Daily Archives: March 3, 2025

March is Women’s History Month

Please join the City of Goleta in recognizing Women’s History Month this March.

Women’s History Month is an annual observance that recognizes the vital role women have played in shaping our history and society. Originating from International Women’s Day in the early 20th century, it became a formal celebration in the United States in 1987, following a petition by the National Women’s History Project.

Women’s History Month is not just about celebrating the successes of the past but also acknowledging the struggles and challenges women have faced and continue to face today. From the fight for equal rights to ongoing battles for representation and equity, the journey has been long and often difficult.

To learn more about the rich social, political, and cultural impact of women in history, make sure you check out the Goleta Valley Library in-person Women’s History display and explore the library’s online catalog throughout the month of March.

Let’s embrace this month with enthusiasm and gratitude for the women who have shaped our history and continue to influence our present and future. Together, let’s make history by sharing our stories and inspiring each other every day!

CHP Officer Ayala Recognized for Heroic Efforts

California Highway Patrol Officer Ricardo Ayala is a hero in our books. The first responder was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Goleta at the February 18 City Council meeting for his bravery following a small plane crash on January 29.

While conducting a routine enforcement stop on the 101 near Los Carneros in Goleta, Officer Ayala heard an explosion followed by a small plane crashing near Glen Annie Road. He immediately rushed to the crash site, hopped a chain link freeway perimeter fence, sprinted towards the burning plane and pulled the injured pilot from the wreckage. As they pulled a few yards from safety, flames engulfed the plane.

Captain Michael Logie, Ayala’s commanding officer, said “I’m very proud of him, the moment and the acts that he did, without even thinking, just responding and reacting based on his training, who he is as a person, to go and save two people’s lives.”

After a standing ovation from the City Council and members of the public at the meeting, CHP Officer Ayala’s humble nature shone through, “Thank you all. I was just doing my job,” he said.

All of City Council had the opportunity to thank CHP Officer Ayala for his actions. “I bet you think you’re not a hero, but we know you are,” said Mayor Perotte. “You’re my hero. You’re our hero.”

Thank you, CHP Officer Ayala, for your selflessness and dedication. You are a shining example of what it means to serve and protect.


Officer Ayala with the Goleta City Council (pictured left-to-right): Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Mayor Paula Perotte, Officer Ricardo Ayala, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3) and Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1)


Captain Logie speaking about Officer Ayala

United Way Offers Free Tax Services for Qualifying County Residents

Fridays at the Goleta Community Center

United Way is celebrating the launch of the 13th annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax filing services to local qualifying residents throughout Santa Barbara County. Households making $67,000 or less can visit a participating location through April 15th to have their taxes prepared and filed for free.

The VITA program will operate at sites throughout the county (address and times below), including the Goleta Community Center, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Public Library’s Eastside Branch, and Santa Barbara City College. Program volunteers are IRS-certified tax preparers, and can help households prepare, and electronically file their tax returns. VITA volunteers can also assist with Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) applications and renewals.

For questions about the VITA program, to learn more about becoming a volunteer, or to find other program details, please contact United Way at 805-965-8591 or visit www.unitedwaysb.org/VITA.

2025 Tax Preparation Sites:

Goleta Community Center
Fridays | 9am-12pm; 1-4pm
5679 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA 93117

United Way of Santa Barbara County
Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 1-4pm (AARP)
Saturdays | 9am-1pm
320 East Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101

Santa Barbara Public Library – Eastside Branch
Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 4-7pm
1102 E Montecito St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

SBCC Schott Center
Mondays & Wednesdays | 4-7pm
310 W Padre St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (Room 20)

UC Santa Barbara
Saturdays | 10am-3pm
UC Santa Barbara, Phelps Hall**, Room 1517
*No service Mar 22 & 29
**Feb 15 & Mar 15 Program Located in North Hall

Please visit www.unitedwaysb.org/VITA for up-to-date site information, required documentation and information to bring, and other program details.

Buellton Library Grand Opening

The Buellton Library has officially opened its doors at the historic Willemsen property (202 Dairyland Rd)! The Grand Opening held on Saturday, February 8th drew a lively crowd eager to explore the new space. Former Buellton Mayor and current President of the Friends of the Buellton Library, Holly Sierra, joined current Mayor David Silva and City Manager Scott Wolfe in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

On February 7th Mayor Paula Perotte and Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) attended the preview night hosted by the Friends of the Buellton Library and enjoyed exploring the beautiful new facility that will serve generations to come.

Neighborhood Services Director JoAnne Plummer and City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo were also in attendance on Friday and at the historic event on Saturday, which was filled with activities for all ages. The City of Buellton Parks & Recreation team and the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum provided an array of games and family-friendly activities for visitors of all ages that included bounce houses, lawn games, badminton, and even a giant dinosaur puzzle! The Friends of the Buellton Library held a successful book sale to build a community of members and to support the library’s future goals. Inside the library, children enjoyed a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts stations, and catching up with the friendly Buellton Library team, who issued over 50 new library cards.

Congratulations to the Buellton community on the successful launch of the gorgeous new library! We are excited to see all the wonderful and engaging programming to come.

The Solvang and Buellton Libraries are a part of the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Library System, which is managed by the City of Goleta. The City of Goleta first took over direct management of the Goleta Valley Library on July 1, 2018, and subsequently the Santa Ynez Valley libraries—including the Solvang and Buellton Libraries—on July 1, 2019.

Photos from the Grand Opening event:


Former Buellton Mayor Holly Sierra and current Mayor David Silva cut the ribbon to officially open the newly relocated and renovated Buellton Library


Pictured left-to-right: Ethan Bertrand, City of Buellton Mayor David Silva, City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, and City of Buellton City Manager Scott Wolfe holding a Certificate of Recognition


Patrons exploring the new library location

Above: Community members gathered outside the library at the Grand Opening

March Programming at Goleta Valley Library

Programs for all ages abound each week at the library this month. Although this is our last month of service at Fairview before closing for temporary relocation during construction, there are many opportunities to engage and connect while supporting your local library. Programming will be offered while we move from April through June and at our temporary site – stay tuned for a full calendar coming soon!

Special Events

Craftapalooza Part 2
Saturday, March 15, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Crafters: go wild! The only limit is your imagination as you get to use all of the craft supplies from the Goleta Valley Library to create and imagine with limitless possibilities! All ages welcome, all supplies provided.

Friends of the Library: Big Book Sale!
Saturday, March 22nd from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 23rd from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library invite community members to their big book sale in the Community Room in preparation for the library’s upcoming move. Browse a selection of donated books, puzzles, calendars, DVDs, CDs, sheet music, and cards. Come support your local library!

Recurring Events

Writers Workshop         
Saturday, March 1, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.            
A monthly gathering for writers to share work, exchange feedback, and discuss the tools of the trade.

Senior Happy Hour       
Thursday, March 6, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.              
Make spring flowers out of felt at this month’s Senior Happy Hour.  We will create colorful felt blooms that you can use to decorate a box or package or fill a vase.  All supplies provided.

Mystery Book Club       
Tuesday, March 25, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
This month’s pick is the Agatha Christie classic, And Then There Were None.  Description from publisher: “1939. Europe teeters on the brink of war. Ten strangers are invited to Soldier Island, an isolated rock near the Devon coast. Cut off from the mainland, with their generous hosts Mr. and Mrs. U.N. Owen mysteriously absent, they are each accused of a terrible crime. When one of the party dies suddenly they realize they may be harboring a murderer among their number. The tension escalates as the survivors realize the killer is not only among them but is preparing to strike again… and again…”

Wiggly Wednesdays
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for storytime with Miss Nicole! We’ll do a short story, songs, a dance party, and bubbles. Best for ages 15 months-5 years old.

Goodland Yarn Works
Wednesdays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
This fun group knits and crochets useful items for local and national charities. If you know how to knit or crochet, this group is for you! No registration required. Join us for fun and friendship!

Homework Help
Thursdays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Kindergarten – 6th grade students can receive free, one-on-one help with their homework after school at the library. Service is provided on a drop-in basis, so no appointment is needed ahead of time. Our volunteer tutors are excited to help our local students succeed this school year.

Baby & Me Storytime
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, lap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play. This calm program has a focus on bonding with your child and building community. Best for ages 0-12 months / pre-walkers.

Tech Tutoring
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesdays from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Are you looking for more information about GVL’s online resources? Do you need assistance with your electronic or mobile device? All you have to do is fill out the form below and one of our friendly staff will reach out to meet your needs! You will be contacted by a staff member to schedule a 30-minute in-person appointment at the library. 

For a full calendar of events and to stay informed about what’s happening at Goleta Valley Library, go to www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Zip Book Program Resumes

Beloved Program Boosts Access to Titles at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries

Zip Books are back! The popular program allows patrons with a Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card in good standing to request books or audiobooks to be mailed directly to their home from Amazon. Zip Books are purchased with grant funds made available through the California State Library. For the 2024/2025 fiscal year period, the City of Goleta’s Library Services Division was awarded $15,327 in California Library Services Act funds to purchase books in print, large print, and audiobook CD formats.

Sharon Nigh, Library Assistant and Zip Books Coordinator, said, “The Zip Books program is a well-loved resource because it helps patrons access the books they want, even if they are not currently in our collection.”

To be eligible for the Zip Books Program, requests must meet these criteria:

  • Title is not already owned by the Goleta Valley Library, Solvang Library, Buellton Library, Bookvan, or other Black Gold Cooperative member libraries.
  • Title must be available from Amazon or an Amazon bookseller for less than $50 in Print or Large Print formats, or less than $75 in Book on CD format.
  • Requests are limited to two books per household per month.
  • If the requested title is already in the Black Gold system, a courtesy hold will be placed on the item.

A recent update to the program is that Zip Books now have a due date of three months from the date they are requested. When you’re finished with your Zip Books, simply return them to your home library in-person at the service desk so that they can be checked in. Please note that Zip Books returned in the book drops will not be checked in and the cost of unreturned Zip Books will be charged to borrowers’ accounts. The library welcomes returns of Zip Books from prior program years, as well.

The Zip Books Request Form is available here. You’ll surely fall in love with this great program!

Questions may be sent to zipbooks@cityofgoleta.org. Explore GoletaValleyLibrary.org for up-to-date information about our services, programs, and events.

This Project is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

New Senior Lounge Opening at Goleta Community Center

Community Members 55+ Encouraged to Join the City’s Senior Program

A new Senior Lounge will be opening soon (by April 1, 2025) at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). Now is a great time for interested residents 55 and above to enroll in the Senior Program and take advantage of its many offerings – you do not have to be a resident of Goleta to join and participate in the Senior Program. The refinished open-concept Senior Lounge room is being upgraded with new furnishings, a television, and more. The room will host scheduled activities such as Gentle Movement and Chair Yoga, along with open hours for reading, crafts, games, and socializing.

Recreation Supervisor Leonel Mendoza-Diaz who oversees the Senior Program said, “The lounge will provide a brand-new space for our senior community to come together in a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. We can’t wait to see you there.”

Among its many highlights, the Senior Program has over 100 participants who partake in classes and activities such as dance, music, and fitness. Program participants can also find information on counseling, transportation, and other community resources. Last but not least, there is also a nutrition program providing a free healthy lunch daily at the GCC (you do not need to be a member of the Senior Program to participate in the nutrition program).

Community members interested in joining the Senior Program must complete a one-time enrollment form located online or in person at the GCC front office and pay an annual membership fee of $25. The program is open Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. City staff are onsite during open hours to assist participants with registration, programming, and services.

Learn more about the Senior Program on the City’s website here. For more information, please contact Dori Crolius, Senior Program Technician at dcrolius@cityofgoleta.org.

Goleta City Council Meetings Now on YouTube

Watching City Council meetings is now easier than ever before. You can now watch the meetings live and recorded on the City’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/cityofgoleta1). Even better, when viewing a previously recorded meeting, there is the capability to add auto-generated closed captions or Spanish-language captions in video playback, offering even more ways to access the content.

City Clerk Deborah Lopez said, “We are so pleased to provide a way for people to easily watch our meetings from their home or on the go. With so many people already familiar with YouTube, this was an easy way to complement our existing platforms. We hope more people will watch our City Council meetings and feel more engaged with the City.”

Other ways to watch Goleta City Council meetings? In person in City Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive), via Zoom, Goleta TV Channel 19, and the City’s website (www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas).

City Council Meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. An upcoming schedule can be found on the City website here. Sign up to receive a meeting agenda sent to you via email or text here: https://tinyurl.com/y36ervg4.

We encourage the public to check out our Goleta City Council meetings on YouTube with the next meeting Tuesday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Business Burglary Prevention Tips

Book Appointment with CRD Worden for Free Assessment and Review Burglary Prevention Tips

The City of Goleta would like to remind Goleta business owners and community members that the City’s Community Resource Deputy (CRD) is available to provide free assessments to Goleta businesses to help deter burglaries. Goleta business owners can book an appointment with CRD Connor Worden to receive an onsite inspection and personalized tips. Deputy Worden will come to your business and provide tips on what the business can do to improve employee safety and prepare against burglaries and robberies in this free assessment.

The City of Goleta partnered with the Goleta Police Department to publish a brochure that provides information on how to book an assessment and includes important tips for businesses such as what to do to avoid a robbery, what to do if a robbery occurs, proper design recommendations and video surveillance advice. The brochure is available to pick up at the Sheriff’s substation at the Camino Real Marketplace (7042 Marketplace Drive) and Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive). You can also download the brochure with the full list of tips here.

Goleta business owners who want to schedule a free assessment with CRD Worden, please call (805) 729-5240 or email crw5576@sbsheriff.org.

Thank you to the Goleta Police Department for providing this great resource.

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.

Spring and Flood Safety Month

As spring approaches, Southern California undergoes a breathtaking transformation with blooming flowers and vibrant greenery. However, this season also brings unpredictable weather patterns and potential flood risks. Here are some essential flood safety tips from the City of Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Jason Levy to keep you and your loved ones safe this spring:

Understanding the Risks

Southern California’s geography, coupled with occasional intense rainfall, increases the likelihood of flash floods and mudslides. Being aware of these risks is the first step in staying safe. Monitor local weather reports and be vigilant during heavy rainstorms.

Prepare in Advance

  • Create an Emergency Kit: Ensure your kit includes essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents in a waterproof container. Learn more about how to build your own kit here.
  • Know Your Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with local routes and have a plan in place in case you need to leave your home quickly. Learn more about how to create a plan here.

Stay Informed

  • Sign Up for Alerts: Register for local emergency alerts to receive real-time information about severe weather and flood warnings. The County’s central alerting tool is Ready SBC, sign up today.
  • Keep Updated: Follow local news channels, and consider installing weather apps on your mobile devices for instant updates.

During a Flood

  • Avoid Floodwaters: Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and one foot of water can sweep a vehicle away.

  • Move to Higher Ground: If floodwaters are rising around your home, seek higher ground or move to an upper floor if evacuation isn’t possible.

After the Flood

  • Wait for Official Clearance: Only return home when authorities have declared it safe to do so.
  • Inspect Your Property: Check for structural damage and be cautious of potential electrical hazards. Document any damage for insurance purposes.

Community Resilience

By working together and supporting one another, we can enhance our community’s resilience to floods. Participate in local emergency preparedness programs and share these tips with your neighbors.

Let’s enjoy the beauty of spring while staying safe and prepared for whatever weather may come our way.