Meet the Team: Chivaun Clark

Chivaun Clark is officially known as the general manager at the Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn, but she is better known among our staff as our caretaker, confidant, mother figure, and friend. She has been a part of our team for a jaw dropping, 36 years, and has worked her way through various positions ultimately landing the role of General Manager in 1996.

How long have you lived in Santa Barbara?

CC: I have lived in Santa Barbara since 1983, my family and I moved here from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

What first led you to work at the BW Plus Pepper Tree Inn?

CC: I began working as a part time front desk agent in 1986 as a second job to pay for my wedding to Dana, my husband of now 35 years. 36 years later and this place has been a huge part of all of our lives. We lived in an apartment at the Pepper Tree for 8 years – when our children were young and Dana was in nursing school.

What is your favorite memory working at the hotel?

CC: I have too many to count. I can't settle on one memory, but my favorite part of working for Santa Barbara Hotel Collection is the fact that we have such long term staff and all of our leadership has been promoted internally. It's a joy to watch our team grow up and give new opportunities for staff to develop new skills, gain confidence, and become more successful professionally and personally.

What is your favorite restaurant in Santa Barbara?

CC: We have so many great restaurants here, but would have to choose The Palace restaurant. It's an iconic family-owned restaurant. They take great care of their employees while offering consistently great food and service in a fun atmosphere.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?

CC: I love to go fishing. My ideal day off would be spent fishing at Lake Cachuma with my family. I like the ocean but I'm most content on a lake.