Daily Archives: April 29, 2025

Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) Maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) within Santa Barbara County on March 10, 2025. It was CAL FIRE’s first update to the LRA maps since 2009. In accordance with State law, local agencies must adopt and designate updated zones within 120 days.

Community members can visit their local fire department’s website to review the map where they live and share comments. Goleta residents should go to: https://sbcfire.com/

For questions or public comment: FireHazardSeverityZones@countyofsb.org 

Where applicable, local fire departments have also published proposed maps specific to their jurisdictions. These proposed maps incorporate State-designated zones and reflect local knowledge, such as terrain-specific hazards, sundowner wind patterns, and evacuation complexities.

CAL FIRE Released Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps:

Proposed Amendments to LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps:

The State Fire Marshal classifies lands as one of the FHSZ types:

  • Moderate
  • High
  • Very High

Per Government Code, CAL FIRE provides FHSZ Maps for Local Responsibility Areas. The six fire departments of Santa Barbara County with areas updated by the 2025 release of CAL FIRE’s FHSZ Maps for Local Responsibility Areas are:

Under State law, local agencies may not reduce the severity level of hazard zones designated by the State. However, they may raise the hazard classification or include additional areas based on local conditions.

Celebrate Ellwood Mesa’s 20th Anniversary on Saturday, May 17

Watch Video Invite and Join Us for a Day Full of Fun, Nature, and Connection

Ellwood Mesa is celebrating an important milestone and we hope you will mark it with us on Saturday, May 17th! Join us for a fun-filled day where we will gather to honor the heroes of Ellwood’s remarkable past and inspire a new generation of stewards to benefit its future. Whether you helped protect Ellwood decades ago or are just discovering its magic, this event is for you! Come to Ellwood Elementary (7686 Hollister Avenue) at 11am for a Tribute Ceremony, then from 12pm – 4pm enjoy a community celebration with activities across the street at Sperling Preserve. Watch this short video invite with all the details in English and Spanish. 

Decades ago, our community came together to save Ellwood Mesa’s breathtaking open space from imminent development. This extraordinary effort by hundreds of individuals, organizations, and agencies culminated in a creative land swap and purchase, and in 2005 the City of Goleta established the Ellwood Mesa Sperling Preserve. Today, Ellwood provides sanctuary for monarch butterflies and other wildlife, and is a beloved destination for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, surfing, painting, birdwatching, experiencing the natural world, and more.

All events are free. Here is a schedule of activities:

Schedule of Events

8:30 AM: Fun Run – A non-competitive, scenic 5K-ish run through the eucalyptus forest and along the bluffs. Sponsored and organized by the Santa Barbara Half Marathon. Park at Ellwood Elementary, then cross the street. The run starts at Sperling Preserve. 

11 AM: Bike the Bluffs – A community celebration on wheels! This is a family-friendly bike ride from Isla Vista through Ellwood Mesa. We will ride at a slow pace, mostly on trails. Bring your off-road, gravel, or adventure bikes. Sponsored and organized by MOVE Santa Barbara County.

11 AM – 12 PM: Tribute to Ellwood – Past, Present and Future. Hear the inspiring story of Ellwood Mesa by those who helped protect this beautiful sanctuary from development. Tribute will be held at Ellwood Elementary, 7686 Hollister Avenue.

12 PM – 4 PM: Fun & Nature Activities – Join us at Sperling Preserve for fun activities for kids, adults, and the whole community: a guided bird walk, nature journaling, classical music in the grove, kite-flying, scavenger hunt, bubbles, a fire safety discussion and more! 

Freedom Trax Wheelchairs available for Ellwood’s 20th Anniversary
NatureTrack Foundation will be providing 8 Freedom Trax mobility devices to help make the trails more accessible for individuals who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges. Freedom Trax converts a manual wheelchair into an electric, all-terrain device—ideal for exploring natural trails. Reserve a Freedom Trax in advance: Sign up here to use a Freedom Trax

Activities provided by Ellwood Friends, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, Environmental Defense Center, Move Santa Barbara County, NatureTrack, Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council, Santa Barbara Zoo, Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, The Skunk Corner, and Wilderness Youth Project. 

For all the details, visit ellwoodfriends.org.

Other Details

Pedal to the party! Skip the traffic, love the planet—ride your bike to the event! Free bike valet provided by MOVE Santa Barbara County. For those driving, parking will be available in the Sperling Preserve parking lot and Ellwood School parking lot (7686 Hollister Avenue).

Make a day of it! Bring or purchase a picnic lunch and spend May 17 celebrating Ellwood with us!

Enjoy a picnic lunch. Mo’s To-Go is a fully inclusive scratch kitchen where your order supports people with disabilities. They employ a team of dedicated and diverse team members. 10% of each purchase will be donated to Ellwood Friends, and the remainder supports local food justice and job training through Mo’s To Go.

Submit a story. If you have a story about the 1990-2005 campaign to save Ellwood as well as current efforts to enhance the monarch butterfly habitat and ensure Ellwood is safe and accessible for generations to come, send it to ellwoodfriends.org/stories.  View the stories already submitted for inspiration.

This event is not possible without the help of generous sponsors. Thank you to: Appfolio, Patricia Bragg Foundation, Kevin Gleason Fine Art, Santa Barbara Foundation, Sierra Club – Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, Community Arts Music Association of Santa Barbara, eji event co., LegacyWorks, Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation and Santa Barbara Half Marathon.

Activities provided by Ellwood Friends, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, Environmental Defense Center, Move Santa Barbara County, NatureTrack, Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council, Santa Barbara Zoo, Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, The Skunk Corner, and Wilderness Youth Project.

For information on Ellwood Mesa’s 20th anniversary celebration, visit ellwoodfriends.org.

 

CycleMAYnia in Goleta

It’s May, which means CycleMAYnia is here! The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) has a full calendar throughout the month of activities countywide inviting you to “Bike Your Way.” There are a few activities happening right here in Goleta that we don’t want you to miss.

  • Ellwood’s 20th Anniversary Bike Ride
    Saturday, May 17, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Roundtrip Isla Vista Elementary (721 Camino Corto, Isla Vista) to Ellwood Mesa
    Be part of the Ellwood 20-Year Anniversary celebration with this family-friendly bike ride! It will be mainly be on trails; bringing your off road, gravel, or adventure bike is recommended. The ride will be at a slow pace and make stops to enjoy the scenery and discuss how active transportation is imperative to the preservation of the natural environment. Register here.
  • Bike & Buy Local Goleta Old Town
    Saturday, May 24, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at La Hacienda (298 Pine Avenue)
    Bike rides aren’t just about the destination but the bike-friendly places along the way. Before, during, and after: Old Town businesses are here to welcome the bike community. Register here.
  • Mayor’s Ride
    Thursday, May 29, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Old Town Goleta (320 S. Kellogg Avenue)
    Ride along Hollister Avenue in Old Town with elected officials and community members. Learn about Old Town Goleta recent and upcoming bike path projects. View the map here (subject to change).

Information on the Bike Challenge and a calendar of bike month activities is available on the CycleMAYnia website at CycleMAYnia.org.

HISTORY OF CYCLEMAYNIA
Founded in 2009, CycleMAYnia began as a community brainstorming meeting aimed at jump starting a vibrant bike culture here in Santa Barbara County. Inspired by events and programs in other towns, the hope was that by engaging the cycling community directly and bringing them into the fold as collaborators, a dynamic calendar of events could be created and co-managed that celebrates National Bike Month in May. Expanding the reach of cycling to a greater number of riders and connecting to a more diverse demographic brings the joy and benefits of biking to as many people as possible in the greater Santa Barbara area.

Meet Me in Old Town Goleta is Back on May 8th

Community Block Party Series Returns to Bigger Location for 2025

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Goleta, is thrilled for the return of the “Meet Me in Old Town Goleta” block party series. Now in its second year, this free community event is moving to a larger, more accommodating location to welcome even more neighbors, friends, and families.​

The festivities kick off on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 5 to 8 PM on the front lawn of the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). The series continues on June 5 and July 10, promising evenings filled with live music, delicious food, games, and a vibrant community atmosphere.​

Attendees are encouraged to bring their friends and family to enjoy the expanded space, which will feature seating areas, interactive games, and a variety of food and beverage options. Local businesses will participate by offering specials and unique promotions, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore and support the heart of Old Town.​

Event Highlights:

What: Free Community Event (food, beverages, and merchandise available for purchase)

When: Thursdays from 5 to 8 PM on May 8, June 5, and July 10, 2025

Where: Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117

Entertainment:

  • Thursday, May 8 – The Goodlanders
  • Thursday, June 5 – East Valley Road
  • Thursday, July 10 – Equipo Elite

Activities: Live music, local business specials, food trucks, refreshments, games, merchandise, community vendors, and a block party atmosphere​

Parking: Parking for the event is available in the lot behind and next to the Goleta Community Center.

Public Works Week Event

Come to Camino Real Marketplace May 21 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

You are invited to celebrate National Public Works Week (May 18 – 24) with the City of Goleta! Join us Wednesday, May 21, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for a free family-friendly event at the Camino Real Marketplace (7004 Market Place Drive). The kids will love the interactive Touch-A-Truck and other activities we have planned. This is also a great opportunity to get to know the Public Works professionals who are working in your neighborhoods, learn about upcoming projects and ask questions.

The event includes:

  • Interactive activities
  • Equipment show-and-tell including Touch-A-Truck
  • Information tables for the City and our partner agencies
  • Giveaways

Stop by the Public Works table to pick up a Live • Work • Play sticker and use it to get a free cup of coffee at Anna’s Bakery or a free soda from Los Agaves or Mesa Burger. Thank you to our local businesses for partnering with us! #GoodLandGoodShopping

National Public Works Week, sponsored by the American Public Works Association (APWA), is a way to energize and educate the public on the importance of public works to their daily lives: planning, building, managing, and operating at the heart of their local communities to improve everyday quality of life. This year’s theme, “People, Purpose, Presence,” highlights three cornerstone ideals that motivate public works professionals to serve in their communities every day.

We want to thank our Public Works team for always being prepared to respond to natural disasters and emergencies. Their dedication, hard work, and readiness—often under challenging conditions—play a vital role in keeping our community safe and running smoothly. We truly appreciate everything they do, both seen and unseen. Learn more about our Public Works Department here: www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/public-works.

The Public Works team will also be acknowledged with a proclamation at the May 20 City Council meeting. Please join us in thanking them for all they do by coming to the meeting and joining us for the May 21 event. There’s so much happening in the Goleta Public Works Department. We hope to see you later this month!

National Wildfire Awareness Month

Wildfires are a growing threat across the United States, impacting communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure. National Wildfire Awareness Month, observed every May, serves as a vital reminder of the importance of wildfire prevention and preparedness.

Fires can spark from natural causes like lightning or human activities such as unattended campfires and discarded cigarettes. With climate change extending fire seasons and intensifying drought conditions, the risk of devastating wildfires continues to grow.

Wildfire awareness is not just about understanding the risks—it’s about taking meaningful steps to protect lives, homes, and natural landscapes. Whether by volunteering, attending workshops, or making fire-safe choices, every action contributes to a safer future.

How Communities Like Ours Can Prepare

Preparation is key to reducing wildfire damage. Here are some meaningful mitigation steps we can take as community members:

  • Create Defensible Space: Clear vegetation and debris around our homes to slow fire spread. California defines three categories that can impact and slow the spread of a fire.
    • Zone 0 (0-5 feet from your home): Keep this area clear of combustible materials such as mulch, dead plants, debris.
    • Zone 1 (5-30 feet from your home): Remove dead leaves, pin needles and branches. Keep trees trimmed and spaced apart to prevent fire spread.
    • Zone 2 (30-100 feet from your home): Reduce fuel by cutting grass to a maximum height of 4 inches and maintaining proper spacing between shrubs and trees.
  • Follow Fire-Safe Landscaping Practices: Use native and fire-resistant plants with proper spacing. Local resources such as  UCSB’s Firewise Plant Guide and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s “Living with Fire” Program provide valuable landscaping insights.
  • Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency alerts to receive real-time updates on severe weather and wildfire threats. Register for the County’s alerting system, ReadySBC, today.
  • Support Fire Prevention Efforts: Participate in community fire safety programs and advocate for responsible land management.

By working together, we can reduce wildfire risks and build more resilient communities. Let’s use National Wildfire Awareness Month as a call to action and ensure we’re prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Goleta Valley Library May News

Happy May, library patrons! As our relocation phase continues at Goleta Valley Library, we’re pleased to share a few updates with you on how you can receive library services this month.

Book Drops
Book drops are no longer available at 500 N. Fairview. Two of the book drops are now located at the front of Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive) and the entrance to the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) – see photos below. Materials are retrieved and checked in daily Monday-Friday.

Zip Books
Zip Books grant funds remain available to request a title not owned in the Black Gold Cooperative Library System to be sent directly to your home at no cost. Visit the Zip Books webpage to learn more and to place a request.

Holds Pick-Up
Materials can be requested from other Black Gold libraries and picked up on the Bookvan. Plan your visit to our rotating locations in Isla Vista and Goleta. Browse, check out what’s new, get help from library staff, and return materials while you are here.

Programs
We’ve pivoted to an outreach model of service to bring our programs to you! See our full online calendar at goletavalleylibrary.org/calendar. Join us at a program this month:

Senior Happy Hour: Kindness Rocks
Goleta Community Center • Thursday, May 1, 2-3:30 pm
Paint a Kindness Rock with the Senior Happy Hour! Bring a rock or use one that we have to write a message of kindness and hope. All of the supplies are provided in this fun and free craft class. No sign up required.

Writers’ Workshop
Goleta Community Center • Saturday, May 3, 12:30-2 pm
The GVL Writers’ Workshop is open to adults and teens who write in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. The workshop meets on the first Saturday of each month to share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Friday Storytimes – check the calendar to find us

Baby & Me
Fridays, 10-10:30 am
Join Miss Kaeley 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

Wiggly Storytime
Fridays, 10:30-11 am
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
Goleta Community Center • Wednesdays, 2-4 pm
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!

Mystery Book Club
Goleta Community Center • Tuesday, May 27, 5:30-6:30 pm
Join us as we discuss this month’s pick: Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, by Jesse Sutanto

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening at the Library by visiting www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.


Wiggly storytime at a park

Goleta’s Senior Expo is May 21st

Attention all Seniors and caregivers, the City of Goleta is pleased to once again hold a free Senior Expo on Wednesday, May 21st from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). This information packed event is designed to empower seniors, their families and service professionals with valuable resources and information.

“We are excited to host the Senior Expo and provide a vital resource for our community,” said Leonel Mendoza-Diaz, Recreation Supervisor. “Our goal is to connect seniors and their families to opportunities, benefits and resources located throughout the community.”

The Expo will feature a wide variety of organizations and businesses providing informational tables with resources that specialize in senior services. Spanish interpretation will be available throughout the duration of the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Connect with local organizations: Speak directly with representatives from various organizations offering essential services for seniors.
  • Discover valuable resources: Explore a wealth of information on topics such home care, recreation programs, transportation services, food programs and more!
  • Attend informative presentations: Stop by one of the Community Center’s classrooms to listen to short presentations led by experts and professionals in this field.
  • Opportunities for networking: Connect with other seniors in the community and their families, build new friendships, relationships and community.

While attending the Senior Expo, stop by and take a look at the new Senior Lounge that re-opened on April 1, 2025. The Senior Lounge is part of the Goleta Community Center’s (GCC) Senior Program (ages 55+) and is open during current program hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and Friday 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This dedicated space offers members a comfortable and inviting environment to socialize, relax and engage in activities. The Senior Program also includes classes and activities, community resources and information, and 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). For more information go to www.cityofgoleta.org/SeniorProgram.

For questions about the Senior Expo or Senior Program, contact Dori Crolius, Senior Program Technician at dcrolius@cityofgoleta.org.

We hope to see you at the GCC!