Santa Barbara County Visitor Industry Is Open For Business

Jesusita Fire Inflicted Minimal Damage to Visitor Infrastructure

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Santa Barbara Coast

We are grateful to the California firefighters and local emergency personnel who worked so hard to contain this fire and keep our area safe for residents and visitors

Santa Barbara, CA (Vocus) May 14, 2009

The Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission (SBCVB&FC) is pleased to inform the traveling public that Santa Barbara is indeed open for business, and that the Jesusita Fire inflicted minimal damage to visitor infrastructure. It is safe to travel here, air quality is back to normal and the Santa Barbara that visitors know and love is ready and waiting for immediate enjoyment. The Jesusita Fire, which started May 5th, burned 8,733 acres in the Santa Barbara foothills and canyons between Goleta and Montecito and destroyed 80 homes and 79 outbuildings.

"We are grateful to the California firefighters and local emergency personnel who worked so hard to contain this fire and keep our area safe for residents and visitors," said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president & CEO of the SBCVB&FC. "The generosity and cooperation displayed by our entire community during this crisis is a testament to what a truly special place Santa Barbara is."

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden sustained significant damage but will reopen this weekend, on May 16th. Fortunately, much of the garden remains intact including the Meadow, most of the Desert and Redwood Exhibits, the Discovery Garden, Teahouse and Manzanita Exhibit. Some Los Padres National Forest lands are currently closed for safety reasons in the front country above Montecito, Santa Barbara and Goleta. For avid hikers, the vast back country trail network is ripe for adventure. All other businesses and public spaces are open and unharmed.

Visitor Info
Santa Barbara--the American Riviera®--offers a captivating blend of history, distinctive architecture and Southern California lifestyle in a breathtaking setting of glorious palm-lined beaches, majestic mountain ranges and bucolic wine country. A city of white-washed buildings with red tile roofs tucked between the mountains and the sea, Santa Barbara resonates with an irresistibly sensuous and laid-back allure. Set on the Pacific with 100 miles of sweeping coastline, Santa Barbara and its environs lie just 92 miles north of Los Angeles and 332 miles south of San Francisco. Visitors may arrive via scenic Highway 101, daily stops on Amtrak or via air service to Santa Barbara Airport or Los Angeles International Airport. Santa Barbara County offers 168 diverse lodging options, ranging from deluxe resorts and stylish boutique hotels to romantic inns and rustic guest ranches. Visit http://www.santabarbaraCA.com for visitor information.

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