The Santa Barbara County Courthouse has been called the most beautiful government building in the United States. I can't say that I have seen them all, but I sure have not seen any others that come close. The fountan by the base of the arch, "The Spirit of the Ocean Fountain" recently underwent a major restoration. Originally carved in 1927, it was showing its age. The original stone fountain has been moved to the basement of the courthouse, with seven huge sandstone blocks painstakingly carved to replicate the original.