History says it takes more than a nearly perfect climate and a prime location where the mountains meet the sea – to make a livable, beautiful urban environment. Padre Junipero Serra, pioneer California missionary, described the future site of Santa Barbara as a “dismal and treeless” place when he first saw it in April, 1782. It has taken the work of generations of dedicated people and the efforts of organizations such as Santa Barbara Beautiful to create a city known throughout the world for its beauty.