honor and tradition.

Acaloa Artisans is a family owned fabrication studio steeped in a rich history of craftsmanship. Our humble beginnings trace back to our deep roots in Mexico and the Jewish diaspora. We are proud to represent 3 generations of hard working sign makers who care about tradition and heritage. We are also a familia of artists, makers, fabricators, skilled laborers and entrepreneurs. We know Santa Barbara and how to get things done.

Owner Jonathan Castañeda Gallardo Sorgman started working at his father’s sign shop, Signs By Ken, when he was 12 years old. After school he would skateboard to the shop and sand letters by hand. Minimum wage was $5.15 and that’s what he earned. He learned how to work with his hands; how to paint, hand carve, shape wood, operate power tools, and how to be safe. He learned how to work hard and to care. His family instilled the the values of tradition, honesty and compassion. He understands how to work with others, how to climb high on extension ladders and how to make a sign look straight when nothing else does. He cares deeply about creativity, self-expression and supporting the community. 

Jonathan’s father, Ken Sorgman, owned and operated Signs By Ken in Santa Barbara for over 40 years. He was the first sign maker to be invited to sit on the Sign Committee and is currently acting Chair of the Sign Committee. He has extensive knowledge of the Santa Barbara sign ordinance, sign fabrication and is a proud partner of our sign division, Acaloa Signs.

Jonathan’s mother, Elizabeth Castañeda Sorgman, is an award winning architect and worked as a Plans Examiner for the City of Santa Barbara for 17 years as well as being a CASp (Accessibility Specialist). She was the first female president of MEChA Cal Poly SLO and currently consults as our resident designer/interior specialist.

Jonathan’s grandfather, Jose Gallardo, was a sign installer in Guadalajara, Mexico before becoming a master welder for military aircraft in Santa Barbara. His grandmother, Cecilia Castañeda, immigrated from San Nicolás de Ibarra, Mexico and started working in the fields at age 5. She eventually found success working in textiles and established the family in Santa Barbara in the 1950’s. His uncle, Mario “Beto” Castañeda also continues the tradition of hard work and craftsmanship as General Contractor and proud small business owner of MC Construction here in Santa Barbara.