Daily Archives: March 27, 2026

National Library Week April 19 – 25

April Programming at Goleta Valley Library

Celebrate National Library Week, April 19-25 with your library staff at Goleta Valley Library Express! The 2026 theme is “Find Your Joy” and we will be handing out some commemorative National Library Week swag to our beloved library patrons. 

Be sure to stop by throughout the month of April to explore our 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 the Goleta Community Center (GCC) located at 5679 Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta, unless otherwise specified.

We have a special event planned with UCSB Library as well in honor of National Poetry Month. Goleta Valley Library staff also offer a monthly Poetry Club on the third Sunday of every month so you can always gather with your local library poetry community year-round to discover new poets and enjoy the company of fellow poetry enthusiasts. Read more below.

There is lots to enjoy this month:

Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, April 4, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Film Club: Dead Ringer (1964)
Thursday, April 16, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Bette Davis at her scheming and conniving best in this twisted thriller about twin sisters.

Horror Book Club: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Saturday, April 18, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Join us for the Goleta Valley Library’s bi-monthly Horror Book Club.

Poetry Club Sunday
April 19, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the voices of others in this welcoming space.

Community Poetry Readings with UCSB Reads & Goleta Valley Library Wednesday, April 22, 4:00 – 5:15 p.m., UCSB Library, Instruction & Training 1312
Join UCSB Reads and Goleta Valley Library for an afternoon of poetry readings in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Mystery Book Club: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
A richly textured drama, both emotionally nuanced and propelled by a double-barreled mystery.

Goodland Yarn Works
Every Wednesday, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
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 LIBRARY
Every Wednesday, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., 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 a.m., 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 a.m., 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 p.m., 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!

Learn About Goleta’s Code Compliance Division

It’s a challenging role but an important one for a City. Goleta’s Code Compliance Division addresses a wide range of neighborhood issues, from property maintenance concerns to unpermitted construction activities. Staff is responsible for ensuring that businesses and residents maintain the safety and quality of life in Goleta by adhering to codes relating to building, zoning, advertising and property maintenance, among others.

We rely on our residents to help identify possible code violations. Some commonly identified violations include:

  • Property maintenance issues
  • Zoning and occupancy issues
  • Unpermitted construction activities
  • Prohibited dumping
  • Graffiti on public and private properties
  • Inoperative vehicles on private property
  • Overgrown vegetation obstructing public rights-of-way and vision clearance
  • Fences, walls, and hedges affecting vision clearance standards at driveways and intersections
  • Prohibited and unpermitted signs on public and private properties
  • Encroachments in the public right-of-way (sports equipment, building materials, containers)

Reports are investigated by Code Compliance Officers, who determine whether a violation exists based on visual observation from the public right-of-way. If a violation is identified, the property owner and tenant (if applicable) are sent a written Notice of Violation (NOV) outlining the violation(s) and providing a deadline for compliance.

There are three ways to report a code violation:

Thanks to our Code Compliance Officers who ensure compliance with the City’s various land use codes and municipal code regulations. This involves the prevention, detection, and investigation of violations of statutes or ordinances regulating public health and safety, public works, business activities, building standards, and land use adopted by and applicable within the City of Goleta. 

Please do your part to help create and preserve an orderly, safe, and beautiful community by maintaining your property and by checking with the Current Planning Division (805-961-7543 or planningcounter@cityofgoleta.gov) or the Building Division (805-961-7552 or buildinggroup@cityofgoleta.gov) before undertaking construction.

For more information on the Code Compliance Division, click here.

Help Shape the Future of Art in Goleta

Apply for the New City of Goleta Public Art Review Board by April 23

The City of Goleta is looking for three residents to serve on the newly formed Public Art Review Board. Your contribution as one of the first members of this Board will help make sure public art is a lasting and meaningful part of the City of Goleta.

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.

To serve on the Public Art Review Board, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a resident of the City of Goleta
  2. Have training, knowledge, or experience in the arts.

The Board has no regular meetings and will meet as needed to review projects. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Apply today to help shape the future of public art in Goleta! The application can be found online at www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. Applications are due by April 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. For more information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.gov.

Goleta Celebrates Successful CERT Training

Twenty-Six Community Members Gain Hands-On Emergency Preparedness Skills

Congratulations to the graduates of Goleta’s most recent Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class! This was the largest CERT class in the South County in the past several years. Twenty-six community members received their Basic CERT completion certificate on March 21 at the Goleta Community Center. The participants spent 20 hours over the past three Saturdays learning essential skills of how to prepare and respond to a disaster. This is the second basic CERT course offered in Goleta this year and the 25th in the City’s history. 

Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Jason Levy is pleased with how the class turned out, he said, “This cohort consisted of highly engaged community members who demonstrated enthusiasm for learning and a strong commitment to supporting one another and their neighbors. These graduates are now part of Goleta’s growing network of trained residents who can support preparedness efforts, participate in volunteer opportunities, and step up during emergencies if needed.”

Participants learned hands-on skills across all CERT modules, including:

  • Disaster preparedness and local hazard awareness
  • Fire extinguisher use and utility safety
  • Basic medical operations and triage
  • Light search and rescue
  • CERT team organization and communication
  • Disaster psychology
  • A final hands-on simulation to put their skills into practice

During the final simulated drill, participants worked together to locate victims, perform rescues, and conduct disaster medical operations. It was an eye-opening experience.

CERT graduate Jana Pierce said, “The exercise at the end of the class really brought home for me what really matters is how we all came together as individuals to put into practice building a team to help our community.”

The City extends heartfelt appreciation to our CERT instructors from the American Red Cross, Fire Safety Training Institute, Santa Barbara Food Bank, City of Santa Barbara, City of Carpinteria, and the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District. Their expertise, passion, and commitment to community safety made this training a meaningful and empowering experience for everyone involved.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts from Santa Barbara County at ReadySBC.org and check for upcoming CERT trainings scheduled for fall 2026 classes by visiting the City’s webpage at www.CityofGoleta.org/Preparedness.

Pictured above: participant recording number of victims during an exercise


Group photo at the end of the final exercise of all victim actors, participants, and instructors


Participants simulating carry out of a disaster victim


CERT participants hearing from County Fire outside of City Hall at class #2


CERT graduates with their certificates

Red, White & You! Help Sponsor Goleta’s 4th of July Celebration

Free Community Event with Drone Light Show

The City of Goleta’s Fourth of July Celebration will be here before we know it! We are still in need of sponsors to put on this free community event. The event will again take place at Dos Pueblos High School (7266 Alameda Avenue, Goleta) from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. In addition to a very cool drone light show, the night includes music, entertainment, carnival games, food trucks and more. This free event cannot happen without support from businesses, organizations and families.

Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “The magic of the July 4th celebration and drone light show is that it’s an event for the community put on by the community which is why we need your timely and generous support. By partnering with us, you’ll be a part of something special—a patriotic evening of entertainment, family fun, and community spirit.”

We truly appreciate those that have stepped up as sponsors this year:

  • Platinum: Yardi
  • Gold: Ergomotion, Inc., Santa Barbara Airbus, Santa Barbara Airport, and Santa Barbara Honda, Acura & Toyota
  • Silver: Deckers, Goleta Valley Historical Society, MarBorg, Teledyne FLIR, and UCSB Athletics
  • Bronze: Camino Real Marketplace, Community West Bank, Eng-Denbaars Family, Fuel Depot & Point Market, and True North Wealth Management
  • Community Partner: Air Pollution Control District, American Riviera Bank, Best, Best & Krieger, Cederlof Family, Cottage Health, KeyPoint Credit Union, Leonardo DRS, SEE International, and Southern California Edison

Who will step up next? Anyone interested can learn more at cityofgoleta.org/July4Sponsor or email PIO@cityofgoleta.gov.

We are also recruiting volunteers to help put on the event on July 4, 2026. Sign up to volunteer here.

To help get you excited for this year’s event, watch our video recap of the 2025 celebration here.

Save the date and stay tuned for more details, including information about new reserved seating. For questions about the event email DroneLightShow@CityofGoleta.gov.

Photos below from 2025 event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Austrian National Soccer Team Reps Come to Goleta

Score one for Goleta! The City was proud to welcome representatives from Austria’s National Football Team (ÖFB) and the Austrian Consulate to City Hall on Friday, March 6. The Austrian delegation met with City leadership and staff, kicking off preparations for the team’s arrival. Goleta is excited to serve as ÖFB’s host city and to be collaborating with our partners at UCSB where the team will train ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM.

The City Council approved the agreement designating Goleta as a Team Base Camp Host City at a special meeting on January 12, 2026. The Austrian Consulate General in Los Angeles officially announced Team Austria would be coming to town on January 30. Read more here.

We wish Team Austria a great stay training and staying in our area and wish them all the best in the tournament! Stay tuned for ways you can cheer the team on and show your support.

Pictured above: Mayor Perotte (center) with Bernhard Neuhold, CEO – ÖFB (left) and Christine Moser, Consul General (right) inside Council Chambers.

Representatives of Austria’s National Football Team (ÖFB) and the Austrian Consulate in Goleta Council Chambers with City staff. 

City staff, representatives of Austria’s National Football Team (ÖFB), and the Austrian Consulate gather outside Goleta City Hall.

Senior Expo April 23

A Celebration of Connection, Resources, and Community

The City of Goleta invites the community to attend its 4th Annual Senior Expo on Thursday, April 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). This free event is designed to connect older adults, families, caregivers, and community members with valuable resources, services, and opportunities that support healthy, engaged, and independent living.

The Senior Expo has become a cornerstone community event—bringing together local organizations, service providers, and wellness experts all under one roof. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of informational booths, participate in interactive activities, and engage directly with professionals dedicated to improving quality of life for older adults.

“This event is all about empowering our senior community with knowledge, connection, and access,” said Leonel Mendoza-Diaz, Recreation Supervisor. “Whether you’re looking for health resources, social programs, or simply a fun and welcoming place to connect with others, the Senior Expo offers something for everyone.”

The Senior Expo offers meaningful benefits for attendees and the broader community, including:

  • Access to Essential Resources: Discover local programs and services related to health care, wellness, housing, recreation, transportation, and more.
  • Promoting Healthy Aging: Learn practical tips and tools to support physical, mental, and social well-being.
  • Building Community Connections: Meet new people, strengthen social networks, and engage with organizations that serve Goleta’s senior population.
  • Supporting Caregivers and Families: Gain valuable information and support for those caring for older adults.
  • Celebrating Active Lifestyles: Enjoy a lively, welcoming environment that highlights the importance of staying active, engaged, and connected.

In addition to resource booths, attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with opportunities to learn, engage, and be inspired. The event reflects the City of Goleta’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, age-friendly community where residents of all ages can thrive.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate community.

Visit www.CityofGoleta.org/SeniorProgram for more information. For questions, please email seniorprogram@cityofgoleta.gov. 

Beautify Goleta Earth Day April 18

Community Cleanup Features Zero-Waste Prizes, Interactive Educational Activities and a Bulky Item Drop-Off

The 4th Annual Beautify Goleta Earth Day event is taking place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This year’s community-wide cleanup and educational event will be centralized at Stow Canyon Open Space (on Valdez Avenue). The Free Bulky Item Drop-Off will be located along Cathedral Oaks Road between Windsor Avenue and Carlo Drive from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

With an ongoing commitment to fostering a Waste Free Goleta lifestyle and preserving local environments, the City is calling on volunteers to help build on the massive success of the 2025 Beautify Goleta Earth Day event. Last year, 115 dedicated volunteers removed 317 pounds of trash, while 36 vehicles safely disposed of 6,000 pounds of bulky items.

Local nonprofit Tidy Seas is the official Captain of this event. They will be joined by essential community partners, including the Goleta Valley Library, MarBorg Industries, Santa Barbara County Less Is More, and Mission Refill.

Community Clean-Up

Come be a part of Beautify Goleta Earth Day! Volunteers will be fully equipped for success on the day of the event. The City will provide safety equipment and cleanup gear, including hats, long-sleeve t-shirts, safety vests, gloves, trash bags, buckets, and trash grabbers.

All litter collected during the event will be sorted on-site into specific Recycling Material Categories by event staff and volunteers, providing a unique, hands-on educational effort. This eye-opening activity provides a stark visual of our community’s waste footprint and highlights the importance of conscious disposal.

Family-Friendly Activities and Education

The Beautify Goleta Earth Day event is designed for all ages. Highlights include:

  • Library Services: The Goleta Valley Library Team will be setup to help you register for your own library card, learn more about the Seed Library, or check out some of the curated materials they picked for the event.
  • Touch-A-Truck Experience: Hosted by MarBorg Industries, kids and families can get up close and personal with the impressive vehicles that keep our city running.
  • Sustainable Kids Craft Activity: Mission Refill will have a sustainable craft activity for kids using recycled and natural materials.
  • Waste Reduction Education: Experts from Santa Barbara County Less Is More will be on-site to discuss critical solid waste programs, heavily featuring the highly successful new Textile Recycling Program, which is currently achieving over 95% diversion from landfill disposal.

Volunteer Prize Drawing

To thank the community for their hard work, participating volunteers will be entered into a prize drawing featuring highly sought-after sustainability items. Prizes include an Earth Machine Backyard Composting Bin, a professional Trash Grabber, and Waste Free Goleta-themed items such as paperless paper towels and wool dryer balls.

Keep showing up, Goleta! Let’s continue to grow this incredible movement and set new records for our city. Stay tuned for additional announcements leading up to the big day.

For all event inquiries or to learn more about how to participate, please email EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.gov or visit www.cityofgoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Groundbreaking April 9

Ceremony Begins at 1:30 p.m. at Armitos Park Community Garden

Celebrate the start of construction on the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path – three miles of pathway linking northern Goleta neighborhoods and key destinations such as Old Town, the Coast Route and the beach. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Armitos Park Community Garden (Armitos Avenue and S. Kellogg Avenue) in Old Town.

Join City Council, City staff, and community members at the celebration. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

The San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path will connect to the existing path between Armitos Avenue and Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta, which links Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park, the Community Garden, and Armitos Park. The project will create a direct route for bicyclists and pedestrians across both sides of Highway 101—from Calle Real to residential and commercial areas in Old Town Goleta—and connect to the Atascadero Creek Bikeway, providing access to Goleta Beach Park, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and the City of Santa Barbara. By removing this long-standing barrier, the project will provide residents with easier access to schools, jobs, housing, grocery stores, health care services, parks, and recreational opportunities.

The new facility will feature a Class I bicycle and pedestrian path and other amenities designed to improve safety and accessibility for people walking and biking, particularly near high-volume roadways and freeway underpasses where infrastructure is currently limited.

Construction is organized into two segments: the Northern Segment from Calle Real near Kellogg to the portion of the path between Armitos Park and Jonny D Wallis Park and the Southern Segment from South Kellogg Way to the Atascadero Bikeway. View the project map here.

Funding for this project includes approximately $17.9 million in Active Transportation Grant funding from the California Transportation Commission, $11.16 million in funding from the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and approximately $1 million in grant funding from Measure A Safe Routes to School Program. As a condition of the funding, the City will provide up to 20 percent of the overall construction costs through a combination of sources including various development impact fees and future bond proceeds. A press conference with Congressman Salud Carbajal was held in January 2025 – watch it here.

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

We hope to see you there!

Watch Project Connect Video Update

Includes Roundabout Tutorial and Two-Year Construction Update

The City of Goleta has released an informative video providing a two-year update on Project Connect, including tips on how to navigate two newly opened roundabouts in Old Town. The video features Goleta Public Works Director Luz “Nina” Buelna and Project Connect Project Manager Melissa Angeles providing a rundown of what has been accomplished the past two years of construction and what work still needs to be done. The video also includes a tutorial with Goleta Police Sgt. Noel Rivas on how to navigate roundabouts. Watch the video here in English; it is also available to view in Spanish here.

Project Connect, the largest capital improvement project in the history of the City, broke ground in March of 2024 and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2027.

Roundabout Update

A construction milestone occurred on March 1, 2026, when two roundabouts opened on Hollister Avenue at Highway 217.

These roundabouts are designed to improve safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, providing more continuous, low speed movement through this busy corridor. Roundabouts reduce stop-and-go traffic while allowing all users to share the roadway more safely. 

In the video Sgt. Rivas provides the following tips:

  • First step, as you approach the roundabout, slow down and look for the yield sign.
  • Remember both vehicles and bicycles already in the roundabout have the right of way.
  • Once there’s a safe gap, enter the roundabout and follow the curve to your right until you reach your exit. This is true for bicycles and vehicles – we all share roundabouts.
  • Before exiting, be sure that pedestrians and bicycles are free from the exit you want to use.
  • No need to break hard or speed through the roundabout, go with the flow and keep speeds slow.
  • Bottom line – slow down, follow the signs and pavement markings.
  • Allow a little extra time as everyone gets used to the new traffic pattern.

Project Connect Construction Update

Here is what has been completed in the first two years of construction.

The new Hollister Avenue Bridge, drainage improvements, Dearborn Place realignment, new sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps, and traffic signal upgrades. The Ekwill Street extension connecting Kellogg Avenue to Fairview Avenue, improvements in Old Town including the interim striping project, new wayfinding signage, and reconstruction of the Orange Avenue parking lot.

There is still work to be done. You’ll see crews working along the roundabouts in the coming months. They’re also continuing to work on the Fowler Road improvements, street lighting, additional sidewalks and curb ramps, roadway surface treatments, improvements to San Jose Creek, and landscaping and mitigation plantings.

To learn more about Project Connect, visit the City’s webpage at Watch the video here in English. For questions, please email Connect@CityofGoleta.gov or call 805-690-5116.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we build a better, more connected community.

Pictured above: Public Works Director Luz “Nina” Buelna, Goleta Police Sgt. Noel Rivas, and Project Connect Project Manager Melissa Angeles