THE ROCHIN ADOBE: LEONTINE PHELAN 

​Families have lived in the Presidio Neighborhood for over 200 years. In some cases, the same family resided there for nearly that entire time. During the twentieth century, the Rochin Adobe was home to Leontine Birabent Phelan, a descendant of the first comandante of the Presidio.  

Leontine Phelan was a pioneering film editor for Flying A Studios in the 1910s. At the time, women were barred from many professions, but she and others found a niche in film editing and contributed to the unique look of Hollywood films.  

In addition to her professional work, Leontine is remembered for her contribution to Santa Barbara’s history. A Presidio descendant, she was deeply involved in the effort to document the location of the Presidio, including excavations on her property, and she also assisted with the excavation of the Presidio Chapel and Padre’s Quarters. 

HOFF GENERAL HOSPITAL: SANTA BARBARA IN WORLD WAR II

​The Hoff General Hospital buildings are a reminder of the large impact World War II had on Santa Barbara. Many local men who went to fight in the war came to Hoff when they returned, either as patients or as medical staff. For those who remained Santa Barbara during wartime, the war also dramatically changed their lives.

​Most impacted here in Santa Barbara during the warwere the local Japanese -Americans who were forced into internment camps during the war. In this oral history, Presidio Neighborhood resident Amy Kakimoto describes her job while she was interned at Heart Mountain Internment Camp in Wyoming.

SOURCES

​Hatch, Kristen. “Cutting Women: Margaret Booth and Hollywood’s Pioneering Female Film Editors." Women Film Pioneers Project. Columbia University, internet resource.

​Santa Barbara News-Press Staff. “Film Editor Leontine Phelan Dies.” Santa Barbara News-Press (March 4, 1994).  

​Days, Mary Louise. “Hoff General Hospital: Reminders of a War.” Noticias Vol 37, no.1 (Spring 1991) p.12-20 (link)