Daily Archives: March 2, 2026

San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Groundbreaking April 9

You are invited to celebrate the start of construction on the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path – three continuous miles of pathway linking northern Goleta neighborhoods and key destinations such as Old Town, the Coast Route and the beach. Join us for a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Armitos Park and Community Garden (Armitos Avenue and S. Kellogg Avenue) in Old Town.

The San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path will provide a direct and continuous route which connects bicyclists and pedestrians on both sides of HWY 101 from Calle Real to commercial and residential areas within Goleta Old Town and to the existing Atascadero Creek Bikeway providing access to Goleta Beach Park, the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and to the City of Santa Barbara.

The multipurpose path will enhance Goleta’s active transportation network, making walking and biking easier, safer and more connected throughout our community.

For more information, visit our webpage at www.CityofGoleta.org/SJPath, email SJPath@cityofgoleta.gov, or call/text 805-699-5392.

Goleta Public Works Launches Street Talk Public Engagement Initiative

Community Invited to Share Input, Ideas through Online Survey and Workshops

The City of Goleta Public Works Department is pleased to announce the launch of Street Talk, an invitation to the community to share input through a variety of community engagement opportunities over the coming weeks.

“In Goleta, Public Works is a part of everyday life. Whether you walk, bike, or drive through City, enjoy our parks and recreational spaces, or utilize our solid waste services, you are using the services provided by the Public Works Department,” says Public Works Director Luz “Nina” Buelna. “Street Talk allows for meaningful engagement and provides direct feedback from our community about how we can continuously improve the experience they have with Public Works, especially in the area of transportation.”

The first Street Talk activity is an online community survey, designed to give residents and community members a platform to share their experiences and insights about Public Works’ efforts with a focus on transportation. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and will be available until March 17 on the City’s website at www.CityofGoleta.org/PW.

Paper copies of the Street Talk survey will also be available in English and Spanish at the following locations:

  • Goleta City Hall Reception – (130 Cremona Drive)
  • Goleta City Council Chambers during Council Meetings – (130 Cremona Drive)
  • Goleta Community Center – (5679 Hollister Avenue) – Available directly in front of Reception
  • Goleta Valley Library Express – (6500 Hollister Avenue)
  • State of the City on April 15, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center

A community open house will be held on April 22, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center, and a virtual community meeting will take place on April 23, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Spanish interpretation will be available for both events.

Feedback from both the survey and the community workshops will help the City better understand the community’s transportation preferences and priorities. 

For more information about Street Talk, the survey, and the upcoming community meetings, visit www.CityofGoleta.org/PW.

Hollister Avenue & HWY 217 Roundabouts Are Open

Moving Through Goleta Just Got A Little Easier

The long-anticipated roundabouts on Hollister Avenue and HWY 217 are open! The roundabouts, part of Project Connect construction, provide more continuous and improved movement through the busy Hollister Avenue and HWY 217 corridor.

While roundabouts significantly improve traffic safety and vehicular flow, it can take time for drivers to adjust. Please proceed through the area with patience and allow extra time for travel.

Share the road! Vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians share the road on roundabouts.

Drivers are now able to navigate the new roundabout configuration with temporary striping and traffic control in place. Final roundabout features, including landscaping and aesthetic enhancements, are scheduled to be installed later this year as construction progresses.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed a short video to help drivers navigate roundabouts. Click here to watch the video. Closed captions are available in numerous languages.

Here are some key tips from the video:

  • Slow Down:
    • Slow down. Going slower gives you more time to make decisions.
  • Look Around:
    • For multi-lane roundabouts, choose the lane for where you want to go. Use the left lane to go left, right lane to go right, and either lane to go straight.
    • Take note of the signs and markings to help you select your lane.
    • Keep looking around and check the crosswalks to see if anyone is waiting to cross or already crossing. Be ready to stop to allow them to cross.
    • Look around for traffic already in the roundabout and be ready to yield.

  • Be Ready to Yield:
    • You must yield to traffic in ALL lanes of a roundabout.
    • Enter when there’s a comfortable gap.
    • Go slow and stay in your lane. Don’t turn left from the right lane and don’t turn right from the left lane.
    • Yield to large vehicles and give them space.
    • Follow the pavement markings to stay in the correct lane.
    • Look around for anyone in the crosswalk and be ready to yield to them as you exit the roundabout.

Additional work will continue on Project Connect with overall completion anticipated in Spring 2027.

Project Connect, which began two years ago in March of 2024, is the largest capital improvement project in the City’s history, and when completed will provide improved connectivity throughout Goleta.  

Questions? Looking for more details? Visit our webpage at www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect, email connect@CityofGoleta.gov, or call 805-690-5116.


Photo of Roundabout at Hollister Avenue and Ward Drive (near Northbound Hwy 217 On-Ramp)


Photo of Roundabout at Hollister Avenue and Dearborn Place (near Southbound Hwy 217 Off-Ramp)


Map of area with new roundabouts – click here to see a larger version

Deltopia Temporary Parking Restrictions

April 3 – 5, 2026

The City of Goleta has approved temporary parking restrictions for Deltopia. The unsanctioned event in Isla Vista is usually held the weekend after students return from their Spring Break, and this year it is anticipated for Friday, April 3rd through Sunday, April 5th. Over the past several years, a temporary permit-only on-street parking program for Goleta residents near Isla Vista was implemented and deemed successful in dissuading partygoers from parking in Goleta neighborhoods. Since the congregation for the event takes place over the full weekend, the restricted parking begins at Noon on Friday, April 3rd through 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 5th.

Similar to last year, Girsh Park will be issuing daytime permits to those attending organized activities at the Park on April 4th. Affected families will receive their permits ahead of time from their leagues.

Signage will be posted on the streets in advance to remind residents, and electronic message boards will be at several entrances to the University 1 and 2 neighborhoods. Vehicles parked on the street not displaying the appropriate permit will be subject to ticketing and/or towing. 

Parking permits are issued for the Goleta neighborhoods closest to Isla Vista: University 1 and University 2 neighborhoods including the Cannon Green Condominium complex. The area requiring permits includes Hollister Avenue to the southern City limit (generally Whittier Drive), from Cannon Green Drive (including those cul-de-sac streets on the west side of Cannon Green Drive) to Storke Road. 

Each impacted Goleta household will receive two passes in their mailbox by Friday March 27th. Vehicles parked in private driveways do not require a permit. The parking permits are required to be taped to the inside of the vehicle’s driver’s side window for vehicles parked on the street during the restricted hours. Should Deltopia move to the following weekend, the restrictions will be in place from Noon on Friday, April 10th to 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 12th.

If you live in the area designated to receive a parking permit and have not received yours, please contact the City of Goleta Neighborhood Services Department at 805-961-7554 or parkingfeedback@cityofgoleta.gov to make arrangements for a replacement.

A map and FAQs can be found here: https://cityofgoleta.org/parkingrestrictions.

Free Test Drives of Electric Cars on March 14 at the GCC

Open to the Public

Ever wanted to test drive an electric vehicle? Now is your chance. On Saturday, March 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. there will be a Clean Vehicle Ride and Drive event at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). This is an opportunity to test drive electric vehicles from local dealerships, learn about the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), and enjoy food from local vendors (while supplies last).

The event is put on by the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and co-sponsored by the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition and the Community Environmental Council. 

DCAP provides up to $12,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new or used electric- or plug-in hybrid vehicle for income-qualified participants or residents of a low-income and/or disadvantaged community.

People who attend the event on March 14 can receive assistance with DCAP applications.

Drivers must be 18 years or older, present a valid driver’s license, and complete a liability waiver. Participants who test drive a vehicle will be entered for a chance to win a $200 VISA gift card. For more information, visit this website: Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive – City of Goleta – Driving Clean Assistance Program.

We hope to see you at the GCC on March 14!

Free Air Purifiers for Old Town Residents

March 14 Event at Goleta Community Center Also Offers Electric Vehicle Test Drives

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is sponsoring an upcoming event at the Goleta Community Center where residents of Old Town Goleta will be able to pick up a free air purifier. The event will also offer free test drives of electric cars, open to all members of the public. Participants at each event will also receive a free meal (while supplies last). APCD is proud to partner with the City of Goleta to host this event. Details about both programs are available below:

Free Air Purifiers

Open to Old Town Goleta residents only, proof of address required

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue

Under APCD’s Clean Air Rooms program, eligible residents of the Old Town Goleta community — as defined by this State of California map — will be able to pick up a free air purifier, which can help keep indoor air clean during wildfires. APCD will distribute 400 air purifiers on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one per household, with proof of address required. To participate, Old Town Goleta residents are asked to bring one of the following types of proof of address:

  • A postcard from APCD about this event that will arrive in the mail before March 14
  • A driver’s license or a piece of mail showing an Old Town Goleta address, such as a utility bill

For more information on APCD’s Clean Air Rooms program, visit: www.ourair.org/clean-air-rooms/.

Construction Underway at Goleta Valley Library

Watch Groundbreaking Ceremony to See What Project Entails

Construction on the Goleta Valley Library ADA, Safety, and Building Improvement Project at 500 N. Fairview Avenue is underway. The project is focused on bringing the building up to the current code standards and improving accessibility, safety, and sustainability measures within the facility. So far, shelving, furniture, and carpet have been removed from the facility; fragile items such as Chumash artwork and display cases were protected. The demolition of walls and ceilings has begun and will continue for the next several weeks. Check for updates on the Goleta Valley Library Improvement Project webpage.


Getting ready for demolition at Goleta Valley Library

A groundbreaking ceremony took place on February 12th at the construction site (500 N. Fairview Avenue). This short video recap demonstrates just how meaningful this project will be for the community when it is completed and how you can help!

The ceremony was attended by the Goleta City Council, those associated with the project, dignitary representatives and a number of stakeholders including members of the California State Library, longtime volunteers, supporters from the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, the Goleta Union School District, the Library Advisory Commission, and the County Library Advisory Committee.

The ceremony was emceed by the City’s Neighborhood Services Director JoAnne Plummer and included a number of speakers who highlighted the impact the project will have on our community when it opens in the summer of 2027.

“This project will do so much more than upgrade a building: it will strengthen our Library so that is positioned to provide exemplary service to our community for the next fifty years and beyond,” said Mayor Paula Perotte. “The modern and accessible space will ensure that every member of our community can benefit from the countless resources the Library has to offer and will continue to inspire generations of library patrons to come.”

Councilmember Luz Reyes- Martín (District 1) said, “What an exciting day for the Goodland, but really for the entire Goleta Valley that loves this space.” She continued, “These [interior] enhancements and structural improvements are going to help transform this library into a vibrant, flexible, 21st century learning environment. These improvements are going to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of age, ability, or background can use this space safely and comfortably, and more than anything, be warmly welcomed every time.”

The final speaker, City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo, said, “At its heart, this project underscores the incredible importance of public libraries. With today’s groundbreaking, each day brings us closer to reopening our doors to the next chapter at Goleta Valley Library. We look forward to continuing to write our story together!”

The project is primarily funded by a $4.2 million grant from the California State Library Building Forward Facilities Improvement Program along with City General Fund totaling $2.7 million and a generous contribution of $250,000 from the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library for renovation of the children’s area restrooms. The focus of the project is to bring the facility up to current code standards and improve accessibility, safety, and sustainability measures to prepare it for generations of library users to come. 

A separate interior design project will raise funds through a capital campaign fiscally sponsored by the Santa Barbara Foundation. The campaign is seeking community support to raise the remaining $935,000 of the $1.7 million goal to fund modern, accessible furnishings at the library. Gifts can be made through the Santa Barbara Foundation donor page for Goleta Valley Library: Writing the Next Chapter. The campaign launched with 45% of its goal already secured, thanks to the generous support of community members and the John C. Mithun Foundation, Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, and the Patricia Bragg Foundation, whose representatives celebrated this special milestone alongside the City team.

To learn more about the interior design and infrastructure improvements planned for Goleta Valley Library, visit the project page at GoletaValleyLibrary.org/BuildingForward.

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: Goleta City Council with shovels; pictured left-to-right: Councilmember Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Mayor Pro Tempore Jennifer Smith (District 3), Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1) and Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2)


Group photo


Mayor Paula Perotte speaking


Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1) speaking


City Project Team; pictured left-to-right: Senior Management Analyst Cassidy Le Air, City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo, Neighborhood Services Director JoAnne Plummer, and General Services Director Matt Fore

Banking App Scam Alert

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office is alerting the public about a scam tactic that has recently been reported in our area.

Scammers are contacting individuals and instructing them to download a banking app, often from a bank the person does not use, and to access an account. The fraudsters then direct victims to deposit cash into an ATM using the tap/mobile feature on their phone.

If you are contacted by someone asking you to:

  • Download a banking app from a bank you do not use
  • Deposit cash into an ATM using a mobile banking app for any reason
  • Transfer funds to “protect” your money

This is a scam.

Legitimate banks and government agencies will never ask you to access accounts for someone else, deposit cash into an account that is not yours, or move your money to protect it. Once cash is deposited, it can be quickly transferred out, making it extremely difficult to recover.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Do not download apps at the direction of someone you do not know and
  • Never deposit cash or transfer funds for someone
  • Do not share banking information, verification codes, or login
  • If you are unsure, pause and verify directly with your financial institution using a trusted phone

If you believe you have been targeted or have questions about this or other scams, please contact the Scam Hotline at 805-568-2442.

The DA’s Office wants to encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to share this information with family and friends, especially seniors and vulnerable community members.

Women’s History Month: Senator Monique Limón Focus

Celebrating a Historic First

For Women’s History Month, it only seems appropriate that we highlight a woman close to Goleta who is making history!

State Senator Monique Limón was recently sworn in as the President pro Tempore of the California State Senate — becoming the first Latina, the first woman of color, and the first mother to lead the State Senate.

Before leading the Senate, she served on the Santa Barbara Unified School Board, represented the Central Coast in the State Assembly, and has represented the Central Coast in the State Senate since 2020. Along the way, she has championed working families, women’s economic equity, environmental protections, and support for small businesses.

Monique Limón represents the 21st Senate District, which includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Buellton, Carpinteria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Solvang, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Port Hueneme, Blacklake, Callender, Grover Beach, Los Berros, Nipomo, Oceano, Woodlands. She currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, Vice Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and Vice Chair of the Central Coast Caucus.

Thanks to Senator Limón for being a great example for young women of what it means to lead with confidence and with your heart.

A Message About Mosquitos and Other Vectors

Mosquitoes are well-known to spread disease. So are rats and other pests in and around Goleta. The  Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County provides services and information to reduce the risk of diseases being spread from vectors to humans. See below for some Frequently Asked Questions about MVMD and how you can be part of the local effort to “Fight the Bite.”

What’s a vector?

Vectors are animals or insects such as rats, mice, mosquitoes, ticks, bees, wasps, and flies that can transmit diseases or cause illness or discomfort to humans. 

What’s a mosquito and vector management district?

The Mosquito and Vector Management District (MVMD) of Santa Barbara County is an independent special district that serves the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria and unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. MVMD controls and monitors disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents, tests for vectored diseases and educates the public on how to reduce the probability of contracting such diseases. The focus is on mosquito control to help protect the public from issues that can arise from these insects. 

When should I contact the MVMD?

When you are bothered by mosquitoes, flies, bees, wasps, mice, or rats, a trained vector control technician will assist you in locating the problem and help you decide what is the best and safest way to solve it. 

Contact MVMD to learn more about controlling pests: (805) 969-5050 or info@mvmdistrict.org or visit our website at www.mvmdistrict.org. 

Sign up for the MVMD newsletter and follow Instagram (@mosquitosantabarbara) to stay up to date on current events.