‘So Much to Love’ campaign brings Santa Barbara into focus using photos from the general public

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Instead of using a flashy ad agency for a uniquely designed campaign, the South Coast Chamber of Commerce is using the public's photos and creativity to showcase the area.

That gives many fresh faces a chance to be part of the effort to promote the Santa Barbara area.

The 'So Much To Love In Santa Barbara' campaign is underway to highlight local culture, events, and stories from the area.

Already posts show wine tasting and scenic beachfront settings.

The chamber is asking the public to send in photos, but it will also be out with special props and decorated frames to take pictures of people enjoying themselves.

It will be in areas such as the waterfront, the Funk Zone, and downtown this weekend.

CEO of the South Coast Chamber of Commerce Kristen Miller said, "We know this is a passionate community and there are so many things that we are talking about right now about what to do  on State Street, what to do with housing. but in the meantime there is so much to love about the art, the culture and the people in this beautiful place."

Aurea Berio was visiting while on a work trip and said it was a fun reminder of where she was. "Of course yes.  I love doing that when I am on vacation. It  means that you were there,  that you visited."

"Visitors come here and they are so excited to be able to tell someone that  they were in Santa Barbara," said Miller.

Genesis Duenas was with her two boys and she has seen these frames or something similar before.

"We've gone to San Diego and they have a couple there and even up in the East Bay around Walnut Creek they have them there too. I don't think we have ever had that on State Street before."

This weekend, the video shoots by the chamber will be on the schedule below:

Saturday, June 29:

Harbor: Fishmarket, Maritime Museum 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Coast Village Road: Tre Lune/Jeaninne’s 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Funk Zone: Dylan Star, Margerum Wine, Lark 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 30:

Downtown: El Paseo, Salt Caves, State Street 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

ARTS District: Arlington, Granada, La Arcada, Bouchon 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.