Daily Archives: December 15, 2025

Groundbreaking Monarch Research Takes Flight

Watch Video to Learn More  

For the first time on the Central Coast, cutting-edge monarch butterfly research is taking place right here in Goleta. Scientists from Althouse & Meade, in coordination with the City of Goleta, with funding from the USFWS and support from Ellwood Friends, are deploying ultra-light tracking tags on monarchs, offering an unprecedented look at how these iconic butterflies move, migrate, and survive. Watch this short video to learn more and see for yourself how exciting this research is!

The tags weigh about as much as a grain of rice and transmit data via Bluetooth through the Project Monarch app and the Motus network. This allows tagged butterflies to be detected as they travel through the landscape, providing detailed insights into migration patterns. Once the monarchs are tagged and active, the public can follow them on the Project Monarch app created by Cape May Point Science Center and Cellular Tracking Technologies.

Ellwood Mesa has long been a critical overwintering site for monarchs. With fewer butterflies arriving this season, scientists are expanding the study north and south along the Central Coast to collect more comprehensive data on overwintering movement and spring dispersal. The work is fully permitted and science-based, contributing directly to long-term habitat protection and species recovery.

Monarchs naturally experience variable survival during the overwintering season, and some butterflies will not survive the overwintering season. Every tagged butterfly, however, provides meaningful data to help scientists better understand and protect the species. Tags were recently deployed and activated, with the possibility for more tagging in January/February as monarchs disperse the overwintering sites. 

This project represents a rare and inspiring moment in conservation science, bringing cutting-edge research to Goleta and giving the public a chance to connect with monarchs in a meaningful way.

Learn more about monarch radio-tagging technology through a Monarch Joint Venture webinar and a recent New York Times article:

Photo above: A monarch butterfly wearing a tiny ‘backpack’ radio transmitter, photo by Charis van der Heide, Althouse and Meade

Year End at Ellwood Mesa

It’s been a busy year at Ellwood Mesa, check out all that has been going on:

We haven’t yet seen high numbers of monarchs in Ellwood this year, but we are celebrating the success of multiple projects that will contribute to restoring the habitat they need to overwinter here.

Drainage and Erosion Control

November brought a lot of rain to our area – about 9 inches over seven days! We were pleased to see the Ellwood drainage, erosion and trail improvements held up well. The Santa Barbara Shores culvert was undamaged, the new trails reduced erosion and are safer when muddy than the previous trails, and the drainage pools beneath the main butterfly viewing area slowed and held water as they were designed.

Fire Related Tree and Vegetation Work

Fire crews worked from May through October removing and chipping dead and downed logs and twigs, removing ladder fuels (tall grasses, shrubs, and low-hanging branches that create a vertical path for wildfire to climb from the ground into tree canopies and structures), removed non-native shrubs and trees, and felled standing dead or unhealthy high risk trees. They used heavy equipment and hand tools to complete 60 acres of work. Reducing the risk of wildfire in the forest and adjacent neighborhoods is an ongoing responsibility. Fire-related vegetation work will resume in 2026.

Volunteer Stewardship

What an amazing year it’s been for habitat restoration in Ellwood Mesa! In 2025, we had over 1,000 sign ins for 29 volunteer work days. Together we planted more than 550 trees, 2500 plants, laid irrigation, watered, mulched, weeded and generally showed love and appreciation for this special place. Thank you to everyone who showed up. Find out about future volunteer opportunities at CityofGoleta.org/Ellwood-now.


Seasonal Monarch Counts are Low

Our bi-weekly counts of monarchs in Ellwood are low again this year. As of December 1, the highest count was 20. This is similar to last season, when the highest count was 34 in mid-November 2024. This isn’t the lowest we’ve seen, though. In 2020-2021, only 10 monarchs were seen in a single day. Then, during each of the next three seasons (October 2021 through March 2024), we counted tens of thousands of monarchs. This gives us hope. Follow our bi-weekly counts at GoletaButterflyGrove.com.

Monarchs in Ellwood – Maximum Population per Overwintering Season* 2015-2025
*Maximum population is the greatest number counted on a single day during
the overwintering season (October-March).

 

Free Christmas Tree Recycling

Give your Christmas tree a second life! MarBorg will be collecting trees free of charge after the holidays. To have your tree recycled, simply place it at the curb on your regular yard waste collection day. If you don’t have yard waste service, set it out on your regular trash collection day instead. Be sure to remove all ornaments, lights, and stands before placing your tree out for recycling.

Christmas trees can also be dropped off at the following locations for free through January 17, 2026:

  • South Coast Recycling & Transfer Station open Monday-Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 4430 Calle Real in Santa Barbara
  • Santa Ynez Valley Recycling & Transfer Station open Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at 4004 Foxen Canyon Road in Los Olivos

Please remove all tree stands, lights, tinsel and ornaments, and cut any trees that are over 6 feet in length so that they will fit in MarBorg’s trucks.

For more information about Christmas tree recycling or for tips on preventing and reducing waste during the holiday season, visit the County’s waste reduction website www.LessIsMore.org.

California Lions Student Speaker Contest

The Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club is seeking students in grades 9–12 who are ready to showcase their public speaking skills and compete for scholarship awards. This year’s topic is Youth Mental Health: Overcoming Barriers to Well-Being.

Contest Details:

  • Open to students in grades 9–12
  • Participants must deliver a 5–10 minute speech
  • State-level winner receives a cumulative $21,000 in scholarships

The registration deadline is January 31, 2026. To register, email jmhergert@yahoo.com.

The 2025 Student Speakers Contest winner was Reese Large of San Marcos High School, who advanced through both the club and zone levels. This is a great opportunity to build confidence, develop valuable skills, and compete for meaningful scholarships.

For more information, visit: https://goletasantabarbaralions.org/.


The three student finalists for the 2025 Student Speaker Contest from Left to Right: Angel Hernandez from Santa Barbara High School, Reese Large (Winner) from San Marcos High School, and Marshal Graham from Laguna Blanca School

Goleta’s Finest Wrap-Up

Goleta City Councilmembers and several staff members were honored to be part of a memorable evening put on by the South Coast Chamber of Commerce on December 5 celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Goleta’s Finest and our 2025 honorees. The gala featured inspiring speeches, heartfelt moments, and special recognition for the remarkable individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Goleta community.

The 2025 Goleta’s Finest Award recipients are:

  • Man & Woman of the Year – Ron and Patricia Caird
  • Lifetime Achievement Award – Anant Yardi
  • Educator of the Year – Sarah Ashton
  • Education Impact Award – Dos Pueblos Mock Trial Team
  • Student of the Year – Kennedy Fick
  • Student Leader of the Year – Reese Large
  • Nonprofit of the Year – The Friendship Paddle & Keiki Paddle
  • Health Impact Award – Arie DeJong
  • Volunteer of the Year – Jeff Zamora
  • Nonprofit Leader of the Year – Ernesto Paredes

These outstanding honorees capture the spirit of the Good Land. Learn more about each recipient here: https://tinyurl.com/3mh67f6f.

View photos from the event at https://tinyurl.com/3rsccy8d.

We are so proud of all of this year’s recipients and thank the Chamber and all the generous sponsors for putting on this wonderful event every year!


Group Photo


Goleta City Council and Staff, pictured left-to-right: City Manager Robert Nisbet, Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover, Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3), Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1) and Assistant City Manager Jaime Valdez


Audience

Winter Reading Program Begins Dec. 20

Community members of all ages are invited to participate in the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries’ 14th annual Winter Reading Program starting on December 20! The program is open to children, teens, and adults and will run for six weeks through January 31, 2026.

The 2025-26 theme is “Read with Benny”, the adorable mascot for our online logging system Beanstack who encourages our patrons to get cozy and enjoy reading this winter! The library’s collection of print and digital titles has something for every reader to explore – plus, weekly prize drawings and fun activity sheets will keep the winter magic alive all program long.

How It Works:

  • This program will be held through the online reading tracker Beanstack, which you may remember from the Summer Reading Program. Participants will log every book they read during the program, which automatically enters them into weekly prize drawings. Signing up is easy! Go to goletavalleylibrary.beanstack.com to create an online account and select the Winter Reading Challenge. Beanstack is available both as a website and a free app.

  • Paper entry forms are also available at each location for patrons who prefer to record their reading screen-free. These completed forms will be entered into the same weekly drawings.

  • Prize drawings will be held by age category for readers aged 0-5, 6-12, 13-17, and 18+. Drawings will be branch-specific for each of our library locations: Goleta Valley Library and the Bookvan, Solvang Library, and Buellton Library.

Participants are encouraged to read in whatever format they like best, including print books, graphic novels, eBooks, and audiobooks. This year we also have some suggested reading lists you can find on the Beanstack app or pick up a copy at your library.

For extra fun aside from prize entries, pick up a BINGO card with self-paced literary activities (such as “Read to an Animal” or “Listen to an Audiobook”) to challenge yourself to reach new reading heights during the program.

Explore GoletaValleyLibrary.org for up-to-date information about our services, programs, and events.

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries would like to thank the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, the Friends of the Buellton Library, and the Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley, our generous sponsors of the 2025-26 Winter Reading Program.

December Programs Abound at Goleta Valley Library

Enjoy Free, All-Ages Programming at Your Local Library

Community members of all ages are invited to attend engaging programs at the Goleta Valley Library Express this December. Classic favorites and innovative pilot programs are held each week. Like borrowing library materials, attending a program is completely free, which helps create affordable, seasonal fun all month long. Read below for details on what’s happening the rest of this month at your local library.

Goleta Valley Library Express
6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105, Goleta, CA 93117
805-964-7878

Goleta Valley Library staff are piloting exciting new adult programs this winter. Without dedicated space onsite to gather for programs at the library’s temporary GVL Express location, staff are hosting attendees at the Goleta Community Center, located at 5679 Hollister Avenue. In addition to the ever-popular Senior Happy Hour, Goodland Yarn Works, Mystery Book Club, and Writers’ Workshop, staff have designed programs to engage the community in new ways, such as learning mending, discussing literature, or sharing the joy of cinema.

  • Film Club: Do you enjoy watching movies? Library Assistant Homer Morro is curating film screenings for group viewing and discussion. Join us to share thoughts, feedback, and humor on various film genres. All are welcome. Film club meets monthly and the next movie will be The Bishop’s Wife shown on Thursday, December 18, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

  • Clara in the Land of Sweets: Join us for a seasonal dance performance from Inspire Dance Santa Barbara in celebration of their 10th year of performances with Goleta Valley Library! On Saturday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m., patrons of all ages are invited to the Goleta Community Center, where you will surely catch the holiday spirit as you enjoy favorite songs inspired by the Nutcracker and applaud the talents of local youth dancers ages 5-13. For more information, email info@inspiredancesb.com.
  • Horror Book Club: Every other month, Library Technician Craig Clevenger takes you on a deep dive into the current renaissance of the horror genre. Aficionados and novices are all invited to discuss contemporary horror fiction from a diverse range of writers. December’s pick is The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monica Kim, meeting on Saturday, December 20, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

  • Poetry Club: Whether you want to read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the voices of others, join us to discover new poets, explore different styles, and deepen your appreciation for the beauty and power of poetry. Library Technician Tara Patrick welcomes you to come together and hear favorite poems in a group setting on Sunday, December 21, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Library staff look forward to welcoming you to our programs this month! For January programming, visit the Calendar of Events at www.goletavalleylibrary.org/calendar.

Apply for NEW Public Art Review Board and More

Applications Due February 1, 2026

The City of Goleta is looking for three residents to serve on the newly formed Public Art Review Board. This is your chance to be the first members of this meaningful Board that will help ensure public art is a lasting and meaningful part of the civic landscape. The City is also looking to fill vacancies on its Design Review Board and Public Engagement Commission. Serving on a Board or Commission is a great way to use your talent and time to make a difference in your community. It’s also a unique opportunity to learn more about how local government works and have your voice heard.

The City is looking to fill 10 vacancies on the three different Boards and Commissions. Here is more about each opportunity:

Public Art Review Board

This past fall, the City Council adopted a City public art policy. For the first time in Goleta’s history, the policy has established the City’s vision for public art in the community. The policy also creates a brand-new reviewing body, the Public Art Review Board, and guides the review and approval process for public art projects in the City. Read the full policy here.

The City is seeking Goleta residents with passion, training, knowledge, or experience in the arts to serve on the Public Art Review Board and help implement this new and exciting policy. This new five-member body shall act as an advisory body to the City Council and the staff on public art as described in the City of Goleta Public Art Policy. There are three vacancies for art advisory members needed to serve three-year terms. The three art advisory members must be City residents to qualify for service. The Board has no regular meetings and will meet as needed to review projects. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board (DRB) encourages development that uses the best professional design practices to enhance the visual aesthetics of the community and prevent poor quality of design. The DRB is a seven-member body that advises the City Council, Planning Commission, and staff.

There are three vacancies:

  • At-Large member – eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta
  • Alternate – eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta
  • Licensed Architect – qualified applicants are not required to reside within City limits for this vacancy

Members are appointed to a three-year term. The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Public Engagement Commission

The Public Engagement Commission (PEC) advises the City Council and staff on matters related to public engagement in City government and governance. The Commission has provided recommendations to the City Council on moving to evening-only meetings, directly electing the Mayor, and district elections.

There are four vacancies on this seven-member body. 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.

Apply Online

Give yourself the gift of giving back this holiday season. Apply now for one of the open positions at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. Applications are due by February 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.gov.

Give the Gift of Preparedness

December brings celebrations, new devices, and time spent with the people we care about most. As the year wraps up, it’s also the perfect moment to help your California friends and family start 2026 ready for whatever comes their way — especially earthquakes.

Your 5-Minute Preparedness Checklist

Here’s a simple checklist you can share with family and friends. Walk through it together, text it to your group chat, or tackle it yourself and pass along what you learned.

  1. Get Connected to Earthquake Warnings

California’s free earthquake early warning system delivers alerts seconds before shaking starts, enough time to Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Help someone:

  • Download the MyShake App or enable Android Earthquake Alerts in phone settings
  • Set location services to “always on” so the system works properly
  • Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) if they’re not already enabled
  1. Build (or Refresh) the Emergency Kit

Californians should have basic supplies ready. Help gather essentials for three days without power or water:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day)
  • Non-perishable food and manual can opener
  • Flashlights, batteries, and phone chargers
  • First aid supplies and medications
  • Important documents in waterproof container
  • Cash (ATMs won’t work without power)
  • Supplies for pets
  1. Make a Quick Safety Plan

Talk through the basics:

  • Where are the safe spots in each room? (Under sturdy tables, away from windows)
  • How will you reconnect if separated? (Designate an out-of-state contact)
  • Does everyone know Drop/Lock, Cover, and Hold On?
  1. Secure the Heavy Stuff

Walk through their space: Are tall furniture and water heaters anchored to walls? Are heavy items secured on high shelves? These five-minute fixes prevent injuries during shaking.

  1. Know the Other Risks

California isn’t just earthquake country. Depending on where your loved ones live, they might also need plans for wildfires, floods, or extreme heat. Visit earthquake.ca.gov and caloes.ca.gov for resources on all hazards.

Why This Matters

California experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, and preparedness isn’t just for the Big One. It’s also for the medium ones, the small ones that catch you off guard, and the other disasters that don’t wait for convenient timing. Your five-minute conversation about preparedness could make a real difference when something happens.

This is a gift people will actually use!

Thank You Chief Hartwig & Welcome Chief Huff

Congratulations to our former Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig on his well-deserved retirement!

City of Goleta Mayor Pro-Tempore Stuart Kasdin was pleased to present Chief Hartwig with a City Tile at his retirement party in appreciation for all he has done for the City of Goleta during his six years of service to the County.

To read more about his accomplishments and future plans, check out this Noozhawk article.

We wish him wonderful times ahead with his family and thank him for dedicating his life to helping others.

We also want to take this opportunity to welcome our new Fire Chief, Garrett Huff. Read the County’s press release here. We look forward to working with you in this new role.


Fire Chief Mark Hartwig with Goleta Mayor Pro Tem Stuart Kasdin (District 4)


Santa Barbara County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato, Board Chair Laura Capps, Fire Chief Mark Hartwig, Supervisor Bob Nelson, Supervisor Joan Hartmann, and Supervisor Roy Lee


Hartwig and his family


New Fire Chief Garrett Huff