Daily Archives: July 31, 2025

DRB Hearing for Proposed New Church Development

August 12 at 3:00 p.m.

The City of Goleta’s Design Review Board will be conducting a Conceptual Review of a proposed new church development on August 12, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. The property owner, Christ Lutheran Church (CLC) has submitted a proposal to split the property located at 6595 Covington Way Goleta, into two lots to allow the construction of a new church and associated improvements for Anthem Chapel (AC). The meeting will be held in person at Goleta City Hall Council Chambers 130 Cremona Drive and via the Zoom platform (link available in agenda). The public may also view the meeting on Goleta TV Channel 19 and/or online at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas. The agenda will be posted in advance of the meeting on the City website.

The proposed project description includes the following:

  • Subdivision of the existing 3.423-acre lot into two (2) parcels.
    • Parcel 1 is proposed to be 0.881 acres and would be the site of the existing CLC facilities including the sanctuary, parking lot, and accessory structures.
    • Parcel 2 is proposed to be 2.542 acres and support the AC facilities, described below.
  • A new agrarian-style 2-story 22,038 SF church for AC is proposed with sanctuary/assembly area, classrooms, daycare/preschool, offices and associated uses, exterior patios, play yards and passive recreation areas.
  • A 125-space parking lot including 7 ADA, 6 EV parking spaces, and 25 EV ready spaces.
  • Short and long-term bicycle parking and charging stations.
  • Restoration of on-site ESHA Monarch buffer area.
  • New perimeter walls and fences.
  • New trash enclosure.
  • Modification of existing driveway apron and proposal of new driveway entrance on Los Carneros Road.
  • Associated lighting and landscaping.

Additionally, as part of the proposal, adjustments to various development standards are proposed, pursuant to Section 17.59.040 of the Goleta Municipal Code as follows:

Lot 1: Adjustments (CLC)

  1. Request to provide less than a combination of 50% shading for the Heat Island Effect to 22%, pursuant to the Municipal Code Section 17.38.110(J).
  2. Request relief to not providing charging for one required electric bicycle parking space, pursuant to the Municipal Code Section 17.38.090(C).
  3. Request to have the existing modular classroom continue to extend 5 feet into the rear setback abutting new Lot 2 (Anthem).
  4. Request relief from the requirement for a separate loading space, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.100(A).
  5. Reduction to the number of parking spaces from 43 to 41, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.070.
  6. Fewer than 1 tree/4 parking spaces, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.110(K). For 43 spaces, the project requires 11 trees, and the applicant is proposing a total of 10.

Lot 2: Adjustment and Request for Reduction (AC)

  1. Request to exceed the maximum height of the RS zoning district from 25-feet to 31-feet, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.07.030.
  2. Request to reduce Monarch Butterfly ESHA buffer setback from 100-feet to 50-feet, pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.38.180(C2).

Proposed building material facades for the new church building include troweled concrete, metal, storefront windows, exterior glazing, board and batten siding, lap siding, and standing seam metal roofing, as well as others. The building would contain an elevator at a total height of 33 feet, consistent with Section 17.24.080 of the GMC. Regarding lighting, the applicant is proposing both building wall sconces and pole lighting, which would be directed downward.

Following Conceptual Review and the preparation of the environmental analysis for the project, the project will be considered by the Design Review Board again to make a recommendation to the Planning Commission on the design element (Preliminary Review). The Planning Commission will be the review authority for the various project components including the environmental analysis. The date of the Planning Commission meeting has not been determined and additional notice will be provided at a later date.

Written comments regarding the design aspects of this project may be submitted to planningmeetings@cityofgoleta.gov for Design Review Board consideration. Please submit comments regarding the design element by noon of the date of the hearing. Communication received after that time may not be reviewed by the Design Review Board prior to the meeting. Please direct questions and/or comments regarding this project to Supervising Planner Darryl Mimick at dmimick@cityofgoleta.gov.

The project was filed by agent Steve Whelton, of Suzanne Elledge Planning and Permitting Services (SEPPS) on behalf of Lars Linton, agent for Christ Lutheran Church, the property owner and Anthem Chapel, applicant.
Rendering of the west elevation


Rendering of the southeast elevation

 

Opportunity to Serve on City Commissions Including a Youth Position

Apply by September 4

The City of Goleta is looking for community members to fill vacancies on three of our Commissions: Historic Preservation Commission, Public Engagement Commission (Youth Commissioner), and Library Advisory Commission. This is a great opportunity to become more involved with the City, learn about local government, and put your talents and strengths to good use in helping to shape the future of Goleta. Interested community members can apply here by September 4th at 5:00 p.m.

The Historic Preservation Commission acts as an advisory body to the staff, the Design Review Board, and City Council on all matters pertaining to historic preservation, which entails preserving and protecting resources that, once lost, cannot be replaced or replicated. This seven-member body has two (2) vacancies to serve four-year terms. The Commission meets six times per year and may hold additional meetings as needed. Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of every other month at 5:30 p.m. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

The Public Engagement Commission advises the City Council on issues related to public engagement in the governance of the City. The Commission provides City residents with a venue to address opportunities and ways to increase public engagement in City government. This seven-member body has one (1) vacancy for a Youth Commissioner (15-18 years of age) to serve a two-year term. Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission holds four regular meetings and may hold additional meetings as needed. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

The Library Advisory Commission advises staff and the City Council on matters affecting the Goleta Valley Library and represents the interests of the library’s patrons by recommending programming and services for the library. The five-member Commission also advises the Library Board of Trustees (Board) and aims to increase community participation in library issues by analyzing the library’s needs, considering goals, anticipating future needs and problems, acting as a liaison, and helping to develop consensus for advisement to the Board. There are two (2) vacancies:

  • 1 Commissioner – City of Goleta resident for a four-year term
  • 1 Commissioner – Unincorporated area of Goleta Valley resident with a term ending June 30, 2027

The Commission meets six times per year and may hold additional meetings as needed. Meetings are held on the first Monday of every other month at 6:00 p.m. and members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Applications may be submitted online at www.CityofGoleta.org/BoardsCommissions and must be completed by September 4th at 5:00 p.m. For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.gov.

Thank you for considering this important role in your community.

Coffee, Community and Donuts on Sep. 6

Join Us from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at SloDoCo

Let’s have coffee together! Come join us for our next Coffee and Community / Café y Comunidad event scheduled for Saturday, September 6 from 9:00 to 11:00 at SloDoCo (290A Storke Road). Meet with Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), and City of Goleta staff members while enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a delicious doughnut. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about issues impacting your neighborhood in a casual setting while supporting a new Goleta business. This is a free, family-friendly community event with Spanish interpretation.

SloCoDo opened its Goleta location in fall 2024 and also has locations in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. Kids will love the assortment of board games available to play. With over 100 donut options available in stores every day, the only hard part about a visit to SloDoCo is having to choose just one. Check out the daily menu and monthly specials here to see what you can purchase.

The City holds Coffee and Community events throughout the year in each of the four districts. To find out what district you are in, plug in your address into our interactive Know Your District Map: https://tinyurl.com/GoletaInteractiveMap.

Treat yourself and join us September 6!

Summer Reading Program Finishes Strong

The 2025 Summer Reading Program has crossed the finish line with success after this year’s theme invited readers to Level Up at Your Library! During the six-week program, over 1,247 readers participated in the all-ages program, logging an impressive total of 7,580 books and 148,039 minutes. The Summer Reading Program is an annual literacy tradition at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, with a goal of connecting readers of all ages through community events and making reading even more rewarding through earning prizes.

This year, Children’s Librarian Kaeley Christensen redesigned the program to keep access levels high across all libraries while Goleta Valley Library moved into its temporary home during construction. The online tracking tool Beanstack allowed participants to log their reading from anywhere, at any time, while continuing to offer paper logs ensured that families could participate in their preferred format.

Events were held over the course of the Summer Reading Program at each of the libraries in our system. In Goleta, a first-ever Kick-Off event at Stow House attracted over 1,000 attendees who joined us to play games, register for the reading program, hear live music by Nathalia and Ukulele Jim, and even enjoy an interactive performance with Elemental Aerial Arts. Special events such as magic shows, hula lessons, outdoor concerts, and reptile visits continued throughout June and July at the Goleta Community Center, at the new Buellton Library’s outdoor spaces, and at Solvang Library where there was often standing room only. The program concluded with a brand-new event in Goleta – a Silent Disco, where children ages 6-12 danced to their preferred music playlist through special wireless headphones! Overall, a total of 13 free community events were held, and 2,137 patrons of all ages gathered to learn, engage, and delight in these interactive performances.

The program would not have been such a success without the efforts of dozens of hardworking teen volunteers, who supported staff in essential ways: covering shifts at special events, awarding prizes as participants reported on their reading, and helping to take photos and interact with families during performances. We also wish to thank the many local sponsors whose generous donations of reading incentives helped participants meet and exceed their reading goals for the summer. Lastly, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, Friends of the Buellton Library, and Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley, whose incredible support funded prize incentives and special events throughout the program.

Planning for the 2026 Summer Reading Program is already underway – join us for more literary fun next year!

Pictured above: Young patrons with stacks of books during the 2025 Summer Reading Program


Teen Volunteers with the special claw machine at GVL Express

Sponsor the Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade

Seeking Sponsors, Participants, and Volunteers to Bring the 2025 Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade to Life!

The Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club is thrilled to announce the return of the annual Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade, set to take place on Saturday, December 6 at 6pm!

The cherished hometown event, presented by Fuel Depot and Elks Lodge, will once again light up Hollister Avenue, with the parade route stretching from Orange Avenue to Kinman Avenue. Featuring elaborate floats, spirited musical acts, energetic dance groups, and joyful participants, this event is sure to be a memorable highlight of the year.

Organizations and individuals can make a meaningful impact by becoming parade sponsors. Funds raised through the parade directly support the Lions Club’s mission to promote sight and hearing health in local schools. Thanks to generous community sponsorships, the Lions Club provided screenings for more than 3,500 elementary students in 2024, with 6% of those children identified as needing vision or hearing assistance.

Last year’s celebration brought together 1,750 participants, 85 community groups, and 4,000–5,000 spectators, making it one of the most vibrant and well-attended events of the season. With even more expected this year, organizers are seeking 80 enthusiastic volunteers to help bring the 2025 parade to life.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at the following levels:

  • Presenting Sponsor ($5000)
  • North Pole Diamond Sponsor ($3000)
  • Reindeer Platinum Sponsor ($1500)
  • Candy Cane Gold Sponsor ($1000)
  • Silver Bells Silver Sponsor ($500)
  • Snowman Bronze Sponsor ($250)
  • Elf Copper Sponsor ($100)

Sponsors will have the chance to be recognized on the parade’s social media channels throughout the months leading up to the parade.

In collaboration with the City of Goleta, the Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade is an evening for friends, families, and neighbors to come together, support a meaningful cause, and enjoy the warmth of the holiday season. Whether you’re marching, sponsoring, or cheering from the sidelines, we invite you to be part of the joy!

Community members are encouraged to sign up as volunteers by contacting goletaholidayparade@gmail.com to help with preparations or assist on the day of the parade. Those interested in participating can register for a fee of $45 for general entries and $30 for schools and nonprofit organizations. School bands are free!

For more details about sponsorship opportunities, volunteering, and participation, visit www.goletaholidayparade.org or email goletaholidayparade@gmail.com.