After California achieved Statehood in 1850 the pueblo became a city, and the government had a surveyor lay out a typical street grid system over the earlier Pueblo developed settlement streets. A 3 member committee designated street names, and many were names of early explorers, settlers, or from events related to the early history of this area from about 1782 to 1851 when these names were given. Chapala, used as this street's name, has no clear association with any historical event or person. As Santa Barbara developed, the 400 - 600 blocks of Chapala were residential in nature, both Brinkerhoff and Chapala were developed in 1886 with Victorian type houses, many of which were owned by businessmen whose shops were located on
State Street. By 1900 the 400 and 500 blocks of Chapala were entirely residential, while the 600 block had residential only on the south side of the street. In this time Gutierrez Street was the “old highway” through town. In 1924, seeking to further the functionality and beauty of the city, the decision was made in 1924 to widen Chapala Street from 60 to 80 ft between West Montecito Street (now on the other side of 101 Freeway) to Victoria Street. The Brinkerhoff Avenue Landmark District covers about one block with a few buildings stretching the boundaries of the area. This street was named after Dr Samuel Brinkerhoff, who owned the property but never developed nor subdivided it. The earliest houses on the street were built in 1887 - 1888. Currently some of the houses are multifamily residences, and others are charming shops, which can provide a lovely experience for walking through the tiny historical district.

Architectural buildings of note:
501 Chapala
Queen Ann style building from 1895/6
506 Chapala
Art Deco style building from 1930
514-516 Chapala
Victorian Duplex building from 1875/6
625 Chapala
Italianate style building from 1875
*Alexandra Cole, 2003