Miss Chase: Santa Barbara's Trailblazer

Pearl Chase was a pioneering conservationist, social services, and civic activist who received over eighty national, state, and local awards, including two honorary doctorates. She was known as Santa Barbara's woman of the twentieth century and was devoted to improving the world around her. Simon Kerry traces her early life and collegiate years at UC Berkeley to her return to Santa Barbara and her indelible impact on California and the nation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

Pearl Chase, a remarkable instrumental conservationist, has left an indelible mark on the world through her dedicated efforts in preservation, social services, and civic activism. Spanning over seventy years, Chase's unwavering commitment to her cause has garnered her widespread recognition and numerous accolades. She served on countless committees and collaborated with numerous organizations, earning over eighty national, state, and local awards, including two honorary doctorates. Renowned as Santa Barbara's woman of the twentieth century, Chase was a visionary leader who tirelessly worked to improve the lives of those around her.

Born in San Francisco in 1868, Pearl Chase's early life was marked by her thirst for knowledge and her commitment to social justice. She attended UC Berkeley, where she studied geology and became a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. After graduating, she returned to Santa Barbara, where she began her lifelong dedication to conservation and community service.

Chase's work in conservation was groundbreaking, and she played a pivotal role in protecting the natural beauty of California. She founded the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, which is now one of the world's leading botanical gardens, and was instrumental in establishing the Santa Barbara Zoo. She also worked tirelessly to protect the region's coastal habitats, advocating for the preservation of the Santa Barbara Channel Islands and the establishment of the Channel Islands National Park.

In addition to her environmental work, Chase was deeply committed to social services. She founded the Santa Barbara Visiting Nurses Association, which provided care to the sick and elderly in their homes, and was a founding member of the Santa Barbara Women's Club, which promoted education and social reform. She also served on numerous boards and committees, including the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and the California State Board of Education.

Chase's impact on California and the nation was profound. She paved the way for the environmentalist movement by advocating for the protection of natural resources and the conservation of the environment. She also played a significant role in promoting women's influence in politics, particularly in the federal and local civic spheres.

Chase's compassionate and charitable nature extended to many cultural groups and causes. She was a vocal advocate for protecting the lands and customs of Native Americans in the southwest, and worked tirelessly to promote cultural exchange and understanding between different communities.

In recognition of her remarkable achievements, Pearl Chase was honored with numerous awards and accolades throughout her lifetime. She was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 1960 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964, the highest civilian award in the United States.

Pearl Chase's legacy continues to inspire generations of environmentalists, social activists, and community leaders. Her dedication to improving the world around her and her commitment to social justice serve as a testament to the power of one person's passion and determination to make a difference.

In conclusion, Pearl Chase's life is a testament to the power of one person's dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Through her tireless efforts in preservation, social services, and civic activism, she paved the way for the environmentalist movement, promoted women's influence in politics, and served as a model of compassion and charity. Her legacy continues to inspire us all to strive for a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911397731