http://heritagetourgoleta2012.eventbrite.com/

or by calling (805) 681-7216

Born in China, Xiaojian Zhao received her Ph.D. in U.S. history from the University of California, Berkeley. She has taught Asian American history at UCSB since 1994. Her first book, “Remaking Chinese American: Immigration, Family, and Community, 1945 to 1965,” received the History Book Award from the Association for Asian American Studies in 2003. She has published two more books in recent years, including “The New Chinese America: Class, Economy, and Social Hierarchy.” She spent a year in China in 2010 as a Fulbright Senior Research Fellow. Currently, she is working on a new book project on Chinese immigration in the global era.

The exhibition, commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Ellwood Shelling, when on February 23, 1942 a large Japanese submarine surfaced at sundown off of Ellwood Mesa and fired its deck cannon at the tidelands oil-production facilities clustered along the shore. The shelling followed the attack on Pearl Harbor, which plunged the United States into World War II. Visitors can experience the exhibit, on view until December 30, 2012, on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

Reservations are required to attend the lecture. Society members are complimentary, guests are $10. For more information about the lecture or the exhibition, contact Goleta Valley Historical Society at 681-7216

Part 1:

Part 2: 02 Track 02 1

Part 3:

Part 4: 04 Track 04 1

Part 5: 05 Track 05 1

The Incident
On February 23, 1942, a large Japanese submarine identified as the I-17 surfaced at sundown off of Ellwood Mesa and fired its deck cannon at the tidelands oil-production facilities clustered along the shore. Under the command of Captain Kozo Nishino, the Imperial Japanese Navy submarine I-17 began firing at the coast at 7:15 pm. Goleta locals reported between 16 and 29 shells fired with at least 3 shells striking near the Bankline Company’s oil refinery. Rigging and pumping equipment at a well about 1,000 yards inland were destroyed, but no other damage was caused.
One shell overshot its target by three miles and landed on the Tecolote Ranch, where it exploded. Another landed on the nearby Staniff Ranch, failing to explode but leaving a crater five-feet deep. Numerous other shells fell short of their targets, dropping into the sea, on the beach, and into nearby cliffs. The submarine ceased firing around 7:35 pm and departed on the surface; it was observed exiting the south end of the Santa Barbara Channel at 8:30.
Though the shelling caused only minor damage, it sparked fears of invasion and internal subversion along the West Coast. The shelling was the first Axis attack on the continental United States in World War II and came only two-and-a-half months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, which plunged the United States into the war.

The Logo
The “Avenge Ellwood” logo was created in early 1943 for a war bond drive led by the 4th Santa Barbara War Savings Committee and the American Women’s Voluntary Services. The image was used in newspapers, posters, and by local companies that had donated to the cause. The money raised went directly to the purchase of a bomber plane and fighter plane that would boast the names “Flying Santa Barbaran” and “Ellwood Avenger.” As with many WWII propaganda posters, the artist is unknown and the image was not copyrighted.

The Exhibition
According to Jim McNay, Education Coordinator, the landmark exhibit “includes a fragment of a shell that was fired in the attack, period clothing and uniforms, newspaper clippings, film coverage and more.” The exhibition was prompted by the anniversary of the shelling and research by Ken Hough, PhD Candidate, University of California at Santa Barbara. Major sponsors include Venoco, Inc.

The exhibit will be on view from February 19 until December 30, 2012 at the History Education Center at Rancho La Patera.

Commemoration of the Attack
With the support of Bacara Resort & Spa the Goleta Valley Historical Society has commissioned a new plaque at the site of the shelling. The plaque will be unveiled to local dignitaries, members of the Society, and press in a brief ceremony on the 70th anniversary of the attack on Thursday, February 23 at 3 pm. Guests should park in the public access lot near the Bacara tennis courts. [Note: Bacara will provide transportation for those who may have difficulty with the walk.]

In conjunction with the exhibit the Society is collecting oral histories to enrich its collection, “We encourage visitors to share their experiences of the attack and culture of the community during the aftermath. We’ve begun to interview locals who were affected by the Japanese Internment following the shelling ” says Amanda De Lucia, Director.

The Goleta Valley Historical Society will host a series of complimentary lectures and events throughout the year beginning on March 11 at 3:00 pm (reservations required).

Rancho La Patera is located at 304 North Los Carneros Road in Goleta. Visit the Ranch on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00pm until 4:00pm and by appointment. For more information contact Goleta Valley Historical Society at 681-7216 or www.goletahistory.org.

Children of all ages will enjoy a day of live music, hayrides, pony rides, an old engine show, games, and much more. All-day entertainment will include blues by the Henderson Brothers, bluegrass by the Honeysuckle Possums, and country favorites by Black Mountain Thieves (formerly known as CRV).

Country Catering will be barbequing their famous tri-tip sandwiches and hot dogs on site all day. Visitors will also be able to cool off with ice cream, Stow House lemonade and local favorite, Hollister Brewing Company beer.

The event is generously funded by Gold Sponsor MarBorg Industries. According to Mario Borgatello, president, “As a family-owned company, it is our pleasure to sponsor this traditional Independence Day celebration for the community. We love the small town feel!”

Additional supporters of the festival include Silver Sponsors: LBPS Events, Latitude 34, Hollister Brewing Company, ParentClick.com and EventRents. Bronze sponsors include Venoco Inc., Rabobank, and Montecito Bank & Trust.

Admission is $6 for adults, with free entrance for children. Parents can purchase a “Fun Pass” for $5, which will provide children with a punch card with activities to choose from: temporary tattoos, face painting, carnival-style games, hayrides, and more.

The celebration is Monday, July 4th from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Rancho La Patera & Stow House is located at 304 North Los Carneros Road in Goleta, adjacent to the South Coast Railroad Museum at the entrance of Lake Los Carneros Natural and Historic Preserve.

Goleta Valley Historical Society, stewards of Rancho La Patera and Stow House (1873) museums, preserves, interprets, and fosters research of the history of the Goleta Valley and the Stow Family. Our purpose is to share this treasured landmark from the golden era of California ranching and provide a unique and historic gathering place for the community. Rancho La Patera hosts tours and educational programs as well as various public events, such as the Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, Music at the Ranch Free Concert Series, Fiesta Ranchera, and Holiday at the Ranch.

The Stow House is decked out for the holidays! A crew of volunteers spent the last few weeks decorating the historic home of the Stow family. Special thanks to the candidates of the Goleta Teen of the Year Program who helped prepare and adorn the Stow House.

Enjoy a tour of the festive Stow House, live music by the Holiday Horns and Tony Ybarra, visit Santa and his “rein-goats,” shop for gifts, and more. Our little guests will love the old-fashioned “cookie-bake,” story time and crafts. We promise you’ll feel the holiday spirit at the Ranch.

The event will be held on December 11 & 12, from 11:00 to 4:00. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children. Stow House is located at Rancho La Patera, 304 N Los Carneros in Goleta.

Special thanks to our GOLD SPONSOR Marborg Industries. Additional sponsors include Venoco, Santa Barbara Independent, and SBParent.com.

Come by Rancho La Patera & Stow House and experience our new exhibits, which tell the ranching and agricultural history of the Goleta Valley.

A $5 suggested donation also includes a tour of the Historic Stow House, as well… as our Visitor Interpretive Center and Museum Store!

The concert series would not be possible without the generous financial support of the local businesses. Sponsors include Presenting Sponsor ATK Space Systems, the City of Goleta, The Goleta Noontime Rotary, Montecito Bank & Trust, Rabobank, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Gary Atkins Sound, Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara News Press and Latitude 34.

For more information contact Dacia at Goleta Valley Historical Society at 681-7216 or www.goletahistory.org.