Undated photo of Vacaville Buddhist Church.

OAKLAND —The State Historical Resources Commission, a governor-appointed, nine-member state review board entrusted with the responsibilities for the identification, registration and preservation of California’s cultural heritage, convened at Oakland City Hall on Aug. 3 to approve pending nominations for applications for listing historic and archeological resources on the National Register of Historic Resources, the California Register of Historical Resources, California Historical Landmarks and California Points of Historical Interest registration programs.

Vacaville Buddhist Church was among the sites submitted for consideration as a California Point of Historical Interest and was wholeheartedly approved by the SHRC and confirmed by the director of State Parks. The site now has the prestigious honor of being an official California Point of Historical Interest.

The nomination of the church was a joint effort on the part of Takashi Tsujita of Sacramento, members of the Vacaville Heritage Council, and the California Office of Historic Preservation.

Many hours of extensive research and documentation were required to ensure the accuracy of the application. The process was further expedited with the approval and assistance of the current property owner and the City of Vacaville.

Vacaville Buddhist Church, a unique blend of Japanese and American architectural styles, was built in 1912, and was located on the corner of Dobbins Street and East Monte Vista Avenue (formerly North Street).

As the center of the Japanese American community, it was important to the religious, educational, and recreational needs of its members.

The church flourished until World War II, when the local Nikkei residents were interned under Executive Order 9066.

Following the war, the church provided shelter and assistance for the returning internees.

The church was destroyed by a devastating fire on Nov. 23, 1951. The site is now occupied by a commercial building.

Although the church no longer exists, the point program allows such resources to be nominated.

To be eligible for designation, a resource must meet at least one of the following criteria:

* The first, last, only, or most significant of its type within the city or county.

* Associated with an individual or group with a profound influence on the history of the local area.

* A prototype of, or an outstanding example of, a period, style, architectural movement or construction or one of the more notable works or the best surviving work in the local region of a pioneer architect, designer or master builder.

Benefits of designation:

* Limited protection. Environmental review may be required under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) if property is threatened by a project.

* Local assessor may enter into contract with property owner for property tax reduction.

* Local building inspector must grant code alternative provided under State Historic Building Code.

* Registration is recorded on property deed.

* A small enamel directional sign (no text) is available through local Caltrans district office. Owner may place his or her own marker at the site.

For more information, visit www.ohp.parks.ca.gov.

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