A powerful earthquake devastated Santa Barbara, killing 11 people and destroying or damaging much of downtown.It was a pivotal moment in Santa Barbara’s history because, out of the debris emerged the Spanish revival city of today.

A commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake and its aftermath will be celebrated with a variety of events and symbolic activities coordinated by The EQ25 Alliance.The alliance is made up of charitable and historical organizations, businesses, governmental agencies, and Santa Barbara residents, under the umbrella of The Santa Barbara Conservancy, a local nonprofit.

“The 100th anniversary of the June 29, 1925, Santa Barbara earthquake offers a unique opportunity for Santa Barbara to learn from our past, reflect on our present, and plan for our future,” said Steve Hausz, a member of the EQ25 steering committee. “It is a recognition of our community and its resilience.”

Activities begin in April with a kickoff event, exhibits and lectures. On Friday, April 25 , QuakeFest, taking place on State Street between Figueroa and Anapamu streets, will be a community street fair with entertainment, exhibits, displays, workshops and surprises.

Any and all community groups are encouraged to participate. To evoke the spirit of the 1920s, the Alliance encourages guests to dress in the style of the time as they peruse SB Earthquake-related booths, view autos from the Antique Automobile Club of America Santa Barbara, Sride the earthquake simulator, learn about the history of the quake and enjoy 1920s era refreshments and entertainment.

An outdoor projection show of the earthquake itself will take place in the evening. Those who want to participate with an exhibit or activity at QuakeFest can email the Alliance at EQ25org@gmail.com and an application will be provided. Please include the name of the organization and best contact email and phone number.

On Sunday June 29 (the earthquake anniversary date) will be marked by more somber events and activities including the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a ceremony at the Santa Barbara Mission. At noon, church bells across town will ring 11 times in remembrance of our fellow citizens who perished in the earthquake. 

In addition to joining QuakeFest, part of the EQ25 Alliance’s mission is to encourage other organizations to commemorate the 1925 earthquake centennial in other ways.

Visit: www.EQ25.org for information and reservations.

It is a great honor to be a member of the brilliant steering committee who have worked so hard on this special commemorative EQ25 event. Looking forward to upcoming June Street Celebraton and Commemorative Activities.

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SANTA BARBARA TRAVEL BUREAU LUXURY SHOW AT BELMOND EL ENCANTO HOTEL IN SANTA BARBARA

A Long Overdue Gathering of the Best in Travel

by Bonnie Carroll

What a delightful treat to visit with some of the finest in luxury travel professionals at the February Luxury Travel Show hosted by brothers/partners David and Charles de L'Arbre, Santa Barbara Travel Bureau, and Belmond El Enconto Hotel. El Enconto was an ideal location for this premier show, and attendees thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance and the excellent service from staff serving hors d'oeuvre and wine.

Guests were gifted lovely pastel Belmond travel books showcasing their Luxury Properties Around the World

All in attendance had time to visit with each luxury travel professional to obtain the latest new details on cruising, train travel, luxury hotel destinations, transportation opportunities and more while sipping cocktials and tasting scrumptious bitres form the Belmond El Enconto chef.

The event was a long-time coming said David de L'Arbre, owner/partner Santa Barbara Travel Bureau, which is a Virtuoso Member, and Specialist in the Art of Travel. "We had planned this luxury travel show before the pandemic, but it was pushed back due to so many pandemic challenges, however, we are delighted it all came together so well today, said David de L'Arbre. Both David and brother Charles de L'Arbre were busy welcoming guests and answering questons, as visitors circled the ballroom visiting each show participant to recieve gift packages with travel information and have their personal questons answered.

Many of the show guests I spoke to were very happy this event finally was happening, and said this type of event was greatly needed in Santa Barbara, and they looked forward to another luxury travel show in the near future to inform them of additional upcoming opportunities being offered by the outstanding travel show hosts that would enable them to make desired future travel plans for both business and pleasure.

Viking Cruises Welcomed Guests

Cruises have become extremely popular as fundraising ventures for non-profits around the country, and provide lovely opportuniies for guests to mingle with board members, conductors and musicians from area symphony's like the Santa Barbara Symphony who according to Conductor Nir Kabaretti, is sponsoring their second tour this season, as well as wine cruises sponsored by local winemakers like Margerum Wines, who have done several very sucessful tasting tours on the rivers in France.

Seabourne Cruises Was There!

The 2025 Santa Barbara Luxury Travel participants included a bevy of wonderful cruise companies including Crystal, Seabourn, AmaWaterways, Pearl Seas, and Viking Cruises, luxury train informaton from Rocky Mountaineer, luxury group journey information from Abercrombie & Kent was fascinating, and a collection from Belmond on their North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia properties and luxurious travel and transportation opportunities was simply amazing.

Rocky Mountaineer Train Trips looked Very Inviting

I personally enjoyed speaking with the many cruise representatives including Viking Cruises and AmaWaterways who provided informaton on all the new ships being launched this year traveling to new and exciting destinations. As a travel journalist for many years I've had the great pleasure to review many of these outstanding companies and appreciated all the updates.

Happy traveling to all, and I hope I see some of you on an international ocean cruise, an American river cruise, or a hot new restaurant in one of the many fabulous cities these dream ships travel to throughout the year. For fine travel professional information and assistance contact Santa Barbara Travel Burear, 1028 State Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101, 805 869 1107, www.sbtravel.com.

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