Daily Archives: June 10, 2025

Save-the-Date for Goleta’s 2025 Dam Dinner

Mark your calendar for one of Goleta’s favorite traditions – the annual Dam Dinner! Join us Saturday, August 16, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Los Carneros Dam as we celebrate the end of summer.

The Goleta Dam Dinner is a free community event bringing together friends and neighbors. Tables and chairs are set up by the dam with breathtaking views of Lake Los Carneros and the mountains. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food from an onsite food truck. All this while listening to live music from local bluegrass group the Salt Martians

This is a family-friendly event. Kids will love the face-painters and Kona Ice truck. Commemorative Dam Dinner t-shirts will be for sale.

You can enter the Dam Dinner off N. La Patera Lane or Stow House at 304 N. Los Carneros Road. Wear walking shoes and bring a jacket in case it gets windy.

Please do not bring pets, service animals are allowed.

This event can’t happen without the help of our partners. Thank you to the Goleta Valley Historical Society, MarBorg, and Big Hammer Lures.

We hope to see you on August 16 for another great Dam Dinner! Stay tuned for more details.

FREE Summer Meals for Children 18 and Under in Goleta

To make sure that no child goes hungry this summer, the City of Goleta is pleased to partner with the Santa Barbara Unified School District to offer a free summer lunch program at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park (170 S. Kellogg Avenue) to any child under the age of 18. The program will provide a healthy and convenient boxed lunch to any child who shows up, with no need to register or pre-enroll. The only requirement is that the lunch be eaten on site. 

This program provides a critical bridge to children who depend on school lunches throughout the year to meet their nutritional and caloric needs. By providing the summer lunch program within the park, we hope to provide our Goleta children with a safe, active, engaging and free way to spend their summer days. Kids and their families can come enjoy the activities at the park including playground, skate park, basketball, pickleball, and Bankshot courts, as well as the multi-purpose sports field and bike path, and then be able to take advantage of a free healthy and nutritious lunch.

The food program begins Monday, June 16th and runs through Friday, August 8th. Lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Free summer meals will also be available through the Goleta Union School District at the sites below:

  • Ellwood Elementary School (7686 Hollister Avenue)
    Dates: June 11 – July 23, Monday-Friday (closed June 19 and July 4)
    Breakfast: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
    Lunch: 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.

  • Mountain View Elementary School (5465 Queen Anne Lane)
    Dates: June 11 – July 11, Monday-Friday (closed June 19 and July 4)
    Breakfast: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
    Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Food must be eaten on site. Adults may not pick up meals for children.

Beat the Heat – Stay Safe in Extreme Temperatures

As temperatures tend to rise in July, the City of Goleta Emergency Services Division reminds residents to stay alert and take precautions to protect themselves, loved ones, and pets from the dangers of extreme heat. 

Hot weather can be more than just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous, especially for seniors, young children, people with health conditions, outdoor workers, and animals. Taking a few simple steps can help you stay safe. 

Heat Safety Tips: 

  • Stay hydrated: Drink water consistently throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty.
  • Avoid outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest. 
  • Wear light, breathable clothing and use sunscreen when outside. 
  • Keep cool using fans or air conditioning. Visit shaded areas or public cooling spaces if needed. 
  • Check on neighbors and family members, especially those who may need extra help. 
  • NEVER leave pets or children in a parked car — temperatures inside can reach deadly levels quickly, even with windows cracked. 

Let’s work together to keep Goleta community members cool, healthy, and prepared this summer. 

Learn more: Extreme Heat Safety 

Team Goleta Job Opportunities

The City of Goleta is looking for new people to join our team! If you are looking for a fulfilling job where you can give back to your community, we encourage you to apply!

  • Lead Maintenance Worker
  • Maintenance Worker I/II
  • Management Assistant (City Manager’s Office) – New!
  • Principal Civil Engineer
  • Senior Deputy City Clerk – New!

Learn more about each position and how to apply here. Check back regularly for new opportunities.

Welcome New City Commissioners

The City of Goleta is excited to introduce our two newest Commission members to the Parks and Recreation Commission and Public Tree Advisory Commission. Both are LEAD Goleta Community Academy graduates!

Thank you to everyone who applied and congratulations to those selected! Here is a little background on each of them and what drew them to get involved.

Leigh Anne Riedman was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission with a term ending February 1, 2029. Leigh Anne is an avid gardener with a long history of academic research in paleontology, geology, and biology. She has raised four children in Goleta and values the importance of green spaces for families in Goleta.

Leigh Anne brings more than two decades of experience in academic research at higher education institutions and is currently a Step III Assistant Researcher for the Earth Research Institute at the University of California Santa Barbara. She has a BS in Geology and a Minor in Mathematics from Louisiana Tech University, a MS in Geology with an emphasis in Paleontology from the University of California Los Angeles, and a PhD in Geological Sciences with an emphasis in Paleontology from the University of California Santa Barbara.

Leigh Anne is excited to bring her knowledge and academic research experience to serve the Parks and Recreation Commission to help serve and maintain Goleta’s natural beauty and robust Parks and Recreation initiatives.

Hugh Michaels was appointed to the Public Tree Advisory Commission with a term ending February 1, 2029. Hugh is a lifelong gardener and lover of trees who has lived in Goleta since 2008.

Hugh has been an actively involved community volunteer in environmental, peace, and animal shelter positions. He has been a Category Owner for the Planned Parenthood Book Sale for ten years and serves on the board of a local Buddhist group. A certified Master Gardener by the University of Arizona in 2007, Hugh has helped others create and cultivate their gardens and trees starting with his college-era business, No Job Too Nasty.

Hugh brings a diverse background of volunteer service, gardening, landscaping, and fundraising and has a BA in International Studies from Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio. Hugh is focused on engaging with the community as he helps manage Goleta’s urban forest.

To learn more about the City’s Boards and Commissions, and to see available vacancies, please visit www.CityofGoleta.org/BoardsCommissions.

Oversized Vehicle Parking Permits: What You Need to Know

Oversized vehicle parking permits are designed to help residents and businesses manage large vehicles on public streets for short-term purposes such as loading, unloading, or hosting out-of-town guests. These permits allow temporary parking near a residence or business, but with clear limitations and guidelines.

What Qualifies as an Oversized Vehicle?
Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles is considered oversized if it exceeds 25 feet in length, 80 inches in width, or 82 inches in height. If any one of these dimensions is surpassed, the vehicle qualifies as oversized.

Parking Restrictions
According to the Goleta Municipal Code, oversized vehicles may not be parked on residential or commercial streets Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., unless a valid permit has been issued. These rules help maintain street safety and accessibility during business hours.

Permit Duration and Use
Each permit allows parking for two separate periods, each lasting up to three consecutive days. For instance, if you’re preparing for a trip and need to park before and after traveling, one permit covers both periods. Residents can apply for up to 12 permits per calendar year.

Important Limitations
Oversized vehicle permits do NOT authorize the use of vehicles for overnight stays or sleeping under any circumstance.

How to Apply or Report Violations
To apply for a permit or report illegal parking, visit the city’s website and use the online application or City Assist portal to report violations.

For further details you can refer to the municipal code here.

Old Town Businesses Awarded Pride of Place Grant Funding

Council Approved Grants Totaling $120,000 to Support Innovative Projects

The City of Goleta has awarded twenty-two grants totaling $120,000 through its Old Town Pride of Place (POP) Grant Program. These grants will support innovative projects aimed at enhancing the unique character of Old Town Goleta—the City’s historic heart and downtown hub—and drawing more customers and visitors to the area. The Goleta City Council approved the final slate of awards at its May 6 meeting, following recommendations from the Economic Development & Revitalization Committee.

District 2 City Councilmember James Kyriaco said, “These grants are about more than just funding, they are about celebrating and strengthening the small businesses that already make Old Town a special and unique place. The Pride of Place grants are about honoring what’s here and securing that foundation for the future.”

The POP Grant Program attracted an enthusiastic response, with twenty-eight applications submitted during the four-week application window. Proposals collectively requested over $500,000, showcasing the passion and creativity of local business owners committed to enriching Old Town.

The selected projects reflect a wide variety of initiatives aimed at improving aesthetics, driving economic activity, and building community pride. Funded ideas include vibrant public art murals, storefront beautification, artist markets, cultural and community events, fitness and skateboarding competitions, dance classes, and targeted marketing efforts to attract visitors and shoppers to the area.

The recipients include (in alphabetical order): Avellana Dance Studio, Blue Blossoms, Buscaron Biometrics, Carpeteria Carpet One, CopyRightSB, CZ Furniture Solutions, E Salon, Elvira’s Photography and Video, Foster Functional Fitness, Goleta Barbers, Island See & Feed, Latinos Insurance Agency, Liz G Photography, NQ Nails and Spa Services, OTC Coffee dba Old Town Coffee, Paperback Alley, Santa Barbara Aquatics, Santa Barbara Electronics Supply, Skate One Corp. dba Powell Peralta, The Edge Salon & Barbershop, and the Starfish Connection.  

City staff will be working closely with each grant recipient in the coming weeks to finalize agreements and distribute funds. In addition, recipients will receive technical and permitting support as needed to bring their projects to life. To further support grantees’ success, the City is partnering with Women’s Economic Ventures to provide free business coaching and advisory services, ensuring recipients have a clear, strategic plan for effectively utilizing their grant funds.

Congratulations to all the POP Grant recipients. We can’t wait to see the impact your projects are going to have on Old Town Goleta.

For more information on the POP Grant Program awards see the staff report here: https://tinyurl.com/yb3tm85e.

Goleta Child Care Grant Application Open

Apply by June 30th

The Goleta Child Care Grant Program application period is now open! This program is a partnership between the Santa Barbara Foundation and City of Goleta. The intent is to strengthen the child care sector and support the workforce that serves Goleta’s youngest residents. Applicants must be a licensed nonprofit child care provider and be based in the City of Goleta. The grant application period is open through June 30, 2025 – more info and apply here. For an application in Spanish, email bgarcia@sbfoundation.org for assistance.

The Goleta Child Care Grant Program will offer awards of up to $15,000 each, focused on the following priority areas:

  • Child Care Workforce Development – Increasing the number of qualified child care professionals and promoting ongoing skill-building.
  • Sustainable Business Models – Strengthening organizational operations and financial sustainability.
  • Family Engagement – Supporting culturally responsive and inclusive family partnerships.
  • Leadership in Child Care – Advancing equity, inclusion, and strategic responses to local needs.

For more information or to review the guidelines go to the Santa Barbara Foundation’s website or contact Beatriz Garcia at bgarcia@sbfoundation.org.

Background:

The Goleta City Council last December 2024 approved $250,000 in child care funds thanks to revenue from Measure B, a one cent sales tax approved by voters in 2022. The funding was awarded to several child care initiatives to bring more options to residents, help support local families and enhance community well-being. The Santa Barbara Foundation received $50,000 to launch this childcare grant opportunity.

According to the 2024 Santa Barbara County Child Care Facilities Needs Assessment, there is a shortage of 9,371 licensed spaces for children ages 0-5 in the county. Goleta families and providers continue to face rising costs and limited availability, impacting both child development and working parents’ ability to thrive.

Earthquake Readiness and Remembering the 1925 Earthquake

With the 100-year anniversary of the 1925 earthquake coming up at the end of June, now is a good time to prepare for the next big earthquake. Cal OES encourages Californians to take the time now to update their emergency plan, share any emergency preparedness lists with friends and family, and activate advance warnings on their devices to know when to take protective life-saving actions. Many things in life may catch us off guard, but knowing what to do when an earthquake strikes doesn’t have to! Cal OES provides free resources through Earthquake Warning California. These resources include the MyShake app, a free mobile device application that automates alerts before shaking occurs on earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or greater. Learn more at https://earthquake.ca.gov/.

1925 Santa Barbara Earthquake

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake, the community is invited to attend a free, family-friendly street exhibition on June 28 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. on the 1100 block of State Street and surrounding paseos. Enjoy live entertainment, educational exhibits, interactive displays, hands-on workshops, and themed surprises.

Highlights include:

  • Earthquake simulator (experience a 7.0 quake!)
  • Kid zone and history walk
  • Earthquake-themed food and booths
  • Stage events with musicians and storytellers
  • Disaster preparedness info and resources

The 1925 earthquake and its aftermath truly transformed Santa Barbara. After the earthquake, Santa Barbarans rolled up their sleeves and rebuilt in ways that still endow it with a unique urban and architectural character. 

The event is hosted by the EQ25 Alliance—a coalition of local nonprofits, agencies, and residents led by the Santa Barbara Conservancy. More info: https://eq25.org/event-calendar.

Summer Events at Stow House

Rancho La Patera & Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road) is the place to be this summer! Join the Goleta Valley Historical Society for a spectacular event – the 51st Annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July celebration from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy fun family-friendly activities including tractor rides and face painting for kids, listen to live music by the Cadillac Angels and Cliffhangers, browse the wares of local vendors, and dine on delicious eats and drinks from AR Catering, Mony’s and Considered Curbside Coffee.

The Central Coast Vintage Machinery Association, the Model A Club of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society will also be returning this year. And don’t forget to stop by Granny’s Attic, where you’ll find all the vintage items and antiques of your dreams. All sales proceeds benefit the Goleta Valley Historical Society.

Purchase tickets in advance or at the door. More info: https://goletahistory.org/old-fashioned-4th-july/.

Also this summer is the popular Music at the Ranch series which runs Tuesdays July 15 – August 19 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs and head over for an outdoor concert (line-up below). You can bring your own food or purchase from the onsite food trucks.

Music at the Ranch Summer Concert Series Line-Up

  • July 15 – Out of the Blue
  • July 22 – Tony Ybarra
  • July 29 – Salty Strings
  • August 5 – Mezcal Martini
  • August 12 – Doublewide Kings
  • August 19 – Spencer the Gardener

Learn more at https://goletahistory.org/music-at-the-ranch/.


Photo from Music at the Ranch 2024