A Beautiful Transformatio n 2025 Annual Awards Celebr ation Sunday, September 28th, 2025 Alhecama Theatre
60 YEARS OF BEAUTIFICATION
Cover image by Angela Perko Bloom, 2024.
A Message From The President P
UBLIC ART IS BACK IN THE SANTA BARBARA LIME LIGHT and is a perfect backdrop for Santa Barbara Beautiful’s 60th Anniversary Awards event, which will feature the announcement of a favorite work of public art according to a public, digital vote, as well as the return of the Business in Art award, presented by the City Arts Advisory Committee.
That is not to say that horticulture and our urban forest will take a back seat, as they are where Santa Barbara Beautiful has deep roots. Flip through today's program to find our year in review, which is full of Arbor Day and tree plantings, as well as support of the cultural arts in Santa Barbara.
In celebrating 60 Years, Santa Barbara Beautiful has grown its reputation as a supportive, helpful organization as we continue to seek ways to beautify our community.
We are continuing our collaborative relationship with the City of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Department, where the number of street trees planted has topped 14,000 trees.
Over this last year, my board colleagues have taken initiative and been creative. And, they've rolled up their sleeves to carry out Santa Barbara Beautiful's mission of supporting beautification in as many ways as possible. The honors and recognition at our annual awards are a significant part of our beautification mission. Today, with your help, we are bringing attention to those who have done beautification work in the community. Recognition is important - it keeps spirits thriving so we have the energy to continue, it also provides inspiration for future projects, and it shares good news about community efforts.
Thank you for sharing this historic day and moment with us and for your efforts to beautify our community.
Thank You 2025 Property Awards Judges
◆ Teri Bianchi ◆ Mary Harris ◆ Joe Campanelli ◆
◆ Fred Lehto ◆ Sarita King ◆ Stephanie Payne ◆
◆ Jennifer Johnson ◆ Nina Johnson ◆
◆ Julie Nguyen-Friedman ◆ paula re ◆
◆ Stephanie Tan ◆ John Whitehurst ◆
2025 Annual Awards Committee
◆ Jacqueline Dyson ◆ Francine Kirsch ◆
◆ Duke McPherson ◆ Jo Ann Mermis ◆
◆ Melinda Mettler ◆ Kerry Methner ◆
◆ Caroline Rutledge ◆ Mark Whitehurst ◆
2025 Annual Awards Filmmaker
◆ Isaac Hernández de Lipa
Kerry Ellen Methner
Beautiful city. Outstanding people.
We are proud to support Santa Barbara Beautiful and the community-minded individuals and businesses who are dedicated to projects that make our city beautiful.
We congratulate our friends at the Santa Barbara Public Library on being recognized for the Michael Towbes Plaza, a space that beautifully reflects the legacy of our founder, Michael Towbes.
60 YEARS
2025 Annual Awards Reception & Celebration
Alhecama Theatre
Sunday, September 28th, 2025 v 2 to 5 pm
Reception
2 to 3:15 pm ~ Cocktail Reception
v Appetizers
v Libations: La Lieff Wines and Encell Wines
Awards Celebration
3:30 to 4:30 pm ~ Awards Celebration
Master of Ceremonies John Palminteri
Welcome: Kerry Methner, SBB President
Awards Presentations
Honorees:
v Public Open Space: Michael Towbes Library Plaza (see page 7)
v Art In Public Places: Deepwater Diver Monument (see page 9)
v Playa De Santa Barbara for Environmental Stewardship: Santa Barbara Audubon Society (see page 11)
v Heritage Oak Award for Lifetime Achievement: Brian Cearnal AIA (see page 16)
v Business in Art Award presented by Darrell McNeill, The City of Santa Barbara Arts Advisory Committee (see page 19)
v Single Family Home, Large Lot: 155 Santo Tomas Ln (see page 21)
v Multi-Family Residence: 800 Santa Barbara Street (see page 23)
v Commercial Sign: La Arcada Plaza (see page 26)
v Historic Revitalization (Residence): 2940 Ventura Drive (see page 27)
v Single Family Home, Small Lot: 1805 Laguna Street (see page 28)
v Moreton Bay Fig Award for Body of Work: Jeff Shelton Architect (see page 31)
v Voted Best of 100 Years of Santa Barbara Public Art Award: presented by Nathan Vonk, Sullivan Goss (see page 33)
v President’s Award: Plaza del Mar Band Shell (see page 37)
Santa Barbara Commons | Public Open Space
Michael Towbes Library Plaza
WITH A VISION for use by patrons, passersby, and large groups, the Michael Towbes Library Plaza opened downtown last year. Easily accessible, the new plaza is pleasant and elegant with minimalist landscaping and a nice use of trees, including newly planted olives. While plans for art and seating are still being discussed, the Plaza is wrapped around the beauty of the library building, which is restored and shining in the center of this important new community commons.
The accessible, flexible open space honors the historic context of its location while helping the library serve the community into the future. Its spaces create gateways to the adjacent street frontages, La Arcada Plaza and the Santa Barbara Art Museum with details reflecting the Egyptian Art Deco architecture of the Faulkner Gallery and Tympanum of the original Library wing.
Property Owner: City of Santa Barbara
Project Managment: Santa Barbara Library Foundation
Project Landscape Architect & Designer: Kalie Grubb, Arcadia Studio
Principal Architect: Craig Schallanberger, City of Santa Barbara Public Works
Supervising Engineer (Facilities): Jesse Wheeler, City of Santa Barbara Public Works / Facilities Department
Campaign Co-Chair: Janet Garufis, Library Plaza Campaign Leadership
Campaign Co-Chair: Jim Jackson, Library Plaza Campaign Leadership
SANTA BARBARA COMMONS / PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
MICHAEL TOWBES LIBRARY PLAZA
Photo by I saac Hernández de Lipa
Photos courtesy of SB Library Foundation
Step into the European allure of La Arcada Plaza. Venture beyond the ordinary, into a landscape of 21 unique boutiques and culinary indulgences.
Delight Ace Rivington • Catherine Gee
Coast 2 Coast Collections • Field Trip • Lewis & Clark Renaissance Fine Consignment
Andersen’s Bakery & Restaurant Barbieri & Kempe Wines • Hook and Press • Mizza Petit Valentien • State & Fig
Experience La Tavola Fine Linens Lucky Puppy • Salon U • The Barber Shop • The Crafter’s Library • Urban Optics Santa Barbara Courthouse Distillery & Event Center
LaArcadaSantaBarbara.com 1114 State Street, Santa Barbara Follow us la_arcada_plaza_official
Immerse Gallery 113 • Waterhouse Gallery
Hugh and Marjorie Petersen Award for Art in Public Places
Deepwater Diver Monument
INSTANTLY ICONIC, this bronze monument to Santa Barbara as a birthplace of deep water diving boasts beautiful craftsmanship by California-based artist, Greg Polutanovich. Installed on March 11th, and dedicated on April 5th of this year, it's a realistic, more than life-size depiction of an early deep water diver. The monument is accessible to all who walk by its busy, harbor location. The tribute to deep water divers and the industry that has flourished locally is a welcome addition to Santa Barbara’s inventory of public art.
“This magnificent Monument will be a worthy and lasting testament to the on-going vision and ingenuity of the Santa Barbara diving community whose revolutionary contributions have been vital to the advancement of international deep-water exploration. An inspirational sculpture for the whole maritime community,” said Leslie Leaney, SBMM Founding Trustee and co-chair of the Deepwater Diving Monument Committee.
The monument depicts a professional diver from 1982, wearing a Kirby Morgan® Superlite® 17 Diving Helmet, a revolutionary design that set the world standard for commercial divers. This iconic figure will stand as a symbol of Santa Barbara’s pioneering role in shaping the global diving industry. In the 1960s, local abalone divers transitioned to deepwater oxy-helium diving, revolutionizing commercial and military diving by enabling safe exploration of much deeper waters. This transformation was ignited by Hugh “Dan” Wilson’s historic 400-foot dive off Santa Cruz Island on November 3, 1962. Conducted in secrecy, Wilson’s groundbreaking achievement, using mixed gas instead of air, launched what became known as the “Santa Barbara Helium Rush.”
HUGH & MARJORIE PETERSEN AWARD FOR ART IN PUBLIC PLACES: DEEPWATER DIVER MONUMENT
SANTA BARBARA HARBOR, 132-A Harbor Way
Property Owner: Dena Bellman, District Superintendent Channel Coast, California State Parks
Property Owner: City of Santa Barbara
Fiscal Agent: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Project Designer / Principal Artist: Greg Plutanovich
The Deepwater Diving Monument is a gift to the city from the local and international diving communities to honor the visionaries who transformed diving into the sophisticated practice it is today. It will serve as a reminder of Santa Barbara’s legacy and its ongoing influence on the maritime world.
The Project is being funded by the sale of Limited Edition, Certified, Fine-Art Bronze Statuettes sculpted by Polutanovich and is a fine addition to Santa Barbara's catalogue of public art.
Project Co-Chair: Don Barthelmess
Project Co-Chair: Leslie Leaney
Diving Monument Committee Member: Carol Kallman
Diving Monument Committee Member: Ted Roche
Diving Monument Committee Member: Mike Morgan
Diving Monument Committee Member: Phil Newsum
Waterfront Director, City of Santa Barbara: Mike Wiltshire
Principal Contractor: Monument Projects, Ltd.
Photo by Kerry Methner
Photos by Isaac Hernández de Lipa
Playa de Santa Barbara Awards for Environmental Stewardship Santa Barbara Audubon Society
BIRD WATCHERS (THEY PREFER “BIRDERS”) are often portrayed in popular media as somewhat unusual characters wearing floppy hats with binoculars around their necks and strangely obsessed with scanning the tops of trees and the tangled underbrush of a creek bed. To an outsider, the birds these obsessives watch, photograph, and study are, at best, pleasant visitors to one’s backyard or, at worst, a nuisance making a racket in the neighborhood or raiding trash cans and picnic tables at the beach. But to members of the Santa Barbara Audubon Society, birds are not only endlessly fascinating and beautiful but, more importantly, key indicators of the health of the natural world. It is not a coincidence that Santa Barbara Beautiful and our local Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) were both founded in the early 1960s, a period of increasing concern about environmental degradation and deteriorating communities. SBAS was founded in 1963 when the Bird Study Group at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History voted to become a chapter of the National Audubon Society. This was the same year that Rachel Carson testified before a United States Senate committee following the publication of her influential book, Silent Spring. 62 years later, SBAS continues to protect birds and habitat while connecting people with birds through education, conservation, and science.
SBB is particularly impressed by the efforts of the SBAS Conservation and Science Committee to advocate for strong protections for birds and to increase knowledge of local wildlife and ecosystems with an emphasis on riparian areas and regional open spaces.
SBAS also offers popular educational programs such as Eyes In the Sky, where birds like Max the Great Horned Owl, can be seen every day at the Audubon Aviary at the Natural History Museum and Meet Your Wild Neighbor, an exceptional school classroom
program, and the wildly popular Winter Bird Count for Kids, a free introduction to birdwatching for children ages 8 to 16. There are also twice-a-month Friday Bird Walks; exciting field trips, many to places not normally accessible to the public; an ongoing series of public lectures with invited speakers; and the annual Christmas Bird Count, the longest-running community science project in the country.
Santa Barbara Beautiful is pleased to recognize the Santa Barbara Audubon Society with the Playa de Santa Barbara Award for Environmental Stewardship.
Photo by Janice Levasheff
Photo by
Janice Levasheff
Photo by Roman Baratiak
Photo by Roman Baratiak
education
Current SB Audubon Society Board of Directors and staff with guests Steve Windhager (SB Botanic Garden) and Greg Gorga (SB Maritime Museum)
Winter Bird Count for Kids 2025 at Stow House in Goleta
2025 Winter Bird Count For Kids at Lake Los Carneros
Hannah Atkinson, former Eyes in the Sky Director, with Max the Great Horned Owl
International Vulture Appreciation Day at the SB Zoo 2025
Celebrating 60 years of community beautification by Santa Barbara Beautiful and 62 years of environmental leadership by Santa Barbara Audubon Society. – Roman Baratiak
Uniquely Californian
From desert blooms to redwood groves, explore the beauty and diversity of California’s native plants and landscape all at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Montecito Hibiscus,
photo by Roman Baratiak
to the Santa Barbara Audubon Society for making our community more beautiful through your dedication to birds and habitat conservation.
— Suzanne & Duncan Mellichamp
Photo by Gary Robinson
Years of Keeping Santa Barbara
Commemorative Tree Plaques
Santa Barbara Beautiful offers a unique opportunity to honor a loved one who has achieved a milestone in their life or who has passed away, or even to memorialize a loving pet.
Those who have chosen to place a plaque at a favorite tree will often visit the location and leave flowers or other mementos to the honoree.
From Scrap EE Makerspace
Scan the QR Code to learn more or visit ExploreEcology.org
Santa Barbara Beautiful has funded more than 14,000 street trees in Santa Barbara!
Join Us
We invite you to join us in continuing this legacy and keeping Santa Barbara beautiful for years to come.
SBbeautiful.org 805.965.8867 | info@SBbeautiful.org A 501(c) (3) Corporation Tax ID# 23-7055360
A Bit About Our New Logo
You may have noticed—we have a new look!
In honor of our 60th anniversary, we’ve embraced a piece of our history. Longtime member Jacqueline Dyson uncovered a 1967 document showing Santa Barbara Beautiful helped designate the red hibiscus as the city’s official flower. What better way to celebrate than by incorporating it into our new logo?
Special thanks to 1967 President James “Bud” Bottoms for working with the city for the hibiscus designation and designer Irene Hoffman for bringing this vibrant symbol to life.
2025 Santa Barbara Beautiful Board Directors: Roman Baratiak, Mark Whitehurst, Patrick McGinnis, Caroline Rutledge, Leslee Sipress, Kerry Methner, Penny Haberman, Duke McPherson, JoAnn Mermis, David Gress, Melinda Mettler, Francine Kirsch, Nathan Slack, Jacqueline Dyson, Jeffrey Sipress, and Daniel Norman King
Tabar
Photo by Jeffrey Sipress
CONGRATULATIONS!
Heritage Oak Award for Lifetime Achievement:
Brian
Cearnal, AIA
Brian Cearnal is a distinguished architect renowned for his innovative designs and signi cant contributions to the architectural landscape of Santa Barbara. Cearnal pursued his passion for architecture at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1976. During his academic journey, he broadened his horizons by studying abroad at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen, Denmark, during his fth year.
After obtaining his architectural license in California in 1980, Cearnal founded his practice, initially named Cearnal Collective, in 1983. Over the decades, his rm has evolved into a highly respected architecture and interior design studio, gaining recognition for its thoughtful approach to design that harmonizes with the local environment and cultural context. Cearnal's portfolio includes a diverse range of projects encompassing residential homes, commercial buildings, and public spaces. His designs are celebrated for their sensitivity to the unique characteristics of Santa Barbara, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. Throughout his career, Brian Cearnal has played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural identity of Santa Barbara. His commitment to quality, innovation, and enhancing the built environment has left a lasting impact on the community.
Today, Cearnal continues to inspire both clients and emerging architects with his vision and dedication to the eld.
Congratulations from AIA Santa Barbara
Moreton Bay Fig Award for Body of Work: Jeff Shelton, AIA
Je Shelton is a prominent architect celebrated for his vibrant and inventive architectural style that has left a distinctive mark on Santa Barbara. His journey began in the picturesque surroundings of the Santa Ynez Mountains, where his appreciation for nature and beauty took root. Shelton earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson. Following his graduation, he honed his skills under the guidance of the esteemed architect Frank Robinson, gaining invaluable experience that would shape his future work. In 1994, Shelton returned to Santa Barbara and established his own architectural rm, starting from a compact 100-square-foot o ce. His innovative designs quickly garnered attention, characterized by their whimsical forms, bold colors, and attention to intricate details. Shelton's work is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture, inviting joy and creativity into everyday spaces. Among his most notable projects is the Fig District, a vibrant area in downtown Santa Barbara that showcases his unique vision and commitment to community engagement. Shelton’s buildings often re ect a strong connection to their surroundings, blending seamlessly with the local culture while o ering a playful twist. Beyond his architectural endeavors, Shelton is actively involved in community initiatives that promote cultural enrichment and the arts in Santa Barbara.
Today, Shelton continues to innovate and challenge architectural norms, leaving an indelible legacy in Santa Barbara and beyond.
AIA Santa Barbara extends heartfelt congratulations to Brian Cearnal and Je Shelton for their remarkable achievements and well-deserved honors!
Both architects exemplify the spirit of excellence and community engagement that AIA Santa Barbara values. Their achievements are a source of pride, and the organization looks forward to witnessing their continued contributions to the architectural landscape. Congratulations once again to Brian and Je on these prestigious honors!
THE CEARNAL COLLECTIVE
A LIFETIME HELPING TO MAKE SANTA BARBARA BEAUTIFUL
Brian Cearnal, Architect
Heritage Oak Award for Lifetime Achievement
ARCHITECT AND COMMUNITY ADVOCATE,
Brian Cearnal has forged an architectural legacy as founder of The Cearnal Collective, during his 42 year’s in business in Santa Barbara. He has prioritized community, tradition, and insightful design in a host of local projects, many of which have become landmarks in the city.
When he was asked if he had any favorite projects, he quickly replied, “Gosh! So many!!! Ridley-Tree Cancer Center is definitely one (as we were designing it while I was going through my bladder cancer!) Braille Institute is another. Bella Riviera, the Cottage housing at the old St. Francis Hospital, meant a lot. And finally our work for Cottage, especially their Child Care Center, has made me very proud.”
Brian earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1976 from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo after studying his fifth year abroad at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was licensed by the State of California to practice Architecture in 1980 and started the firm in 1983.
Engaging the needs of Santa Barbara, he has severed on the boards of numerous non profits. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce in 1995. He is also as a past president of the American Institute of Architects, Santa Barbara Chapter; he is a former Chairperson of the City of Santa Barbara Architectural Board of Review; and he was a founding
member of the Santa Barbara South Coast Economic Community Project and past president, board of directors for Downtown Santa Barbara. He plays a continuing role in the community as an advocate for regional planning and the balance between economic vitality and quality of life.
Offering acknowledgments, Brian said, “Besides my wife Judi, who has been with me through it all, I would say the late John Pitman and my dear friend Bill Mahan have been friends and mentors.”
Architectural projects of the Cearnal Collective include: Ridley-Tree Cancer Center; Braille Institute; Canary Hotel; District Attorney’s Office Building; Casa Anatega; Mayee Plaza; Honor Bar/Plaza Montecito; Santa Barbara Public Market; Cottage Health projects including Bella Riviera (the old St. Francis Hospital) and Child Care Center; Various Housing Authority projects including El Carrillo; 604 East Cota; Maravilla Senior Living; La Cumbre Country Club; Inn at the Spanish Garden Hotel; Santa Barbara Foundation offices; The new Santa Barbara Police Station; The new Sanctuary Centers; Casa Dorinda Master Plan.
Brian and Judi have been married 42 years and have three children, Jack 37, Carli 35, and Harry 30, along with three grandchildren, Teo 7, Santi 4, and Cherry 8 months, all who live here in Santa Barbara.
Cover artist
Angela Perko
ANGELA PERKO IS A LOCAL ARTIST known for her vivid color palette and imagination. She began painting later in life when her interest in painting was sparked by the family business of rare books, and in particular art books.
She studied plein-air painting with Michael Drury, who is also a local artist, but she is essentially self taught.
After a trip to the Yucatán that had a profound impact, motifs of ancient art and popular Mexican art began to appear in her work. She uses fractal shapes, bold colors, and surreal narratives about myths, current issues, social justice, landscapes, and a wide range of topics.
Perko was influenced by The Canadian Group of Seven, as well as many of the Santa Fe's Transcendental Painting Group.
Her first solo exhibition with Sullivan Goss Gallery sold out in 2005.
Perko and her husband own Lost Horizon bookstore in Montecito.
Bloom, 2024 by Angela Perko
Business in Art Award presented on behalf of the City Arts Advisory Committee
The Grace Fisher Foundation
RECOGNIZED FOR ITS EXTRAORDINARY ROLE in making the arts more inclusive and accessible in Santa Barbara, The Grace Fisher Foundation was founded by painter and composer Grace Fisher. The organization has created opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in music, visual art, and performance at no cost. Through the Inclusive Arts Clubhouse in La Cumbre Plaza, the foundation offers adaptive workshops, large-scale performances like the Winter Musical Showcase at the Granada Theatre, and partnerships with schools and arts institutions. These programs not only provide meaningful creative outlets, but also help break down barriers, challenging assumptions about disability and fostering community integration.
GFF’s impact extends beyond local programming through innovative collaborations with organizations such as MOXI, the Santa Barbara Unified School District, and numerous disability
support agencies. By uniting diverse groups and building platforms for artists of all abilities, the Foundation has significantly enriched the city’s cultural fabric and inspired audiences regionally. Grace Fisher’s leadership, vision, and nationally recognized advocacy exemplify how the arts can serve as a powerful tool for inclusion. For these reasons, the Grace Fisher Foundation is being honored for strengthening Santa Barbara’s arts and culture landscape through creative and accessible community programs.
The Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative
THE SANTA BARBARA ARTS COLLABORATIVE has been honored for its leadership in fostering creativity and collaboration across the city’s arts community. As the board that oversees the Community Arts Workshop on Garden Street, the Collaborative provides vital resources and space for artists and organizations who often face limited access to galleries and venues. Their innovative programming, such as the “Ready to Hang” community art show, has given hundreds of emerging, established, and first-time artists a platform to share their work, filling a muchneeded gap in Santa Barbara’s cultural landscape and cultivating an inclusive environment where creativity thrives. Beyond exhibitions, the Collaborative has become a hub of artistic exchange and innovation. Through beloved initiatives like Pianos on State Street, interactive events, and workshops at the CAW, SBAC has created spaces for musicians, performers, and visual artists to connect with the community and with one another. The organization not only supports professional artists but also inspires the next generation by encouraging young people to volunteer, explore, and experiment with new forms of artistic expression. For its dedication to uplifting artists, building partnerships, and championing access to the arts, the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative is recognized as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural vitality.
Photos courtesy of Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture
Santa Barbara Beautiful: The Early Years
A MEETING WAS HELD on September 9, 1965 at City Hall to establish Santa Barbara Beautiful as the name of a new organization. The founder, Catherine Adams, was present. The founding committee included Mahlon Read, chairman; Dr. Pearl Chase (City Plans & Planting); R. Peter Krupszak, Secretary; Stan C. Lowry (Chamber Of Commerce); and Michael Pahos, city landscape architect. At this meeting Dr. Chase quoted Abraham Lincoln, saying, “I like to see a [person] proud of the place where [they] live.” She said she felt a motto could help to crystallize community thinking and stimulate interest. Thus the idea for Santa Barbara Beautiful took root.
designed by James “Bud” Bottoms, was used at this first affair.
At the annual awards banquet 1979, Mayor Shiffman expressed his high regard to SBB for calling the public’s attention to the importance of recognizing projects of beauty in the community. He noted that the program “was done without taxation, essentially a love offering from private citizens.”
For many years, SBB commemorated Dr. Pearl Chase’s birthday as a part of the program during the annual awards banquets. Roses from the Mission Rose Garden were used to decorate every table.
Santa Barbara Beautiful was formally inaugurated at a dinner which took place days later, on September 15, 1965 at the Miramar, launching the active, achievement-oriented civic organization.
The fledgling organization with R. Peter Krupszak as President, held its first meeting in 1966 on January 19 at El Paseo Green Room. By September of 1966, Santa Barbara Beautiful had 17 Board members.
The first awards program was carried out by the organization in 1966. That year commercial and industrial firms were recognized, as there was a need to encourage improvement. The judges included architects, landscape designers, and lay persons active in garden clubs. The awards certificate,
The story of the life of Dr. Chase (1888–1979) is very well known, but perhaps it is not so well known that she was one of the founding members of Santa Barbara Beautiful. She was an active participating member of the Board of Directors down through the years. Her contributions were many.
Both Dr. Chase and Jim Hodges dearly loved trees and all growing things, and they strongly supported the Street Tree Planting Program. Consequently, the Board of Directors of Santa Barbara Beautiful established a “Tree Replacement Memorial Fund” to honor these two board members. Approximately 300 street trees are lost every year due to disease, old age, weather, or vandalism, so this ongoing fund will serve to assure the replacement of the lost trees.
– Compiled from History of Santa Barbara Beautiful by Rozella Jewett
Catherine Adams Founder
Pearl Chase Founder
Single Family Home - Large Lot
155 Santo Tomas Lane
BLENDING WITH ITS NATURAL AND CURATED LANDSCAPE, this home is framed with colorful, insect and bird-friendly blooms. The landscaping is anchored by a unique oak on one side and balanced with an olive on the other. Add to that a special roof and decorative chimneys, followed by well thought out paint and trim and a look of harmonious contentment arises. This is a truly peaceful, cohesive, welcoming, and lovely property.
SINGLE FAMILY HOME - LARGE LOT
155 SANTO TOMAS LANE
Property Owner: James & Ronda Dunn
Project Architect: Jerry Goodman, Ketzel & Goodman
Project Architect: Douglas D. Beard, Ketzel & Goodman
Landscape Designer: Trace Robinson, Trace Robinson Landscape Design
Project Builder - Genral Contractor: Brian Crill, BEC Builders, Inc.
Arborist: Malcolm Stevens, McPherson Tree Care
Photos by Holly Lepere Photographer
Photos by Holly Lepere Photographer
Photo by Isaac Hernández de Lipa
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 AWARD WINNERS
HORTICULTURE COMMITTEE
David Gress, Chair
Roman Baratiak
Norman Daniel King
Duke McPherson
JoAnn Mermis
Caroline Rutledge
Jeffrey Sipress
Leslee Sipress
Nathan Slack
Helping Preserve Santa Barbara’s Horticultural Heritage
Multi-Family Residence:
800 Santa Barbara
800 Santa Barbara Street
800 SANTA BARBARA is a shining example of how new construction can both respect Santa Barbara’s rich architectural heritage and provide much-needed housing and retail space in a highly livable, mixed-use format. It adopts a style deeply rooted in Santa Barbara’s architectural identity. And all the little details - such as tile under the 2nd story walkways and red brick and sandstone finishes - add up. The property contributes beauty, and street-level activity, while enriching the streetscape.
MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCE:
800 SANTA BARBARA - 800 SANTA BARBARA STREET
Property Owner: John R. Donaldson, 800 Santa Barbara Street LLC
Property Management: Candice Morgan, OmniI Real Estate
Project Architect: Jan R. Hochhauser, Hochhauser Blatter & Donaldson
Project Builder- General Contractor: John R. Donaldson, JDC Construction + Developent Group
Project Landscape Design Contractor: Courtney Miller, CJM:LA
Project Superintendant: Matt Smithlin, JDC Constrcution + Developent Group
Santa Barbara Beautiful 2025
SANTA BARBARA BEAUTIFUL is proud to support a wide range of legacy projects that celebrate the city’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant artistic spirit.
ARBOR DAY — A CELEBRATION OF TREES
This year, four local schools planted 28 trees on their campuses, including apple, jacaranda, fruitless olive, strawberry (arbutus), tulip poplar, and crape myrtle.
Tree-themed books were also donated to schools and libraries: The Tree Lady for elementary students and Twelve Trees for secondary schools.
THE SB MURAL PROJECT
Santa Barbara is home to over 100 murals! You can explore them using the mural map and guide available at www.sbbeautiful.org
EQ25 ALLIANCE: THE EARTHQUAKE THAT SHAPED OUR CITY
“The 100th anniversary of the June 29, 1925, Santa Barbara earthquake offered a unique opportunity for Santa Barbara to learn from our past, reflect on our present, and plan for our future.”
project to replace historic palms, recently lost, that had been standing for 100 years in the parkway median of State Street on the Upper Eastside.
CITY STREET TREES GRANT
Over 100 new city street trees were planted with a $20K grant from SB Beautiful.
2025: ADAMS SCHOOL MURAL – OCEAN GUARDIANS IN CHUMASH TERRITORY
A community art project involving 500 students, co-sponsored with local partners including SB Sister Cities, Rotary Club SB North, and the SBCEO Children’s Creative Project.
New Santa Barbara Beautiful Logo
SAVING HISTORY: RESTORING STATE STREET’S HISTORIC “JELLY PALMS”
Arbor Day activities included an ambitious
ADDITIONAL FUNDED COMMUNITY PROJECTS:
Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative; Channel Islands Restoration / San Marcos Foothills Preserve Informational Kiosk; Cycling Without Age: Trishaws – A Rolling Art Project; Downtown Santa Barbara Live Art & Wine Tour; Friends of the Santa Barbara
PHOTO CAPTIONS
A. The Red Hibiscus is the official City Flower of Santa Barbara
B. SBB Past President JoAnn Mermis kicks off the EQ25 Centennial of the 1925 Earthquake with SB Conservancy member Dennis Whelan
C. Arbor Day Tree Planting at the Schools
D. Historic Jelly Palm Restoration Project in the State Street Parkway
E. Roman Baratiak, John Siegel Boettner with Jean Ferguson sitting in “Cycling Without Age” hand painted trishaw by local artist Kevin Gleason is a movable feast of public art on wheels
F. SB Beautiful sponsored local artist Matt Rodriguez working in chalk at I Madonnari Street Painting Festival
G. I Madonnari Street Painting Festival birds eye view
H. SB Beautiful board members Daniel King, David Gress, and Melinda Mettler at Peabody Charter School for Arbor Day tree planting and book donation
I. SBB Sponsored Olive Tree and tree plaque for the Michael Towbes Library Plaza
J. UCSB Library’s Pearl Chase Special Collection is the new “forever home” of the SBB Archives
Library Eastside Public Art Project; I Madonnari Street Painting Festival; Pianos on State; Santa Barbara Arts Fund Teen Mentorship Program; SBCC Foundation Scholarship for Environmental Horticulture; Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s The Impressionist Revolution Exhibition; and Summer Solstice Festival.
These projects reflect Santa Barbara Beautiful’s ongoing mission: to enhance the beauty of our city, support public art and education, and invest in a greener, more vibrant future for all.
Celebrating 60 Years of Keeping Santa Barbara Beautiful
Commercial Sign
La Arcada Plaza
1114 State Street
DESIGNED AFTER THE ORIGINAL FRESCOS on the building in 1927, this regal wrought iron sign, reaching building to building, with Lion and Castle motifs offers a roaring welcome to La Arcada Plaza! Designed by one of the first metal workshops in America, it is no wonder it has earned the Santa Barbara Beautiful Best Commercial Sign award in the organization's historic 60th year.
COMMERCIAL SIGN
LA ARCADA PLAZA
1114 STATE STREET
Property Owner: La Arcada Investment Corp.
Photo by Isaac Hernández de Lipa
Courtesy
Photo
2940 Ventura Drive
A SLICE OF OLD CALIFORNIA, this home is visually alluring and authentic to the time period it was built. Both house and garden have character and charm. It feels as though everything was done with an eye to keep the home historically intact, including details down to the fenestration. Chimney, posts and beams, windows, doors, arched garage door, stucco and trim color all fit the period, and the drought resistant plantings and permeable gravel paths reflect a sound environmental sensibility.
HISTORIC REVITALIZATION
2940 VENTURA DRIVE
Property Owner: Charmien Carrier
Photo by Isaac Hernández de Lipa
Single Family Home - Small Lot
1805 Laguna Street
SINGLE FAMILY HOME - SMALL LOT
1805 LAGUNA STREET
Property Owner: Richard (Andy) & Kathleen (Kate) Young
Project Designer / Architect: Santa Barbara Architecture
Landscape Designer: Alison Jordan, Gardens by Alison Jordan
LOVE THE ROOF LINE! The archways moving back... The paint colors. The two different trims and nicely curated, beautiful stonework. Variation in layers allows eyes to move through the design. The lovely corner entrance flows beautifully through an extended yard to the parkway. Here, great architectural appeal meets nice color and texture in this organic, immaculate, and sustainable landscape.
Photo by Isaac Hernández de Lipa
Courtesy Photos
The Griswold Story
AN UNSOLICITED PHONE CALL IN THE LATE 1990’s to the SBB Office was the beginning of an important Santa Barbara Beautiful relationship. The call was taken by thenSecretary, Patsy Brock. A caller asked questions related to SBB’s organization and its underlying mission, and activities, etc. and asked what the organization would do with a donation and how would a donation benefit the community?
Pasty described the commitment and dedication of the organization to protect and preserve the beauty of the city with the street tree fund, the commemorative tree program, Arbor Day, Earth Day, outreach to schools, eradicating blight and graffiti, Monthly Awards, and the Annual Awards. She concluded with the following: “Your donation would leave a legacy of beautification for the community.”
Soon after the phone call, SBB received legal documents to the effect that Mr. and Mrs. Griswold had each included Santa Barbara Beautiful in their separate wills as recipients of a bequest in their estates.
Mrs. Griswold passed away first and Mr. Griswold soon followed. The two estates were joined and one bequest was established in perpetuitywithout restriction - to Santa Barbara Beautiful.
The Griswolds never met anyone in person from SBB, never became members, and never dedicated a tree, but their faith in the word of a SBB representative during that one phone call was enough to establish the Griswold Charitable Trust bequest to SBB.
The bequest has helped SBB create an ongoing legacy of beautification in the community, much like Patsy described in that phone call.
Milongo, Acrylic, 51” x 57” by Ruth Ellen Hoag
Jeff Shelton, Architect Moreton Bay Fig Award for A Body of Work
CREATING A DISTINCTIVE VISION FOR SANTA BARBARA’S ARCHITECTURAL LANDSCAPE, Jeff Shelton designs buildings that celebrate life through the playful and vibrant expression of ideas.
Based in downtown Santa Barbara, Jeff Shelton has established himself as a visionary architect whose whimsical and colorful buildings have become beloved landmarks throughout the city’s historic neighborhoods. His working philosophy is that "architecture is a reflection of humanity," adding, "I strive to make sure that in the shadows or the color, there is some sort of celebration of life."
Strolling around downtown Santa Barbara, you will be sure to pass by a structure designed by Jeff Shelton. He takes Spanish Revival design to new heights, stretching his and our imaginations.
His childhood home in the foothills of Mountain Drive, was surrounded by craftsmen and artists who were building with whatever materials were available, like bottles, clay, and tile.
Jeff, the youngest of four boys, grew up in Montecito on the campus of an old defunct boys’ school. He says his first influence was his creative family. He became fascinated with Escher puzzles after his mother gave him one as a child.
After graduating from architectural school at the University of Arizona, he lived and worked in Los Angeles for ten years. During that period he worked at Brenda Levin Architects, a mostly woman-owned firm, where he excelled working on challenging assignments.
Jeff returned to Santa Barbara in 1994 and ended up in a studio on Fig Avenue, downtown. Because of the work he completed there, he refers to the area as “The Fig District,” which is within Santa Barbara’s historic El Pueblo Viejo District and within walking distance of his office.
His portfolio is not limited to downtown, though. He has designed structures in many residential and commercial neighborhoods.
Jeff refers to his work as the process of shaping plaster in a manner like working with clay. His buildings mimic adobe construction and are a feast for the eye, created with plaster, ceramic, and terra cotta tiles, glass, ironwork, and light. He is influenced
by Art Nouveau, the Bohemian movement, and Andalusian Spanish Revival styles of architecture. He will tell you that he first designs for function and then lets his imagination take him where it will. His architecture is described as “out of the box” as he looks at things differently than most people.
The projects in order in this “Fig District” are: Pistachio House (2002); Cota Street Studios; Ablitt Tower; El Andaluz; Vera Cruz; El Jardin; El Zapato; Augie’s Restaurant; State Street Undercrossing.
Jeff modestly gives a great deal of credit for his creative process to what he calls “the Guild.” The Guild is made up of a creative group of craftsmen, one of whom is his brother Dave. Dave designs ironwork. Leon Olson and Dan Upton are mentioned along with a list of artisans who are found inscribed on the wall of El Jardin.
Jeff Shelton's architecture combines technical expertise with an unwavering commitment to creating spaces that bring joy and wonder to everyday life, making each project a unique celebration of human creativity and community spirit, that is sure to bring a smile to your face!
courtesy of Jeff Shelton
Photo by Jim Bartsch
Ablitt Tower
Pistachio House
El Andaluz
Architect Jeff Shelton
El Zapato
El Jardin, Architect Jeff Shelton, photo by Jason Ric
Voted Best of
100 Years of Santa Barbara Public Art
In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the rebuilding of Santa Barbara as the American Riviera, a community-wide campaign was launched to celebrate the city’s rich tradition of public art. The project, a collaboration between The Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative, Santa Barbara Beautiful, Sullivan Goss, and Irene Hoffman Design, titled “100 Years of Santa Barbara Public Art,” aimed to foster greater awareness and appreciation for the diverse array of art that enriches the city’s public spaces, from murals to sculptures and beyond.
The campaign will culminate with the announcement of the community’s favorite artwork during Santa Barbara Beautiful’s 2025 awards ceremony. To encourage participation, people who submitted a vote were entered into a drawing to win prizes sourced from local cultural institutions such as the Granada Theater, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara Symphony and Lobero Theater.
The project is an expansion of the Santa Barbara Mural Guide, created in 2024 by Melinda Mettler, a Santa Barbara Beautiful Board Member. Inspired by the sheer number of murals documented in Mettler’s map, Nathan Vonk, owner of Sullivan Goss Gallery, reached out to see if she would be interested in collaborating to heighten community awareness of this underappreciated cultural legacy. Together they created a new interactive Google Map to showcase all qualifying public murals, mosaics, and sculptures. There are currently ~250 individual works documented on the map, which includes images and information about each artwork and artist, with continuing efforts to gather missing details and images. The map is available at sbartscollaborative.org/public-art-map. It’s also available in ArtZone, a mobile app for iPhone and Android devices and can be downloaded at funkzone.net/artzone.
From iconic façades to intricate interiors, our skilled team restores architectural treasures while honoring their original character.
We proudly follow the highest preservation standards, ensuring every project safeguard cultural heritage and inspires future generations.
Kaptive C&P is honored to support the Santa Barbara Beautiful Annual Awards and to celebrate a shared commitment to history, beauty and community.
Preserving the Past, Building the Future
At Kaptive C&P, we specialize in the restoration of historic landmarks with craftsmanship and dedication. Our expertise spans:
= Custom Millwork
= Cast Stone
= Historic Concrete
= Brick
= Ceramic & Mosaic Tile
= Decorative Plaster
= Natural Stone
Website | www.kaptivecp.com | Instagram @Kaptivecp | LinkedIn: Kaptivecp
2025 SBB President’s Award Honoree Plaza del Mar Band Shell
WINICK ARCHITECTS
It has been our honor to collaborate with Architectural Resources Group over the past few years on a range of meaningful projects. Together, we have not only restored historic landmarks but also helped preserve the spirit and identity of our city. The reopening of the Plaza Del Mar Band Shell, a beloved landmark dating back to 1919, is especially significant. More than just a structure, it is a cherished gathering place where our community can once again come together to celebrate our shared culture and history. This renovation would not have been possible without the dedication of the Parks and Recreation Department, whose efforts in spearheading and securing funding for the project were essential. We’re proud to have played a role in bringing this century-old treasure back to life!
- Barry Winick
President's Award
Plaza del Mar Band Shell
THE HISTORIC BAND SHELL AT PLAZA DEL MAR has become a symbol of community unity and culture. A city landmark built in 1919, the Band Shell received a major renovation beginning in 2021. With its renovation has come a groundswell of attendance and support for its wide array of uses and what it represents to the Santa Barbara community. Honoring its legacy and that of one of Santa Barbara’s oldest parks supports connection to our local heritage. Santa Barbara Beautiful is proud to have participated in the renovation and Band Shell performances that are now blossoming.
"The revitalization of the Plaza del Mar Band Shell restores one of Santa Barbara’s most treasured gathering spaces. It stands as a beacon for live performance and community connection, welcoming all who come to enjoy music and the arts. This summer, the Music Academy was honored to present Brass @ the Bandshell, a free concert that brought families, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate live music, knowing that its impact will be felt for generations," shared Shauna Quill, President & CEO, Music Academy of the West.
The Band Shell was originally designed by architect Winsor Soule in the Mission Revival style with Classical Revival elements for public concerts, plays, readings, and community cultural gatherings. It was a mainstay of Santa Barbara civic life for decades. However, over the years the Band Shell fell into disrepair.
“The band shell was maintained over the decades, but perhaps not adequately. Over time, use decreased as a result of other events and opportunities within the community,” commented Jill Zachary, director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department in an interview in SavingPlaces.org. "It was only during the pandemic—when people headed outside in droves, seeking safe ways to be together— that the city took a hard look at the dilapidated band shell and determined it was ripe for revitalization. Then in 2021, the city contracted with Architectural Resources Group, which led a three year project to rehabilitate the 105 year old Band Shell.
Architect Jason Currie, a senior associate with ARG, assessed, "It was a
wood-framed building, and the roofing had deteriorated."
Standing nearly 29 feet tall, the Band Shell features a circular stage with a domed ceiling, curving staircases, and decorative pilasters, a cornice and parapet-topped structure.
In August 2024 the Park and Recreation Department hosted a ribbon cutting event and held an inaugural performance by the Prime Time Band, a local group of musicians who have provided free entertainment for the community since 1995.
The project included extensive structural repairs to the building frame, replacement of the roof and wood stage, restoration of the original stage lighting, and construction of an accessible pathway and ramp leading to the stage. The project also included the installation of full electrical service to better accommodate a more diverse range of programming.
The project was funded through a combination of federal, state, city, and private sources, including $800,000 from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA), $275,000 in City funds (General Fund and Measure C), a $177,000 grant from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and $55,500 from local philanthropic foundations through the PARC Foundation.
For its beauty, place-making, and community-building impact, the Band Shell was selected the 2025 Presidents Award honoree.
PRESIDENT'S AWARD: PLAZA DEL MAR BAND SHELL, 131 CASTILLO STREET
Property Owner: City of Santa Barbara, Randy Rowse, Mayor
Project Management Jill Zachary, Director, City of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Dept.
Project Architect: Jason Currie Architectural, Resources Group
Historic Architect: David Wessel, Architectural Resources Group
Builder/General Contractor: Dustin Coad, President, Kaptive C&P Project
Consulting Architect: Barry Winick Winick Architects Engineer: Alan Noel ANE Engineering Project
Band Shell, 1940s. Photo courtesy of SB Historical Museum
Photo courtesy of SB Parks & Recreation Dept.
Thank-you For Supporting Santa Barbara Beautiful!
Patron Sponsors:
Montecito Bank & Trust
NS Ceramics
VOICE Magazine
Advocate Sponsors:
Arcadia Studios • Dan Encell • Kaptive C & P
• La Arcada Investment • La Lieff Winery
Ally Sponsors:
• Arcadia Studio • Fidelity National Title Co • Por la Mar Nursery
Thank You To Our Advertisers:
AIASB • Cearnal Collective • JoAnn Mermis • Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery • Upton Construction, Inc.
Architectural Resources Group • CJM::LA • Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• SBC Office of Art & Culture • SBB Horticulture Committee • SB Parks & Recreation Department • Trace Robinson • Winick Architects
Appleton Partners • Leon & Elizabeth Olson • Roman Baratiak • Duncan & Suzanne Mellichamp • Jacqueline Dyson • Robert Adams, Earthknower
Studio • Penny Haberman • Explore Ecology
Master of Ceremonies: John Palminteri
Thank You!
Jeanette Casillas • Jacqueline Dyson
• Isaac Hernández de Lipa • Jo Ann Mermis • Melinda Mettler • Leslee Sipress
• Tri-Co Reprographics • Mark Whitehurst
2025 Santa Barbara Beautiful Annual Awards Judges:
◆ Teri Bianchi ◆ Mary Harris ◆ Joe Campanelli ◆
◆ Fred Lehto ◆ Sarita King ◆ Stephanie Payne ◆
◆ Jennifer Johnson ◆ Nina Johnson ◆ ◆ Julie Nguyen-Friedman
◆ Stephanie Tan
paula
John Whitehurst
Santa Barbara Beautiful offers a unique opportunity to honor a loved one who has achieved a milestone in their life or who has passed away, or even to memorialize a loving pet.
Those who have chosen to place a plaque at a favorite tree will often visit the location and leave flowers or other mementos to the honoree.
Santa Barbara Beautiful has funded more than 14,000 street trees in Santa Barbara!
Santa Barbara Beautiful Past Presidents
More Santa Barbara Beautiful Past Presidents (Not Pictured)
• R. Peter Krupsczak, January – June 1966 • Max L. Feldman, 1968 • David Lloyd, 1969 & 1970 • Dunckley Murray, 1972 • Elizabeth H. Ramser, Jan – Aug 1973 • Barbara Landis, 1973 & 1974 • Ken Taylor, 1976 • Orville Bond, 1981
• Ronald McGurer, 1982 & 1983 • Rosemary Reed, 1988 & 1989
Mary Lou Jacobsen (Schmidt) 1980
Bruce Van Dyke 1997 & 1998
Ginny Brush 2011
Jo Ann Mermis 2017
John Pitman July – Dec 1966
Dan Condon 1984 & 1985
Daniel Norman King 1999 & 2000
Robert F. Adams 2012
Jacqueline Dyson 2018
James A. “Bud” Bottoms 1967
Richard Riffero 1986 & 1987
Mark Whitehurst 2001, 2002, & 2003
Christie Gallagher 2013
Penny Haberman 2019 & 2020
Grant Castleberg 1971
Howard Hudson 1990 & 1991
Desmond O’Neill 2004, 2005, & 2006
Kate Kurlas 2014
Deobrah Shwartz 2021 & 2022
Luba Carleton 1975
H. George Kallusky 1978 & 1979
David Gress 1994, 1995, & 1996
Kerry Methner 2009 & 2010
Ricardo Castellanos 2016
Pearl Chase Founder
Walter Barrows 1977
Rosalind Rea Gies (Amorteguy) 1992 & 1993
Courtney Seeple 2007 & 2008
Kerry Methner 2023, 2024 & 2025
Jeanette Casillas 2015
Catherine Adams Founder
