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Santa Barbara, California

Located in Santa Barbara County, California, Santa Barbara was founded in 1786. The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill is credited with launching the modern environmental movement. After the 1925 earthquake, the city was rebuilt in a unified Spanish Colonial Revival style.
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Founded 1786 | Population 88,000 | Peak 88,000 (2024) | County Santa Barbara County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Santa Barbara, California

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1786 Presidio Founded: Spanish military outpost and mission.
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1836 Economic Development: Santa Barbara grew through the oil and petroleum industry.
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1925 Earthquake: 6.8 earthquake rebuilds city in Spanish Colonial style.
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1969 Oil Spill: Union Oil spill launches modern environmental movement.
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2018 Montecito Mudslides: Post-fire mudslides kill 23.
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Latest News in Santa Barbara

Jan 1, 1970
What’s Behind Trump’s Push to Revive California Oil?
The Trump administration’s directive to Sable Offshore Corp. to restore the Santa Ynez oil unit in California represents a s…
Jan 1, 1970
CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles
CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…
Jan 1, 1970
Outrage Builds as LA Backs Anti-Police Groups with Tax Dollars
LA City Hall’s recent approval of $177 million in contracts has sparked widespread controversy, as the funds are earmarked f…
Jan 1, 1970
Scrutiny Intensifies on California Governor’s Wife’s Nonprofit: High Pay and Donor Ties Raise Ethical Questions
In the glittering world of California politics, where public service often intersects with personal ambition and philanthropy, a f…
Jan 1, 1970
NYPD Confirms Viable IED at Mayor Mamdani Protests
New York City faces a grave security threat after the NYPD confirmed that a device thrown near protests at Mayor Mamdani’s r…
Jan 1, 1970
Could $8 Gas Be Coming to California Soon?
Gas prices in Southern California continue their relentless climb, with a stark warning from an expert suggesting that drivers mig…

Complete Historical Timeline

1786 Culture
Presidio Founded
1836 Industry
Economic Development
1925 Disaster
Earthquake
1969 Disaster
Oil Spill
2018 Disaster
Montecito Mudslides

Did You Know?

1
The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill is credited with launching the modern environmental movement.
2
After the 1925 earthquake, the city was rebuilt in a unified Spanish Colonial Revival style.
3
Known as the 'American Riviera' for its Mediterranean climate and beauty.
4
Santa Barbara is located in Santa Barbara County, California.
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Santa Barbara was founded in 1786.

Famous People from Santa Barbara, California

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Katy Perry
Actor, Businessperson · Born Oct 25, 1984 · Age 41
ES
Edie Sedgwick
Actor, Socialite · Born Apr 20, 1943 · Died Nov 16, 1971 (age 28)
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Maika Monroe
Actor, Television Actor · Born May 29, 1993 · Age 32
AE
Anthony Edwards
Television Producer, Voice Actor · Born Jul 19, 1962 · Age 63
AL
Alex D. Linz
Actor, Writer · Born Jan 3, 1989 · Age 37

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SF
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F
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S
Sacramento
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