The Vic Trace Reservoir in Santa Barbara is named after Victor ‘Vic’ Trace, who played a significant role in the city’s water system development over a century ago. Trace was born in Springfield, Missouri, in 1872. He moved to Santa Barbara in 1883 and became Water Superintendent in 1900. He was appointed by Mayor Charles A. Storke and Water Commissioner Eugene Sheffield.
During his time as superintendent, Trace oversaw the expansion of water storage, tunnels, and dams to meet the city’s needs. In 1937, he stated that his goal was to provide residents with abundant, pure water at a low cost. Between 1900 and 1930, city water revenue increased from $6,000 to $250,000 per year under his leadership…