When Diane Kane received word that she had been nominated for a 2025 Women Who Inspire honor for her community contributions in the state’s 38th Senate District, she was caught by surprise.
“I didn’t know about the award for starters,” Kane said. “And No. 2, I was surprised I was selected.”
Kane was the only La Jolla resident among the 63 nominees spanning parts of northern San Diego and southern Orange counties.
There was no individual winner, and all the nominees were recognized with commemorative certificates by the office of state Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) during receptions March 21 at the Laguna Hills Civic Center and Del Mar’s Powerhouse Community Center, the latter of which Kane attended.
“As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I felt it was important to acknowledge women in my district who are trailblazers, changemakers and everyday heroes,” Blakespear said in a statement. “These women are making a positive impact on our communities and deserve recognition for their outstanding efforts.”
Blakespear invited community to nominate women who live or work in her district who have contributed in various fields.
The La Jolla Town Council nominated Kane.
“She’s so humble; that’s the wonderful thing about her,” said Town Council President Mary Soriano. “With all her accomplishments and contributions, she’s humble about it.”
Kane, a former president of the La Jolla Community Planning Association, a senior planner for the city of San Diego and a heritage resources coordinator for the California Department of Transportation in Los Angeles, currently is a member of the La Jolla Historical Society Preservation Committee and the La Jolla Parks & Beaches board.
In addition, her efforts were key in getting the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District listed on the National of Historic Places last year.
The Coastal Historic District encomes places such as La Jolla Cove, the Children’s Pool, Casa de Mañana retirement community and Red Roost and Red Rest cottages.
Lauren Lockhart, executive director of the Historical Society, said Kane is indeed a woman who inspires.
“She is a fierce advocate for historic preservation in our region, she is a deeply curious person and a lifelong learner,” Lockhart said. “At the La Jolla Historical Society, we are so fortunate that she lends her time, talent and expertise to our work.”
The Town Council gave its own awards for Women’s History Month, honoring Kane as a Woman Who Inspires and La Jollan Sharon Wampler as a Woman of Impact.
These aren’t the only acknowledgments Kane has received this year. She also was nominated by La Jolla architect Ione Stiegler for the President’s Award in the 2025 California Preservation Awards.
The 42nd annual awards ceremony will be Friday, May 9, at the California Museum in Sacramento. Winners have not yet been announced.
Kane served for more than a decade on the board of the California Preservation Foundation; her last role was vice president of education. ♦
