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SANTA BARBARA, Calif., August 31, 2026 — Santa Barbara Beautiful invites the community to join us in honoring the outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses that advance the beauty of Santa Barbara at our Annual Awards Gala celebration. From a Historic Revitalization that celebrates our architectural heritage, to an innovative concept in a Commercial Building, a newly conceived downtown Open Space, and an Art in Public Places mural that energizes a neighborhood — these awards recognize exemplary properties, as well as the outstanding citizens who have helped strengthen Santa Barbara’s beauty for decades.
Set at the Cabrillo Pavilion on Sunday, September 27, the event will showcase the places, art, and people you won’t want to miss.
Learn more and register: https://sbbeautiful.org/get-involved/annual-awards-admissions-sponsorships/
Registration deadline: Monday, September 14.
Property award categories have been adapted to reflect the real and growing importance of climate change and the need for environmental stewardship, with an eye to the public aesthetic. All properties are nominated by the public and judged by a team of independent local judges.
2026 SPECIAL AWARD HONOREES
HERITAGE OAK AWARD
for LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Marc Appleton AIA
JACARANDA AWARD
for OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE
Joe Campanelli
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Barbara Burger
2026 PROPERTY AWARD WINNERS
COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Casa De La Vina
COMMERCIAL SIGN
The Brass Bear Brewery Uptown
HISTORIC REVITALIZATION (RESIDENCE)
SANTA BARBARA PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
Franklin Elementary School
MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENCE
Covenant Living at the Samarkand
Also:
BUSINESS IN ART AWARD
presented by The City of Santa Barbara Arts Advisory Committee
About Santa Barbara Beautiful
Co-founded in 1965 by Catherine Adams and Pearl Chase, Santa Barbara Beautiful is a nonprofit organization committed to beautifying our area in a variety of ways not only by working independently but also by cooperating with city departments, neighborhood associations, and other agencies.
For more information on Santa Barbara Beautiful visit https://sbbeautiful.org/ , email MelindaMettler00@gmail.com or call (805) 965-8867
