The SB Mission, above, and radio broadcast Outside on State Street in the aftermath of the 1925 Earthquake. Courtesy photos.
“EQ25” Alliance Formed to Commemorate and Educate SB County About this Historic Catastrophe with Events and Activities throughout the Year
SANTA BARBARA — At 6:44am on June 29, 1925, a powerful earthquake devastated Santa Barbara, killing eleven people and destroying or damaging much of downtown. It was a pivotal moment in the City’s history because, out of the debris emerged the Spanish revival city of today.
The EQ25 Alliance is made up of charitable and historical organizations, businesses, governmental agencies, and Santa Barbara residents, under the umbrella of The Santa Barbara Conservancy, a local nonprofit.. They are coordinating a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake and its aftermath with a variety of events and symbolic activities.
“The 100th anniversary of the June 29, 1925, Santa Barbara earthquake offers a unique opportunity for Santa Barbara to learn from our past, reflect on our present, and plan for our future,” said EQ25 Steering Committee member Steve Hausz. “It is a recognition of our community and its resilience.”
Activities will begin in April of 2025 with a kickoff event, exhibitions and lectures. On Saturday June 28, “QuakeFest”, between Figueroa and Anapamu Streets on State Street, will serve as a community street fair with entertainment, exhibits, displays, workshops and special surprises. Any and all community groups are encouraged to participate! To evoke the spirit of the 1920s, the Alliance encourages guests to dress in the style of the time as they peruse SB Earthquake related booths, ride the earthquake simulator, learn about the history of the quake and enjoy 1920s era refreshments and entertainment. A dramatic, immersive, outdoor projection show of the earthquake itself will take place in the evening. Those who wish to participate with an exhibit or activity at QuakeFest can email the Alliance at EQ25org@gmail.com and an application will be provided. Please include the name of the organization and best contact email and phone number.
The following day, Sunday June 29th (the actual earthquake anniversary date) will be marked by more somber events and activities including the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a ceremony at the Santa Barbara Mission. At noon, church bells across town will ring 11 times in remembrance of our fellow citizens who perished in the earthquake.
Community Groups are encouraged to participate in Other Unique Ways
In addition to joining QuakeFest, part of the mission of the EQ25 Alliance is to encourage other organizations to commemorate the centennial of the 1925 earthquake in other meaningful ways. Ideas include integrating earthquake themes into their existing events and fundraisers or creating new events to commemorate the anniversary throughout the year, with informative and entertaining programs, exhibitions, and community gatherings. All activities will be posted on the EQ25.org website events page.
Community groups that have already begun to plan their own earthquake-related events, include the Pearl Chase Society, The Santa Barbara Historical Museum, the Santa Barbara Mission, the Santa Barbara Genealogical Society, The City of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, Search Dog Foundation, and the American Institute of Architects-Santa Barbara Chapter.
To include your event on the EQ25 event page, please email the Alliance with details with appropriate contact and any necessary registration information to EQ25org@gmail.com
Background on the 1925 earthquake
The infamous cataclysm occurred early in the morning on June 29, 1925, when a 6.3 intensity earthquake ripped through Santa Barbara, changing it forever. Approximately 15% of the commercial buildings downtown were destroyed or had to be demolished. The remainder were either damaged but repairable or unharmed. The event created the opportunity to repair destroyed or damaged structures in Spanish Colonial Revival style that remains to this day, while residential areas suffered no worse damage than toppled chimneys or cracked foundations.
Tragically, 11 people lost their lives in the quake and the city suffered $8 million of property damage (equivalent to about $139 million in 2023 according to the U.S. Geological Survey). Aftershocks continued to rumble through the city for the rest of the summer, forcing many residents to spend their summer nights sleeping outdoors. Clean-up and rebuilding began almost immediately, prompting a decade-long reinvention project as the city rose from the rubble.
Ideas? Suggestions? Questions? Contact us!
If you or your organization have ideas, questions, or would like to become an event sponsor, please contact us at EQ25org@gmail.com.
More information can be found at www.EQ25.org. Follow us on Facebook @EQ25 and Instagram @EQ25_SB