We’re expecting a standing-room-only crowd tonight at the CEC Hub, 1219 State St., for our book talk with author Susan Page, who will talk with journalist Jerry Roberts about her new book, “The Queen and Her Presidents.”
Page tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II and her unique relationship with 13 U.S. presidents.
But long before Page, USA Today’s Washington Bureau chief, penned her book, the queen made some history in Santa Barbara. She and Prince Philip visited Santa Barbara on March 1, 1983.
Reporter Jerry Rankin wrote that the queen arrived — in the rain — and was greeted by President Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy Reagan. She also spoke with then-mayor Sheila Lodge briefly.
“After ceremonies at the courthouse, the queen walked about 100 yards along a red carpet, past the applauding crowd, but she didn’t pause to chat as she does occasionally on such ‘walkabouts,'” Rankin wrote.
She then enjoyed a Mexican food lunch at Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo, as well as a visit to the Santa Barbara Mission.
Page and Roberts will talk about Queen Elizabeth and her influence on American politics during a conversation from 6 to 8 tonight. Check it out, if you can. The event is free to attend.
The above newspaper clipping is from the Santa Barbara News-Press archives. Your community’s history is right here, and we’re happy to be your daily news source once again. You’ll only find this history with the News-Press. We’re also featuring community voices, including Jesse Chavarria’s take on the challenges farmworkers in the Santa Maria Valley face from artificial intelligence.
Thank you for your amazing support. Cheerio!
Joshua Molina
News-Press Editor
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