Daily Archives: November 3, 2025

City Receives Excellence in Financial Reporting Award for 21st Year

Congratulations to the City of Goleta’s Finance Department being awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. This marks the 21st year the City has earned this prestigious award.

Goleta’s Finance Director, Luke Rioux, said, “I am incredibly proud of the entire Finance team for continuing to uphold the high standards that we strive for every day. This recognition also reflects a citywide culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration. I truly appreciate all our colleagues across every department for their partnership and care in managing public funds responsibly. This award embodies the City’s commitment to clear, accessible financial reporting that helps the public understand how public dollars are received, spent, and safeguarded for the community’s benefit.”

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (COA) is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. This award recognizes the City’s commitment to financial reporting and proven track record. The COA has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

Governments who want to be considered for this award must submit their report within six months of the end of the fiscal year and must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements. The review process takes another four to six months. Learn more about the Certificate of Achievement award at www.gfoa.org/coa-award. The City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report can be on our website here.

Join us in congratulating our Finance Department on this well-deserved award! More information on the City’s Finance Department is available at www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/finance.

November Library Programming

This November, Goleta Valley Library staff would like to express its massive gratitude for its dear library patrons. City Librarian Elizabeth Saudeco said, “It’s been an unusual year with our closure, move, and re-opening at GVL Express (6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105). Patrons of all ages have kept the library magic alive as we have offered programs off-site, maintaining and expanding our community connections.”

For the full calendar of events, please visit goletavalleylibrary.org/calendar. 

This month join GVL for the activities listed below, with many being held at the Goleta Community Center (GCC – 5679 Hollister Avenue).

Senior Happy Hour: Make Your Holiday Cards
Thursday, 11/6, 2-3:30pm, GCC
Enjoy a fun and easy craft, learn a new technique, create your own design, or use one of ours. All supplies provided.

Mending Workshop 
Saturday, 11/8, 2-3pm, GCC 
Bring your clothes in need of a little care. Our knowledgeable library staff will help fix up your garments.

Poetry Club
Sunday, 11/16, 2-3:30pm, GCC
Whether you want to read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the voices of others, come celebrate the art of poetry.

Film Club: Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Thursday, 11/20, 1:30-3:30pm, GCC
Watch the classic holiday comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy. Stay for a lively discussion, trivia, and fun facts after the movie. 

Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, 11/25, 5:30-6:30pm, GCC 
We will be discussing this month’s pick: Nightshade by Michael Connelly.

“The Book Was Better” Book Club @ GVL Express
Pick up a free copy of Holes by Louis Sachar to read on your own and join us later for a movie screening in December. Grades 4-8.

Seed Library @ GVL Express
Take seeds to grow at home! Come pick from our rotating selection of edible and ornamental plants. Free and no library card required.

Goodland Yarn Works
Every Wednesday, 2-4pm, GCC
If you know how to knit or crochet, this group is for you! Join us for fun and friendship.

Baby & Me and Wiggly Storytimes
Every Friday, 10-10:30am, Baby & Me & 10:30-11am, Wiggly @ Rotating Locations 

  • 11/7 – Stow Grove Park
  • 11/14 – Evergreen Park
  • 11/21 – Tucker’s Grove Park
  • 11/28 – Taking a break for Thanksgiving

We can’t wait to share our favorite cozy reads with you as the days get shorter. “Fall back” and enjoy that extra hour with a good book. See you at the library or at one of our programs soon.

Partner with City of Goleta on Recreation Programs

Submit Interest Form by December 1 for Spring and Summer 2026 Consideration

The City of Goleta is looking to partner with local individuals, groups, organizations, or businesses to become part of its growing Parks and Recreation Contract Camps and Program. The City is seeking established community partners to help expand and enrich its recreational, educational, and social programming, with a strong focus on serving youth and senior residents.

This initiative is part of Goleta’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, healthy, and inclusive community. Partners will have the opportunity to provide contract-based camps and programs at city facilities, parks, and other designated spaces throughout the year.

“This is an exciting step forward in expanding how we serve Goleta’s residents,” said Justin Wilkins, Parks and Recreation Manager for the City of Goleta. “By working with trusted local experts and service providers, we can offer meaningful experiences that foster connection, learning, wellness, and fun — from early childhood through the golden years.”

Program Focus Areas Include:

  • Youth Camps and Enrichment: Summer and seasonal camps, after-school programs, STEM, arts and crafts, sports, and nature-based learning.
  • Senior Recreation and Social Programs: Fitness and wellness classes, lifelong learning, arts and enrichment, and programs to reduce social isolation.
  • Adult and All-Ages Opportunities: Fitness and wellness, creative arts, cultural enrichment, and intergenerational programs that promote community connection.
  • Inclusive Programming: Activities designed to meet the needs of a diverse population across varying abilities and stages of life.

The City encourages local nonprofit organizations, community groups, educational institutions, and private providers with experience in recreation, education, or social services to submit their interest by filling out a short Class & Camp Contractor Interest Form found here. Priority consideration for partnership will be based on experience, alignment with community needs, affordability, and quality of programming. Community members with a special talent, interest or skill that would be interested in contributing or leading a class are also encouraged to express interest. 

While the Parks and Recreation Division will review interest forms on a rolling basis, those interested in being included in the Spring and Summer 2026 calendar should complete an interest form by Monday, December 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. More information, and the online interest form, are available on the City’s website at www.CityofGoleta.org/Camps.

For questions or additional information, please contact the City’s Parks and Recreation team at camps@cityofgoleta.gov or call (805) 690-5120.

Splash Pad Opening Delayed

New Date to Be Announced Once Technical Issues are Resolved

The City of Goleta would like to update the community on the status of the Splash Pad at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park in Old Town. The City anticipated opening in 2025 but during recent testing and inspection, equipment failures were identified and, as a result, the facility does not meet the City’s safety and quality standards required to open at this time. Staff and the contractors have been working for months to address the deficiencies.

“We understand how disappointing this news is for our residents,” said JoAnne Plummer, Director of Neighborhood Services. “The Splash Pad has been one of our most anticipated park improvements, and our community has been waiting patiently. While we are eager to open this facility to the public, the City is committed to taking the time needed to ensure the safety, reliability and long-term performance of the project.”

City staff and contractors have diligently worked towards completing the Splash Pad installation but continue to run into persistent mechanical and operational challenges. The City is actively working closely with the contractor and equipment manufacturer to identify and resolve the root causes of the malfunctions. Once the technical issues are resolved, the City is optimistic it will be able to open the splash pad. An updated timeline will be announced as soon as repairs and verification testing are complete.

The original design of Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park, which opened on March 30, 2019, envisioned a splash pad. At that time, a splash pad could not be constructed due to water restrictions associated with the prolonged, multi-year drought. As the water restrictions were lifted, the City of Goleta moved forward with design and construction of the splash pad. The project broke ground on June 13, 2023, and delivery of the project to the public has been delayed by construction issues, supply chain challenges, and now mechanical and operational deficiencies.

“We deeply appreciate the community’s patience and understanding through this process,” added Plummer. “We look forward to celebrating the opening together soon and delivering a feature that will bring joy to residents for many summers to come.”

For ongoing updates about the splash pad project, please visit our website at www.cityofgoleta.org/splashpad.

 

City Recognizes Goleta School of Ballet

Nominate a Goleta Business Today!

Congratulations to the Goleta School of Ballet for being selected for the City’s Business Recognition Program (Program), honoring the school’s nearly four decades of service to the community and its success as a woman-owned enterprise. An award certificate was formally presented at the October 21 City Council meeting. The Program recognizes establishments that shape Goleta’s identity, strengthen its economy, and enrich the community.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “I am pleased to present the Goleta School of Ballet with its award certificate not only for its longstanding years of service, but also as an inspiring example of a female-led business thriving in Goleta. We are lucky to have so many great businesses right here in Goleta. If you know of one worthy of receiving a Business Recognition Award, please reach out. We can’t wait to see who is next!”

Upon accepting the certificate, Lisa Abshere, the Goleta School of Ballet’s Artistic Director, said, “I am honored and grateful to have the Ballet School in Goleta for 40 years. The best part of this journey has been seeing the students I teach as children grow up to become wonderful students and mentors for the next generation. Thank you for this amazing recognition.”

The Goleta School of Ballet has been a cornerstone of the community since 1986 when it took over a small ballet program at the Goleta Community Center. Over the years the program grew and in 2011, the school moved into its custom-designed studios on Magnolia Avenue in Old Town Goleta, further cementing its roots in the community.

The school’s mission emphasizes both classroom instruction and performance experience for students of all ages and levels. Each year, students take part in classic productions such as The Nutcracker, a February mixed repertory program, and a full-length classical ballet in the spring. Performances have become cherished traditions for Goleta families and beyond.

Community members interested in dance are encouraged to visit the Goleta School of Ballet’s website at www.goletaschoolofballet.com and sign up for a class to experience the joy of ballet firsthand.

Nominations are open to the public for Goleta’s Business Recognition Program, and self-nominations are encouraged. Nominations may be submitted at any time through an online form and are intended to be given on a quarterly basis, depending on nominations. Award recipients are selected by City of Goleta staff in consultation with the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about the Program here.

Help more Goleta businesses earn recognition – nominate a business today!

Goleta School of Ballet receiving the Business Recognition Program Award Certificate at the October 21 City Council meeting; Pictured left-to-right: Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Lead Dance Student Aaron Kamps, Mayor Paula Perotte, Artistic Director Lisa Abshere, Lead Dance Student Madelyn Ito, Lead Dance Student Charlotte Costello, City Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3) and City Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1)


Goleta School of Ballet with their Business Recognition Program Award Certificate outside of Council Chambers: Pictured left-to-right: Lead Dance Student Madelyn Ito, Lead Dance Student Charlotte Costello, Artistic Director Lisa Abshere, and Lead Dance Student Aaron Kamps

Shopping Local Made Easy: GoodLandGoodShopping.com

Online Business Directory Now Includes More than 1,000 Goleta Businesses

What a difference two years makes. In 2023 the City launched GoodLandGoodShopping.com as an online business directory featuring almost 800 Goleta businesses. Since then, the platform has grown to over 1,000 businesses with more signing up every month. What does this mean for you? Shopping local and supporting Goleta businesses this holiday season will be easier than ever before.  

From boutique shops and family-owned restaurants to professional services and apparel stores, this site is your one-stop resource for discovering local gems. GoodLandGoodShopping.com includes a map view, search feature, and filter options to help you find exactly what you’re looking for this holiday season and beyond. Watch our video promo in English and Spanish to learn more

How Are Businesses Featured?

Businesses located within the City of Goleta and holding a valid Goleta business license are automatically included in our GoodLandGoodShopping.com directory for FREE. We encourage all local businesses to take a few minutes to customize their free listing and boost visibility. Each listing includes your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours—and you can easily add your logo, social media links, promotions, photo galleries, and more. City staff review and approve listings before they’re published. To get started, you can:

To celebrate and showcase the amazing businesses in our community, the City of Goleta is bringing back our #GoodLandGoodShopping social media spotlights! Each week, we’ll feature different Goleta businesses across our platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and X). With so many great local businesses to choose from, we need your help! Do you have a favorite store, restaurant, or go-to business that deserves recognition? Let us know! Your nominations will help us highlight their special offerings and the passionate people behind them.

To submit a recommendation, please email PIO@CityofGoleta.org with:

  • The name of the business
  • A brief description of why it’s special to you
  • Any additional details you’d like us to know

For questions or comments about the directory, please contact the Community Relations Division at PIO@CityofGoleta.org.

This holiday season and beyond, remember that every purchase made locally helps Goleta small businesses thrive! Thank you for shopping Goleta and supporting our local economy.

Goleta Holiday Parade Coming Up December 6

Grand Marshal James Marchiando Announced 

Get ready for the Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 6 at 6:00 p.m.! Presented by Fuel Depot and Elks Lodge, the parade is a cherished community tradition featuring floats, bands, and performances that light up Hollister Avenue from Orange to Kinman.

Join the festive magic! Whether you want to volunteer, march in the parade, or showcase your business or organization, help make this year’s celebration unforgettable. Sign up now as the parade participant deadline is November 21. Don’t miss your chance to spread holiday cheer, connect with neighbors, and create lasting memories in the heart of Goleta.

Additionally, sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses looking to support this wonderful community event and gain visibility during the holiday season. The event also raises funds for the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club’s sight and hearing programs in local schools.

The Lions Club is proud to announce Mr. James Marchiando as the Grand Marshal. Born and raised in the Goleta Valley, Mr. Marchiando is a lifelong resident whose roots run deep in local agriculture and community life. He grew up on a 10-acre lemon ranch on Yaple Avenue and San Marcos Road, originally owned by his mother, a member of the Cavaletto family. A graduate of Goleta Union School, La Colina Junior High, and Santa Barbara High School (Class of 1950), Mr. Marchiando went on to earn a degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1955.

Throughout his life, Mr. Marchiando has been dedicated to farming, family, and community. He helped start a citrus nursery with his brother in 1953, operated a local egg business that supplied many Goleta stores and restaurants, and later transitioned into greenhouse farming.

He had also been an active member of the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau and a longtime participant in the local Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Club, showcasing vintage tractors and rope making at Stow House’s Fourth of July celebrations for more than 40 years.

Mr. Marchiando will proudly drive his 19594-30 John Deere tractor during the parade, pulling a 20-foot trailer carrying several of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – celebrating four generations of local family heritage.

Both the Lions Club and the City of Goleta are thrilled to honor Mr. Marchiando with the well-deserved recognition of Grand Marshal. His life and legacy reflect the heart of what makes up Goleta – family, hard work, and community spirit!

For more information and to be a part of the parade, go to goletaholidayparade.org or email goletaholidayparade@gmail.com.


Mr. Marchiando pictured on his 19594-30 John Deere tractor with his grandchildren

LEAD Goleta Now Accepting Applications

Six-Week Course Begins January 15, 2026

Applications are now open for City of Goleta’s award-winning LEAD Goleta Bilingual Community Academy which begins Thursday, January 15, 2026. LEAD stands for Learn, Empower, Advocate and Discuss. Space is limited, so don’t wait to apply for this six-week bilingual class which provides a unique up-close look at how local government works. Priority is given to Goleta residents, but the program is open to any resident of Santa Barbara County. We strongly encourage high school and college students to apply. Watch our short video promo to see why you should apply; the video is also available in Spanish.

Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn how the City is run, in a small, intimate setting of around 30 participants. You will walk away from the experience more connected to the City with a deeper understanding of how to get involved in shaping the future of Goleta – whether it’s staying informed, volunteering, applying for a Board or Commission, or even running for City Council.

See for yourself what makes this program so special by watching our video recap of the 2025 LEAD Goleta Bilingual Community Academy.

The 2026 LEAD Goleta Academy begins on January 15 and takes place on six consecutive Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Most classes are held in Council Chambers at Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive). You must be able to attend all six classes to participate. The course ends on February 19 with a celebratory graduation ceremony at the Goleta Community Center.

This will be the fourth time that LEAD Goleta will be offered in Spanish, and the sixth overall Community Academy.

LEAD Goleta received the prestigious Cal Cities 2024 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in the category of Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement. Learn more here.

We can’t wait to meet the next LEAD Goleta Bilingual Community Academy class in January. For more information and to apply, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/LEADGoleta.


LEAD Goleta 2025 Graduating Class with the Goleta City Council

Monarch Butterfly Season Kicks Off at Ellwood Mesa

Community Invited to Join Habitat Restoration Efforts

Butterfly season is starting at Ellwood Mesa, and the City of Goleta, Ellwood Friends, and the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade are inviting residents of all ages to help restore and protect their winter habitat. 

Volunteers will plant food sources, habitat plants, and trees that support monarchs and other local wildlife, while also learning about the unique ecology of this treasured open space. Upcoming dates are Saturday, November 15 and Saturday, December 6, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Ellwood Mesa is one of California’s last great monarch winter homes. Monarch populations can fluctuate from year to year, and it’s too early to know how many will return this season. By caring for their habitat now, we can give them the best chance to thrive.

This hands-on restoration project offers more than just gardening—participants will be part of a larger effort to:

  • Help save monarch butterflies by restoring critical winter habitat
  • Reduce wildfire risk in the Ellwood community through careful landscaping and vegetation management
  • Strengthen community connections by working side by side in a shared local treasure
  • Provide family-friendly ecological education and restoration training in a positive, outdoor learning environment

The project is a celebration of Ellwood Mesa’s natural and cultural heritage, giving volunteers a direct role in maintaining its health, beauty, and resilience.

Project Goals:

  • Help save the Monarch Butterflies by restoring their winter nesting habitat
  • Reduce fire risk in the Ellwood community
  • Increase community connection and engagement at this treasured local nature preserve. 
  • Provide family-friendly ecology education and restoration training in a positive, outdoor learning environment

Benefits Include:

  • Stress reduction
  • Light exercise
  • New friends
  • Visible results and tangible progress each week
  • Increased connection to the environment
  • Building positive relationships around shared community values

Activities Include:

  • Tree planting
  • Native seedling planting
  • Drip irrigation system education, installation and repair.
  • Invasive plant removal
  • Soil regeneration 

Sign up to volunteer here.

Photos courtesy of the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade

 

 

“Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs” Film Premiere

Sunday, November 16th at First Time Film Festival in Goleta; Short Film to Be Shown During 2:00 p.m. CA Stories Block

The City of Goleta is proud to premiere a new short film, Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs, that will be shown as part of a California Stories Shorts Block at the first-ever Wild and Free Film Festival on Sunday, November 16th at 2:00 p.m. at the Camino Real Cinemas (7040 Market Place Drive) in Goleta. Tickets are free for this event, but seating is limited. You are encouraged to arrive early by 1:30 p.m., visit the Ellwood Friends table out front, and stay till approximately 3:30 p.m. for the Q and A panel following the showing of the short films.

Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs is the compelling story of how the Goleta community came together decades ago to protect this beautiful space and the perseverance that still exists today to steward the land for all to enjoy for generations to come. It highlights the race to protect the place thousands of monarch butterflies return to every winter. The film was created as part of Ellwood Mesa’s 20-year anniversary of when the land was saved from development and officially turned over to the City of Goleta to be preserved as open space. Watch the trailer here.

City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “We hope you enjoy this heartfelt tribute showcasing the community’s enduring passion and commitment to Ellwood Mesa. Prepare yourself to leave the theatre feeling motivated to never give up when you care about something worth fighting for.”

The film is a natural fit to be included in the first Wild and Free Film Festival, a weekend long independent film festival taking place November 14-16th at Camino Real Cinemas. The festival will feature the screening of 30 new and original films that celebrate adventurous, diverse, and environmentally conscious storytelling from around the world. To see the full festival line-up and ticket options, including an all-access pass and tickets for the opening night film and reception, go to www.wildandfreefilm.org. Sunday tickets are free for the Community Day, but all access pass holders will receive priority seating.

The City was pleased to partner with Paradigm Pictures and Ellwood Friends to put together this short film. We recognize that there are so many more historical details, stories and people not included in this short film that are a part of Ellwood Mesa’s incredible story. We want to express our sincere appreciation for each and every one of you. For a more detailed account of Ellwood Mesa’s history and stories go to ellwoodfriends.org/stories. 

We look forward to watching Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs with you on November 16th.