Author Archives: Valerie Kushnerov

Goleta Businesses Honored By Green Business Program

More Goleta businesses are going green! The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County recognized six Goleta businesses and 15 other businesses from the region at its annual Green Business Program Luncheon. This event recognizes businesses that go above and beyond required measures to serve as models of sustainability. Celebrating its fourth year with 45 certified businesses across the County, this multijurisdictional, voluntary incentive program provides support, and recognizes participants that implement good environmental management practices. A business achieving certification can save money by reducing the use of energy, water and other resources.

Participating businesses address waste reduction and recycling, environmentally preferable purchasing, energy efficiency and conservation, water conservation, air pollution prevention and alternative transportation with a checklist tailored to their industry type. The program currently offers certification for a variety of businesses.

For more information about the Green Business Program and these businesses, visit www.GreenBizSBC.org.

The City Plans for its First Roundabout

Plans for a roundabout at the intersection of Los Carneros and Calle Real continue to move ahead with anticipated construction this summer. An open house on the roundabout will be held on Wednesday, May 9th, in Council Chambers at City Hall from 6-8 p.m. Drop by to learn more about the roundabout, take a stab at driving through a roundabout, and have your questions answered by City Staff.

Check out the Los Carneros Roundabout tab on ProjectGoleta.com to see additional resources on driving,
walking and biking through roundabouts.

Smart Meters Are Coming to Goleta

Southern California Edison (SCE) has started installing smart electric meters in the Santa Barbara and Ventura areas as part of the Edison Smart Connect program. The technology will help SCE residential and small-business customers to better manage their electricity use and will introduce programs and services designed to help them save money.

Installations are occurring now and continue through July.

The new smart meters are digital, secure, two-way communicating devices that are replacing traditional mechanical meters as a key step in transforming the electric system to a smart grid. They will help SCE pinpoint outages and restore service faster and also enable remote service activation for customers.

The system communicates using radio frequency (RF) signals similar in strength or lower than RF signals from devices such as cell phones, Wi-Fi routers and cordless phones. This level of RF is well below the Federal Communications Commission’s safety guidelines.

The meters measure electricity usage in hourly increments for residential customers and, in the coming months, they will be able to view their energy usage from a computer through SCE.com.

Later this year, customers will be able to sign up for new Edison SmartConnect-enabled programs and services that will help them manage their services online.

SCE has contracted with Corix Utilities, Inc., to perform most of the installations. Corix installers carry identification indicating they are approved SCE contractors.

Residential customers who do not have a smart meter installed and wish to delay installation can request to be placed on a temporary delay list (800-810-2369) until the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) completes its regulatory process regarding opt-out procedures.

For more information, please go to sce.com/edisonsmartconnect. To view videos about Edison SmartConnect, go to sce.com/smartfuture or YouTube.com/SCE.

Celebrating 10 years of the Good Land

On February 1, 2012, Goleta celebrated the 10th anniversary of incorporation. Two special events  marked this important milestone. The first was a City Council Meeting in which Goleta received special recognitions from other agencies. In addition, people who were instrumental in the City’s incorporation and early years shared their recollections. Just a few days later, a birthday party at the Goleta Valley Community Center included music, cake and activities for the whole family.

As part of the 10-year celebration, our online social media network for neighborhoods (Nextdoor.com) was launched.

Visit www.CityofGoleta.org and click on the logo in the middle of the page for continued celebration information.

To Call or Not to Call? THAT is the Question

People often get confused or are uncertain regarding whether to call the 9-1-1 emergency line or 692-5743, the Sheriff ’s non-emergency dispatch number.

Here are some important things to know:

Q: How do we know when TO call 9-1-1?

A: It’s important to remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. Call 9-1-1 if…someone is hurt, in danger, needs an ambulance, fire or immediate law enforcement assistance. If you aren’t sure if the situation you observe is an emergency, err on the side of caution and call 9-1-1. Make sure to clarify with the dispatcher exactly what your observations are. The dispatchers are professionals, and they will know how to prioritize your call and what emergency services will be necessary for the situation.

Q: How do we know when NOT to call 9-1-1?

A: If NO ONE is hurt, in danger, or in need of an ambulance, fire or immediate law enforcement assistance, then most likely there is NO reason to call 9-1-1. However, feel free to use the non-emergency line at 692-5743. Why does it matter? The County Dispatch Center fields emergency calls for the Sheriff ’s Office, Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services. The center also has a language line service, so any language represented in our community can be translated. In addition, the dispatch center has the capability to communicate via text servicing with hearing impaired individuals. All that being said, dispatch is a busy place. Covering unnecessary 9-1-1 calls takes away from true emergencies.

Q: What if I DO have to call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number, 692-5743?

A: If you DO have to call us, know where you are when placing the call. When you call from a landline (home phone) the dispatch center will know immediately the address from which you are calling. However, in today’s world, everyone has cell phones. If you call from a cell, the dispatch center will not know your location. With this in mind, be aware of your surroundings and make an effort to be as detailed as possible about your location.

Q: Any other pointers or things to remember if we do have to call?

A: Stay calm! And remember, when you are on the phone with the dispatch center, you are their eyes and ears. Stay relaxed. Be as clear and concise as possible so the dispatcher can quickly dispatch the appropriate services to the scene. Also, NEVER hang up when you are on the phone with 9-1-1 (until they tell you to). You may have called 9-1-1 by accident. If you do, do not hang up the phone. Explain to the dispatcher that it was an accident. If you hang up the phone, law enforcement will automatically be dispatched to the location to check if an emergency situation has/is occurring.  This is a huge waste of time and resources.

Goleta Homeowners Eligible for Affordable Home Energy Upgrades

For Goleta homeowners looking for a low-cost way to improve the health and comfort of their homes this spring, there is help!  The County’s new emPowerSBC offers low-cost, long-term loans, qualified contractors, high-dollar rebates and an easy-to-use, online process that will get your home upgrade project moving.

emPowerSBC was developed by the County of Santa Barbara to help homeowners achieve a more comfortable, healthier and energy efficient home while lowering utility bills. Through a partnership with local lenders, emPowerSBC provides low-cost, long-term financing to assist homeowners in making their homes more energy-efficient. Along with attractive rates starting at 5.9% and flexible terms to help spread the cost of a project over a period of up to 15 years, homeowners can also qualify for up to $4,000 in utility rebates to reduce project cost and employ qualified contractors trained in the latest building performance techniques.

Whether you want to begin by improving the comfort and efficiency of your home with a basic package, or want to maximize your energy savings and rebates through advanced package options, emPowerSBC and their partners have the answer for you!

So what are you waiting for? Start your home energy upgrade plan today at emPowerSBC.org.

A Brush with Kindness

Do you or a neighbor own your home but can’t afford to keep up with the exterior maintenance? A Brush with Kindness is a program that helps preserve homeownership by partnering with homeowners struggling to restore and maintain a safe and decent place to live. When basic expenses exceed income month after month, home maintenance is the usual casualty. Years of deferred maintenance can cause a downward spiral of home deterioration and unsafe living conditions. Habitat for Humanity’s program, “A Brush with Kindness,” provides work that includes exterior painting, landscaping and completing minor fence repairs on homes of low-income homeowners.

TO BE ELIGIBLE:
• Family income must be under 80%
of Santa Barbara County’s median income
• Homes must be owner-occupied
• Homeowners must be willing to partner with staff and volunteers
• Homeowners make an affordable re-payment to Habitat for Humanity
for the cost of materials to complete the work

A Brush with Kindness is about connecting people and restoring homes through simple acts of kindness so that homeowners can once again live in a safe and decent home.

If you or someone you know needs this type of help, please contact 805-692-2226 or mail@sbhabitat.org for an eligibility form.

 

 

 

 

 

Talk About Roundabouts Got Your Head Spinning?

Here’s What You Need To Know

Look for a new type of intersection popping up around the City—the roundabout. A roundabout is a one-way circular intersection (without traffic signals) that flows around a center island. The intersection of Los Carneros Road and Calle Real will be receiving an upgrade this spring with a single-lane roundabout. And four additional roundabouts are being considered for Old Town Goleta as part of the Ekwill-Fowler Road Extensions Project.

Although roundabouts are not appropriate for all intersections, they will provide our community with another tool to address traffic congestion and to further enhance the safety of our roads. Before your head starts spinning over roundabouts, let’s look at WHY the City is moving in this direction and HOW roundabouts improve safety and traffic flow.

Why Go the Roundabout Route?

Safety. According to the Federal Highway Administration,installing a roundabout typically results in a 76% reduction in injury accidents, a 90% reduction in fatalities, and a 40% reduction in pedestrian injuries. Why? There are 75% fewer points of conflict between vehicles as compared to a standard intersection.

Less Delays. Roundabouts are designed to handle traffic more efficiently than signalized intersections. With traffic constantly moving and vehicles entering the intersection at lower speeds, more vehicles are able to move through the intersection at any given time.

Less Environmental Impact. Since roundabouts reduce the amount of time vehicles spend idling at intersections, they reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Roundabouts do not require signals, and this reduces electricity consumption.

Much different from the “traffic circles” of years ago, the modern roundabouts you’ll see around the City will provide safe and efficient traffic flow. The National Institute for Highway Safety is a proponent of roundabouts because statistics prove that they are much safer than traditional intersections. Although changes like these can be hard to get used to—this change will keep you and your loved ones safer while driving,walking or riding within our lovely City.

USING THE ROUNDABOUT: QUICK TIPS
Roundabouts are easy to use if you pay attention to signs and ground markings. Some quick tips to remember are:

Slow down: Driving speeds in roundabouts are usually 12-25 mph.

Choose the correct lane: If you are entering a multi-lane roundabout,use the outside lane if you will be making a right turn or going straight.  Use the left lane to make left-turns, U-turns or straight-ahead movements.

No passing: Never pass or overtake another vehicle after entering a roundabout.

Yield: When preparing to enter a roundabout, yield to all traffic already circulating within the roundabout.

Pedestrians and cyclists: Pedestrians must cross in the designated crosswalks. These crosswalks require pedestrians to cross a shorter distance and allow for a refuge at every crossing. The slower speeds of vehicles in a roundabout mean greater safety for pedestrians. Cyclists are required to walk their bikes if they cross in the crosswalks. Roundabouts are usually designed with Class I bike/pedestrian paths for sidewalks which can be used by bicyclists who wish to do so. Experienced bicyclists, however,usually use the roundabout with other vehicles given the slower speeds.

What’s Ahead This Spring

The Los Carneros Roundabout project involves the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Los Carneros and Calle Real. It will be a three-leg intersection with one lane of traffic. The project also includes landscaping, street lighting and sidewalk improvements.

Previously, this intersection had been a stop sign for those traveling on Calle Real with no stop on Los Carneros. An increased number of side impact collisions necessitated a change to a three-way stop to improve public safety.

The final design for this project is in-process and work is expected to begin this spring.

It’s Back to School for Senior Deputies

Senior Deputies George Hedricks and Dan Nelson have children of their own, but they are also charged with watching over the hundreds of students at Goleta Valley Junior High (GVJH), Dos Pueblos High School(DPHS) and San Marcos High Schools (SMHS) as the School Resource Deputies (SRD). Hedricks spends most days at DPHS while Nelson covers SMHS. They each work at GVJH two days/month. Both deputies are still learning the campuses and the students since starting this past fall.

A typical day involves walking the campus, talking with students and meeting with administrative staff about issues that cross over between education and law enforcement. The deputies also patrol the surrounding neighborhoods for students who are off campus when they should be in school. Although their primary responsibilities are to ensure school safety, they also work with neighborhood watch, probation, gang enforcement and patrol officers.

Bullying, problems at home, drug abuse and alcohol possession, and grades are just a few of the issues they are involved in addressing while on campus. Most of the time they’re making connections with the students as a trusted adult and counselor.

Deputy Nelson, who stands 6’6” tall, greatly enjoys working with the students on campus. “We are able to listen and, for some, give advice. We’re really a resource.” Hedricks agrees, “We build rapport with the students so that they get to know us. When they’re in trouble or need advice, we can be a sounding board.”

The deputies encourage parents to be involved in their students’ lives. Nelson tells students to “stay in school.” Hedricks encourages students to try activities or sports that they’re interested in, “If you want to try it, go for it. Don’t quit. Live with no regrets and start thinking about your future.” While they took different paths—Hedricks through college on a baseball scholarship and Nelson through the United States Coast Guard—both ended up working in the Sheriff ’s Office. Between the two of them,they’ve served in the jail, custody division, training bureau, courts and on patrol in Goleta. But one thing they have in common is a love of working with students.

The SRD position at Dos Pueblos High School is partially funded by the City of Goleta. The SRD position at San Marcos High School is funded by the County of Santa Barbara.