Daily Archives: February 27, 2026

Green Room: Illicit Discharge

The City of Goleta Environmental Services Division would like to share some tips to help protect our watersheds. This month we are discussing the topic of illicit discharge (pollution), how to report pollution, and how to help protect our local waterbodies.

What is Illicit Discharge?

Any discharge to the storm drain sewer that is not composed entirely of stormwater is considered an illicit discharge. Pollutants that enter the street and reach the storm drain system will quickly flow into creeks and the ocean untreated. These discharges can often be detected when a storm drain has flow during dry weather. Remember, only rain down the drain!

Signs of an Illicit Discharge

Visible sewage waste, foul odor, suds, or other evidence of contamination are indicators of pollution. Here are some examples of illicit discharge:

  • Laundry wastewater / detergent
  • Septic tank seepage / illegal sanitary conditions
  • Improper waste oil disposal / auto fluids flushing
  • Home improvement waste (e.g., concrete and paint)
  • Pesticides and fertilizers
  • Pool / spa discharge
  • Cooking grease / household waste
  • Improper disposal of commercial and industrial hazardous waste

Reporting Water Pollution

If you witness someone actively dumping or discharging hazardous materials down a storm drain, onto a street, in a creek, or on the beach, call 911 immediately.

Report pollution within the City of Goleta to environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.gov.

Sanitary sewer (wastewater) spills should be reported to the Goleta Sanitary District (805-967-4519) or Goleta West Sanitary District (805-968-2617) immediately.

Things You Can Do to Protect Water Quality

Here are some great everyday tips to help prevent water pollution:

  • Don’t overwater: Overwatering leads to runoff which leads to water pollution (e.g., fertilizers and pesticides). Utilize irrigation scheduling and technology.
  • Sweep up, don’t hose down: Sweep up yard waste and either compost or dispose of it in a green waste bin. Utilize compost for soil improvements.
  • Pet waste: pick up after your pet and dispose of properly.
  • Vehicle repair: repair vehicle leaks; cover spilled fluids with kitty litter and then sweep into household waste.
  • Car Wash: use a commercial car wash or wash your vehicle on the grass instead of the driveway.
  • Pools: discharge de-chlorinated pool water to a landscaped area, or sanitary sewer (permit required).
  • Never dump anything down the storm drain.

For more great tips to help prevent storm drain pollution and protect creeks and the ocean, check out our Homeowner’s Guide in English and Spanish. 

TechTopia 2026 Summit on March 18th

Wednesday, March 18th from 2:30 – 6:00 p.m. at OASIS

The TechTopia 2026 Summit is almost here. The event which takes place on March 18th from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. at UC Santa Barbara’s OASIS brings the region’s innovative ecosystem to life through an immersive, half-day experience, The Summit showcases the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the future of the Santa Barbara South Coast.

Attendees will explore cutting-edge facilities through guided tours, dive deeper into emerging trends through curated breakout sessions, and hear from leading voices during a keynote address and panel discussion focused on the region’s growing tech economy. Hands-on tech demonstrations will spotlight local innovation in action, offering a close-up look at advanced tools, prototypes, and real-world applications developed right here on the South Coast.

The day concludes with a networking reception designed to foster meaningful connections among business leaders, innovators, educators, and community partners. TechTopia 2026 Summit is a celebration of collaboration and a platform for shaping what’s next for one of the most dynamic technology regions…This is TechTopia!

Learn more about TechTopia and register at https://sbscchamber.com/techtopia/. 

County Launches Hazard Awareness Map

Map Brings Together Trusted, Multi-Jurisdictional Data to Support Resilience and Informed Preparedness

There is a new Community Hazard Awareness Map now available to help you better understand and prepare for natural and human-caused hazards affecting Santa Barbara County.

Built primarily from information in the countywide 2022 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, this map helps users explore hazard risks in their area, such as flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other potential threats.

“This map empowers our community with actionable knowledge,” said Kelly Hubbard, Director for the Office of Emergency Management. “Anyone can now visually expand their familiarity with local hazards and make informed decisions that protect lives, homes, and our shared future.”

Rising Hazard Risks

At a time when communities are facing more frequent and severe climate-related events, a new map highlighting local hazards provides an essential, place-based snapshot of risks facing the region. In 2021, the County completed a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA) that analyzes how climate‑related hazards may impact people, infrastructure, ecosystems, and community services. This assessment found that sea levels are projected to rise by 6.6 ft and there will be 8 times more extreme heat days all by 2100, just a few of the findings that further highlight the need for action.

“The Community Hazard Awareness Map offers residents a clearer picture of what climate-related challenges mean close to home. Now is the time to tap into this informative resource and take steps to prepare,” added Director Hubbard.

A Tool for Awareness, Planning, and Resilience

The Community Hazard Awareness Map is designed to benefit a wide range of users, including residents, business owners, planners, emergency managers, and educators. Key benefits include:

  • Improved public awareness: Residents can see which hazards may affect their home and neighborhoods.
  • Better-informed decision-making: Local officials can use consistent, reliable data to support land-use planning, infrastructure investment, and emergency preparedness efforts.  Residents can gain insights to enhance personal preparedness and make their homes more resilient to local hazards and threats.
  • Stronger coordination across jurisdictions: By aligning information from multiple jurisdictions, the map promotes regional collaboration and a shared understanding of risk.

Built on Trusted Data

In addition to the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan data, the map incorporates information from other authoritative sources, including the California Department of Conservation, the California Geological Survey, and FEMA. Map data will be updated as it becomes available.

Learn More

The Community Hazard Awareness Map is available to the public at ReadySBC.org in the Maps section. You are encouraged to explore the map, learn about local hazards, and take steps to prepare yourselfand your family.

Last summer the County Office of Emergency Management, along with various public safety partners, launched the Emergency Zones Map to help people during real-time emergencies  access information on evacuations, shelter in place orders, and other protective actions. With the new Community Hazard Awareness Map, the community now has a comprehensive tool to identify potential hazards and get prepared ahead of emergencies.

Last Chance to Sponsor 4th of July Drone Show

We are putting together our final sponsor list for the return of Goleta’s Fourth of July Drone Light Show. Join the generous list of community sponsors who are pitching in to make this patriotic event happen again at Dos Pueblos High School (7266 Alameda Avenue, Goleta) from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. We are still in need of sponsors to make this year’s even better than the first!

Save the date and stay tuned for more details! For questions email DroneLightShow@CityofGoleta.gov.

3CE Announces Lower Electricity Rates

Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) announced that it will reduce electricity rates in 2026, passing savings on to customers while continuing to invest in reliable, clean energy for the Central Coast.

As of February 15, 3CE customers will see an average generation rate decrease of 24%, lowering the cost per kilowatt hour from $0.13 to $0.10, to reflect lower costs in the energy market, as well as disciplined financial management and a commitment to return savings directly to customers.

3CE’s Policy Board of Directors, made up of 19 members of the city councils and boards of supervisors in the communities served by 3CE, approved the rate reduction at a special public meeting held today, following a comprehensive presentation on 3CE’s cost of energy and operations expenses. 

In addition to responsible and competitive electricity rates, 3CE continues to invest in the region through its energy programs, which incentivize electrification and can help customers to use energy more efficiently. Through programs such as Electrify Your Ride, Electrify Your Home, and the Ag Electrification program, 3CE supports the transition to cleaner technologies, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants across the Central Coast. For more information visit: https://3cenergy.org/rebates-incentives.  

Electricity customers on the Central Coast served by 3CE pay one bill to cover both the cost for their generation service, which is remitted to 3CE – and the cost for the transmission and distribution of that energy, a service provided by PG&E, and in portions of Santa Barbara County, by SCE. Both PG&E and SCE implemented new rates on January 1, 2026. Generation charges typically account for about one-third of a customer’s total energy bill. Customers of 3CE may be eligible for state and federal utility bill assistance programs. Eligibility is based on income. For more information visit: https://3cenergy.org/billing/financial-assistance.

Maria Ygnacio Bike Path Closed at US HWY 101

The City of Goleta is sharing this information from the County of Santa Barbara.

Due to recent storm damage, Santa Barbara County Public Works is closing the Maria Ygnacio Bike Path at the U.S. 101 undercrossing (from Calle Real to Lassen Drive). County engineers are working on a plan to stabilize an undermined section of the path. However, they are unable to work during the rainy season due to environmental factors and regulatory restrictions. While it is difficult to provide an estimate on how long the closure will last, this section of the path is expected to be closed through the summer.  

While the Maria Ygnacio Bike Path is critical to residents, students, and those who commute via active modes of transportation, travelers should not evade path closure signs in this area. The situation is dynamic and the undermining of the path increases as the high flowing creek below is actively scouring dirt below the structure. Travelers should use Turnpike Avenue or Patterson Avenue to connect with the bike path. 

Questions about the path closure can be emailed to PWMobility@countyofsb.org.

Goleta Valley Library March Programming

Tech Tutors Return

Be sure to stop by the Goleta Valley Library Express this month to explore fun and engaging programs for all ages. GVL Express is located at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105 (across from Goleta Valley Athletic Club), but most of the programs are being held at Goleta Community Center (GCC) located at 5679 Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta, unless otherwise specified.

You can also once again make an appointment with a volunteer tech tutor! This includes one-on-one, 30-minute sessions, three days a week. Call the library at 805-964-7878 to make an appointment.

March Programming:

Senior Happy Hour
Thursday, March 5, 2:00-3:30 pm, GCC
The first Thursday of every month, we get together to relax, laugh, socialize and create something beautiful.

Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, March 7, 12:30-2:00 pm, GCC
Share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Poetry Club
Sunday, March 15, 2:00-3:00 pm, GCC
Read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the voices of others in this welcoming space.

Film Club: Intruder in the Dust (1949)
Thursday, March 19, 1:30-3:30 pm, GCC
Join us for an unflinching look at racial injustice in the Jim Crow South, starring David Brain, Claude Jarman Jr., and Juano Hernandez.

Mystery Book Club: The Hidden City by Charles Finch
Tuesday, March 24, 5:30-6:30 pm, GCC
Discuss amateur sleuth Charles Lennox investigating a cold case in Victorian England. 

Goodland Yarn Works
Every Wednesday, 2:00-4:00 pm, GCC
If you know how to knit or crochet, this group is for you. Join us for fun and friendship!

Cómo utilizar los servicios de TU BIBLIOTECA/ How to use the services at YOUR LIBRAR
Every Wednesday, 4:00-6:00 pm, Goleta Valley Library Express
Bilingual library staff will be available Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm to help our community members learn how to use the free services offered at the library.

Baby & Me Storytime
Every Friday, 10:00-10:30 am, Rotating Parks
Join us for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, lap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play.

Wiggly Storytime
Every Friday, 10:30-11:00 am, Rotating Parks
We’ll do stories, songs, a dance party, and bubbles. Best for ages 15 months-5 years.

Tech Tutoring
Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 2:00-4:00 pm by appointment at Goleta Valley Library Express

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

See you at the library!

Help Write the Next Chapter at Goleta Valley Library

Capital Campaign Gift Opportunities are Available Now

The excitement is building—Goleta Valley Library’s first‑ever capital campaign is off and running! Together, we’re working to raise the remaining $835,000 to complete our $1.7 million vision for fresh, accessible, patron‑ready spaces that will welcome and delight our community for decades to come.

The main Goleta Valley Library location at 500 N. Fairview is temporarily closed for construction related to the Building Forward infrastructure improvements that will bring the facility up to current standards and regulations. The interior design team is seizing the opportunity while the library is closed and vacant to create a more modern and accessible environment while retaining the charm and warmth of this treasured space. The interior design improvements will include updated seating for all ages, private study pods for reservable use, upgraded shelving to support the library’s broad collection, an enhanced children’s area with interactive and flexible spaces, a designated teen zone, technology upgrades, refreshed common spaces, and more – take a look at the latest renderings on our capital campaign webpage.

The campaign, which is fiscally sponsored by The Santa Barbara Foundation, goes through December 2026 and launched with $764,105 of this goal already secured through two milestone gifts from the John C. Mithun Foundation and the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library. In addition to much-appreciated donations from community members, the Library also recently received a new commitment of $100,000 from a generous local organization, bringing the total raised above 50% of the goal.

There are four convenient options for library supporters to help support our campaign:

  1. Santa Barbara Foundation: The fiscal sponsorship fund at the Santa Barbara Foundation, “Goleta Valley Library: Writing the Next Chapter”, is facilitating all donations, offering various convenient methods including credit card, check, wires, stock, or other assets, as well as donor advised fund contributions. To make a tax-deductible contribution:
    • Credit Cards: Visit the project listing page at https://sbfoundation.org/gvlibrary/ to make a secure gift transaction.
    • Checks: Make payable to Santa Barbara Foundation, with “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the memo line. Mail to: Santa Barbara Foundation, 1111 Chapala St #200, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
    • Gifts of Stock or Other Assets: Contact Jessica Sanchez, Senior Director of Donor Relations, at (805) 880-9366 or jsanchez@sbfoundation.org for details.
  2. Friends of the Goleta Valley Library: The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library continue to be incredibly supportive partners during our campaign. They have agreed to collect gifts toward the capital campaign and disburse them to Goleta Valley Library. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please specify that your donation is intended for the capital campaign through one of the options below:
    • Credit Cards: Donate securely via the Friends website at friendsofthegoletavalleylibrary.org and include “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the notes field.
    • Checks: Make payable to the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, with “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the memo line. Mail to: Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, P.O. Box 635, Goleta, CA 93116-0635.
    • Other Options or Questions: Contact the Friends directly at friendsofthegvlibrary@gmail.com.
  3.  City of Goleta: Donations can be made to the Library directly. Please contact City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo at esaucedo@cityofgoleta.gov for details.
  4. In-Person at GVL Express: Donations via credit card, cash, or check can be accepted at the service desk at GVL Express (6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105). The completion of a brief donation form will be requested for tracking purposes, and anonymous donations are also welcome.

Thank you to each of the wonderfully generous donors who have already contributed gifts toward this special project! To share the campaign with others and to see the latest updates, visit us at goletavalleylibrary.org/writingthenextchapter.

The Santa Barbara Foundation is the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor of the “Goleta Valley Library: Writing the Next Chapter” capital campaign.  As such, Santa Barbara Foundation receives all donations to the program and oversees funds are distributed in the manner intended by the committee. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Pictured above: Lobby Rendering


Interior Library Rendering


Children’s Area of the Library Rendering


Exterior Rendering

LEAD Goleta Graduates 32 Community Members

Class Included Higher Number of Students than Prior Years

The City of Goleta is proud to announce the completion of its 6th LEAD Goleta Community Academy. LEAD stands for Learn, Empower, Advocate, and Discuss. For six weeks, 32 participants have met every week to learn about how the City of Goleta is run. The evening of February 19, 2026, the group completed its final class which included participants receiving a graduation certificate and a City of Goleta pin from the Mayor and City Council. The ceremony was held at the Goleta Community Center and included family and friends of the graduates. Watch a video recap of the event here and view a photo album here.

Mayor Paula Perotte applauded the group for its participation and said, “It says a lot about who you are that you took time out of your busy lives to learn about how local government works. It was really refreshing to see so many students this year in this class. We hope you will all take what you learned and continue to stay engaged.”

Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “Every class is unique and what we will remember about this one especially is the great questions they asked and that there was not one minute of the class where they looked disinterested. They all showed up every week ready to learn. We will miss seeing them every week but are so glad we had this experience together.”

There was a lot to cover over the six-week class. The program began with participants hearing from the City Manager, Mayor and City Council. Additional weeks covered the other facets that make up a city. There were presentations from the City Clerk’s Office, Finance, Economic Development Sustainability, Environmental Services, Parks & Open Space, Planning, Neighborhood Services, Homelessness, Parks and Recreation, Goleta Valley Library, Public Works, Goleta Police, Santa Barbara County Fire, Emergency Services, Community Outreach, and the Goleta Community Center.

Besides getting a behind the scenes look at each of these divisions, the participants also participated in a Mock City Council meeting and took tours of the Goleta Valley Library Express and Goleta Community Center. The last class also featured a Goleta Trivia Game where the graduates had a chance to put their knowledge to the test. There was also homework each week and a first time “Where is Mayor Paula Perotte?” game where participants had to take a photo with a cut out photo of the Mayor somewhere in City limits and guess where it was taken.

The diverse group of LEAD Goleta participants came from all different backgrounds and walks of life The group included high school and college students, retirees, business professionals, community partners and overall Goleta enthusiasts. All were drawn to participate for different reasons.

Before receiving their certificates, the graduates went around the room and expressed what they enjoyed most about the Academy. Here are just a couple of the comments:

Peichi Waite said, “LEAD Goleta Community Academy should come with a warning label: “Caution! Take this class and you will fall in love with this city!” As a Harvard-trained educator, I was impressed with the curriculum, guest speakers, presentations, organized communications, and even the visit by K9 Kaz. Every Goleta local should jump at the opportunity to participate in this top-notch academy.”

Yazmin Ramos added, “Participating in LEAD Goleta helped me understand how local government decisions are made and the processes that keep the city thriving. Meeting all the passionate people that serve our community was truly inspiring. I feel incredibly lucky to live here, and plan to stay connected and informed as a community member.

Laura Costillo said, “LEAD Goleta Community Academy made City government feel approachable and real. It showed me how accessible the process is for community members to speak up, create change, and be heard—and how committed Goleta is to supporting all residents, regardless of their living situation.”

One of the final comments was from Borbor Nagbe. He said, “Participating in the LEAD Goleta Community Academy was an eye-opening experience that gave me a real behind-the-scenes look at how our local government works. I had the opportunity to connect with so many incredible people from across our community who share a passion for making Goleta a better place. The program deepened my understanding of the many ways residents can get involved and have a meaningful impact. I leave feeling inspired and more motivated than ever to stay engaged and help shape the future of our city.”

If you are interested in signing up for a future LEAD Goleta class, please email jshaw@cityofgoleta.gov to be notified when applications are available.


LEAD Goleta 2026 graduating class with the Goleta City Council


Student graduates


Mock City Council meeting participants with the City Clerk Team


LEAD Class Tours the Goleta Valley Library Express


Where is Mayor Paula Perotte? photo cut out homework

Details Announced for Goleta’s Community State of the City on April 15

Join Us from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center

Details are being finalized for Goleta’s biggest night of the year. We hope you will mark your calendar NOW to join us on Wednesday, April 15, for the Goleta Community State of the City at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. This event, in its ninth year, will have a new format. The Mayor and the entire City Council will be presenting on the City’s accomplishments and challenges. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available and light refreshments provided.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “I am so excited for this year’s event and having all of the Councilmembers join me in presenting the State of the City address. If you love Goleta, this is a night you don’t want to miss!”

We are pleased to announce that the Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band will be returning to the gazebo in front of the Goleta Community Center (GCC) starting at 4:30 p.m. to play for you as you arrive and before the event starts. Dos Pueblos High School Student and 2025 Teen Star Finalist, Tyler McCutchen, who kicked off the event for us last year, will be singing and playing the keyboard during the mingling portion of the evening and as part of the main program.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 5:00 p.m. to check out the City information tables (or earlier to listen to the DP Jazz Band). City staff will be available to talk about upcoming projects and programs. This is also an opportunity to mingle with the City Council, City staff, stakeholders and fellow Goletans. At 6:00 p.m. the main program begins featuring the Mayor and City Councilmembers giving a State of the City Address, followed by a Financial Update from Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet. The program ends with the popular Q&A session featuring City of Goleta Department Directors.

Additional parking at the Goleta Community Center is available behind the building if there are no spots remaining in the front and side parking areas.

We hope you can join us for this important City event. Bring your family and friends!

Pictured above: Mayor Perotte speaking at 2025 Goleta Community State of the City