Daily Archives: October 5, 2020

Census Deadline Extended to October 31

Equalitech Expands Hours for Computer Station Access to Complete Census and City Launches ‘Everyone Counts’ Drawing Campaign

The City of Goleta is using the extra time following the announcement on Friday, October 2, that the 2020 Census deadline has been extended to October 31.  The City will use this final month to rally and reach community members who still have not responded.  Currently, the City has a 76% self-response rate which is higher than the 2010 self-response rate of 75%. Thank you to everyone that already completed their 2020 Census. If you are one of those who still hasn’t responded, please do so now either online at My2020Census.gov or by phone by calling 844-330-2020. If you get a visit from a census taker, please cooperate. It’s important you do in order to be counted.  

If you need a place to fill out your census, go to Equalitech which is open every Wednesday in October from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the back of the Goleta Valley Community Center at 5679 Hollister Avenue.  Thanks to support from the Goleta Education Foundation, Equalitech extended its hours to provide more opportunity for residents to use the computer stations inside to complete their census.  Executive Director Danny Fitzgibbons said, “Equalitech continues to provide access to computers and internet to the community during these trying times.  Don’t let access issues stop you from completing the census. Come see us any Wednesday and get a free “Make Goleta Count” swag bag. Bilingual staff are present to help answer questions and guide you to a computer station.” 

The City is getting creative this final month and asking for your creativity as well to keep the “Make Goleta Count” campaign going.  Using the “Everyone Counts” theme, draw a picture, take a photo of it and send it to us at PIO@CityofGoleta.org with the name of the artist, a short explanation of the artwork and how it fits into the theme.  You will be entered into a drawing for several prizes. This contest is open to Goleta residents of all ages.  Submissions must be emailed to us by October 30th.  We can’t wait to see your creations!

Also, a big thank you to everyone who visited us at the Camino Real Marketplace Farmers Market on September 13 and had a chance to pick up some “Make Goleta Count” swag and check out the California Census digital truck.

We hope to see our self-response rate increase and look forward to providing you with an update. We are proud to be a part of the Santa Barbara County Complete Count Committee dedicated to making sure we get a complete count in the 2020 Census.

Pictured: Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover at the Camino Real Farmers Market set-up in front of the California Census digital truck.

Earthquake Preparedness

As if we don’t have enough to worry about these days, unfortunately the threat of an earthquake is always present and it’s important we are prepared. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) recently announced the launch of a public awareness campaign to educate all California residents about California’s innovative earthquake warning system — Earthquake Warning California. The campaign, “Don’t Get Caught Off Guard,” directs Californians to no-cost tools, resources, and information, including the smartphone MyShake App, Android Earthquake Alerts, Government Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), and the earthquake.ca.gov website.

International ShakeOut Day is coming up on October 15. The Great Shakeout earthquake drill occurs globally to provide education and training on earthquake safety, awareness, and protective actions. Here are some important reminders to be sure you are ready.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

It’s important to learn to immediately protect yourself after the first jolt… don’t wait to see if the earthquake shaking will be strong! In MOST situations, you will reduce your chance of injury if you:

  • DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
  • COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand
    • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter
    • If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)
    • Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs
  • HOLD ON until shaking stops
    • Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
    • No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

The main point is to not try to move but to immediately protect yourself as best as possible where you are.

Learn more and register at www.shakeout.org/. Additional information on earthquakes, including resources for people with disabilities, is available at www.earthquakecountry.org/.

The Great ShakeOut follows National Preparedness Month in September, and is another reminder to check on (or create!) emergency kits and go-bags (https://www.ready.gov/kit), discuss emergency travel plans with loved ones, and check your home or place of work for earthquake-related hazards (such as unsecured bookcases and high-hanging fragile or heavy frames and decorations).

Celebrating Halloween in the Era of COVID-19

Like many other things in 2020, Halloween will need to be celebrated differently this year to keep people safe. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is providing guidance on how to take part in this holiday in a manner that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Gatherings of people outside of your household are currently not permitted.  Santa Barbara County is in the Red Tier, which means virus transmission remains substantial. There are many ways to celebrate creatively this year! Some ideas include:

  • Watching Halloween movies at home or virtually with others
  • Halloween movie night at drive-in theaters (that comply with the State Guidance for Movie Theaters and Family Entertainment Centers)
  • Virtual costume party or virtual craft projects
  • Decorate your house or apartment inside and out.

Outdoor alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating include:

  • Trunk or treating: This activity is allowed for the purpose of distributing candy only; no other events are permitted. Follow the safety practice guidelines. Park cars at least 8 to 10 feet apart from each Do not cluster in groups. If lines form, keep people at least 6 feet apart.
  • Car parades: Car parades must comply with Drive-In Event Guidance.
  • Plan a socially distanced costume parade: Place treats where kids can pick them up along the parade route (daytime activity). Alternatively, provide a bag of treats at the end of the Be careful not to allow spectators or crowds to gather at these types of activities.

“Traditional trick-or-treating can be a high-risk activity and alternatives are strongly encouraged this year. We must remain diligent during this holiday season and ensure that we are wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, and avoiding mixing with people that do not live in our household,” shared Van Do-Reynoso, Director for the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

For general questions about COVID-19 and precautions currently recommended by Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, residents may call 211 or visit www.publichealthsbc.org.