Every July 4th, Americans gather to celebrate more than just fireworks and hot dogs—we honor the birth of a nation. On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, severing ties with Great Britain and launching a bold experiment in democracy.. Though the vote for independence happened two days earlier, July 4th became the symbolic birthday of the United States, a tradition that’s stuck for nearly 250 years.
Why Fireworks? Founding Father John Adams envisioned future celebrations filled with “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations”. And so, fireworks became a staple—first launched in 1777 over Boston and Philadelphia, and now lighting up skies from coast to coast.🌴 Santa Barbara’s Fourth of July Festivities If you’re lucky enough to be in Santa Barbara this Independence Day, the city’s waterfront is the place to be.
Click Read More below to see what’s happening: and SB Fireworks video.
Christopher Joseph Potter, a renowned landscape artist beloved by the Santa Barbara community, died suddenly on February 3, 2024, just days after his 49th birthday.
The first person I met in Santa Barbara when I moved to Santa Barbara twelve years ago was Chris. I had gone out to check the surf at Hammonds just south of the Coral Casino and Biltmore Hotel. There’s a tree to the right of the Coral Casino where Chris was set up in the shade working on a painting. We hung out for an hour and had a great conversation. Our paths would continue to cross, and Kirsten and I feel incredibly fortunate to have one of his paintings.
Chris Potter’s Family Art Shows became known as legendary gatherings, where he sold works small and large. Prices ranged from near-nothing to tens of thousands of dollars, and paintings were frequently donated to support a variety of causes, including his most recent donation just weeks ago to a young woman fighting cancer. Chris Potter’s pieces hang in public and private places all over Santa Barbara and beyond, leaving a visual legacy that will be appreciated long into the future.
Click Read More below for more information about Chris and links to his websites and other information
The 37th annual Santa Barbara Street Painting Festival I Madonnari will be taking place from 10 am to 6 pm (free admission) on May 27th, May 28th, and May 29th in front of the steps of the Old Santa Barbara Mission!
Click Read More Below for more information, I Madonnari website, and photos!
Step into the enchanting realm of Santa Barbara through the lens of videographer Eric Foote. In this mesmerizing masterpiece, A Day In The Life unveils the captivating allure of this coastal gem. From the vibrant streets to the sun-kissed shores.
The CBS Sunday Morning show produces a “By Design” episode once a year. Last year Santa Barbara, California was prominently...
Santa Barbara of yesterday is uniquely revealed in this video created by using augmented reality to overlay historical photographs on present day locations in Santa Barbara, California where they were taken.
Stephen Hawking’s Five Favorite places are 1. The Big Bang 2. The Milky Ways central Black Hole 3. Gliese 832 c 4. Saturn 5. Santa Barbara, California
(Short video, with a very entertaining clip of Stephen Hawking flying over the Old Mission Church in Santa Barbara in a Rocket Ship! ) Click “Read More” below for video.
Explore the architectural beauty that makes Santa Barbara special by touring unique residences, historic building renovations, and multi-family housing buildings during the AIASB’s ArchiTec Tour held from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, October 1, 2022.
Home buying demand skyrocketed during the pandemic as interest rates collapsed and an influx of Americans started working from home. However, the Fed’s rate hikes have quickly spurred a reversal.
This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.
Thank you to all US servicemen and women for your sacrifice,
and to the families that are living with the loss of a loved one.
