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.

Transcription of the CSSAR Plaque at the Santa Barbara Presidio, dedicated Nov. 2, 2007

"American Revolutionary War Historical Site, 1782 - 1783

-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.

Their support directly aided the victory and ultimate independence of the United States of America.

Proclaimed on November 2, 2007 by the California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution"

The California State Sons of the American Revolution Managers meeting in Santa Barbara was quite an event indeed. Thursday evening, Nov. 1, at the Mar Monte Hotel there was a reception and buffet. Approximately 60 members of the CSSAR were there from all over the state, as well as a few national representatives as well. There were hors d'oeuvres, getting to meet people, and entertainment. The next morning was the business meeting for the Managers. It was recessed at 11:30 so that the members could get lunch and re-convene at the Santa Barbara Presidio for the dedication of a plaque on the statue of King Carlos. The plaque commemorates the Spanish support and help during the Revolutionary War. With color guard, musket salute, and cannon, the dedication ceremony was a colorful tribute to the occasion. The activities returned to the Mar Monte for an evening meal, and special speaker, Karen Schultz Anderson, the Director of Education for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. The evening concluded with Presentations and Awards given by Karl Jacobs, President of the CSSAR. The evening was concluded with a benediction by Dr. Phillip Dodson, State Chaplain, and the recessional by the color guard.

What a great meeting at Andersens in Buellton Saturday, Oct. 20th. Thank-you to everyone who came out. I think we discovered that a meeting in the center of the County works very well for our society. At that meeting, we had 6 attendees from Santa Barbara, 5 from Santa Maria, 3 from Solvang, 2 from Lompoc, and 1 each from Buellton, Ballard, & Santa Ynez. That is a pretty good cross-section of our county, and no one had to drive more than a half-hour or so to get to the meeting. I apologize for the conflict with the Mayflower Society's semi-annual meeting that occured on that same day. I realize that some of our members could not attend for that reason. Perhaps next time we can plan ahead, and vary the time or date to avoid that conflict.

We could have adjourned the meeting after the lunch, and it would have been a great success. We all had a good time of getting to know one-another, making new friendships, and strengthening old ones. Susan Clack, the Regent of the Henry Sweetser Chapter of the DAR was in attendance, as were 5 prospective new members. It was a very diverse and interesting group.

The focus of the meeting was on tracking our ancestry, both the genealogy aspect of it, as well as the documenting of our sources for the SAR application. I gave a presentation on my own journey to find and document my ancestors, and some of the resources that I used. We then had expert advice and comments from Jan Morgan, the genealogist for the Santa Maria DAR, and Manor Thorpe, the SAR Registrar from our own chapter. Both individuals are extremely knowledgeable and valuable resources for DAR and SAR members. Pamphlets, brochures, and booklets were also available for guests to take with them. The presentations were accompanied by sharing from members, and a question and answer time.

The meeting began at 12:00, was adjourned at 2:30, however, many stayed until 3:00 talking with the experts, and getting more specific information.

Our next meeting will take place on Nov. 17. The location is TBA. We were scheduled to use the Sizzler Restaurant in Goleta, but it has assumed new ownership, and they have decided to charge us a room charge in addition to our meals, even though we've been meeting there for years. We probably won't be doing that, and I'll let you know where the next meeting will be as soon as we reserve the room.

Don't forget that the CSSAR Board of Managers Meeting is at the Hotel Mar Monte in Santa Barbara on Nov. 2. A link to information on that meeting is available on our website.

Signing off for now,
Ron Zell

Just a word about the next meeting of the SAR in Buellton. This will be a good opportunity for visitors and friends, especially from the Valley, or North County, to come and find out about the SAR, and see who we are, what we do, and how to become a member. Besides information on the SAR, here will be membership applications, and resources that can be used to help document ancestry. In addition, there will be a presentation of the Veterans History Project.
Hope to see you there,

Ron

The next meeting of the Santa Barbara County SAR is Saturday, October 20, at 12:00 at the Buellton "Andersons" restaurant. The focus of this meeting is an overview/review of what is required to become a member of the SAR. One of our members will give an overview of the variety of research tactics, strategies, and resources that were used to document one of their ancestors, and their own entrance in the SAR. We will have information from and about local historical and genealogical societies that can assist applicants in their search for documentation of their own ancestors. See you there
Ron Zell

Presidents Report,

Today is a day that marks new beginnings. It is a new beginning in the sense that this is the first meeting that I chair as President of the Santa Barbara Chapter of the SAR, and it is new for you to have entrusted me with this role. This day also marks another new beginning. 40 years ago this week, September 9, 1967, the Santa Barbara chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution was born. The long history, good work, and faithful service of the members of this chapter is noteworthy and commendable. The generous giving of time, talent, and treasure to the community by the members of this chapter is the core, and obvious fabric of what this chapter has always been, and will continue to be.
This summer I had the opportunity to meet, and work with some of the long-time members, and to go over some of the many, many pages of community service projects, memorials, and gifts that constitute the history of this chapter. My hope and goal for my time as president is to continue the tradition that has been so solidly built. It is my desire however, that while we build on the past, we find new ways in the present to serve the communities in which we live. New ways to carry on the proud work of the SAR. New ways of honoring, and perpetuating the people and events of the American Revolution. New ways of supporting and maintaining the ideals and institutions of American Freedom. And new ways of promoting fellowship among each other, the descendants of Revolutionary War Patriots. We are a living link to that past. As such, we have the unique opportunity to be a powerful voice in our culture today. A voice that will make a difference in the future. A voice that will preserve the ideals, and principles of the founding fathers, so that they are never forgotten, or set aside, or trivialized.
Finding ways to communicate our message and to make it come alive in the culture in which we live is no small challenge, but it is my challenge to you. I will be asking for suggestions from this membership for ways to make our voice heard. For service projects to perform, events to sponsor, and educational opportunities to pursue that promote Patriotism, help overcome the historical amnesia of our times, and provide educational opportunities for our youth. By constantly seeking new opportunities to serve in these capacities, the Santa Barbara SAR will honor and continue the proud tradition that was begun by this chapter 40 years ago, and we will continue to honor our heritage as descendants of Patriots.