About the Santa Barbara Conservancy

The Santa Barbara Conservancy was formed in 1998 by the late John Pitman, FAIA. His purpose was to bring together the wide array of individuals, public agencies, and other groups concerned with issues that fell under the broad rubric of historic preservation.

Envisioning the organization as one that would serve as an information exchange, a sounding board for ideas and actions, a forum for open and frank discussion of timely issues, and a facilitator of communications among the various members, Pitman further saw the Conservancy as a way to focus the attention of public policy-making agencies and proactive private organizations on the most critical issues impacting Santa Barbara's quality of life.

As the organization has evolved, the Conservancy has expanded its mission to include educating the general public on historic preservation, and documenting Santa Barbara's wonderful historic resources.

Past Projects

• 2011 - Preservation Advocacy 101 Workshop Series: "Building Relationships to Sway Public Policy" with keynote speaker Stephen Schafer
• 2009 - Co-sponsored Santa Barbara City Council and Mayoral Candidate Forums on preservation
• 2009-10 - Santa Barbara Stone Architecture Walking Tour
• 2009 - Stone Architecture in Santa Barbara
• 2005 - Santa Barbara Stonework Survey

John Pitman Award

Oswald Da Ros (left) with SB Conservancy President Donald G. Sharpe.

The "John Pitman Award" is given by the Santa Barbara Conservancy in honor of the late John Pitman, FAIA, founder of the SB Conservancy, to citizens who have displayed exemplary professional dedication in the preservation of historic architecture and environment.

The 2011 John Pitman Award for Lifetime Achievement in Historic Preservation was presented to Oswald Da Ros on August 19, 2011 at Arnoldi's Cafe, Santa Barbara, California.