Special Activities Held Throughout the Week

More Goleta residents—from teens to adults—are riding smarter and more safely following the City of Goleta’s E-Bike Safety Awareness Week 2026, held January 19–25. The annual effort brought together local partners to promote education, awareness, and shared responsibility on local roads. This is the fourth consecutive year the City has taken time out to bring attention to this important topic.

The week began with school outreach led by MOVE Santa Barbara County at Goleta Valley Junior High, Dos Pueblos High School, and San Marcos High School. Students tested their knowledge through bicycle and pedestrian safety trivia and received free bike helmets and bike lights to encourage safer riding habits.

At the January 20, 2026, Goleta City Council meeting, MOVE Santa Barbara County Executive Director Sarah Iannarone, Programs Administrator Barry Remis, and Education Coordinator Lainey Djajakusuma accepted a proclamation recognizing E-Bike Safety Awareness Week.

The activities wrapped up with an E-Bike Skills Class and Group Ride on Saturday, January 24, where participants learned pre-ride safety checks, intersection navigation, and obstacle avoidance. Riders practiced safe communication and hazard awareness during a guided ride through Goleta.

E-Bike Safety Awareness Week was made possible through a partnership between MOVE Santa Barbara County, the City of Goleta, the Goleta Police Department, Santa Barbara Cottage Health, and the California Highway Patrol.

Partial funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Pictured above: Helmet Distribution at Dos Pueblos High School. Left to Right: Cottage Health Injury Prevention Outreach & Education Coordinators Mayra Vazquez and Tyra Darke, CHP Jon Gutierrez, Community Resource Deputy Connor Worden, MOVE Education & Engagement Coordinator Lainey Djajakusuma and Martina Sexton

Cottage Health Injury Prevention Outreach & Education Coordinators Mayra Vazquez helping students fit new helmets at San Marcos High School

Community Resource Deputy Connor Worden, MOVE Education & Engagement Coordinators Hannah Rietveld and Lainey Djajakusuma handing out free safety equipment and helmets at Goleta Valley Junior High

E-Bike Skills Class and Group Ride at Goleta Valley Junior High

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Smith presenting a proclamation to MOVE Santa Barbara County Education Coordinator Lainey Djajakusuma, Programs Administrator Barry Remis, and new Executive Director Sarah Iannarone

While calling dispatch is the fastest and most effective way to communicate during an emergency, it is important to know that Text to 911 is also a tool available to use anytime. 

There are many situations where using Text to 911 is ideal. It is essential for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. It is critical in dangerous situations where speaking out loud could put you at risk. It can help during medical emergencies when you cannot speak. During major network disruptions, texts may go through even when calls fail.

Tips for Using Text to 911:

• Text your exact location so help can be sent quickly.
• Use clear, plain language.
• Avoid emojis, slang, or abbreviations in your text.
• Send a one-on-one message. Group texts do not reach 911.
• Text to 911 is for emergencies only.

Watch this video from the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office to learn more.

The City of Goleta welcomes our new County Fire Chief Garrett Huff, who brings more than two decades of experience of experience to the position. Chief Huff has worked extensively in emergency operations, emergency medical services, wildland fire response, and disaster preparedness. As the Santa Barbara County Fire Chief, he provides executive leadership for an all-hazards fire department serving diverse communities throughout Santa Barbara County, including the City of Goleta.

“I am honored to serve as the Santa Barbara County Fire Chief and to continue supporting the City of Goleta,” said Huff. “The Fire District model allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality emergency services across the region while remaining responsive to the unique needs of each community we serve. I look forward to building on the long-standing relationships that we have established with Goleta’s officials, City staff, and residents.”

Prior to his appointment as Fire Chief, Chief Huff served in several senior leadership roles within the Department, most recently as Deputy Fire Chief overseeing Emergency Medical Services, the new Regional Fire Communication Center, logistics, and support services. In these roles, he led complex, multi-agency initiatives, strengthened regional coordination, and emphasized accountability, operational readiness, and fiscal stewardship.

Chief Huff is pursuing a Master of Public Administration with planned completion this summer. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, commitment to workforce development, firefighter wellness, and focus on transparent, data-informed decision-making in the public interest.

Chief Huff grew up in Simi Valley before moving to the central coast. His favorite things about Goleta are its people, the climate and the landscape. He says, I I feel like I am on vacation every time I am here.” His motto for life is simple… “just be kind”.

Congratulations on your promotion Chief Huff and thank you for your service to Goleta.

Council Welcomes Lt. Jarrett Morris and Thanks Lt. Vasquez

The City of Goleta has a new Chief of Police Services. Lt. Jarrett Morris brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to the position. In this role, Lt. Morris oversees the Goleta Police Department, which includes a Motor Traffic Unit and two Community Resource Deputies, as well as the unincorporated areas of the Goleta Valley.

Goleta’s City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “This is an important position for the City and we are pleased to have such a seasoned and dedicated law enforcement professional to help maintain a safe community and continue to provide the high level of service our residents expect.”

Lt. Morris said, “I am honored to serve the Goleta community in this leadership role. With my extensive experience in patrol, investigations, and specialized units within the Sheriff’s Office—including overseeing the K9 program and managing critical incident responses—I am committed to building strong community partnerships, enhancing proactive policing, and ensuring Goleta remains one of the safest cities in the region.”

Lt. Morris began his career with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in 2005. He has held a wide variety of assignments, including custody operations, patrol, gang and narcotics investigations, coroner’s detective sergeant, K9 unit coordinator, mobile field force leader, and peer support coordinator. He has responded to multiple mass casualty incidents and played a key role in death investigations, including the 2019 Conception boat fire and Lahaina Fire in Maui. Most recently, Lt. Morris has served as the Sheriff’s Adjutant, while also overseeing the Coroner’s Bureau and agency wellness programs.

Lt. Morris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Union Institute and University.

Lt. Morris was formally introduced at the January 20^th Goleta City Council meeting. At the same meeting, the City Council thanked outgoing Chief of Police Services, Lt. Frank Vasquez, who was presented with a tile thanking him for his service to Goleta. We wish Lt. Vasquez the best of luck in his new assignment overseeing the Sheriff’s Office Contract Bureau.

We look forward to working with Lt. Morris and continuing our strong partnership with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office to keep Goleta safe.

Lt. Morris in front of City Hall

Lt. Vasquez receiving his tile at the January 20 Council meeting