Author Archives: Valerie Kushnerov

Goleta Ranked as 12th Best Commuter City in California

Once again Goleta is being called a great place to live, work, and play. According to a study conducted by Obrella, Goleta has been ranked the 12th best commuter city in California. In order to establish a ranking, data was compiled to track the average commute times of drivers around California. Goleta ranked in the Top 40 with an average commute time of 18.2 minutes.  There are many factors that play into judging the best and worst commuter cities in California. Roughly 74.8% of Goleta drivers make the trek to work alone with another 11.6% who carpool. Alternatively 2.7% utilize mass transportation while about 5.3% of individuals work from home.

Goleta Commuter City Infographic

 

 

So why is this information important? Long commutes not only cause long headaches, they account for lost productivity, back problems, and a decreased quality of life.

Some of the cities that made the list of the worst commuter cities according to Obrella are Lake Los Angeles, Brentwood, Palmdale, and Malibu. All of these cities have an average commute of more than 40 minutes or double the Goleta average.

View the report and rankings: http://www.obrella.com/news/2015/best-worst-commuter-cities-california/.

Walk with a Cop at the Ellwood Mesa

Last month the City of Goleta hosted a  “Walk with a Cop” event with our Community Resource Deputy Dave Valadez and Police Chief Butch Arnoldi. Community members took advantage of a beautiful day to walk on the Ellwood Mesa while getting to know our local law enforcement better. An added benefit of the warm day was the fact the butterflies were out!  If there is additional community interest, this event may be scheduled again.  Other opportunities to meet our deputies happen through the “Coffee with a Cop” events.  Look for future events on our website at http://www.cityofgoleta.org.

 

 

 

 

Los Carneros Ramps to Open This Month

We have some great news on the Los Carneros Overhead Bridge Replacement Project.  The southbound Los Carneros on and off ramps are scheduled to reopen later this month as the project nears completion.  The ramps will open in a temporary alignment while work is finished up.

A lot of interest has also been expressed in the Las Vegas San Pedro Culvert Replacement Project which is affecting Calle Real between La Patera and Fairview, and Highway 101 near Fairview Avenue.  The most recent information from Caltrans on the on and off ramp closures at Fairview is as follows:  The southbound Fairview off ramp and the northbound Fairview on ramp will close in early April and remain closed through the end of 2015.  For more information on the culvert project, please click here.

City Council Considers Vacation Rental Ordinance

Over the past few years, the City has taken various steps to address problems which have arisen from short-term vacation rentals.  Some renters are not considerate of their residential neighbors and some of the reported problems have been offensive language, loud noises, litter, parking impacts, parties and large numbers of occupants.

The City’s Ordinance Committee has discussed a proposed ordinance several times and tomorrow, February 3, the City Council will consider an ordinance that would address vacation rentals through a permitting program.  It would require property owners to apply for and obtain a regulatory permit before renting their property for less than 30 days.  A permitting program would provide the following benefits:

• An opportunity to educate owners of their obligations;

• A mechanism to notify neighbors and give them a voice prior to the use;

• A database to assure that appropriate compliance with transient occupancy tax obligations;

• Most importantly, a procedure for revocation when the use is abused.

Applicants would be required to provide: a plan for responding to complaints; proof of their Transient Occupancy Registration; a bond in the amount of $1,500 to ensure compliance; a fee to cover the cost of administering the program and proof that all properties within 200 feet have been notified of the application.

If the Council chooses to move forward with this ordinance, it may be introduced at this meeting, upon a majority vote.  The law requires adoption to occur at a subsequent meeting which would likely occur in two weeks.  The ordinance would be effective on the 31st day after adoption.

The City’s research has shown that this type of ordinance would affect as many of 100 properties in Goleta which are currently used for this purpose.

 

 

Which Design for the Hollister Bike Path Will Be Better?

That is one of the discussions the City Council will have in the evening session (6 p.m.) of their meeting on Tuesday, February 3.  The City is looking to add a Class I Bike Path Project on the south side of Hollister Avenue between Pacific Oaks Road to Ellwood Elementary School.  This bike path will be in addition to the existing Class II bike lanes.

This project came about because there are many school children living south of Hollister who would enjoy the benefits of bicycling to school but do not because the existing bike lanes immediately adjacent to traffic lanes are not suited for younger bicyclists.

The City Council will be weighing in on which of the two design alternatives they prefer.  Alternative 1 consists of a “separated” Class I bike path. In this configuration the sidewalk would be separated from the Class I bike path with a raised curb. Alternative 2 is a combined multipurpose path with the Class I bike path and sidewalk at the same elevation. With this alternative, the bike path would be separated visually from the sidewalk using colored or stamped concrete, pavers, or pavement markings to clearly distinguish an area of the path for bicyclists and an area for pedestrians.

In 2012, the City received a $107,000 Measure A Alternative Transportation Program (ATP) grant to fund a portion of the preliminary engineering and design costs for the Hollister Class I Bikeway Project.  In September 2014, the City was awarded another ATP grant for $1,644,000 for construction of the project.

Construction of the project is scheduled for summer of 2015.  More information on the project can also be found here.

Why a Permanent City Hall is an Important Part of Goleta’s Future

The City of Goleta is deep into the process of the Civic Center Feasibility Study which will result in a conceptual design for the development of a new City-owned City Hall within a Civic Center. It’s important to understand why the City would be pursuing such an initiative which, on the surface, might seem like a very costly venture. The City currently leases roughly 22,000 square feet of space on Cremona Drive at a cost of nearly $500,000 per year.

From a financial standpoint, the development of a Civic Center would be a more cost effective and better use of taxpayer money in the long run. Similar to home ownership, purchasing a long term asset that can be used by the community for decades is a sensible financial choice and good investment in our community.

The Civic Center Feasibility Study is evaluating the creation of a Civic Center at the current site of the Goleta Valley Community Center. This is a popular location because it would place City Hall in the midst of Old Town where many residents and businesses are located. The current City Hall location is more isolated, in a business park, which makes it more difficult for those without vehicles to access.

The City has offered numerous opportunities for public input on the desired amenities for a Civic Center. These workshops and meetings have provided the basis for several designs which the City Council last reviewed on October 27. The concept plans identify reuse of facilities, building site constraints, and public improvements for a new Civic Center.

More information on the Civic Center Feasibility Study and related renderings can be found here.

We’re Officially Green!

The City of Goleta has been certified a Green Business by Green Business Santa Barbara County! The City is proud to have been given this certification as this is only assigned to businesses that go above and beyond the required measures to serve as models of sustainable business.

The goals and objectives of this program are to promote environmental ethics, establish a positive relationship among governmental agencies, the business community, and the public. The program helps businesses integrate environmental responsibility into their operations in a manner that is sustainable as well as profitable, and provides public recognition to exemplary businesses.

The City will join 82 other certified businesses that have been recognized in Santa Barbara County. Here are some of the Green Certified businesses in Goleta who are striving to do their best to help the environment.

Green Business Logo

 

 

 

Aqua – Flo Supply

Backyard Bowls

Camino Real Marketplace

Encina Meadows

Green Star Coffee

Kitson Landscape Management Inc.

McDonalds Goleta

Peacocks Marching World

Santa Barbara Airbus

The Chocolate Factory

Becoming a Green Business is free. In order to become certified, all environmental laws and regulations must be followed, a resource conservation and pollution prevention measure must be adopted, and the company must allow the program to verify the measures that have been taken. Once a company has been certified, a pledge must be made to continue with these efforts to stay green.

For more information on how to become a Certified Green Business, please visit Green Business Santa  Barbara County.

Old Town Park Design Needs Community Input

A preliminary design for the park in Old Town near the corner of Hollister and Kellogg Avenues was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission earlier this year. Although significant progress has been made in preparing the necessary construction documents for the park, the process has been delayed as a result of the Stage 2 Water Shortage Emergency Declaration.

Because the park site has historic water use, it is not subject to the moratorium.  However the future use cannot exceed its historical use. The current park design would exceed the water use allowance, and as a result, some changes to the park’s design and landscaping will be necessary to bring the project under the established water allotment. The City’s landscape architecture consultant, Van Atta Associates, is working on some options for reducing the park’s water demands with the goal of keeping the major recreational functions intact.

A great deal of public input has also gone into the existing park design. In addition to the public’s desired amenities, some design related commitments were made in association with the a Prop 84 Grant awarded to the City for the park’s construction; which include, a  provision of the multi-purpose field, a picnic area, restrooms, a small parking area and playground, all of which were highly desired by the public.

City staff is again inviting the public to attend a workshop in order to gain community feedback on alternative designs that would maintain the essence of the existing design and its amenities. The goal is to make changes that would result in the necessary reductions in water demand of the proposed park. Possible options under consideration would include reducing the size of the multi-use turf playing field, an increase in the size of the skateboard plaza, and any other increased hardscape areas for active play.

The public is welcome to attend the Old Town Park workshop on January 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Goleta Valley Community Center, light refreshments will be served.

For more information on the project and to sign up for updates, please visit the City’s website.

Demonstration Garden

Stage II Water Shortage Emergency Update

Information provided courtesy of Goleta Water District.

December has been a wet month throughout the region and it’s exciting to see some of the first winter rainfall.  While the recent rains have moistened the ground considerably, the drought conditions persist.  Lake Cachuma remains at historic lows, and the Stage II Water Shortage Emergency and mandatory water use restrictions are still in effect. Saving water over the next few months is critical to delaying a Stage III Water Shortage Emergency.

Looking for ways to save water when it rains? Turn off your sprinklers when rain is in the forecast and don’t water until the ground dries out, which is usually a week after the last rain.  With cooler winter temperatures plants need less water so remember to adjust your irrigation controller according to the watering calculator available at waterwisesb.org.

You can also visit the District’s new Edible Garden which utilizes a rain barrel, sustainable drainage and rain catchment technologies, and infiltration ponds to learn more about how to use rainwater for irrigation. The District Demonstration Gardens are open to the public during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  For water saving tips follow the Goleta Water District on Facebook and Twitter.

Remember that outdoor watering with fixed irrigation systems remains limited to before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays for Residential customers, and Tuesdays and Fridays for Businesses. Manual watering (including a sprinkler attached to a hose) is allowed before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on no more than two days per week.  All hoses must have a shut-off nozzle.  Don’t forget to check your sprinklers for leaks or overwatering as irrigation resulting in runoff is prohibited.

Finally, a big thanks to water thrifty Goleta Water District customers who met conservation targets in December!

Demonstration Garden at Goleta Water

GWD_DC_Garden_Dec2_2014_P1150977_150sm

 

Bicycles as Vehicles – What You Need to Know

Goleta Traffic Corner

Did you know?

Bicycles on the roadway are, by law, vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. And the City of Goleta Traffic Unit encourages ALL road users, including motorists and bicyclists, to respect each other and foster a safer transportation environment.

Here are a few good safety tips for the bicyclists of our great city:

• Always Wear an Approved Bicycle Helmet

A bicycle helmet should sit low on the forehead just above the eyebrows. It should fit snugly and the two side plastic pieces on the straps should fit just under the ears. The buckle should be just under the chin, with one finger’s width of space between the strap and chin. The helmet must always be buckled while riding and should not move more than ½ inch in any direction.

• Know and Follow the Rules of the Road

Know and follow the rules of the road contained within the California Vehicle Code (CVC). Vehicle code handbooks can be obtained through your local Department of Motor Vehicles office or automobile club. Remember, bicyclists must obey the same laws as drivers of motor vehicles.

• Ride With the Flow of Traffic

Always follow lane markings and use appropriate hand signals. Ride single-file when in heavily congested areas.

• Avoid Riding at Night

However, if it IS necessary to ride at night, wear light-colored or reflective clothing. Make sure your bicycle is properly equipped with reflectors, flashing red light on the rear and a front white light (if possible).

• Be Alert While Riding

Watch for cars, pedestrians and hazards in the roadway (things like potholes, drain grates, etc.). Don’t assume other people will yield to you. Be courteous and give the right-of-way to other bicycles and pedestrians.

• Walk Your Bike When Crossing a Street in a Crosswalk

Always look left, right and then left again—even when the light gives you the right-of-way.

Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding bicycling in Goleta.

Q.  Do I have to wear a helmet when I ride a bicycle?

A.  If you are under 18 years of age, you must wear a helmet (21212 CVC).

Q.  Can a passenger ride on my handlebars or stand on the rear axle of my bicycle?

A.  No.  A passenger can only ride on a bicycle when it is equipped with a separate, permanently-affixed seat (21204b CVC).

Q.  Can I ride my bicycle on the sidewalk, or do I have to ride on the street? If I do ride my bicycle on the street, on what side should I ride?

A.  Bicyclists are NOT permitted to ride on sidewalks (12.06.010 GMC/21663 CVC).  Remember, bicycles are the same conveyance as all motor vehicles.  When you ride your bicycle on the street, you must ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic (21650.1 CVC) and as close as possible to the right side of the roadway (21202(a) CVC).

Q.  Can I be arrested for driving-under-the-influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) on a bicycle?

A.  It is a misdemeanor to operate a bicycle on a highway while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug (21200.5 CVC).

Remember, when you ride your bicycle, wearing a helmet helps to keep you safe. You should also wear bright colors during the day and right before the sun rises or sets. This makes it easier for drivers to see you – and it just keeps you safer!

These tips will keep you safe and allow you a long and safe riding life around our beautiful city!

Information provided by Sergeant Hennebry of the Goleta Police Department.