Dacia Harwood
(805) 681-7216
(805) 637-6783
dacia@goletahistory.org

***For Immediate Release***
Goleta Valley Historical Society Celebrates Re-Opening of Historic Building

We have raised the roof on the barn and now it is time to celebrate!

The Goleta Valley Historical Society will be hosting a “Barn Warming” on Sunday, November 16.

After a multi- million dollar restoration project at Rancho La Patera, Goleta Valley Historical Society re-opens the Ranchyard and “Barn.” The walnut packing shed, or“Barn” as it is affectionately known by locals, was built in 1880.

The purpose of the event is to show appreciation for all the work, time and energy donors and members have put into restoring this and other historic buildings on the ranch. The celebration will feature a BBQ, live country music, and plenty of ranch fun.

The“Barn” is the site of the future Mr. George & Mrs. Dale Cavelletto Education Center and Exhibit Area.

EVENT DETAILS:
Sunday, November 16
2:00 PM
Rancho La Patera & Stow House
304 N Los Carneros Road, Goleta
Tickets $35

**PRESS RELEASE**

Fiesta Comes To Goleta

Old Spanish Days Fiesta and Goleta Valley Historical Society to host joint event, “Fiesta Ranchera” on June 4.

After 40 years Fiesta returns to Goleta! Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, Inc. and Goleta Valley Historical Society, celebrating the 84th anniversary of the founding of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, are very excited to announce the First Annual “Fiesta Ranchera” celebration.

This exciting new event will take place in the Gardens of Rancho La Patera & Stow House on June 4th. Roger Aceves, Goleta Mayor Pro Tem and Fiesta’s 2001 El Presidente suggested the collaboration between Old Spanish Days Fiesta and Goleta Valley Historical Society as a way to include Goleta’s ranch heritage as part of the Fiesta festivities and to expand upon this
year’s theme "Viva La Comunidad" (Long live the community!).

The concept of the event will be a format similar to Dignatarios, Old Spanish Days’ premier “sold-out” event at the Zoo. Guests will be greeted by strolling mariachis and have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful historical Stow House gardens while sampling appetizers and beverages from local restaurants, wineries, and breweries (with an emphasis on Goleta).

Entertainment will include the Dos Pueblos Jazz Band, a performance by the 2008 Spirit of Fiesta, and dancing to popular Santa Barbara area cover band, Area 51. Rancho La Patera was the site of Goleta’s last Fiesta event, “Fiesta at Stow House” August 3, 1968.

“We are incredibly excited about co-hosting this event. The opportunity to work with Old Spanish Days on a new celebration of our community heritage has been a wonderful experience. Fiesta Ranchera will be a fabulous, rockin’ party and one of Goleta’s signature events for many years to come.” -Dacia Harwood, Goleta Valley Historical Society Events

DETAILS:
Wednesday, June 4 5:00-9:00 PM
Rancho La Patera and Stow House
304 North Los Carneros Road, Goleta
Tickets $55, available at the Arlington Theatre

**PRESS RELEASE**

Following the success of last year’s Music at the Ranch Free Concert Series, the Goleta Valley Historical Society will once again host the popular weekly event. In 2007, the four- week experimental series drew crowds of 300 to 500 revelers. This summer’s series will be sure to provide the same complementary entertainment to members of the community. This six-week series will take place on Tuesday evenings (5:30ish-7: 00ish ) in July and August, beginning July 15th. The community is invited to enjoy an evening of live music surrounded by the serene beauty of the gardens of Rancho La Patera and Stow House.
 
This series is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to come together and enjoy performances by local musicians showcasing their talents. Visitors are also encouraged to bring blankets, low-back lawn chairs, and their own meals to picnic on our lawn. Rancho La Patera and Stow House are located at 304 N Los Carneros Road in Goleta .
 
“We are so fortunate to have great weather and this amazing, historic venue in our community. The concert series is a wonderful opportunity to meet friends for a relaxed evening of live music.  Experiences like this are why we live here.”
– Dacia Harwood, Events and Marketing, Rancho La Patera
 
“The concert series was loads of fun for the our family. We brought our picnics, let the kids run around, and enjoyed the music.”
-David Valentine, Ph.D, UCSB and Goleta resident
 
This complementary concert series would not be possible without the generous financial support of the local community. The Goleta Valley Historical Society is currently asking for both individual and business sponsors to help make this event a success. For more information, please contact Dacia Harwood at (805) 681-7216.
 
DETAILS:
Music at the Ranch: A Free Summer Concert Series
Tuesdays, July 15, 22, & 29
August 5, 12, & 19
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
The Gardens of Rancho La Patera & Stow House
304 N Los Carneros Road, Goleta

**PRESS RELEASE**

Volunteers Honored For Years of Service The Goleta Valley Historical Society held it's annual meeting this past weekend. Highlights included news on upcoming events at Rancho La Patera and Stow House, a
presentation by Jill Jensen on "How World War II Changed The Goleta Coast" and official release of outgoing board members.

Jane Brown and JoAnne Treloar were both honored for their service on the Board of Directors of the Goleta Valley Historical Society. Jane Brown, Public Affairs Manager of Southern California Edison, dedicated three years to the Board, part of which was spent as Vice President. Jane's enthusiasm and hard work inspired other members of the community to become involved as well.

JoAnne Treloar began her time as a volunteer at the Stow House in 1970! JoAnne leaves the Board but
remains an active volunteer, participating on the Education Committee, Events Committee, and as a
docent. She is a one of the busiest retirees you'll ever meet. JoAnne spent much of her life as teacher,
wife, and mother, including many years at Isla Vista Elementary. Her countless hours and commitment to preserving local history evoked a standing ovation upon presentation of her award.

The Goleta Valley Historical Society, stewards of the Stow House and Rancho La Patera, are actively
searching for volunteers. Opportunities include working as a docent, during special events, and much
more. Community service hours and internships are available for high school and college students.

**PREVIOUS PRESS RELEASES**
Lifetime Achievement Award 2007
Pioneer Family 2006