 Reported in the Coronado Eagle Newspaper
Coronado Museum of History & Art
Contact: Joe Ditler
619.435.7242
ACTRESS DIANE KEATON
Actress and author Diane Keaton visited the Coronado Museum of History & Art last week to promote her new book on Southern California's Spanish Colonial architecture, and participate in a fund-raiser for the Coronado Museum.
 Keaton, along with co-author D.J. Waldie, have produced a spectacular coffee table book entitled, "California Romantica." One of the 20 historic homes featured in the book is the Requa on Star Park Circle formerly known as the Dolgen House.
An intimate fund-raising luncheon with the authors and museum members was held, and 100 books were signed and sold. The authors spent more than two hours mingling with 75 or so guests, talking about their passion for preservation, and signing books.
The book is the culmination of a lifelong obsession for Keaton, and nearly two years of study by Waldie. Ignited by a childhood family visit to the Mission at San Juan Capistrano, Keaton has enjoyed an inherent passion for Spanish-inflected residential architecture of Southern California.
 Coronado research on the book began more than a year ago. Keaton's representatives contacted the Coronado Museum at that time to facilitate a visit to some of the older, Spanish-styled homes on the island. The book features 20 homes from Coronado to Santa Barbara, artistically captured in colorful images and thoughtful prose.
"That first visit was a four-hour, nine-house tour," recalled Doug St. Denis, Vice President of the Coronado Historical Association, and Keaton's guide for for the Coronado research side of the book. The team visited three Cliff Mays, several Requas, an Elmer Gray, and a Harrison Albright. "All of the home owners who participated were just wonderful," she said.
"It was quite an experience going into these houses with Diane Keaton - I tell you, this woman has an eye," said St. Denis. "She can spot a reproduction tile from 20 feet away, and, boy, does she know her architecture.
"We all know about Diane Keaton the movie star, but everyone at the museum event was thrilled to meet Diane the preservationist. Historic preservation is a struggle, and when someone like Diane spends two years of her life passionately putting together a book like this we all benefit from it."
Said Keaton: "I have to admit, I know nothing about architecture. I'm not an architect, I'm an actress. But because I'm an actress, what I do know about is feelings.
"Feelings are what I'm in touch with in my work and in my life. And it's these feelings that certain houses, certain places, stir in me. This has happened since I was a little girl and my Dad would take us to places like the San Juan Capistrano Mission.
"Those old walls, the shadows, the courtyards, the way the light and shadow changed and danced Š they spoke to me in a very deep place. They evoked memories I didn't know I had; they told me their stories; I felt their romance. Only I didn't know how to express all that until years later. But 'romantic' was the right word. I was extremely moved by this architecture."
Keaton expressed a deep gratitude to the Coronado homeowners who opened their doors on such short notice during that first visit in April of 2006.
"The people in Coronado were so welcoming to me, so gracious to invite me in, to share their wonderful houses with me, and point out special details," she said. "I especially love the Cliff May [homes]. His early houses were inspired by the Ranchos -- every room opening to a courtyard. I don't have a Cliff May in this book, but hopefully next time."
The event left everyone in attendance with a new appreciation for historic preservation, and the work going on at the Coronado Museum. "This was our way of saying thank you to the many people in our community who have supported our efforts to preserve and share Coronado history," said Joe Ditler, Executive Director of the Museum. "I anticipate our membership ranks growing even more as we continue to host such exciting member events in the months and years to come."
The luncheon and book signing were sponsored by Coronado's John & Carrie O'Brien, of Flagship Properties. John sits on the Historic Resource Commission in Coronado. "We couldn't have done this event without the O'Briens," said Ditler, "and the extreme kindness of Doug St. Denis, her wonderfully enthusiastic committee, our Board of Directors, and from Holly Ansley and the Glorietta Bay Inn."
The Museum Store sold out of the book in the first two hours but will be ordering more copies. If you would like to order an unsigned copy of "California Romantica," drop by the Museum Store at 1100 Orange Avenue and add your name to the list. The book sells for $65, and museum members receive a discount. The store is open daily until 5 p.m.
For more information call the Coronado Museum of History & Art at 619.435.7242. To join the museum visit their Website at www.coronadohistory.org. The Coronado Museum of History & Art is a not-for-profit organization.
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