Santa Barbara Sights and Events

Santa Barbara Zoo News!

2013-05-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome, Dane and Sunshine!
5
CA 93103

During the month of April, Audrey and Betty Lou, two of our Masai giraffes, gave birth! On the 18th, Audrey gave birth to Dane, who is now 6'3" and weighs 156 lbs! Ten days later Betty Lou gave birth to Sunshine, at 6'0" and weighing 133 lbs. (All of the giraffes in our herd have been named by the Dreier Family). Both giraffe calves are doing well and have been nursing, gaining weight, and have been romping around with each other in the giraffe yard. Dane and Sunshine are mostly on exhibit each day from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m..

Help us welcome Dane and Sunshine! Become a Foster Feeder sponsor of the giraffe herd! A tax-deductible donation of $50 helps with the cost of feeding Dane, Sunshine, and the rest of the herd. For more information, visit our Foster Feeder Page.

Zoo Brew 2013

Saturday, June 1^st

3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. early entry for VIP ticketholders)

Raise a glass in support of WILDLY important animal care and conservation! Join us for this year’s 4^th annual Zoo Brew on Saturday, June 1^st! Enjoy over 25 brews with unlimited brew samples, special animal encounters, and your own commemorative four-ounce glass! Tickets go on sale at midnight on May 1^st and can be purchased at www.sbzoo.org. Make sure to purchase yours early, because tickets will sell ZOOPER fast!

for tickets and more information click here

(805) 962-5339

Landscaping Important Aspect of Home Valuation

2013-05-20T18:56:00.001-07:00

Landscaping Can Impact Home Values, Appraisal Institute Says

CHICAGO (May 15, 2013) – The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, today advised homeowners to properly maintain their landscaping, which can significantly affect property values.

“If a landscaping change is positive, it can often enhance price and reduce a home’s time on the market,” said Appraisal Institute President Richard L. Borges II, MAI, SRA. “But if the change is negative, it can lower the price and lengthen the time a home remains for sale.”

Curb appeal is essential when selling a home, Borges said, noting it’s the homeowner’s opportunity to make a great first impression. A home with lackluster landscaping or an exterior in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint will likely be unappealing to prospective buyers and ultimately could affect the home’s potential resale value, he said.

Landscaping is typically associated with lawns, trees, bushes and flowers. But other items also can be considered part of landscaping, such as fire pits, decks, patios, waterfalls, swimming pools and outdoor lighting … all of which could add to the value of the home.

Borges added that homeowners should trim growth regularly, replant approximately every 5 to 10 years depending on growth and not “overwhelm” the house. He also advised that homeowners check out what their neighbors have done and keep landscaping maintenance and improvements on par with neighborhood norms.

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, trees that are too close to buildings may be fire hazards. Additionally, larger tree root systems that extend underneath a house can cause foundation uplift and can leech water from the soil beneath foundations, causing the structures to settle and sink unevenly.

According to a recent study conducted by Lawn & Landscape magazine, about two-thirds of homeowners say they’ll get less than 60 percent of their landscaping investment back when they sell the home.

“Landscaping improvements could make an impact on resale value, and homeowners need to consider how long they’ll be in the home and whether to make short-term updates or plan for the long haul,” Borges said.

Borges said homeowners should ask themselves the following questions when it comes to the quality of their home’s green space:

Is the landscaping attractive enough to make the prospective buyer walk through the front door? Keep the design contemporary and in line with comparable properties in the area.
Could the landscaping provide cost savings? Landscaping that requires little or no water to maintain could be desirable depending on the geographic area.
Is the landscaping energy-efficient for the home overall? For example, it’s a good idea to plant trees in a place where they block the sun in locations with year-round hot climates.
Are the trees planted at a safe distance from the home and are they healthy and well maintained? Weak, old or damaged trees planted too close to a home or building could pose dangers to the home’s structure and will need to be removed. Consumers should also be sure that mulching or beds don’t get too close to wood around foundations to avoid wood-destroying organisms.

Pearl Chase Society Historic Homes Tour, Sunday May 19th

2013-05-17T22:15:00.001-07:00

The Pearl Chase Society Historic Homes Tour will visit six antique adobes and a studio that belonged to renowned cowboy artist Ed Borein.
Hidden in the heart of the historic downtown neighborhood, the tour will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 19.
The tour is limited to advance reservations only as the tour has sold out. The tour tickets are $55 for nonmembers of the society, $50 for members, and $75 for a ticket and a first-time-only membership. Click here to purchase tickets online, or mail a check to the Pearl Chase Society Historic Homes Tour, P.O. Box 30405, Santa Barbara, CA 93130. For information, call 805.961.3938.
The tour will feature six adobes with iconic architecture depicting Santa Barbara’s rich cultural legacy. The adobes in the tour include Casa de la Guerra, El Cuartel, Arellanes-Kirk Adobe, Hill-Carrillo Adobe, Lugo Adobe, Gonzales-Ramirez Adobe and the El Paseo. It’s a rare opportunity that will delight history aficionados, local residences and visitors.
Santa Barbara in the 1920s saw a renewed appreciation of its Spanish Colonial past, and several prominent civic leaders set about preserving those adobe structures that had escaped regression into mud and straw with the advent of American clapboard and brick.
One of the most influential Californio families built the Casa de la Guerra. It was the center of Santa Barbara’s social and political life. Accurately restored and plenteous in history and legend, it continues that role today with special exhibits and living history reenactments on the day of this year’s tour.

The El Paseo studio of renowned cowboy artist Ed Borein. (H. Beresford photo)

The El Cuartel, the oldest adobe in Santa Barbara and second oldest in California, is the only original part of the Presidio still standing. It became the home of retired Presidio soldier José Jesus Valenzuela and 100 years later housed the local Boy Scout Council.
The Arellanes-Kirk Adobe is a private residence. The expanded home contains the original adobe house belonging to Barbara Dominguez, whose marriage to Francisco Arellanes linked two historic Spanish families — hers dating back to the Santa Barbara Presidio; his to service with Hernando Cortés.
Daniel Hill, a Yankee sailor who married the young and beautiful Rafaela Luisa Ortega, built the Hill-Carrillo Adobe in 1825. The old adobe walls have absorbed a wealth of history. Major Max Fleischmann, who presented it to the Santa Barbara Foundation, saved this relicario of the past from demolition in 1928.
A retired Presidio soldier built the Lugo Adobe. This humble abode was incorporated into Bernhard Hoffmann’s colorful and elegant Meridian Studio complex and served as an office for several renowned Santa Barbara architects.
The Gonzalez-Ramirez Adobe was occupied by members of the same family for nearly 100 years. The aged adobe was preserved and renovated in 1922. Today it is a private residence and bookstore offering rare publications.
The El Paseo is Rural Spanish, and domestic adobe architecture inspired the 1922 complex where Borein moved his studio after the earthquake in 1925. The tour visits the long-closed studio as well as rarely seen offices and apartments.
The mission of the Pearl Chase Society is to increase public awareness and encourage the preservation of Santa Barbara’s historic structures, gardens and other resources. It is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. Contributions are deductible for tax purposes to the extent allowed by law.
— Jennifer Jimmerson is a publicist representing the Pearl Chase Society.

CALM Antique and Vintage Show May 17,18, 19 at Earl Warren

2013-05-14T09:37:00.001-07:00

May 1717,18 and 19, 2013

Faturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
At the Earl Warren Showgrounds

3400 Calle Real

Highway 101 at Las Positas in Santa Barbara, CA

Admission

$6 Admission at the door ($5 Adults, 1 or more, with this ad)
$5 Senior (62+) / Child (Under 12 Free)
(One time purchase applies to all 3 days)
FREE Parking • Info 805-898-9715

18th Century to Mid-Century Modern

Furniture & Decorative Accessories • Porcelain, Bronzes & Glassware • Silver and Silver Matching • Paintings, Prints & Maps • Fine & Costume Jewelry • Americana & Ethnic Items • Games & Advertising • Scientific and Technological Instruments • Industrial Items • Vintage Clothing and Accessories • Garden & Patio • Rugs & Tapestries and much more!

Future Dates

October 18, 19 & 20, 2013 • January 24, 25 & 26, 2014

www.calmantiqueshows.com

Calling all Santa Barbara Forester Baseball Fans! Become a Host Family!

2013-05-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

BE A HOST FAMILY!

Every summer, the best college baseball players in the country come to Santa Barbara to play for the Foresters and help with the Hugs for Cubs. More than 200 of these young men have gone on to play pro baseball, while 30 have made it all the way to the Major Leagues. All the players need a place to stay during their time in Santa Barbara, and that’s where our corps of HOST FAMILIES comes into play. Would you consider hosting a player in your home?

If you have the room and the interest, the work is very limited: Host families not only get to attend all Foresters games and events FREE, they enjoy having a fine young ballplayer in their home as a role model for chidren (or a nice fill-in for children long moved away!). Host families are asked to provide a room and some breakfasts and lunches; players are totally responsible for their own transportation. They also have to follow YOUR house rules.

Host families past and present sing the praises of their experience. One family attended the wedding of their “summer son,” while others have enjoyed visiting with former players at Spring Training and even at Major League games! It’s a unique experience, and one that we simply can’t do without.

Support the Foresters and have a great summer by becoming a HOST FAMILY!

If you’re interested, the flyer has more information; you can email info@sbforesters.org or call 684-0657.

As a note: We hosted Forester Players in our home for several summers and really enjoyed having the guys with us. One of our favorites is now married with a young son (future Forester), and a high school teacher and The Baseball Coach! We still love seeing our "Summer" son. You will really enjoy being a host family!

Happy Mother's Day!

2013-05-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Wishing all the Mom and Grand-moms

A Very Happy Mother's Day!

I found this lovely bouquet,

card, and chocolates

on my doorstep

this evening!

sent by my darling son,

Jon!

here we are skiing

my mom, now in heaven

Hope you received something

special from your son or

daughter! A hug, kiss, card!

Home Ownership has Financial Perks...some listed here.

2013-05-08T16:40:00.002-07:00

2013 Santa Barbara Foresters Game Schedule

2013-05-07T20:44:00.001-07:00

2013 SANTA BARBARA FORESTERS GAME SCHEDULE

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE SCHEDULE HERE (PDF)

All times Pacific Daylight.

UCSB: Caesar Uyesaka Stadium

* California Collegiate League Game.

TIckets sold at the gate: $6 for adults, $3 for seniors, $1 for kids.

Date	Opponent	Game Time	Location	GameDay Sponsor	Result
06/01/13	San Diego Waves	4:30 pm	UCSB	Montecito Bank & Trust
06/02/13	San Diego Waves	1:00 pm	UCSB
06/04/13	North County Indians	5:10 pm	UCSB
06/06/13	SoCal Halos*	6:00 pm	at Santa Paula
06/07/13	Neptune Beach Pearl	5:10 pm	UCSB
06/08/13	Neptune Beach Pearl	5:00 pm	UCSB	The Kelt Group
06/09/13	Bay Area Warriors	1:00 pm	UCSB
06/11/13	L.A. Brewers*	6:30 pm	at Gardena
06/12/13	L.A. Brewers*	6:30 pm (DH)	at Gardena
06/13/13	Bakersfield Sound*	5:10 pm	UCSB	Presidio Sports
06/14/13	So. Calif. Halos*	6:00 pm	at Santa Paula
06/15/13	So. Calif. Catch*	4:30 pm	at Whittier
06/16/13	So. Calif. Catch*	1:00 pm DH	at Whittier
06/18/13	Conejo Oaks*	5:00 pm	at Thousand Oaks

06/20/13	SoCal Halos*	6:00 pm	at Santa Paula
06/21/13	Bakersfield Sound*	5:10 pm	UCSB
06/22/13	Pacific Union	5:00 pm	UCSB
06/23/13	Bakersfield Sound*	1:00 pm	UCSB	Big Green Cleaning Co.
06/25/13	SLO Blues*	5:10 pm	UCSB
06/26/13	SLO Blues*	6:00 pm	at San Luis Obispo
06/27/13	Conejo Oaks*	5:10 pm	UCSB
06/28/13	MLB Academy*	5:10 pm	UCSB	Alta Orthopedics
06/29/13	MLB Academy*	5:00 pm	UCSB	De La Vina Surgery Center
06/30/13	MLB Academy*	5:00 pm	UCSB


07/02/13	Conejo Oaks*	5:00 pm	at Thousand Oaks
07/03/13	SoCal Halos*	5:10 pm	UCSB
07/04/13	Rawlings Calif. Cup	TBA	UCSB
07/05/13	Rawlings Calif. Cup	TBA	UCSB
07/06/13	Rawlings Calif. Cup	TBA	UCSB
07/07/13	Rawlings Calif. Cup	TBA	UCSB
07/08/13	Rawlings Calif. Cup Final	TBA	UCSB
07/09/13	SLO Blues*	5:10 pm	UCSB
07/10/13	SLO Blues*	5:10 pm	UCSB
07/11/13	SoCal Halos*	5:00 pm	at Santa Paula
07/12/13	SoCal Halos*	5:10 pm	UCSB
07/13/13	SoCal Halos*	5:00 pm	UCSB
07/14/13	Conejo Oaks*	1:00 pm	UCSB	Investec
07/16/13 07/17/13	Conejo Oaks* CCL All-Star Game	5:10 pm TBA	UCSBTBA
07/18/13	SLO Blues*	5:10 pm	UCSB
07/19/13	Conejo Oaks*	5:00 pm	at Thousand Oaks
07/20/13	Conejo Oaks*	5:00 pm	UCSB	Cottage Health System
07/21/13	Conejo Oaks*	1:00 pm	at Thousand Oaks
07/23/13	SLO Blues*	6:00 pm	at San Luis Obispo
07/24/13	SLO Blues*	6:00 pm	at San Luis Obispo
07/25/13	SLO Blues*	6:00 pm	at San Luis Obispo
07/26/13	SoCal Halos*	5:10 pm	UCSB
07/27/13	CCL Champ. Semifinals	TBA

07/28/13

CCL Championship Game

TBA

How To Keep Your Home Safe While You Are On Vacation

2013-05-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

Tips on Keeping Your Home Safe

While You Are On Summer Vacation

Summer vacation — for most people, this phrase conjures images of sandy beaches, amusement parks, lakeside cabins, or family road trips.

For burglars, summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of unoccupied homes and garages. In fact, property crimes spike during summer months, peaking in July and August.

Here are a few tips for protecting your home while you’re gone this summer:

Stay secure.
Before you leave, double check that all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget the upstairs windows: AC units, ladders, nearby trees, and even garbage cans can give thieves access to those windows. Trim or remove shrubs that offer easy hiding places. Don’t leave spare keys outside; thieves know where to look, too.

Privacy matters.
Don’t post vacation plans on social media sites. You can’t completely control who sees your updates, regardless of your privacy settings. Have a trusted friend periodically check your home, but resist the temptation to announce your departure on the Internet.

Leave the light on.
Make it appear you haven’t left home at all. Stop your mail, or have a friend or neighbor collect it. Have someone mow your lawn if you’ll be away for a longer period of time. Set timers for inside lights or even a television. Don’t leave a porch light on continuously, though, as that could signal that you’re not home. Instead, install motion-sensing floodlights, even on the sides of your home. Many homeowners light up the front and back of their houses, but leave the sides dark, making it more inviting to burglars.

Don’t forget tiny invaders.
Bugs can also take advantage of empty homes. Before you leave, make sure all trashcans are emptied and cleaned. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, and wipe any stray crumbs from kitchen counter-tops. Many bugs come inside in search of water, so fix any leaks before you leave.

Thanks to American Home Shield - Home Protection Plans for these great tips

Routine Maintenance Keeps the Value Of Your Property Up!

2013-05-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

Carla's

Real Estate Concierge

As a Realtor, it always surprises me, when Sellers haven't

maintained their property in good condition and then expect a

Buyer to pay top dollar for it. Unless the property is

exceptionally unique in amenities, location or is priced less to

reflect its condition, Buyers will expect to negotiate repairs

and replacements.

It really doesn't take a lot of knowledge or work to keep your

property in good condition and prevent "deferred" mainten-

ance issues. Here are some tips from American Home Shield,

provider of Home Warranty Policies at point of sale for both

Buyers and Sellers.

How often do you think of the maintenance required to keep

your home systems and appliances up and running? If you're

like most homeowners, probably not often enough.

Here are several routine maintenance and troubleshooting

tips for each of your homes' major systems and appliances.

Each Item listed also has a link you can click for more

information.

If you wish to return to this list, just hit the "back arrow" at

the top left of your screen.

Troubleshooting

Air C System maintenance

To ensure efficient operation,

check filters every month

Other maintenance suggestions

Heating System maintenance

Visually inspect exhaust vent for rust,

damage or deterioration.
Other maintenance suggestions

Electrical System maintenance

To help prevent power outages,

make sure there are not too many

appliances plugged into one circuit.
Other maintenance suggestions

Plumbing System maintenance

Toilet paper should be the only

paper product flushed down a toilet.

Other maintenance suggestions

Washer maintenance.

To adjust the level of your washing

machine, turn the legs clockwise to

lower them or counter-clockwise to

raise them.

Other maintenance suggestions

Dryer maintenance

Clean the lint screen after each

load of clothes has been dried.

Other maintenance suggestions

Water Heater maintenance

Drain and flush sediment from

tank twice a year.

Other maintenance suggestions

Range/Oven maintenance

If you have a self cleaning oven,

do not use any other method to

clean it.

Other maintenance suggestions

Refrigerator maintenance

Clean the interior shelves,

shell and gaskets every three

months.

Other maintenance suggestions

Garbage Disposal maintenance

To clean the disposal, feed a

full tray of ice cubes through

it while running cold water.

Other maintenance suggestions

Would you like a referral for an appliance

repair person, handy-man or any other

Home Maintenance Vendor?

email me by clicking this link, or call me

689-7343 and I would be happy to send

you a referral of someone highly

recommended by my peers, or someone

I have had good personal experience with.

There is no fee or obligation to either you

or the Vendor, we just like to pass along

the names of excellent workers!

Downtown Santa Barbara First Thursday Celebration May 2nd

2013-05-01T16:27:00.001-07:00

1st Thursday - May 2

Visit Downtown Santa Barbara from 5-8pm on Thursday, May 2nd for your free monthly dose of art, culture, music and fun! More than 35 cultural venues will stay open late to showcase new exhibits, artist receptions, musical performances, lectures, fun activities and demonstrations.

State Street comes alive this month with outdoor performances by:

Rebekah Scogin and Friends, Corner of Anapamu and State Streets, SBMA Corner
Artbark International, 900 State Street, Marshall's Patio
CycleMAYnia: Vela Vogue, Paseo Nuevo Mall

for a complete schedule of events, click here

ABOUT 1^st THURSDAY

1^stThursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Santa Barbara. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and art-related venues offer free access to visual and performing art in a fun and social environment from 5-8pm. 1^st Thursday venues feature attractions, such as art openings, live music, artists' receptions, lectures, wine tastings and hands-on activities. Many Downtown partners partake in this event including non-conventional galleries, retailers and restaurants. In addition, State Street comes alive on 1^st Thursday with performances and interactive exhibits. Look for previews of forthcoming plays, symphony performances, concerts and dance productions, as well as local up-and-coming performers. The Downtown Organization also partners with Santa Barbara cultural groups for one-time 1^st Thursday attractions.

1^stThursday is for locals and visitors alike. It provides an opportunity for residents to indulge in local culture, mingle with neighbors and participate in the arts community. The program also offers visitors the chance to experience, in one evening, the diversity of downtown Santa Barbara’s visual and performing arts scene. is aimed at developing a lively atmosphere downtown as well as showcasing the cultural variety that Santa Barbara has to offer.

The 1^stThursday Passport is a printed guide and map to all of the 1^st Thursday attractions and are available at participating galleries and venues, MTD shuttles, The Visitors’ Center, and hotel concierge desks. OR you can download a printable version above.

Expect something special in art and culture on the first Thursday of every month!

information from the Santa Barbara

Downtown Organization

Website

UCSB Economic Forecast, Thursday, May 2nd

2013-04-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

THUrsday, MAY 2

8:30 AM

THE GRANADA Theater

Ticket includes admission to the entire ½ day Summit, a copy of the the 2013 Santa Barbara County Economic Outlook report plus a Continental Breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30 am at The Granada Theatre.

UCSB Economic Forecast Project

Keynote speaker: Neil Barofsky

Bailout: An Inside Account of How Washington Abandoned Main Street While Rescuing Wall Street

From 2008 to 2011, Neil Barofsky was the first special inspector general of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, tasked with protecting against abuse and fraud in the $700 billion federal bailout fund. In his book, Bailout, the former federal prosecutor and Senior Fellow at NYU gives a blistering insider’s account of what happened behind the scenes. Also presenting are Thomas F. Cooley, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and professor of economics at NYU, and Douglas J. Elliott, a Fellow in the Initiative on Business and Public Policy at The Brookings Institution and former managing director at J.P. Morgan. The Santa Barbara County economic forecast will be delivered by Peter Rupert, director of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project and chair of the Department of Economics at UCSB.

Part of the 32nd Annual Santa Barbara County Economic Summit. Co-presented with the UCSB Economic Forecast Project.

$200 : General Public

$25 : UCSB Students

(Current ID required / Limited availability)

for more information and tickets to the event, click here

UCSB Arts & Lectures Presents Best Selling Author Erik Larson

2013-04-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 6th

8 pm

UCSB Campbell Hall

An Evening with Erik Larson

"Breathing Life into the Dead"

Breathing Life into the Dead

“A master at writing true tales as riveting as fiction.”People

“Larson is a marvelous writer… a master of the telling detail, finding just the right ones to help define an age and a place.” The New York Times

Widely acclaimed as a master of narrative nonfiction, Erik Larson is the author of four New York Times best-sellers, including In the Garden of Beasts and The Devil in the White City. His “utterly compelling” (Washington Post), addictively readable books read like thrillers set against grand historical tableaux, where readers get to know the players intimately. The meticulous researcher will discuss the process of bringing history alive and the odd and funny things that happen while conducting research in far-flung locales. Come join us for a special evening with the award-winning author whose irresistible stories make history come alive.

Books will be available for purchase and signing

http://eriklarsonbooks.com/

for more information and tickets, click here

The UCSB Arts & Lectures Program is one of THE perks

of living in our beautiful community.

UCSB brings world renowned authors, entertainers

and people of international influence to us in an intimate

setting at a most affordable price!

Million Dollar Home Raffle to benefit The Teachers' Fund - 7 days left to enter

2013-04-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

If you decide to enter, PLEASE

be sure to to add my name

and Village Properties at the bottom

of the entry form!

WHY? So that the Village

Teachers' Fund receives your $$$

for local classroom needs!

Thanks and good luck!

Download this form

Opera Santa Barbara performing Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti at the Granada Theater April 26 and 28th

2013-04-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Love Opera?

Opera Santa Barbara Presents

"Don Pasquale"

1330 State Street, Santa Barbara

Friday, 26 April 2013 7:30 PM

Sunday, 28 April 2013 2:30 PM

In this comic masterpiece, the doddering Don Pasquale has willed his fortune to his nephew, Ernesto, on the condition he approves of the young man's bride. Enter Norina – Ernesto's smart and sassy fiancée – who, unfortunately, doesn't pass muster. Pasquale disinherits poor Ernesto, deciding instead to find himself a young wife and produce an heir of his own! Not one to be deterred lightly, Norina disguises herself as the girl of Pasquale's dreams and marries the coot; you can be sure that wedded bliss is not in store! Gorgeous melodies abound in Donizetti's last comic gem; you'll laugh at the declining fortunes of Pasquale and cheer for the inevitable triumph of true love!

Tickets and information, click here

information about OperaSB, click here

STAGING is one of the elements of getting TOP $$ for your House when you sell?!

2013-04-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara Earth Day Celebration April 20 & 21

2013-04-20T10:40:00.002-07:00

Alameda Park

1400 Santa Barbara Street

Santa Barbara

(across from Alice Keck Memorial Gardens)

Calendar of Events

		Bike Valet Ride your bike to the festival. We offer secure, free bike parking and bicycle check-ups too.
		Eco-Marketplace Explore colorful exhibitor booths for unique finds: green products, smart technology, cool gadgets, organic clothing, and fun stuff you didn’t know you needed until now.
		Green Car Show Experience the latest and greatest in automotive technology, including the newest electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf.
		Kid's Corner Whisk your kids away to a fun and imaginative corner to learn about Mother Earth – and to play!
		Live Green Learn how to live a more green, sustainable lifestyle and make eco-conscious choices on a daily basis. Visit booths on eco-lifestyles and green homes.
		Public Square Visit your favorite non-profit organizations, government agencies and community-based projects working in the public interest.
		Sports and Recreation Come explore local and regional companies/business' showcasing sport, fitness and outdoor lifestyle related products and ideas.

Other Festival Highlights

Environmental Hero Award
Last year’s Environmental Hero Award was given posthumously to Selma Rubin. Selma was a true community hero in Santa Barbara, helping found more than 42 grass roots organizations, the Community Environmental Council among them.

Main Stage
Enjoy two full days of live music performances, speakers, and family programming - produced by New Noise.

Food and Drink
Fuel up with smoothies, vegan fare, and fresh pizzas. Grab your friends and chill with a local brew at the Earth Day Beer & Wine Garden.

for more information, click here

California's Improving Housing Markets

2013-04-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Published by the

California Association of Realtors

Spring and Roses in Santa Barbara

2013-04-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

A. C. Postel Rose Garden

Mission Historical Park, across from Santa

Barbara's Old Mission, has the remains of the

mission's old water works, tannery vats, lawn

areas and the A. C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden.

Formerly mission land, the City bought it in 1928.

In 1955 the city rose garden began with a donation

of 500 choice rose bushes. In 1959 the Santa

Barbara Rose Society was formed,

and in 1962 the society

asked the city park commission to let

it sponsor the garden.

In 1982 a committee was organized to save the

rose garden. In 1984 the Virginia Firth Wade

Endowment Fund donated $35,000 of the $51,000

needed to restore the garden on condition that it be

renamed the "A. C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden".

The Foundation donates $5,000 annually to assist

in the maintenance of the garden. There is now a

part-time gardener, regular fertilization, watering

and grooming to maintain a first-rate garden.

The Rose Garden is open to the public, and all

roses are identified.

Rose Story Farm

5950 Casitas Pass Rd, Carpinteria, CA 93013

Cross Streets: Between Rincon Sta and Foothill Rd

We would love to share the experience of Rose Story Farm

with you! Please come visit our 15 acre farm any time

during the rose growing season (the middle of April through

the end of November). We feature 18,000 stunning rose

plants in 150 varieties in our fields at the base of the

Carpinteria Valley foothills. Blooms rotate in six-week

cycles, so over three quarters of the roses will be in majestic

bloom for your visit.

Please book your tour in advance by phone.

Tours are scheduled every Wednesday and

Saturday (unless a Special Event is being held).

Tours begin at 11.30 a.m. on Wednesdays and

11.00 a.m.on Saturdays, and run approximately

1 hour, followed by a picnic lunch in the garden.

Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat,

as this is a Walking Tour.

No smoking, pets, or video camera equipment

allowed on Tours.

(805) 566-4885

rosestoryfarm.com

Roses is my garden are also
bursting into Bloom

yellow Banksia

Kite Festival in Santa Barbara, Sunday April 14

2013-04-13T00:09:00.004-07:00

28th Annual

Santa Barbara Kite Festival

Sunday April 14th

at Santa Barbara City College

April 14th, 2013 from 11am-4pm in the "Great Meadow" west campus lawn at Santa Barbara City College. The festival's bluff top lawn location overlooks the beautiful Santa Barbara harbor and breakwater, and is a perfect site for kite flying. Parking is plentiful on campus, and admission to the festival is free. This year's festival is dedicated to the "Wind Wizard" Dan Rubesh. Dan was instrumental in the growth of the festival and the kite flying community in Ventura County. The Santa Barbara Kite Festival is guaranteed to be a fun-filled family-style affair featuring kites of all sizes, shapes and colors. Flyers of all abilities are welcome.

One of the most popular events held throughout the day is the "tail chase" for children. Children in various age groups try to catch the tail of a kite as it dips and dives through the air. Prizes will be awarded in most categories. Competitions range from "kite fighting" and "sport flying" for skilled flyers, to the more accessible categories such as "most beautiful", "highest flying", and "largest kites". Kites will be available for purchase at the festival. There will also be food and beverages, and a kids zone with jumpers and family info tables.

For more information call 805-637-6202, or 805-963-2964. Email can be sent to sbkitefest@gmail.com , or davidhefferman@hotmail.com The "Great Meadow" (west campus lawn) is located on Santa Barbara City College's West Campus at 971 Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara, adjacent to the college's main campus.

April 2013 is Kite month in Santa Barbara. Thanks to a proclamation by the city's honorable Mayor Marty Blum and the Santa Barbara City Council in 2007, the month of April is officially designated as Kite Month in the city of Santa Barbara.

Carpinteria Opens Nurseries for Tour Saturday April 13th

2013-04-11T16:21:00.001-07:00

"America’s Flowers!”

Visit the beautiful blooms of Carpinteria!

Ever wonder what beauty lies behind the glass in a
greenhouse? Now’s your chance during the 5th Annual
Carpinteria Greenhouse & Nursery Tour on April
13th, 2013! There will be a colorful array of flowers to
see ranging from orchids and roses to gerberas and
more while touring the flower farms.

Enjoy these guided tours with the growers themselves
as you learn about growing CA GROWN flowers for
commercial purposes. Information will include several
areas such as propagation, fertilizing, pest control,
harvesting, packing house.

We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and layered
clothing as many of these tours will involve walking through
greenhouses or growing areas and vary in temperatures.
This event is FREE and open to the public thanks to our
sponsors and hosted by the Santa Barbara County Flower
and Nursery Growers’ Association.

The map is available by clicking on the below. There is
no specific start point for the tour and no reservations are
necessary. Just pick to start at any of the participating
nurseries and go! We also will have several locations
with food available and a few special presentations,
– Rain or Shine!

Please call (805) 576-7417 or
email anna@carpinteriagreenhousetours.com
for the most up to date information about the tour.

click here for a map of the tour

Come Borrow Your Prom Dress for Free! Open Saturday 10-2

2013-04-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

Operation Prom Dress

1259 Veronica Springs Road
(off Las Positas Road)

Sponsored by the Assistance League of Santa Barbara

Anyone attending a High School Prom

is eligible to borrow a dress - FREE!

Attention all High School Girls!

Come to our Prom Dress Boutique and

BORROW your Prom Dress!

over 400 gorgeous dresses

we are here to help you!

our beautiful Boutique

You'll feel like a princess here!

Girls just having fun!

Over 400 beautiful dresses available in all sizes

Featuring dresses by Mark Jacobs, Rumors,

Jessica McClintock, Jovani and More!

PROM DRESS BOUTIQUE WILL BE OPEN

FOR SHOPPING

Saturdays, April 13, 20, and 27th

May 4 and 11th

10 am - 2 pm

Wednesday, April 17 and 24th and

May 1 and 8

3 to 5 pm

OR by appointment

Located at: 1259 Veronica Springs Road

(off Las Positas) Santa Barbara

Available to all girls attending their

High School Senior Prom, regardless of

economic need.

Bring you school ID!

More information: Dianne 898-1967

email click here:

Santa Barbara area Farmer's Market Schedule

2013-04-04T20:37:00.002-07:00

Santa Barbara's Farmers Markets

are showing off Spring's Bounty

delicious Spring carrots

8 markets, 6 days a week

Saturday: 8:30am-1:00pm

Corner of Santa Barbara and Cota Streets

Sunday: 10am-2:00pm

In Goleta - corner of Storke and Hollister;

7004 Marketplace Dr.

inside the Camino Real Shopping Center

Tuesday: 4:00pm-7:30pm *summer

3:00pm-6:30pm *winter

500 and 600 blocks of State Street

Wednesday: 2:30pm-6:30pm *summer

2:30pm-6:00pm *winter

In Solvang - Copenhagen Drive and First Street

Thursday: 3:00pm-6:30pm

In Goleta - corner of Storke and Hollister;

7004 Marketplace Dr.

inside the Camino Real Shopping Center

Thursday: 3:00pm-6:30pm *summer

3:00pm-6:00pm *winter

In Carpinteria - 800 block of Linden Ave.

Friday: 8:00am-11:15am

In Montecito - 1100 & 1200

blocks of Coast Village Road

photos of a recent Saturday visit

Shorter Term Loans Save Big $$$$

2013-04-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens Photo Contest

2013-03-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

The 3rd Annual Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens
Photo Contest:

March 1 to May 31, 2013

Details: Photo contest is open to members and the public.

Contest photos should celebrate California native plants.

We hope you will share your photographic

memories with the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden!

Submission Details: Please contact Tricia Wardlaw

at twardlaw@sbbg.org or 805-682-4726 ext. 103

for online submission information

-or- mail a DVD or CD with your images to

SBBG Photo Contest,

1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

along with your name and contact information.

Minimum digital image size for submission is 5 x 7 inches

at print quality 240-300 dpi.

You must own the rights to any photos you submit.

By submitting your photo(s), you agree to allow the

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to

use your photo to promote the Garden

and its mission through its social media outlets,

website (www.sbbg.org), digital and print media.

Visit our website for details: www.sbbg.org

Submissions will be accepted no later than May 31, 2013.

Photo Contest Categories:

California Native Plants in Your Garden

California Native Plants in the Wild

California Native Plants at SBBG

Photographs can be close-up, a field of flowers,

or extra-wide, panoramic images

can include insects, birds and other animals

can be with or without people

Winners will receive prizes, winning photographs

will be featured in an

upcoming Ironwood, the SBBG quarterly

publication will appear on the

Garden’s website at SBBG.org, and at SBBGPhotos.org