Daily Archives: March 2, 2016

Additional Roadwork on Storke Road at Highway 101 Starts Tonight

The second phase of the traffic improvements on northbound Storke Road will begin on this evening, Wednesday, March 2.  During this phase, the following improvements will be made:

  • The addition of a second right-turn lane onto the southbound onramp at the US 101 freeway
  • Clearer signage and updated pavement striping
  • Increased visibility, traffic signal modifications and a bike lane for bicyclists. For example, when a cyclist approaches a signal, the no right turn signal will be illuminated so drivers are alerted to the cyclist.
  • Pavement resurfacing

Please use the southbound Los Carneros onramp while these changes are being constructed.

Some lane closures and turn lane restrictions will be in place at various times during this project.

The work will take place during the month of March primarily during the evening hours.  Of course if the March miracle of heavy rain occurs, the work will push into April.

Work is set to begin this evening at the southeast corner of the intersection with the installation of a push button for bicyclists.

The project is being completed in conjunction with Caltrans.

Give Your Input on the North Campus Open Space Restoration Project

The University of California, Santa Barbara has completed a Project Draft of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the proposed North Campus Open Space Restoration Project. The IS/MND is now available for public review and comment and can be downloaded here.

The opportunity to review and comment on the content of the Project Draft IS/MND is open for a 30-day period from Thursday, February 25, 2016 through Monday, March 28, 2016.  Email comments to shari.hammond@planning/ucsb.edu, or send written comments postmarked no later than 5:00 p.m.  Monday, March 28, 2016.

 

You’re Invited to Serve — Parks and Recreation Commission Vacancies

The City of Goleta is currently accepting applications from citizens who are interested in serving on the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission.

The Parks and Recreation Commission discusses the needs, opportunities and current offerings of parks and recreation activities, and advise the City Council on all issues related to parks and recreational opportunities in Goleta.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is composed of seven members and are compensated at the rate of $50 per meeting.  The student commissioner may choose to waive their compensation to receive community service credit.

Two appointments will be made to the Parks and Recreation Commission.  One position is for a student member which is a one year term, the other appointment will be for a general member with the term expiring in February 2017.

Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission holds six regular meetings and may hold additional meetings as needed.

Applications may be obtained from, and must be returned to Deborah Lopez, City Clerk at dlopez@cityofgoleta.org. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

New Mosquito Species to Arrive in Our Community Capable of Carrying Zika Virus

Zika virus has received a great deal of news coverage in recent weeks due to its being suspected of causing microcephaly (undersized head and brain) in newborn infants in Central and South America.  Zika virus, along with other diseases such as dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and yellow fever, is carried and transmitted by certain tropical mosquito species including the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus).  There is no vaccine or specific treatment for these diseases.

Unfortunately, both mosquito species are becoming established in California.   Neither has been found in Santa Barbara County as yet, but they could arrive here at any time.  To date they have been found in parts of 12 California counties, the nearest being Kern and Los Angeles counties.  Eradication efforts have been unsuccessful and long term control techniques are being implemented.  Travelers occasionally return from other countries infected with diseases acquired during their travels.  This raises the possibility of local transmission of Zika virus and other non-native diseases.

Both mosquito species are small and dark colored with bright white markings.  They also bite during daytime and indoors.  Humans are the preferred food for adult females that are looking for a blood meal.  These mosquitoes will breed in any water standing for 10 days or more, usually around human habitation.  The list of potential breeding sites includes buckets, flower pots, old tires, rain barrels, animal watering troughs, neglected swimming pools, fountains, and hot tubs, etc.  A tiny amount of water as shallow as one-quarter inch is enough for them to breed in.  Larvae have been found in items as small as bottle caps and in the folds of tarps that hold water.  Yellow fever mosquitoes will breed indoors in flower vases, plant pots, or other standing water.  These mosquitoes are transported by humans as eggs attached to containers that hold or used to hold water or as adults hitchhiking in cars and other vehicles.

The Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County is planning on increasing surveillance for yellow fever and Asian tiger mosquitoes starting in spring 2016.  However, citizens should report mosquito problems, especially day biting or indoor biting mosquitoes, to the Mosquito and Vector Management District at (805) 969-5050.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes:

•           Eliminate standing water on your property.

•           Repair or replace torn window and door screens.

•           The Mosquito and Vector Management District provides free mosquito fish to stock ornamental ponds, animal watering troughs, and unmaintained swimming pools.

•           Wear an approved insect repellent on exposed skin when mosquitoes become a problem.

•           Wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors between dusk and dawn can protect against native mosquito species capable of carrying West Nile virus.

•           If mosquitoes become a problem where you live or work, call the Mosquito and Vector Management District at (805) 969-5050.

More information is available at the Mosquito and Vector Management District’s website: www.mvmdistrict.org.

This article submitted by Kenneth W. Learned, Operations Manager and District Biologist, Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County.

Parking Restrictions Set for Deltopia

As it did for Halloween, the City is implementing temporary restrictions for on-street parking. Each household in the affected neighborhoods (see map below) will be issued two permits for residents to park on the street during Deltopia. Residents are encouraged to park in their garages or driveways as well. Only vehicles with valid permits will be able to park on the streets in this area from 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2nd through 6 a.m. Sunday, April 3rd. (SHOULD DELTOPIA MOVE TO THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND, THE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE from 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9th through 6 a.m. Sunday, April 10th.)

What area does this program cover? Hollister Avenue to the southern City limit

(generally Whittier Drive), from Cannon Green Drive (including those cul-de-sac streets

on the west side of Cannon Green Drive) to Storke Road.

 

How do I get my permit? Permits will be delivered via U.S. mail before March 26th. If

you do not receive yours, please contact our Neighborhood Services Department at

961-7555 to make arrangements for a replacement.

 

Is there a permit fee? No.

 

What should I do with the permit once I receive it? Each permit has an address and

permit number. Write in the license plate number of the vehicle you plan to park on the

street. Tape the permit to the inside of the driver’s side window by 9:00 a.m. on

Saturday, April 2nd.

 

I have more than two vehicles that need to be parked on the street. Can I obtain

another permit? Yes. Please contact our Neighborhood Services Department at 961-

7555 prior to 5:00 pm on March 31st to make arrangements.

 

Will access to my neighborhood be restricted? Message boards will be placed at

major intersections with entrances to the permit parking area. Law enforcement officers

and tow trucks will be visible during the weekend as these parking restrictions are

enforced. However no road access will be restricted.

 

I have a guest coming into town during this weekend, can they be issued a

permit? No. This program is for our residents-only. Your guest can park in your

driveway and you can use a permit to park your vehicle on the street.

 

My child has an activity at Girsh Park over the weekend, where should I park?

Over 2750 parking spaces are available in the Girsh parking lots and at Camino Real

Marketplace. Please use one of these spaces to avoid having your vehicle towed on

Saturday.

 

A vehicle is parked on my street without a permit, who should I call? Please call

9-1-1 and the dispatcher will take the information and route it to a deputy for action.

 

What if the Deltopia event is moved to the following weekend? If it moves, the

restrictions will be in place from 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9th through 6 a.m. Sunday,

April 10th. 

 

FOR ALL OTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY’S NEIGHBORHOOD

SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 961-7558.

Vehicles without permits will be cited and towed at the owner’s expense.

Thoughts on Where You Can Park Your RV or Where Your Neighbor Can Build?

Your Input on the Zoning Code is Needed!

A well-attended Open House on Saturday, February 27 allowed the public to voice their thoughts about the Zoning Ordinance review, and engage with the Planning and Environmental Review Department, and consultants directly involved in the project.  The City is still interested in hearing from you, and encourages your participation in the review.

A Zoning Ordinance consists of written regulations and laws that define how property in specific geographic zones can be used. These ordinances specify whether zones can be used for residential or commercial purposes, and may also regulate lot size, placement, bulk (or density) and the height of structures. Zoning ordinances are lengthy documents describing not only the acceptable use for specified areas of land, but also the procedures for handling infractions (including any penalties), granting variances and hearing appeals.

When the City of Goleta was incorporated in 2002 it adopted the County of Santa Barbara’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map. In 2006 the City adopted the General Plan (GP)/Coastal Land Use Plan (GLUP). The new Zoning Ordinance is being prepared in order to reflect the new standards of and implement the GP/CLUP and provide continuity (where appropriate) with the present zoning code.

Upcoming Planning Commission Workshops:

Monday, March 14, 2016, 6:00 pm

Monday, March 21, 2016, 6:00 pm

Monday, April 11, 2016, 6:00 pm

Upcoming Open House:

Thursday, April 7, 2016, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm

All meetings will be held in City Council Chambers at 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, CA 93117.

Preparing for Continued Drought Even with Predicted Rain

While everyone is hopeful that El Nino will bring much needed rain, as we enter the remaining few months of the season, the community remains in a severe drought.  The District continues to actively plan and manage for continued drought to ensure sufficient supplies remain available for public health and safety.  This includes extensive conservation rebate programs, active leak and water waste enforcement, and a significant capital program to maintain and enhance the District’s groundwater wells, and make critical improvements to the distribution system to minimize service interruptions.

Goleta Groundwater Basin as a Lifeline

As we enter our fifth year of severe drought, the District’s groundwater basin continues to serve as our lifeline source of supply, and provides assurance that water will continue to be available for drinking, health, and public safety needs.  The majority of water being served to customers this year comes from the Goleta Groundwater Basin.  As such, the District remains vigilant in protecting and caring for this vital asset and will take all necessary steps to ensure its continued health and viability.

Future Drought Planning

While the District actively manages the current drought, the district continues to explore and develop additional alternative water supply options.  A Stormwater Management Plan will identify opportunities to capture rain runoff and recharge the groundwater basin.  A Recycled Water Feasibility Study is looking at how new treatment technologies can expand the use of recycled water beyond the current 1,000 acre feet a year used for irrigation and restroom facilities.  These plans build on previous investments the District has made in its diverse water supply portfolio, and offer additional buffers against future droughts.

Helping Customers Conserve

The District offers customers a number of conservation resources.  Free water checkups are available to check the programming on your sprinkler timer.  Rebates ranging from $750 to $2,000 can fund the replacement of water thirsty plants with waterwise landscaping and efficient irrigation equipment, including greywater systems that reuse indoor water for irrigation.  Customers can also learn about rainwater harvesting techniques that can capture and hold rain for use in your yard at a free workshop on March 3.

 

Rainwater Harvesting 101 – Thursday, March 3

Please join us for a free class featuring information on rainwater harvesting techniques that can save water and money. The class is tomorrow — Thursday, March 3, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue, Goleta

The class includes a PowerPoint presentation with time for participants to ask questions about their specific projects in order to provide real life examples of the principles and practices behind these sustainable systems.

Rebates are available for qualified residential, business, and community customers.  The class will be taught by Sweetwater Collaborative and co-sponsored by Goleta Water District and City of Goleta.  For more information, contact the District at (805) 964-6761, ext 642.

This information provided by the Goleta Water District.