Downtown Santa Barbara, looking up State Street from along Cabrillo Boulevard, at the Dolphin Fountain. (Photo by Quintin Soloviev/Creative Commons)

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.

Register at: 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:

Marc Appleton AIA (Courtesy of Santa Barbara Beautiful)
Joe Campanelli (Courtesy of Santa Barbara Beautiful)
Barbara Burger (Courtesy of Santa Barbara Beautiful)
  • 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, 513 De La Vina St.
  • Commercial Sign
    • The Brass Bear Brewery Uptown, 3302 McCaw Avenue
  • Historic Revitalization (Residence)
    • 2024 Garden Street
  • Santa Barbara Public Open Space
    • 1200 Block of State Street
  • Art in Public Places
    • Franklin Elementary School, 1111 East Mason Street
  • Multi-Family Residence
    • Covenant Living at the Samarkand, 2550 Treasure Drive

Also:

  • Busines 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.