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February 6th, 2015 at 9:30 am

Santa Barbara proposal destinations

When it’s time to pop the question, Santa Barbara has the answer. The seaside city is known for its white-sand beaches and lovely architectural settings, but there are lots of other places in town to become betrothed amid the beauty of it all. Here are some suggestions to get the heart(s) racing.

Franceschi Park and House
The house isn’t much to look at, but the panoramic views are stunning. In this 40-acre city park 800 feet above sea level rests a dilapidated mansion surrounded by what was once one of the finest gardens in California. Built by Italian immigrant and horticulturist Francesco Franceschi in 1893, it was the first home of the Southern California Acclimatizing Society, a group dedicated to botanical study and plant cultivation. The gardens and house have long lost their original glory, but the spectacular views of the city and Pacific Ocean are as OMG-worthy as ever, especially at sunset.
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February 4th, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Food and photography in Santa Barbara

What:
If you love photography and good food, this is the event for you. Take a 2-½ hour walking tour to a variety of Santa Barbara eateries and tasting rooms. Participants will sample eight different tastings. The Funk Zone tour starts near the beach and heads to three restaurants, two wine bars, one distillery, and one brew house. You’ll learn a bit of Santa Barbara history as well as take breaks for mini photo lessons.

Where:
Near Cabrillo Boulevard and State Street (exact location provided with ticket purchase)

When:
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February 3rd, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Cachuma Lake nature cruise

What:
Enjoy a two-hour guided cruise around one of the most beautiful lakes in California while you learn about the migratory bald eagles and other waterfowl that take refuge from the harsh winter of northern locations in the safety of Santa Barbara. If you’re lucky, you might even see an early spring fawn with their does as they come down to the lake to feed and drink.

Where:
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
222 Highway 154
Santa Barbara, CA 93105

When:
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February 2nd, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Santa Barbara events

What:
If selfies and smartphone photos don’t fulfill your facial photography needs, learn portraiture from a pro in this two-day workshop at Brooks Institute Extension. Created for artists, advanced amateurs, and newcomers to photography, “Magic of Portraiture” focuses on using light and honing people skills.

Photographing the human form can be daunting, and utmost care must be taken to build a trust between subject and photographer. Discover the elegance of window light and how to find beautiful light in environmental situations. Instructor Joyce Wilson also will cover how to style, direct and guide subjects for relaxed, natural poses. Day 1 includes working with models to experiment and try new techniques. Day 2 is a critique, demo and working session with Photoshop and Nik software to enhance and create professionally finished and artistic interpretations of the images captured.

Participants should bring digital camera and lenses, CF/SD cards, battery charger and extra batteries, external hard drive, and card reader. Laptop is optional. Macs for editing will be available on Day 2.

Where:
27 E. Cota St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

When:
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January 30th, 2015 at 8:30 am

Romantic vistas in Santa Barbara

There may be no more romantic town on the Southern California coast than Santa Barbara. From the palm tree-lined beaches to the Spanish Colonial-style architecture to the colorful parks and gardens, romance seems to be in the air everywhere you go.

But beyond the beauty visible to visitors and residents alike are dozens of lesser-known spots ideal for stealing a kiss or just setting the mood for … whatever.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many sweethearts will be heading to Santa Barbara for a day or two of coastal closeness. If you’re among them, consider checking out these somewhat off-the-beaten-path places that are sure to stir, if nothing else, fond memories of the town some call the American Riviera.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse Clock Tower:
One of the most beautiful public buildings in America, this city treasure completed in 1929 is the embodiment of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Take the elevator to the third floor and walk up a few steps to the clock tower for a stunning 360-degree view of bright-tile adobes, the Santa Ynez Mountains, palm-fringed shoreline and the Channel Islands. It’s very private and secluded, and a great vantage point for spectacular photos. Free.

Information: www.santabarbaracourthouse.org/sbch/Welcome.html

Douglas Family Preserve:
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