Earl Warren Showgrounds Equestrian Renovation Project

09/23/2021

Zoom in to the Board meeting today at 4PM to listen, learn and comment. Here is your link:
Earl Warren Showgrounds September 23rd, Meeting
Time: September 23rd, 2021 at 4:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/8284751886
Meeting ID: 828 475 1886
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/antaZbHYE
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 828 475 1886

Zoom's secure, reliable video platform powers all of your communication needs, including meetings, chat, phone, webinars, and online events.

04/03/2021

We all can pitch in to help!

The stall floors are dangerously uneven and have been dug up by pawing horses as well as skunks and racoons during the off season. When EWS did not level the stalls to make them safe, SBEquineEvac stepped in last year to bring in DG (limestone dust) and temp crews from SBCC to help level about 250 stalls in bad shape. Director Teresa Mcwilliams donated the her wonderful crew and the rental of compactors, SBEquineEvac donated the DG and EWSF donated money towards the labor costs. The stalls were completed the day before move in!

We still have about 50 more stalls to do; you donations can help.

04/03/2021

We want to thank all the incredible donors who have made the renovation project a reality! These amazing individuals and companies were willing to back this project when it was a concept and continue to support EWS as our work continues. The shows are back and are bringing desperately needed income to EWS because of you. Thank you so much!

For others who would like to join us,
Please support this effort with your tax-deductible donation. Checks Payable to:
SB Equine Evac
memo: “Showgrounds Equestrian Restoration Fund”
Mail to: PO Box 60535, Santa Barbara CA 93160
For questions, contact Karen Christensen at: [email protected] or call 805-699-5592

03/20/2021

Local Organizations are acknowledging SBEquineEvac's efforts!

A well deserved perpetual trophy for Karen Christensen! This is the Betsy Woods Memorial Trophy 🏆

03/20/2021

Local Organizations are acknowledging SBEquineEvac's efforts!

03/20/2021

We are back to work at EWS! The staff took down 2 barns and Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc. has extended their work to take on the excavation of the foundation with great LOCAL contractors.

It will be a full competition sized arena, 125x250’ (same size as the Mountain View Arena). It will have totally portable fencing and can be used for English or Western competition, lunging, livestock and non-equestrian uses as well.

The area will be cleared and leveled for the Santa Barbara County Riding Club hunter jumper show on March 26-28th. We will start the arena construction in earnest after the show.

As always we thank our wonderful donors who are helping to make this happen.

================

Please support this effort with your tax-deductible donation. Checks Payable to:

SB Equine Evac
memo: “Showgrounds Equestrian Restoration Fund”

Mail to: PO Box 60535, Santa Barbara CA 93160

For questions, contact Karen Christensen at: [email protected] or call 805-699-5592

12/03/2020

Please help Equine Evac repair the barns at Earl Warren. Every donation helps! Go to the Evac website. www.sbequineevac.org

11/26/2020

Thank you Rhea Hayes and Riding Magazine for showcasing our project! We have so much more to do in the off season to rehab barns.

Riding Magazine - Horses for sale in California, Real Estate for sale in California, Horse news, Equine Sales, Publishing and Advertising for Horse related businesses.

10/29/2020

Thanks to our wonderful donors and businesses, we have made so much progress!
The Kramer, Mountain View and Warm-Up arenas have all been completely renovated with new bases, french drains and footing. We have worked with experts and riders to fine tune the new footing. We have new fencing, water trucks, drags, judges' booths and more. The horse shows are returning. There have already been three Hunter/Jumper shows since September and Dressage is bringing in a show in November followed by another Hunter Jumper show! But we have so much more to do! We need to fix our 1950's wood barns. They are still structurally solid but we need to repair holes (you know how horses kick and paw), replace doors, and improve ventilation. We need to build a fourth multi-use arena north of the Warm-Up arena. Please! This is the time to donate. Every dollar goes to building materials and contractors. All donors receive a 501(c)(3) receipt for their tax records. It's easy! It's old fashioned! Write a check to SB Equine Evac. Write SERF on the memo line. Mail it to Equine Evac, PO Box 60535, Santa Barbara, CA 93160 or be modern and use your Venmo. SBEquine-Evac Team. Input SERF on the memo line.

Get more info at http://www.sbequineevac.org/showgrounds_equestrian_restoration_project

The Renovation Team from

07/05/2020

For the 4th of July, a shining local example of the good work by many in the community to bring the Showgrounds back to their intended use as a high quality show facility as well as improve it’s viability as a emergency staging and evacuation site and community resource. We look forward to this critical improved community facility serving more groups and more uses.

The construction work is well within social distancing requirements and is approved to continue.

This post highlights the work in the Dome (Officially called the Kramer Arena). The new specialized draining mat grids were installed over the French drains, so the base is ready for top footing next week. This work is being done by Footings West Unlimited under contract to SBEquineEvac. The excavation and base was done by Bob’s Backhoe with discounted material from Granite Construction. The walls were repainted by the EWS staff using paint and supplies donated by Lisa Novatt. The doors are being rebuilt to their original size by EWS using material donated by SBEquineEvac. The new sound system has been installed by AllStage Pro, funded by donations through EWSF, work coordinated through Courtney Cochrain. The manlift to install the sound system and replace lighting was donated by Giffin Rental. All the funds for this work were generously donated by individuals and groups in our wonderful community!

History and fun details in upcoming posts.

Thank You!

The Renovation Team at SBEquineEvac.

PS, We stopped fund raising as soon as the Covid19 crisis hit as we had sufficient funds to complete the arenas, equipment and general facilities needs that are currently underway. There are still many smaller but important needs that we do not have the funds for in the short term. These include fixing the gutters in the Dome, replacing rotting facia boards, planters and some landscaping around the rings, new tables and chairs for the show office, judges booths, announcer’s stands, etc. Once we have finished the evaluation of barn options we plan to reach out for additional major donations to complete the entire project. If you are interested in supporting any of these projects through donations of cash or discounted/donated work and products, please contact Karen Christensen [email protected] to discuss or write your check to
Santa Barbara Equine Assistance and Evacuation Team, Inc Write "SERF" on the memo line.
Mail your check to SB Equine Evac, PO Box 60535, Santa Barbara, CA 93160

06/14/2020

First, I apologize for not posting more updates; I can pull a renovation out of a hat filled with Covid, but am not a natural Facebook person. That said, We have so much to be excited about!

One of our technical team, Penny Wardlaw fought hard to get approval for the Arabian Region 2 Championships as scheduled June 16-21. When turned down in Santa Barbara, she managed to move a huge show to another location. Kudos to her! That allowed us more time to expand our work and save our donors money on ring work.

The beautiful Buckley Fence will be completed early this week thanks to Michele Bandinu and his fantiastic crew at Custom Hardscapes. This powder coated steel fence is durable, safer for the horses, and we built a fully removeable center walkway so Hunter Derbies and driving events can be held spanning both rings.

Next week Footings West is coming in to do the final laser leveling and put in the top top footing.

Meanwhile AllStagePro Sound is installing all new sound systems in the Dome and outdoor arenas, the EWS is painting the Dome walls and sealing the gutters.

We are setting a final date for a soft opening event, hopefuly in Mid July where all disciplines can come in a ride the footing and celebrate the ongoing revival of Earl Warren as a high quality equine facility! Stay tuned!

05/24/2020

Things are rolling along at the equestrian facility. The arena surfaces are ready for the Region 2 Arabian show and beautiful new the arena fence is being installed. Here are two pre fence views. Please help! Donate today! We need funds to repair the barns. Do it the old fashioned way. Write your check to Santa Barbara Equine Assistance and Evacuation Team, Inc Write "SERF" on the memo line. Mail your check to SB Equine Evac, PO Box 60535, Santa Barbara, CA 93160

04/04/2020

Some more positive news in our uncertain times.

The Mountain View and Warm Up arena base is done and awaiting the arrival of Footing West to cover the french drains and putting on the top sand. Then we put in the beautiful new Buckley Fencing with movable center walkway.

Bob's Backhoe started on the Dome where we uncovered the bottom steps buried for decades by sand added to the ring. Stay tuned for more photos and videos as this work continues.

While working on the arenas we identified a couple of needed improvements and built them in to our project. We added under ground conduits for electricity and sound systems. The sewer line to the office restrooms and Munchies backed up and we learned that the old clay pipes were buried under the arenas putting the rings at risk of being dug up. Working with EWS staff, plumbers and Mike Hearn, we decided the best design is to reroute the sewer line around the arena. Better yet, we realized we can improve the southern bleachers which are too low and often flood after any rains. Our current work includes raising and refurbishing the bleachers. See future posts for all these small but exciting details.

The construction work is well within social distancing requirements and is approved to continue. We look forward to this critical improved community facility serving more groups and more uses. Stay safe and we will continue to post photos and updates.

The Renovation Team at SBEquineEvac.

As a reminder, our goal is to rebuild the arenas with safe footing and to renovate the barns to serve the community’s needs for evacuation, emergency response, equestrian and multi-use events. This will be a phased project. Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc. a 501(c) (3) is sponsoring and managing the project with full approval of the 19thDAA/EWS. You can find our plan, map, and timeline here: bit.ly/EWSEquineRenoPlan

We have raised over $560,000 of the estimated $750,000 needed for Phase One. We are so thankful to those who donated so that this project can safely continue without asking for more funds during these uncertain times. Our current funds are more than needed to complete the arenas, equipment and general facilities needs that are currently underway. Once we have finished the evaluation of barn options we plan to reach out for additional donations to complete the entire project. Meanwhile please safe.

Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc.

03/19/2020

French Drain detail.

03/19/2020

Project Director Karen Christensen and her new best friend

03/19/2020

Some positive news in our uncertain times.

The new base and french drains under construction passed a great test of 2 rain storms with flying colors, immediate drainage, no erosion, no puddling even though not complete or final leveled.

Less than 24 hours after the wonderful rains, Bob's Backhoe is back to work on completing the new base in the Mountain View and Warm Up Arenas. We plan to complete the base this week and for Footings West to laser level and build the top footing next week. The Dome will start next week when we are sure the predicted rains are gentle.

The construction work is well within social distancing requirements and is approved to continue. We look forward to this critical improved community facility serving more groups and more uses. Stay safe and we will continue to post photos and updates.

The Renovation Team from Www.SBEquineEvac.org.

03/08/2020

Please support this project! Thank you to all who are sending donations! Www.SBEquineEvac.org

03/08/2020

The rings are prepped and ready for both the rain tonight and the exciting Valdivia Jeripeo in the Kramer Arena today from 2 to 8pm!

https://www.facebook.com/events/632334657335801/

https://www.facebook.com/vmgconcerts/photos/a.656535664371486/3847672785257742/?type=3&theater

Monday, and as rain allows, Bob's Backhoe will finish the Mountain View and Warm Up arena base and work with Footings West to final laser grade and finish off the french drains with draining mats. After the concert moves out, Bob's Backhoe will also start on the footing in the Kramer Arena. Footings West will be staging into each arena to build the top footing. We still are on track to be complete with Arena work in time for the Fair and the first horse show on May 16-17th.

As we have worked with this project the past few weeks, we have identified opportunities for additional improvements and have been able to build them into the construction and plans. We have added underground conduits for sound and electricity, are buying new LED bulbs for the stadium lights, explored sound systems, found a way to smooth that tight corner trailers keep nicking by Barn A, and have great fencing options that are continuing to evolve. We are working on improvements to the bleachers and landscaping ideas to make the new surroundings as nice as the arenas. We love all the ideas coming in!

Stay tuned for more details about fencing and barns.

You are the ones that are making this happen through your donations. SBEquineEvac has raised over $550,000 (currently in the dedicated Renovation account). We need your help to reach our phase 1/2 goal of $750,000 to redo the rings and 2-3 barns. We won’t stop there. Once actual barn options, other needs and costs are developed (and approved by the 19th DAA Board) we anticipate our total goal to exceed $1,500,000.

Please donate to SBEquineEvac.org.

Donations are payable to Santa Barbara Equine Assistance and Evacuation Team Inc, Memo: “Showgrounds Equestrian Renovation Fund” By mail to PO Box 60535 Santa Barbara, CA 93160.

You can also send funds via Venmo: Download Venmo, send to SBEquine-Evac Team In memo put: “Showgrounds Equestrian Restoration Fund” or “SERF”

As a reminder, our goal is to rebuild the arenas with safe footing and to renovate the barns to serve the community’s needs for evacuation, emergency response, equestrian and multi-use events. This will be a phased project. Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc. a 501(c) (3) is sponsoring and managing the project with full approval of the 19thDAA/EWS. You can find our plan, map, and timeline here: bit.ly/EWSEquineRenoPlan

Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc.

03/03/2020

Backhoes and Dump Trucks and Bulldozers, oh my! Another great day of progress on therenovation project. Join the excitement!
Stay tuned for more details.
You are the ones that are making this happen through your donations. SBEquineEvac has raised over $530,000 (currently in the dedicated Renovation account). We need your help to reach our phase 1/2 goal of $750,000 to redo the rings and 2-3 barns. We won’t stop there. Once actual barn options, other needs and costs are developed (and approved by the 19th DAA Board) we anticipate our total goal to approach $1,500,000.
Please donate to SBEquineEvac.org.
Donations are payable to Santa Barbara Equine Assistance and Evacuation Team Inc, Memo: “Showgrounds Equestrian Renovation Fund” By mail to PO Box 60535 Santa Barbara, CA 93160.
You can also send funds via Venmo: Download Venmo, send to SBEquine-Evac Team In memo put: “Showgrounds Equestrian Restoration Fund” or “SERF”
As a reminder, our goal is to rebuild the arenas with safe footing and to renovate the barns to serve the community’s needs for evacuation, emergency response, equestrian and multi-use events. This will be a phased project. Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc. a 501(c) (3) is sponsoring and managing the project with full approval of the 19thDAA/EWS. You can find our plan, map, and timeline here: bit.ly/EWSEquineRenoPlan
Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc.

02/27/2020

Bob's Backhoe is moving right along, running the heavies full time. Please help! Donate! www.sbequineevac.org

02/27/2020

The arena renovation is progressing! Bob's Backhoe is grading and compressing the soil that is under the new base. See video.
We need your help to reach our phase 2 goal of $750,000 to redo the rings and 2-3 barns. We won’t stop there. Once actual barn options, other needs and costs are developed (and approved by the 19th DAA Board) we anticipate our total goal to approach $1,500,000.
Please donate to SBEquineEvac.org.
Donations are payable to Santa Barbara Equine Assistance and Evacuation Team Inc, Memo: “Showgrounds Equestrian Renovation Fund” By mail to PO Box 60535 Santa Barbara, CA 93160.
You can also send funds via Venmo: Download Venmo, send to SBEquine-Evac Team In memo put: “Showgrounds Equestrian Restoration Fund” or “SERF”
As a reminder, our goal is to rebuild the arenas with safe footing and to renovate the barns to serve the community’s needs for evacuation, emergency response, equestrian and multi-use events. This will be a phased project. Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc. a 501(c) (3) is sponsoring and managing the project with full approval of the 19thDAA/EWS. You can find our plan, map, and timeline here: bit.ly/EWSEquineRenoPlan
Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc.

02/27/2020

More video of the Warm Up Arena almost ready for new base

02/27/2020

Further Updates from Earl Warren Showgrounds

Bob’s Backhoe & Trucking has gone above and beyond to build a well graded sturdy recompacted subbase on the Mountain View and Warm Up Arenas and the actual base should go in early next week. Where others may have just graded the subbase, Bob’s excavated deeper and is carefully recompacting the sub-base so there is an excellent foundation for the base we are bringing from Garnite Construction at great discount. Here are some videos and photos of the work today. The base will be completed and the fence debris removed before the exciting Valdivia Jaripeo on March 8th in the Kramer Arena (“the Dome” to the horse crowd). After that event Bob’s will move into the Kramer Arena while the top footing will be installed in the outdoor rings.

After careful review of several excellent footings contractors, we selected Footings West to supply and install the laser graded top footing. Footings West has an excellent reputation with high performance English and western clients and are working with us to come up with the best multi-disciple footing. Dave Martin and Nick Byassee came up on Tuesday to review final options and details and are excited to be part of rebuilding Earl Warren as a top quality show facility. Nick actually showed in the Dome back in the day. They are also bringing discounts and sponsors to help with the many needs we have at EWS.

The tech team is now evaluating some fabulous fencing options, so stay tuned for more updates. We are also evaluating all those fittings and features that improve the show experience such as judges stands, sound system and announcer’s stands, gates and viewing areas. We are doing sound tests for a new sound system on Friday as well as a 3rd barn contractor walk through.

Stay tuned for more details.

You are the ones that are making this happen through your donations. SBEquineEvac has raised over $530,000 (currently in the dedicated Renovation account). We need your help to reach our phase 1/2 goal of $750,000 to redo the rings and 2-3 barns. We won’t stop there. Once actual barn options, other needs and costs are developed (and approved by the 19th DAA Board) we anticipate our total goal to approach $1,500,000.

Please donate to SBEquineEvac.org.

Donations are payable to Santa Barbara Equine Assistance and Evacuation Team Inc, Memo: “Showgrounds Equestrian Renovation Fund” By mail to PO Box 60535 Santa Barbara, CA 93160.

You can also send funds via Venmo: Download Venmo, send to SBEquine-Evac Team In memo put: “Showgrounds Equestrian Restoration Fund” or “SERF”

As a reminder, our goal is to rebuild the arenas with safe footing and to renovate the barns to serve the community’s needs for evacuation, emergency response, equestrian and multi-use events. This will be a phased project. Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc. a 501(c) (3) is sponsoring and managing the project with full approval of the 19thDAA/EWS. You can find our plan, map, and timeline here: bit.ly/EWSEquineRenoPlan

Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc.

02/20/2020

Heavy equipment is removing the old Mountain View arena at Earl Warren Showgrounds. Bob's Backhoe will be regrading for drainage and installing installing a new hard base. Great planning work by the Equine Evac Tech Team! Shout out to Penny Wardlaw, Lisa Novatt, Courtney Cochran, Michele Bandinu, Lance Bennett, Ronda Hathaway, Kathy O'Connor Evac President and Karen Christensen, SERF project manager.

02/20/2020

If you had any questions that this project is a go, this is proof positive that as a community, we can do it!

We went to final bids from 5 out of the 14 international to local contractors we had evaluate or advise on the arenas. We decided to contract out the base construction and top footing as separate jobs to most effectively use our donor’s money and the footing expertise. We selected Bob’s Backhoe and Trucking, a respected local company for the removal of existing footing and construction of the base. Bob’s Backhoe was the lowest cost by discounting their services and bringing in great discounts on materials from other companies. Granite Construction is giving us tremendous discounts on the base material. We will be announcing other companies as their discounts and donations are established. Bob’s Backhoe has stepped up with endless enthusiasm for Earl Warren and continues to bring improvements and new donors to the table. This sets the standard for other companies to come forward and help us revitalize Earl Warren Showgrounds.

The tech team is now evaluating the top two contenders for top footing and some fabulous fencing options, so stay tuned for more updates. We are also evaluating all those fittings and features that improve the show experience such as judges stands, sound system and announcer’s stands, gates and viewing areas.

The barn renovation evaluation has just started with one contractor visit. Stay tuned for more details.

You are the ones that are making this happen through your donations. SBEquineEvac has raised over $400,000 (currently in the dedicated Renovation account). We need your help to reach our phase 1/2 goal of $750,000 to redo the rings and 2-3 barns. We won’t stop there. Once actual barn options, other needs and costs are developed we anticipate our total goal to approach $1,500,000.

Please donate to SBEquineEvac.org.

Donations are payable to Santa Barbara Equine Assistance and Evacuation Team Inc, Memo: “Showgrounds Equestrian Renovation Fund” By mail to PO Box 60535 Santa Barbara, CA 93160.

You can also send funds via Venmo: Download Venmo, send to SBEquine-Evac Team In memo put: “Showgrounds Equestrian Restoration Fund” or “SERF”

As a reminder, our goal is to rebuild the arenas with safe footing and to renovate the barns to serve the community’s needs for evacuation, emergency response, equestrian and multi-use events. This will be a phased project. Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc. a 501(c) (3) is sponsoring and managing the project with full approval of the 19thDAA/EWS.You can find our plan, map, and timeline here: bit.ly/EWSEquineRenoPlan

Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc.

02/06/2020

Thank you for liking our page. Please support the project! Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc. a 501(c) (3) is sponsoring and managing the project with full approval of the 19thDAA/EWS. Here is a photo of workers removing the old arena fence so excavation can proceed!

02/05/2020

The renovation work has begun! Earl Warren staff began taking out the arena fence today. It didn't give up without a fight. If you want to make an omelette, you have got to break eggs! Santa Barbara, this is your project! Please donate now! You can find donation information, including payment options such as checks, wires, Venmo and Paypal, here: bit.ly/EWSEquineRenovation
Please continue checking this page for exciting updates.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to this wonderful facility.

02/04/2020

02/04/2020

First Update from the Field!
The Arena specialists from EWS/EVAC Technical Team (Michele Bandinu - dressage, Karen Christensen, Courtney Cochran - H/J, and Lisa Novatt - western/Rodeo) have evaluated recommendations and bids from 14 arena experts and builders. We will be choosing our contractors and starting actual construction on the Mountain View and Warm Up Arenas early as next week! More details to come.

As we start construction, we have raised over $300,000 but need to raise more to finish all the arenas and renovate barns before the show season.

Please donate to SBEquineEvac.org. You can find donation information, including payment options such as checks, wires, Venmo and Paypal, here: bit.ly/EWSEquineRenovation.

Santa Barbara Equine Evacuation and Assistance Team, Inc.

02/04/2020