rare few.

As president of the Ocean Beach Historical Society and a board member and past president of the La Playa Trail Association, Eric DuVall has become a leading steward of Ocean Beach and Point Loma’s historical and cultural identity and one of the community’s most engaging advocates for local history. Through his storytelling, lectures, community organizing, and advocacy, he has deepened public knowledge and affection for the architectural and cultural heritage of Ocean Beach and Point Loma.

Born and raised in San Diego, Eric has a deep personal connection to the peninsula, and it is evident in everything he does. His childhood spent roaming the cliffs and streets of Point Loma laid the foundation for a lifelong curiosity about the places, people, and stories that shape these coastal neighborhoods.

A gifted writer and editor by profession and training, Eric’s journalism roots run deep. After transferring as a sophomore to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s renowned Journalism program, he threw himself into the work serving as managing editor and later editor of the Outpost, a student-run tabloid. He learned from seasoned media professionals, including the editor of the Telegram-Tribune as well as a former Sunset magazine photographer. He worked across local radio, both public and commercial, including a memorable stint as news director for the Central Coast’s top FM rock station, KZOZ. A graduate of Point Loma High and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, he later pursued graduate studies at SDSU. Today, Eric is a freelance writer, photographer, and graphic designer.

Eric puts his talents to work not only for the Ocean Beach Historical Society, but for compelling historical narrative in his popular column, “A Page from History,” published in the San Diego Union-Tribune, where he shares local lore about history, places, and people—all centered around OB and Point Loma—as well as articles for the Beach & Bay Press, Point Loma Magazine, and other local media outlets.

His articles cover a wide range of topics, from Point Loma’s Rosecroft Gardens to OB churches, including First United Methodist Church, whose Spanish Revival building was under threat. It was in great part due to his organizing and writing that the church decided not to terminate its congregation at Water’s Edge Faith Community. He has also written about the Naval Training Center, now Liberty Station; Wonderland, Ocean Beach’s short-lived “enchanted” amusement park; the historical impact of the electric trolley system; and San Diego’s bungalow courts, all underscored by careful research, a strong sense of place, and a great sense of humor.

Eric’s preservation work goes beyond the all-important task of raising awareness of historic places through his storytelling. He is a passionate advocate for saving the irreplaceable, be it sidewalk stamps or threatened neighborhood landmarks. Under his leadership, the OBHS lecture series continues to flourish and attract standing-room-only crowds eager to learn about San Diego’s layered past. His presentations, such as “Trolley to the Beach,” and “Lomaland” are enlightening and entertaining, making local history accessible and engaging for all generations. As one attendee puts it, “Eric is on a mission”—and it shows.

Eric also plays a key role in neighborhood preservation and activism. He helped establish the University Heights Community Association and contributed to the effort that led to the creation of the now-iconic Trolley Barn Park. He brings that same grassroots determination to OB and Point Loma, where he continues to be a voice for historical awareness and neighborhood pride. He has twice been recognized by the California State Assembly for his work in the community.

THROUGH HIS WRITING, lectures, personal archives, and collaborative projects like the book Point Loma (with Kitty McDaniel), along with his own book Ocean Beach, Eric has earned his reputation as one of Ocean Beach’s most trusted cultural historians and keepers of memory. He gives generously of his time, knowledge, and spirit to ensure that the unique heritage of this area is not forgotten but is celebrated, studied, and passed on.

For his outstanding service to historic preservation and for being the soulful voice of Ocean Beach and Point Loma history, we are proud to present Eric DuVall with the Culture Keeper Award.

[Here is the 2022 Rag interview with Eric DuVall]