Daily Archives: February 28, 2024

Sundays at the Ranch

Spend your Sundays at the Ranch. Join the Goleta Valley Historical for a free community event every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Rancho La Patera & Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road). Fun for the whole family! Interact with the barnyard animals (goats and chickens), take a tractor ride, enjoy the outdoors, even bring a picnic.

On the first Sunday of the month, stay afterwards (2:00 – 4:00 p.m.) for a free concert. Check the website for details: https://goletahistory.org/sundays-at-the-ranch/.

You can also check out the Museum Store and Visitors Center which is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Find out more about the Goleta Valley Historical Society and all their great events at https://goletahistory.org/.

March 5 is the Presidential Primary Election

March 5 is the last day to vote in the Presidential Primary election. Ballots may be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day, March 5), returned in person to one of Santa Barbara County’s three election offices (locations listed below), to any polling place on Election Day or to an official ballot drop box.

County Elections has 30 secure ballot drop boxes in various locations throughout the County. Drop boxes are available 24 hours a day until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, March 5. A list of drop box locations in Santa Barbara County is included with the ballot and posted on the website at www.SBCVote.com.

  • Ballots may also be returned to the County Elections offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc or to a polling place on Election Day before 8 p.m.
  • Voters may mail their ballot with no postage required, postmarked by Election Day, March 5, in the preprinted return envelope provided with the ballot. The Postal Service advises voters to mail their ballot early to allow time for it to arrive at the Elections Office.

Voters must sign the ballot envelope. The signature on every returned voted ballot envelope will be compared to the signature on the voter’s registration card before it is counted.  If a voter thinks that their signature has changed over time, they should contact the Santa Barbara Registrar of Voters at 800-722-8683 or re-register online at www.registertovote.ca.gov. The DMV signature may be utilized with online voter registration.

Santa Barbara County Elections Offices are open Monday through Friday and located at:

  • Santa Barbara Elections Main Office (4440-A Calle Real) – 8 AM to 5 PM.
  • Santa Maria Elections Branch Office (511 Lakeside Parkway, Ste. 134) – 8 AM to Noon and 1 PM to 5 PM beginning February 5.
  • Lompoc Elections Branch Office (401 E. Cypress, Suite 102) – 8 AM to Noon and 1 PM to 5 PM beginning February 29.

All three election offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc are available to assist with registering to vote, updating a voter’s registration, and obtaining voter-related materials. In addition, the offices offer services for those with disabilities.

Santa Barbara County Elections can be reached at SBCVote.com or by calling 800-722-8683.

March Observances

The City of Goleta wants to spotlight some of the awareness days and campaigns this month. These align with the City’s commitment to fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.

Women’s History Month:

  • Congress designated the month of March as Women’s History Month in 1987. The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.

International Women’s Day – March 8

  • International Women’s Day is a global day that has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. The day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme for 2024 is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

Development Disabilities Awareness Month

  • Each individual, regardless of their abilities, has the right to be respected, embraced, and provided with opportunities to thrive. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month serves as a profound reminder of these principles, emphasizing the value, rights, and aspirations of those with developmental disabilities.

Employee Appreciation Day – March 1

  • First created in 1995, the event is celebrated the first Friday in March each year. It focuses attention on employees in all industries and is an opportunity for employers to give thanks or recognition to their employees.

Ramadan – March 10 – April 9

  • Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, the holy month of fasting, and the most important month of the Islamic calendar. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon and the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset.

Deaf History Month – March 13 – April 15

  • Deaf History Month is an awareness month for the deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in the U.S. first designated in 2006 by the American Library Association and the National Association of the Deaf. The month celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of people who are deaf or hard of hearing and raises awareness for the Deaf community. 

Easter – March 31 (Good Friday March 29)

  • Easter marks one of the holiest day in the Christian calendar. The holiday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Easter bunny and Easter eggs originated as pagan symbols of spring and rebirth. Over the centuries, the two traditions have merged together to become what some celebrate today.

Cesar Chavez Day – March 31

  • A U.S. federal commemorative holiday proclaimed by President Obama in 2014. The holiday celebrates the birth and legacy of the civil rights and labor movement activist Cesar Chavez on March 31 every year.

Join us as we come together to make a positive impact in our community! Let’s learn, acknowledge, and honor various cultural and awareness observances each month, creating a more inclusive and welcoming Goleta for all.

Together, we can make a difference!

City Staff Receive Pins for Milestone Years of Service

Congratulations to a group of City of Goleta staff who received pins and certificates for milestone years of service at the Mayor and Council Staff Appreciation Breakfast on February 22, 2024. There were 17 five-year pin recipients, three ten-year pins to Current Planning Manager Lisa Prasse, Office Specialist Francie Townes, Supervising Senior Planner Kathy Allen, and one historical, first-ever 20-year pin recipient given to City Clerk Deborah Lopez.

If you are looking for a rewarding career with the City of Goleta, we are always looking for outstanding people to join our team! See openings at www.CityofGoleta.org/Jobs.

Pictured above: City Clerk Deborah Lopez with her 20-year certificate


Five-Year Pin Recipients


10-Year Pin Recipients, pictured left-to-right: Current Planning Manager Lisa Prasse, Office Specialist Francie Townes, Supervising Senior Planner Kathy Allen


City Council at the event, pictured left-to-right: Councilmember Kyle Richards, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Pro-Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), and Councilmember Stuart Kasdin

Free Homework Help Available at Goleta Valley Library

Students in grades K-6 can stop by the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue) every Thursday afternoon from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for free, one-on-one help with their homework! Knowledgeable and encouraging teen volunteer tutors meet with students to provide assistance with assignments in a variety of subjects. All tutoring sessions are provided on a drop-in basis, so there’s no need to call ahead to make an appointment.

For academic support around the clock, visit the Online Learning & Resources page of the library website to access Brainfuse HelpNow, an online resource that provides many tools to support student success.

HelpNow’s features include:

  • Homework Help: Interact with live tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests.
  • Skills-Building: Choose your topic to receive real-time help.
  • Personalized eLearning Tools: My File Sharing, My Session Replay, My Tutoring Archive, My Tests Archive, and more!
  • 24-Hour Writing Lab: Submit essays and other forms of writing for constructive feedback.
  • Homework Send Question: Submit homework questions for expert guidance.
  • Adult Learning Center: Access a library of rich adult learning content (GED) and live, professional assistance in resume/cover letter writing, U.S. citizenship prep, MS Office Essential Skills Series, and more!
  • Foreign Language Lab/Spanish-Speaking Support

Goleta Valley Library is here to help our local students finish the school year with success!

Community Garden Plots Still Available

Now is the time to put in your application for a plot in the City’s new Community Garden at Armitos Park. There are only a handful of plots remaining so don’t hesitate if you want to secure a spot. A lottery was held for those who turned in their application before the February 15, 2024, deadline. The garden has space for 50 plots (40 small and 10 large). Community members can still apply for the remaining plots on a first come first served basis. After all plots are accounted for, a waiting list will be started (capped at 25).

The Community Garden is located in the undeveloped area of Armitos park, south of the playground. In addition to the 50 garden plots, there will be a picnic area with a pizza oven, a gathering/education area, tool sheds and more. Construction is expected to be completed in early spring.

The project includes a new playground for 5–12 year-olds, with the addition of swings, sand features and music elements. Once open, the San Jose Creek Multi-Purpose Path adjacent to Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park will extend to Armitos Avenue, connecting the two parks and providing more connectivity throughout Goleta. A Splash Pad is currently under construction at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park with hopes of opening in time for summer.

The cost for a garden plot is $120/year with a $25 refundable security deposit. The annual rate can be paid in one lump sum, quarterly or monthly installments. Fees are due at the time of application.

Learn more and apply at www.CityofGoleta.org/ArmitosPark. For questions related to the project or the application process, please email communitygarden@cityofgoleta.org.

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Saucedo Promoted to City Librarian

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce that a familiar face is now the new City Librarian for the Goleta Library Zone System which includes the Goleta Valley Library, Solvang and Buellton branches, and the Book Van, and represents Goleta in the Black Gold Cooperative Library System. After a comprehensive hiring search, the City promoted Supervising Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo to this top leadership position.

City of Goleta’s Neighborhood Services Director, Jaime Valdez, said “Elizabeth is the perfect choice for this position. She possesses a unique combination of expertise and experience with our treasured library, is highly respected by our wonderful staff, and has a deep commitment to providing excellent customer service to our patrons.” 

Elizabeth Saucedo said she is honored to have been selected. She said, “Libraries play an essential role in their communities by bringing people together and connecting them with important resources that enrich their lives. The opportunity to lead the fantastic team at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries in providing these programs and services to our valued patrons is an incredible honor. I look forward to this exciting next chapter!”

Elizabeth has been with the Goleta Valley Library for over five years. She began as the Children’s Librarian in 2018, leading many of the library’s popular programs including the annual Summer Reading Program, storytimes for early learners, and classroom field trips for local schools. In early 2022 she assumed the role of Interim Supervising Librarian before taking over the position full time in May 2023, where she has overseen the daily operations, staffing, and collection needs of the library.

The City Librarian role is the new classification for the former Library Director title that was last held by Allison Gray, who retired in March 2023 after 15 years of service to the Goleta Valley Library.  Interim Library Director Diane Satchwell has assumed the position during the transition and will continue to stay on as Executive Extra Help—Retired Annuitant to assist with the transition.

Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth on this exciting promotion!

Goleta’s Housing Element 2023-2031 Receives State Certification

The City of Goleta has a Housing Element for the next eight years. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (State HCD) determined the City of Goleta’s Housing Element 2023-2031 meets all statutory requirements and substantially complies with State housing element law. Following notification from the State by letter on February 5, 2024, Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet publicly announced the State’s certification at the Goleta City Council meeting last night, February 6, 2024. A link to the letter from the State is here: http://tinyurl.com/5n6mbw7c.

City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “I want to thank our staff, the Council and the community for putting us in a place to have a certified Housing Element.”

Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín said, “We extend our appreciation to staff, who have worked countless hours over a long period of time to get us here and we rightfully acknowledge the participation of our community in this process. This is a planning document and we needed the state certification. While this in many ways only the beginning of the process, it’s an important milestone.”

The Goleta City Council adopted the City’s Housing Element 2023-2031 on December 5, 2023, as recommended by the Planning Commission. It included the rezoning of eleven sites to accommodate Goleta’s share of the regional housing need, as mandated by the State. The City subsequently submitted it to the State HCD for a 60-day review period.

The City is now in the process of implementing the state-certified Housing Element to maintain and improve existing housing supply and expand housing-related resources for the benefit of the community.

For more information on the City’s Housing Element Update project, go to https://CityofGoleta.org/HousingElement. If you have any questions about the project, please email City staff at HousingElement@cityofgoleta.org. For inquiries in Spanish, please contact Marcos Martinez, Spanish Engagement Specialist, at (805) 562-5500 or mmartinez@cityofgoleta.org.

February Storms Recap

City of Goleta Thanks Public Works Team and First Responders

Considering the recent storms we have experienced, let’s take a moment to express our gratitude to the Goleta Public Works Team, Caltrans, first responders, and everyone who was a part of keeping our community safe before, during and after the storm.

The City of Goleta was in constant communication with Santa Barbara County’s public safety officials. Goleta Public Works worked rotating schedules to work around the clock and have reserves available for any emergencies. Additional support came from General Services, Neighborhood Services, Finance, Planning, City Manager’s Office, and the City Attorney.

This is a good reminder to sign up for information from both Santa Barbara County and the City of Goleta. Register for County emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org. This is how you will be notified during an emergency. If the emergency impacts Goleta, the City of Goleta will send emergency notifications through its email/text message notification system – sign up to receive our City emergency info here. 

Learn more about winter storm preparedness, including sandbag locations in Goleta, knowing your flood risk, and more, on the City website here.

Pictured: Tree down on Storke Road, February 4, 2024

 

Green Room: Are You Ready for the Rainy Season? 

The City of Goleta Environmental Services Division would like to share some tips to help protect our watersheds during the rainy season. As storms approach, let’s stop water pollution and keep our storm drains and creeks clean! Winter rains produce stormwater runoff which is rain that does not soak into the ground and flows over land and other surfaces. Stormwater runoff can carry trash and pollutants into storm drains, which flow directly to creeks, rivers, and the ocean without any treatment. The trash and chemicals in the runoff pose a threat to wildlife and water quality.  

Remember “only rain down the drain.”  

If you observe stormwater concerns such as trash, illegal dumping, or any fluid with a visible sheen, odor, or color entering the storm drain within the City of Goleta, Report water pollution within the City of Goleta to environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org. Hazardous Materials Spills should be reported to 911. Sanitary sewer (wastewater) spills should be reported to the Goleta Sanitary District (805-967-4519) or Goleta West Sanitary District (805-968-2617) immediately.  

Here are some great ways to keep storm drains clear of trash and pollutants:  

  • Keep trash and recycling cans tightly covered to prevent litter from being blown away during storms. 
  • Take your car to a commercial car wash prior to the first rains. 
  • Do not drain or pour any automotive fluid onto the street or into a storm drain. 
  • Sweep dirt out of curbs and into landscaping to prevent it from entering storm drains. 
  • Adjust your sprinklers to prevent over-watering and prevent water from draining onto paved surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks. 
  • Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers before a rain event or within: 
  • 5 feet of pavement 
  • 25 feet of a storm drain 
  • 50 feet of a water body 
  • Compost leaves and yard clippings. 
  • Always pick up after your pet. 

For more information on how you can help protect our watersheds, check out our Homeowner’s Guide in English and Spanish.