The November 17th meeting of the S.B. SAR began at the El Presidio Restaurant in Santa Barbara. Because the restaurant was a bit loud, we postponed the meeting portion of the day until after lunch. We then moved the meeting to the Presidio, and re-convened in front of the CSSAR plaque on the statue of King Carlos. The S.B. Trust for Historic Preservation graciously set up chairs for us to use. After the opening ceremonies, LTJG John M. Landsberg gave a presentation on the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. The Sea Cadet Corps is a program for young men and women ages 13 - 17 who are interested in developing their skills in leadership, basic seamanship, courage, self-reliance, military discipline and are committed to being drug and gang free. The program does not include a commitment for future military service. The Santa Barbara NSCC was commissioned last year, and currently has 23 cadets participating. Information on the Sea Cadet program may be found at www.seacadets.org. We voted to present 2 outstanding cadets of the program, Cody Roberts, and Joshua Rademacher, a commendation award from the SAR at their December meeting.

Compatriot George Frakes then gave a very interesting overview of the substantial Spanish contribution to the American Revolutionary War effort. This support involved Spain supplying money and materials, as well as thousands of Spanish troops who engaged in direct combat with British troops throughout the Americas. Just one of the interesting facts presented by Mr. Frakes was that Spain, and King Carlos supplied thousands of uniforms to the early Contenental Army, including one of the first ones worn by General George Washington. This support of the colonies by the Spanish army and navy was the reason for including the Santa Barbara Presidio as a Historic Revolutionary War site. As is stated on the plaque,(see below) "The Royal Spanish Military Encampment on this Presidio site supported the American Colonies with their military preparedness and financial contributions following the Royal Spanish Decree of 1779-1780."

The meeting was adjourned at 2:10. The next meeting of the chapter is to be at Andersens restaurant in Buellton at 9:30 AM on January 19, 2008.