Santa Barbara High Celebrates New Gym

Santa Barbara High School is now home to a modern gymnasium.

The J.R. Richard Gym, named after a late principal, was built in 1950.

The wear and tear that once showed in the floors and windows just received a million-dollar makeover.

The money came from a bond measure and donations collected by the nonprofit Foundation for Santa Barbara High School.

Special guests at the ribbon-cutting included members of Dons big five including

Those are the outstanding athletes whose jerseys still have from the gymnasium walls.

They include former Laker and NBA champ Jamaal Wilkes, former Laker Don Ford, CIF girls basketball champion Holly Ford-Emerson, and NBA player Victor Bartolome.

Two-time gold medal volleyball champion Karch Kiraly could not attend.

Students will enjoy new hardwood floors, electronic backboards, new scoreboards and a new sound system.

Santa Barbara High is considered one of the most beautiful high school campuses in the country.

Visitors said it now has a gym to match.