A Century of Craftsmanship

Before Dom’s Taverna welcomed guests with wood-fired seafood and shared plates, 30 East Victoria Street was home to another kind of craft—one that helped build the foundation of modern Santa Barbara.

From the 1920s through the 1970s, this historic building served as the headquarters of the California Electric Company, a pioneering commercial contracting firm that powered some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Founded in the early 20th century, the company played a central role in shaping Santa Barbara’s built environment during a critical period of growth and restoration.

(Company crew in front of the rebuilt location, circa 1930s)

Black and white photograph of a group of men and women in front of a building with a sign reading "California Electric Co., 30 East Victoria Street." The people are dressed in early 20th-century clothing and hats, posing for a group photo.
Black and white photo of a building with a sign reading 'California Electric Co.' and four men sitting outside. The building has a partially damaged roof and a display case with items in front.

Still Standing After the Earthquake

Among the most remarkable pieces of this building’s story is its resilience. In 1925, a devastating earthquake struck Santa Barbara, leveling much of the city’s core.
Yet, the day after the disaster, the California Electric Company remained open for business—its storefront intact, its people ready to work.

(The team in front of 30 E. Victoria, taken just one day after the 1925 earthquake.)

A vintage black and white photograph of a small store or office. There is a woman standing behind a counter, surrounded by shelves with various items. Behind her is a wall with posters, a map of California, and a curtain covering a doorway. The room contains glass display cases with small objects, and the decor suggests it is from the early to mid-20th century.

The Nerve Center of a Growing City

Inside, the shop bustled with equipment, parts, and innovation. Technicians stocked shelves with voltmeters, fuses, and fixtures—supplying essential infrastructure for projects that would shape the city’s identity.

The company’s work extended to notable civic and cultural institutions across the county, including:

  • The Arlington Theatre

  • Cottage Hospital

  • University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

  • The Biltmore Hotel

At the back of the building, a loading ramp and materials chute once funneled shipments in and out—a sign of the industrious spirit that defined the space for decades.

(Inside the original shop floor, featuring equipment, supply shelving, and sales counter.)