Santa Barbara Beautiful flags on State Street

Chartreuse-colored flags flying along State Street honor Santa Barbara Beautiful, a volunteer community service organization. The raising of the flags from April 26 through May 4 coincides with National Arbor Day, the last Friday in April.

The banners are emblazoned with the nonprofit group’s leaf logo.

Since 1965, SBB has promoted community beautification in collaboration with city departments, neighborhood associations, schools and other community groups. This year SBB will plant trees at 7 local schools to celebrate Arbor Day.

On March 7, 2012, Mayor Helene Schneider recognized the organization, which has planted more than 12,000 trees throughout the City of Santa Barbara, with a proclamation.

In honor of National Arbor Day, SBB will donate a copy of the tree-friendly themed Dr. Seuss book “The Lorax” to each of the 13 elementary school libraries within the City Unified School District and also to Cold Spring School and Marymount of Santa Barbara.

In addition to its focus on horticulture and public art, SBB presents monthly and annual awards to those who help make area streets and neighborhoods more beautiful. To nominate a candidate for the 2012 Annual Awards, log on to www.sbbeautiful.org and download a form. The annual awards event will take place on September 30, 2012 at the Music Academy of the West in Montecito.

Through SBB’s Commemorative Tree Program, area residents may sponsor local street trees and dedicate plaques to loved ones.

To learn more about Santa Barbara Beautiful, visit www.sbbeautiful.org or call 965-8867.