Author Archives: Valerie Kushnerov

Caution: Runners Ahead

The Santa Barbara Veterans Day Marathon & Half will be winding its way through Goleta once again on November 7.  The full marathon course will start at Dos Pueblos High School at 7:30 a.m. and the half-marathon course will start at 7:00 a.m. at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). With 4,000-plus participants, you’ll see a lot of racers on Goleta roads between 7 and 10 a.m. before they head off into a beautiful finish at Ledbetter Beach.

For everyone’s safety, please follow posted signs, detour routes and obey volunteer and police instructions. Expect road temporary road closures at:

•           Cathedral Oaks Road eastbound from Calle Real to Cambridge Drive

•           Los Carneros Road southbound from Cathedral Oaks Road to El Colegio Road

•           Storke Road northbound from El Colegio to Phelps Road

•           Phelps Road westbound from Storke Rd to Pacific Oaks Road

•           Pacific Oaks Road northbound from Phelps Road to Hollister Avenue

•           Hollister Avenue westbound from Pacific Oaks to Calle Real

For more information, go to sbmarathon.com or call 805-698-4288.

 

2-1-1 Helpline is Back in Business in Santa Barbara County

Every hour of every day, people need essential health and human services. Callers are looking for health care, childcare, domestic abuse support, counseling, food, shelter and more. The 2-1-1 Helpline provides residents one centralized location to get critical health and human services information they need 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. 2-1-1 callers include veterans, parents, seniors, homeless and many others.

BENEFITS TO THE USER
●    Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
●    Calls are answered by trained call specialists
●    Offered in 150 languages
●    Free and confidential service
●    Efficient, fast, and easy to use
●    Centralized access to information
●    One call connects individuals to resources in the community

BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY
●    Easily accessible to everyone in Santa Barbara County
●    Information is accurate and reliable – data is updated on a regular basis
●    Promotes self-reliance
●    Strengthens the community by connecting people to the help that they need
●    Helps communities anticipate demand for services and identify changing needs

2-1-1 IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
●    2-1-1 was first implemented in Santa Barbara County in 2005.
●    In 2013, the service became un-hosted and efforts to seek a new provider commenced.
●    In November of 2014, Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County became the 2-1-1 Helpline host with call center services handled by a subcontractor.
●    2-1-1 Helpline has undergone an intensive data “scrub” to ensure that information is updated, accurate and comprehensive. The database now has over 2000 local health and human services resources.
●    There is an average of 400 calls received per month in Santa Barbara County.
●    A user friendly website was developed and can be accessed at: www.211sbco.org.

2-1-1 FACTS
●    Authority for the operation of 2-1-1 information and referral services using the three-digit dialing code was first enacted by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) in 2000.
●    The FCC found that there was a demonstration of sufficient public benefit to justify the use of scarce resources and assigned 2-1-1 to be used for access to community information and referral services.
●    The Commission charged each state with the task of implementing the 2-1-1 program. In California, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is responsible for the operation, oversight, regulation and authority of the 2-1-1 dial code.  A CPUC ruling states, “The use of the 2-1-1 dialing code has the potential to provide California with easy access to information concerning child care services, housing assistance, physical and mental health resources, aging and hospice services, educational and other programs.  Such information is not currently available through the 911 emergency code or the 311 non-emergency code.”
●    Accessible to almost 35.7 million Californians in 35 counties, 2-1-1 service covers over 96 percent of the state’s population.
●    Nationally, 2-1-1 covers 90 percent of the US population.
Currently, this essential service receives funding from the County of Santa Barbara, First Five, City of Santa Barbara and Emergency Public Information Communicators (EPIC).

For more information, visit www.cacsb.com.

Squeeze the Most Out of the Lemon Festival

The 2015 Goleta Lemon Festival will be held Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 at Girsh Park in Goleta. The festival is fun for the whole family with lemon flavored foods, kids rides, live entertainment and the pie eating contest! New for this year, a wristband for all kids’ activities, which includes all activities except the Zip Line. For more information, visit www.LemonFestival.com.

CERT Drill Prep

Sign Up for CERT Training!

Are you interested in taking a CERT Class? The City of Goleta will be kicking off a class this Fall.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

Goleta CERT Training Class

September 24 – November 12

Thursdays from 6-9 p.m.

Goleta Valley Community Center

5679 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117

*must be able to attend all 8 classes*

Contact Luz Reyes-Martin to sign up at lreyesmartin@cityofgoleta.org.

September is National Preparedness Month!

September if National Preparedness Month! The theme for this years’ National Preparedness Month is “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today!”

The City of Goleta is asking its residents to take action now – make a plan with your community, your family, and for your pets.  Plan how to stay safe and communicate during the disasters that can affect our community. We ask everyone to participate in National Preparedness Month by having an up-to-date contact list for those you may need to reach during a disaster and establishing alternate methods of communication in case traditional means are not available.

Visit us at the Goleta Prepare Now! booth at the Lemon Festival for more preparedness information! We will be at the Safety Street area of the Festival on Saturday September 26, 2015.

Monarch Butterfly Season Approaches: Docents Needed

Every winter, Monarch butterflies migrate from as far north as Canada to make their way to the eucalyptus trees of the Goleta Butterfly Grove. This incredible sight is a cherished natural phenomenon in our community.

The Goleta Butterfly Grove has historically been one of the largest overwintering locations in California. Adjacent to the Sperling Preserve on the Ellwood Mesa, the space includes 137 acres of natural terrain with designated nature trails that lead to the bluffs and beach. The City of Goleta runs one of only four Monarch Butterfly Docent programs in California.  Each year our trained docents are stationed at the Goleta Butterfly Grove on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning in November, to answer questions and provide visitors with information about monarchs and our Grove.

A trip to see the monarchs is a wonderful, family-friendly experience. The monarch season runs from mid-October through February, with peak butterfly counts typically occurring between Christmas and through January.

The City will be taking applications for those interested in becoming a Docent! Look out for an informational workshop in October. Docents need not have any previous experience or butterfly knowledge – just a love for nature and the Monarchs!

If you have any questions about the Grove or are interested in becoming a Docent, please call 805-961-7571, email Luz Reyes-Martin at lreyesmartin@cityofgoleta.org, or visit goletabutterflygrove.com.

Tennis Courts to Shelter Tarps: Going Green Goleta

That is exactly what Goleta resident and Santa Barbara County Animal Services Dog Shelter volunteer Rosalie Skefich thought when the Evergreen tennis court was scheduled for renovation.  Skefich knew that the breathable, washable material could be used to screen portions of the exercise yards and fencing at the shelter to help calm the dogs in their kennels and yards.  With Santa Barbara County Animal Services’ support, shelter volunteers measured the areas that needed screening.  Crews from the Los Prietos Boys Camp made several treks to the shelter to wash, measure, cut, and hang the tarps.  Rosalie also solicited the help of CMC Rescue and Awnings of Santa Barbara who donated their time and materials to hem the cleaned tarps and install grommets allowing for easy installation of the repurposed tarps.

It’s great to see a great reuse of the materials to help fill a local need thanks to the creative thinking by one of our residents.

Student Needed to Serve on Parks Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission is in need of a student representative.  The Commission discusses the needs, opportunities and current offerings of parks and recreation activities, and advises the City Council on all issues related to parks and recreational opportunities in Goleta. It is composed of seven members who are compensated at the rate of $50 per meeting. The student commissioner may choose to waive their compensation to receive community service credit.  The student commissioner shall serve a one year term

Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission holds six regular meetings and may hold additional meetings as needed. Deadline for application submittal is Monday, October 5, 2015, by 5:00 p.m.

Applications may be obtained from, and must be returned to, the Deborah Lopez, City Clerk, City of Goleta, 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, CA 93117. An application form is also available at the City’s website at www.cityofgoleta.org. Additional information can be provided by calling (805) 961-7505.

Water Thrifty Goleta Water District Customers Saved Big in July

In spite of hot summer weather, water thrifty Goleta Water District customers collectively achieved 34% savings in July 2015 compared to July 2014. This was only 1% off from the targeted 35% reduction the District is seeking under Stage III.  After four years of severe drought, significant water conservation is needed to ensure ongoing adequate supplies of water for drinking, health and public safety.  Keep up the good work!

  • Usage by landscape irrigation customers was down 32%! This reflects significant reductions by parks, golf courses, commercial and mixed use offices, parking lots, streets and rest homes.
  • Single family residential users reduced 25%, and the use for residential users stayed at 50 gallons per-person per day in July, among the lowest in the State.  District residential customers remain the most efficient on the South Coast.
  • Commercial customers reduced 14%, mainly due to big reductions by schools.
  • Multi-family residential customers increased their savings slightly to 14%.
  • Agricultural customers on the Goleta west conduit reduced 11%.
  • Urban agricultural customers increased water use by 2%.

The Goleta Valley depends on all of us doing our part.  Let’s all save water together!

Need Help Conserving More?

The District has a variety of rebate programs to help customers reduce water use.

Smart Landscape Rebate Program

The Smart Landscape Rebate Program (SLRP) provides incentives to residential and commercial customers to replace water thirsty landscapes and inefficient irrigation with water-wise plants and irrigation, including Laundry-to-Landscape graywater systems.  The program is for residential and commercial customers and covers a portion of the cost of pre-approved design, irrigation equipment, and landscape materials.  Projects must be approved in advance and landscapes for new construction are not eligible.  The program is not retroactive. Sales receipts and/or contractor invoices are required for all rebates.

For more information call the District at 805-964-6761 ext. 642 or send an email to conservation@goletawater.com.

Water Saving Incentive Program

The Water Saving Incentive Program (WSIP) allows commercial, agricultural, landscape irrigation and multi-family customers to improve water use efficiency by providing rebates for installation of specific water saving materials or processes, or even propose a custom water saving projects.  By conserving water, these projects encourage efficient use of water resources and improve water supply reliability.

For more information call the District at 805-964-6761 ext. 642 or send an email to conservation@goletawater.com.

Reduce Outdoor Watering to Realize Significant Savings

Removing turf or letting it go gold is one of the easiest ways to significantly reduce your water consumption, and is an eligible expense under both the SLRP and WSIP rebates.  Consider eliminating or sharply reducing the size of your lawn.  While the District does not currently prohibit lawns, more severe restrictions banning the use of outdoor sprinklers may be necessary as the drought continues.  Consider mulching over your lawn, and save water and money.

For more information on the drought, click here for the Summer 2015 Newsletter.

Back to School: Traffic Safety Tips

With school back in session, the Goleta Traffic Unit wants to remind drivers to pay extra attention to the roadway due to an increase in traffic.  We want all our children to have a safe return to school.  In order to promote awareness for back-to-school traffic safety, officers from the Goleta City Traffic Unit will be stepping up their patrols at all Goleta schools with emphasis on safety for children returning to the new school year.

Parents need to discuss bus, pedestrian and bicycle safety with their children and prepare them for a safe school year.  Parents dropping off their children are reminded to obey all traffic laws.  They need to be vigilant and utilize patience when near a school.

By Walking — Crossing the Street

  • Walk to school with a group of kids and always have a responsible adult walk with you. Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available.　
  • If no sidewalk is available, walk facing the traffic.
  • The safest place to cross is at a street corner or intersection.
  • If you are 10 years old or younger, you need to cross the street with an adult. You should not cross by yourself. Ask an adult to explain to you who can help you cross the street.
  • Before you step off the curb to cross the street, stop and look left, look right, and look left again to see if cars are coming.
  • When no cars are coming, it is safe for you and an adult to cross. But look left-right-left as you do it, and hold the adult’s hand.
  • Always walk when crossing the street.　 Never run across the street to catch a ball or chase a toy, a friend, or a pet.
  • Darting out in front of a parked car is dangerous. The driver of the car coming down the street can’t see you.
  • Cross at corners and use crosswalks whenever possible; always stay within the lines of the crosswalk.
  • Never go for a walk with a stranger.  Only walk with someone who your parents say is okay.

Be a Responsible Parent and practice the following good driver tips:

  • Allow Extra Time: Do not arrive late or at the last minute.  Prepare the night before and leave your house early so you do  not need to rush.
  • Reduce Speed:　 The maximum speed near a school is 25 miles per hour.  However, slower speeds are recommended when children are present.  Some school areas in Goleta have a maximum speed of 15 mph please obey all speed laws for Speed is the number one cause of collisions around schools.
  • Obey Stop Signs: Make a complete stop.  Be vigilant. Look for children stepping off the sidewalk.
  • No Double Parking:　 Double parking impedes traffic flow. Never let a child exit a double parked vehicle.
  • Avoid U-Turns: U-turns near the school cause congestion.　Do so only at an intersection if permitted.

•　Do Not Park in a Red Zone: The curb is red due to safety reasons.  Parking in the red often obstructs the view of other drivers which could result in a collision with a child or other vehicle.

These tips provided by Sergeant Henebry of the Goleta Police Department’s Traffic Unit.