Tree of Light decorated
updated: Nov 30, 2009, 2:15 PM

Suubmitted to Edhat

Volunteers from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Union Local 413 met early Sunday morning to decorate the 100' tall "Tree of Light" on the corner of Northwest Corner of Carrillo and Chapala Streets. This latest effort marks the 85th consecutive holiday season that the members of the IBEW have lit the Santa Barbara community Christmas tree. That's a truly remarkable service record by any stretch of the imagination.

Here's a brief history of the City landmark. The Norfolk Island Pine was planted when it was a two-year-old sapling in 1878. The tree has stood through the adjacent construction of the YMCA in 1911, through the widening of Chapala Street in the early 1920's, through the eventual demolition of the YMCA in 1995, and remains in place today next to the Ralph's Supermarket. Community organizer Pearl Chase and local artist Adele Herter lit the tree for the first time at Christmas in 1920. Members of the IBEW Local 413 joined in the traditional lighting of the tree in 1924 and have continued the long-standing community service ever since. The downtown monument was aptly designated as a city landmark on December 6, 1977.

This beacon of holiday spirit has continuously brightened the neighborhood during the Christmas season for nearly 90 years. It has been said that the Tree of Light could be seen from La Cumbre Peak, to ships thirty miles out at sea. But of course, as with everything, there is an associated cost for such a display. In this case, the traditional lighting design is very bright and powerful, but does not consider protecting the environment, preserving natural resources, or controlling energy related costs. It normally utilizes 500 40-watt incandescent lights, which consumes about 20,000 watts of power. At today's electricity rates, that equates to approximately $29.00 per night to operate.

In August of 2009, the members of IBEW Local 413 recognized the need for a more reasonable design and donated an entirely new energy efficient lighting system for the City's tree. The old 500 incandescent light design was replaced this season with over 3,300 eco-friendly LED lights. This new system will consume less than 200 watts of power and will cost about $0.29 per night to operate. That's 99% more energy efficient!

Please join us for the official dedication and lighting of the Tree of Light at 5:00 pm on December 11th. For more information about the IBEW's community activities, please visit their website at www.ibew413.org.

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Volunteers Intl Brotherhood Electrical Workers Union decorated 100’ tall “Tree Light” Carrillo Chapala 85th year