Frank Gormlie Awarded ‘People in Preservation 2026’ by SOHO

Rag’s Editordude One of Several Chosen by Save Our Heritage Organization

From SOHO / Sept. 16, 2026

SOME PEOPLE PRESERVE HISTORIC PLACES by restoring buildings. Others preserve communities by ensuring their stories are never forgotten, their spirit never compromised.

For more than five decades, Frank Gormlie has served as Ocean Beach’s chronicler, advocate, organizer, and conscience, documenting its history, defending its character, and giving voice to the people who have shaped one of San Diego’s most distinctive neighborhoods.

Frank’s commitment to community preservation began during the social upheaval of the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1970, he founded the OB People’s Rag, which became one of Southern California’s most influential underground newspapers, providing a platform for a community determined to shape its own future. More than simply reporting events, the paper became a catalyst for civic engagement, neighborhood organizing, environmental activism, and grassroots preservation.

As large-scale redevelopment threatened to erase much of Ocean Beach’s historic fabric, the OB Rag consistently helped inform, organize, and unite residents in defense of their community. It also chronicled the movement that led to the creation of the Ocean Beach Planning Board—the first democratically elected community planning group in San Diego and among the first in California. This model continues to influence neighborhood planning today.

Following a distinguished career as an attorney and community activist, Frank revived the OB Rag in 2007 as a digital publication, continuing the mission of its predecessor. With an expanded online readership, it has become one of San Diego’s most respected independent voices on neighborhood history, preservation, planning, environmental issues, and civic life.

For nearly two decades, the online OB Rag has documented the evolving story of Ocean Beach while advocating for thoughtful planning, historic preservation, and community self-determination. Under Frank’s leadership, it has become an indispensable archive of local history and an enduring forum for public dialogue.

His influence extends far beyond the pages of the OB Rag.

Frank has authored numerous books and articles exploring the history of social movements in San Diego and beyond, including his recent two-volume narrative, The May 1970 Rebellion, published by Kent State University Press. In 1,066 pages, Frank restores to the historical record the nationwide eruption of student protests and the National Student Strike, which may be one of the most significant yet overlooked chapters of American civic activism. His scholarship reflects a lifelong commitment to ensuring that community history is preserved with accuracy, context, and humanity.

Throughout the years, Frank has remained a steadfast advocate for preserving Ocean Beach’s historic character. Most recently, he has been a vocal supporter of the City of San Diego’s recognition of the Ocean Beach Cottage Emerging Historic District, while opposing policies that would weaken long-standing protections for what constitutes one of San Diego’s most intact collections of modest, early twentieth-century homes. Through his writing and advocacy, Frank has consistently reminded us that historic neighborhoods are not obstacles to progress but living examples of sustainable, walkable, and affordable communities.

What distinguishes Frank’s legacy is not simply the breadth and volume of his work but its purpose. For more than fifty years, he has encouraged residents to become active community stewards, believing that informed citizens are essential to preserving the places they love. His writing has inspired generations to value Ocean Beach not only for its architecture and coastline but also for its unique culture, independent spirit, and sense of place.

In every sense, Frank Gormlie has been Ocean Beach’s historian, storyteller, advocate, and town crier—preserving not only the history of a remarkable neighborhood but also the civic spirit that continues to define it.