Santa Barbara Downtown in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Jimmy's Oriental Gardens
1947
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Jimmy's Oriental Gardens Marker
Jimmy Chung moved his restaurant business here at the suggestion of local developer Elmer Whittaker, who built it for him. Jimmy's and the adjacent buildings to the east formed "New" Chinatown, built following the loss of "Old" Chinatown after the earthquake of 1925. Operated by two generations of the Chung family, Jimmy's was a community gathering place for over fifty years, and the last Chinese operated business in "New" Chinatown.
Erected by El Presidio de Santa Bαrbara State Historic Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.
Location. 34° 25.324′ N, 119° 41.923′ W. Marker is in Santa Barbara, California, in Santa Barbara County. It is in Santa Barbara Downtown. It is on Caρon Perdido Street east of Anacapa Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 126 E Caρon Perdido St, Santa Barbara CA 93101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on California’s Central Coast, specifically on the Coast Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Chinatown (a few steps from this marker); Site of Royal Spanish Presidio (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rochin Adobe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rochin-Birabent Adobe
this page online
Also see . . . El Presidio de Santa Bαrbara State Historic Park. The 5½-acre park preserves the site of the last Spanish fortress founded in California in 1782. (Submitted on June 29, 2026.)
Photographed by Patrick Duggan, June 19, 2026
2. Jimmy's Oriental Gardens Marker
The marker is at far left.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on June 29, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on June 21, 2026.
