Courthouse Legacy Foundation Soirée

Many folks don’t realize there is a group that looks after the preservation of our Santa Barbara Courthouse called the Courthouse Legacy Foundation. During Fiesta they gave their annual party in the Mural Room and adjoining balcony where guests could look over into the Sunken Garden to view the Noches de Ronda show going on below.

The Legacy Foundation’s current project is the Great Arch. For several years portions of the entry which spans the passageway between Anacapa and the Sunken Garden has been deteriorating, especially the stonework, which is eroding, and the mortar joints that are failing. The Foundation has been on a several-year project to restore this great arch. All the event ticket sales went to this.

Angelique Davis is president of this hardworking group of fund raisers who have restored the Mural Room and lit the ceiling for the first time ever. Now the many tourists who visit every day can see how truly beautiful it is. During the pandemic they were able to clean the huge chandelier because there were no visitors in the way. There are now draperies in the corridors like there used to be many years ago and the list goes on.

Robert Ooley and Rodney Baker were event chairs. Now that Robert has retired as the Santa Barbara County Architect, he has rejoined the Legacy Foundation Board and says, “I want to bring my passion, knowledge, and expertise to help move the work forward.” There was also a fundraising art show, which included all paintings of the Courthouse. 

In addition, they are planning a donor gala to celebrate their founder Robert Ooley in his 30-year career as our County Architect. Save the date for October 22, 2022. Tasty tapas were provided by Lorraine Lim Catering with music by Tony Ybarra. There was a signature cocktail called Maracuya Margarita. Tara Mata, the Spirit of Fiesta, performed in the Mural Room.

Looking ahead, Angelique tells us there is a five-year conservation plan shown on the website and they will need all the donor help they can get. “Please consider becoming a board member or joining a committee.” The email is clfoffice@sblf.org.