Santa Barbara Restaurant Guide  An excellent, detailed guide to restaurants in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas...

If you haven't checked MapQuest out yet, you're in for a real treat!  Type in any address in the U.S. and get a detailed map of the surrounding area.  Just print out the map and use it for directions to your home, business, or traveling.  Great for parties,  meetings, stationary, etc.

Current Events

Santa Barbara Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 3rd and 4th
The 17th annual Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara in charming De La Guerra Plaza. This 2-day community event showcases Latin music and entertainment, delicious Mexican food and lots of fun activities for children and adults. (805) 965-8561


Children’s Festival Family Service Agency
May 17th
Alameda Park
One day festival to benefit FSA. A fun-filled day for both children and families. Most activities are free and some have a small fee.


2008 “King of the Beach” Foot Volley Classic
The One Sport Foundation
May 31st
West Beach – Volleyball Courts
(805) 845-6801
The One Sport Foundation presents the 2008 “King of the Beach” Foot Volley Classic. An estimated 50 teams from up and down the California coast will compete for the grand prize along with teams from UCSB, Westmont, SB City College and teams from San Diego to Santa Cruz. This is one of the most dynamic, exciting and difficult sports in the world.

Big Dog Parade & Festival Big Dog Foundation
June 7th
De La Guerra Plaza (Parade Registration & Staging)
Chase Palm Park (festival)
(805) 963-8727 x1398
The 14th annual Big Dog Parade & Canine Festival will feature over 1,200 costumed dogs and 2,500 participants marching down State Street to raise money for the Big Dog Foundation. Thousands will gather at old Chase Palm Park to enjoy live music, food, a kids’ zone and much more. Don’t miss the fun.

Summer Solstice Celebration
June 20-21
Alameda Park
(805) 965-3396
The annual celebration of the longest day of the year with live bands, craft and food vendors, a drum circle, and kids’ activities. Solstice festivities kick off with a Friday evening event.

Santa Barbara

Arts & Crafts Show
Sundays at 10 a.m.
Event is ongoing: Indefinitely
Sponsored by the City Parks and Recreation Department since 1966, the show is now the only continuous, non-juried arts festival of original drawings, paintings, graphics, sculpture, crafts and photography in the world. Whatever the size, subject, media and price, all are original art, done by the artists you meet.

Where: East Beach, 1 State Street., Santa Barbara, CA
 

Santa Barbara County History

Are you a history buff?  If you're interested in the local history of Santa Barbara County, take a look at the following website: Santa Barbara County History. It begins with a history of the Presidio, the missions, including old maps, and a description of each important city and how it began.  There is also a website on the Legend of Saint Barbara.

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Santa Barbara County Genealogy Site

If you would like to do some genealogical research about your family's roots in Santa Barbara County, the Cal/Gen website is a good place to start.  Their volunteers have done an excellent job of trying to organize genealogical materials on the Internet. 

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$Unclaimed Property$  

Could the State be holding money that is owed to you?  Click here to find out! 

Vandenberg Air Force Base

Development was stimulated in northern Santa Barbara County when Vandenberg Air Force Base became the West Coast space and missile hub. Larger in acreage (98,400) than the nearby cities of Lompoc, Santa Maria and Guadalupe combined, Vandenberg is the largest entity within the area.

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Would you like a web site for your special service project?   If you are a non-profit organization or have a worthwhile "people-helping- people" idea or cause, contact us about the possibility of a free web site.

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Santa Barbara County Genealogy Site

If you would like to do some genealogical research about your family's roots in Santa Barbara County, the Cal/Gen website is a good place to start.  Their volunteers have done an excellent job of trying to organize genealogical materials on the Internet. 

www

Gauchos in the Pros...a list of former UCSB baseball players currently in the professional ranks.

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Parents ~ Educators ~ Students

We hope you like our new Education site with links to excellent online ideas for teachers' planning, parental help for children, and homework help for students.  Also, you can check out information about Santa Barbara County schools.  See how your child's school rates compared to other schools in the state.

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Essential Reading Before Flying

Do you plan on flying out of Santa Barbara County soon?  We suggest you check out the site of the Transportation Security Administration before you pack for your next plane trip. Posted here is the most current and detailed information on airport screening procedures and baggage contents restrictions. Take a few minutes to review the rules and you can spare yourself some annoying surprises at the terminal.