Eric Lassen Memorial & Banner

The Summer Solstice Parade this year is dedicated to Eric Lassen, who was the architect of community celebration and joy in Santa Barbara for more than three decades.

Eric Lassen(88), Santa Barbara Bowl Architect and Outstanding Summer Solstice Celebration Board member recently passed away.  Eric joined the Board of the SB Bowl in 1985.  He was deeply involved in the initial community planning process to determine the Bowl's future. Would it be torn down and replaced by luxury condominiums or would it become one of the nation's premier outdoor venues nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara?

Eric's patient leadership of the 20 year rebuilding and fundraising effort was absolutely critical to the amazing amphitheater it has become.  At every board meeting — and through several generations of boards — it was Eric's monthly report that mattered.  You could hear a pin drop while he quietly reported on steady progress.

He brought the same craftmanship and unperturbable care to his years on the Summer Solstice Board of Directors and to the Solstice workshop, now the Community Arts Workshop (CAW).  Serving many years as Solstice Board President, Eric was a great contributor to the continued success of Solstice.

Eric worked for Sasaki Architects in San Francisco, one of the most highly respected and influential design firms in the world, where he designed the Delmar Fairgrounds and several buildings at UCSB, earning recognition for his expertise in large-scale architectural projects."

He was greatly loved and will be missed by the arts community!