Author Archives: Valerie Kushnerov

City Welcomes Deputy City Manager

The City of Goleta welcomed new Deputy City Manager Kathleen Salguero Trepa to the City’s management team on June 8. Ms. Trepa previously served as the Director of Community Services for the City of Claremont in California.

Before her time in Claremont, Ms. Trepa worked for the City of San Marcos as the Public Works Manager and worked in the City Manager Departments in San Juan Capistrano and Alexandria, VA. She has had a great deal of experience in everything from maintenance operations to risk management to budgeting.

“We are delighted Ms. Trepa has agreed to join our team. Her extensive experience in municipal management is a great match for our young City,” said City Manager Michelle Greene. “She will be tremendously helpful in process improvements and personnel management as well as a number of other tasks.”

Ms. Trepa holds a BA in History from Boston University, and the City of Goleta happily awaits her arrival.

Public Works Week Celebration a Big Hit

Residents from the Goleta community filed in on May 21st for family-oriented festivities and to hear what exciting improvements Goleta has in its future from the professionals at the City of Goleta’s Public Works Department. The event was put on by the city in collaboration with the Goleta Water and Sanitary District, MarBorg, and Girl Scouts.

During the event, residents were able to learn about the newly renovated Los Carneros Bridge, roundabouts, and even had the opportunity to look behind the scenes at how some huge machines seen around Goleta actually work. The Public Works staff and the event’s visitors worked together to discuss major upcoming City projects and their benefits.

Public Works Week has been celebrated and sponsored by the American Public Works Association since 1960. Across North America, over 28,000 members within the United States and Canada use this week to energize and educate the public on the importance of the contribution Public Works make to their daily lives. This year’s theme of “Building for Today, Planning for Tomorrow” represents the dedication public works departments and professionals have toward maintaining city structures and safety for present and future generations.

Goleta Makes List of Top Safest Cities Again

Once again, Goleta has received the honor of being named a safe city to live in California! According to a study conducted by SafeWise, Goleta is number 50 on a list of thesafest cities to live in the state. SafeWise uses recent FBI crime data and takes into account security initiatives and programs to compile this list.

“The City of Goleta has always placed a high priority on public safety and it is rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged once again,” said Mayor Paula Perotte.  “I believe the close connections between law enforcement and the community are a significant contributing factor in creating the safe community we enjoy.  I would also like to recognize the efforts of our Goleta Police Department.  Their dedication and vigilance is commendable.”

This is only one of numerous times that Goleta has been commended for its safety efforts. In 2013, it was ranked as number 95 on a list of the safest cities in the entire United States and number 22 on a list of California safe cities.

Since Goleta’s incorporation in 2002, the City has contracted with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.

To take a closer look at the list, explore http://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-California-2015/.

Oil Spill Clean Up

Goleta Responds to the Refugio Oil Spill

The Refugio Oil Spill hit our community a little over three weeks ago and the City of Goleta has been actively involved in the Emergency Operations Center and Incident Command. Over 1,000 individuals and 85 agencies are working on this incident in a variety of capacities from clean up to monitoring to communications and much more. A website on the oil spill response by Incident Command can be found at www.refugioresponse.com. There you can find the latest information and sign up for updates.

A community meeting was held at the Elks Lodge to offer individuals the opportunity to speak directly with responders on a variety of issues — environmental impacts, oil technology, claims information, impacts on wildlife and volunteering. 　Over 180 people took advantage of the opportunity to speak to the various agency representatives and the City was pleased to be a part of this event. Several short video interviews with responders at the event can be found here.

As the community grapples with the impacts of this incident many questions are being raised. How and why did this happen? Were the appropriate monitoring measures in place? Could and should the response have been faster? These questions and many others will be answered as part of the on-going investigation. At this time, the City’s role is in working on the incident response in incident command. 　We do not, at this time, have a role in the investigation. A different team of individuals and agencies outside of the incident command is conducting the investigation. The City is very interested in the results of the investigation and will share information as it is public.

BUSINESS IMPACTS: Businesses and individuals that have experienced　a loss because of this incident can file a claim at 866-753-3619. Information on the process and Small Business Loans are available at www.refugioresponse.com.

OILED WILDLIFE REPORTING: To report oiled wildlife, call 877-823-6926.

VOLUNTEERS: Thank you to all those who have volunteered and signed up to take the trainings. 　It’s been wonderful to see the hundreds of people who are interested in helping out. More information on volunteer opportunities can be found at www.calspillwatch.com.

We’d also like to recognize our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers who have put in hours at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and on beach clean ups. 　We plan and prepare for emergencies and it’s great to call upon these pre-trained individuals in our time of need. 　For more information about becoming a CERT volunteer, contact Luz Reyes-Martin at mailto: lreyesmartin@cityofgoleta.org.

Comments on the oil spill can be sent to mailto: oilspill@cityofgoleta.org.

CHP Proposes New Facility for Western Goleta

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is proposing to relocate their operations from their current location on Calle Real to a new facility proposed at 7780 Hollister Avenue. The 5+ acre site is located on the north side of Hollister Avenue between Las Armas and Via Jero Roads.　The site is an unused parking lot east of the Hideaways and north of the Bluffs neighborhoods.

The City received the Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the new CHP office in mid-April, the same week a public meeting was held at Ellwood School.  The NOP was issued by the State of California Department of General Services who is the lead agency for this project. 　　(Please note the City does not have a role in approving this project.)

The NOP describes the project as the “construction and operation of buildings, and other structures, auto service bays, a 148-foot tall radio antenna tower, secured and visitor parking areas, equipment enclosures and storage areas, a fuel island with gas tanks, an emergency generator, utility improvements and other ancillary improvements”.

Comments on the project can be directed to: State of California, Dept. of General Services, Attn: Jennifer Parson, 707 Third Street, 4th Floor MSS509, West Sacramento, CA 95605 mailto:environmental@dgs.ca.gov.  The deadline for comments has been extended to June 1.

The City’s comment letter can be found here with these attachments: Goleta’s General Plan Safety Element & Stormwater Technical Guide_6.11.14.

You may also wish to contact your State Representatives as this is a state facility:

Assemblymember Das Williams, 101 W. Anapamu St., Suite A, Santa Barbara CA 93101, 805-564-1649

State Senator Hannah Beth Jackson, 222 East Carrillo Suite 309, Santa Barba Ca 93101, 805-965-0862

Safety Enhancements a Big Part of Los Carneros Bridge Project

The much anticipated Los Carneros Overhead Bridge Replacement Project is nearing completion after nearly 15 months of construction. In addition to the replacement of the bridge deck, which was much needed because of the materials used to originally construct it, a number of other safety measures were included in the project.

The original bridge was built in the 1960s, and like many other bridges built during this era, it consists of a concrete mix that contains “reactive aggregate”. Reactive aggregate is used to describe a condition when there is an alkali-silica reaction which occurs over time in concrete between the highly alkaline cement and reactive silica which is found in many common aggregates. This reaction results in cracking and loss of strength of the concrete, eventually leading to its failure. This type of material is prone to intense wear and tear from years of use and water intrusion, and thus, must be replaced.

The improved Los Carneros Bridge will not only contribute positively to traffic flow, but was also built specifically with bike and pedestrian features in mind. By summer 2015 when the project fully comes to a close, the bridge will have two through lanes in each direction in addition to an exclusive right turn lane for entering the southbound 101 freeway.

Bicyclists and motorists traveling northbound on Los Carneros will notice a change to the Class II bike lane approaching the southbound 101 freeway ramp. In addition to the traditional Class II bike lane which will be located to the left of the exclusive right turn lane (commonly used by avid bicyclists), there is now an additional bike lane for less experienced riders located to the right of the exclusive right turn lane and separated from the right turn lane with a two-foot buffer area.
SB 101 On-ramp

Both bike lanes are equipped with bicycle detectors loops which will alert the traffic signal when a bicycle is present. A bonus safety feature add to the project is that cyclists using the right most bicycle lane can also use the mounted push button that activates an LED sign (activated blankout sign) when they are ready to cross. Once activated, on the next green light, the sign will illuminate indicating “no right turn” allowing the bicyclist to cross the southbound ramp.

Activated blank out sign with bicyclists crossing

When the “no right turn” sign is lit up, it means drivers cannot turn right to allow for cyclists to proceed ahead safely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bicycle loop detector indicates where a bicycle need to ride in order to alert the signal of their presence.

The bicycle loop detector indicates where a bicycle need to ride in order to alert the signal of their presence.

The additional enhancements also include a sidewalk on the west side of the bridge and colorized pavement markings in the bike lane for added visibility and to grab drivers’ attention to the presence of the bike lanes.

With these technologically advanced improvements to the LosCarnerosBridge, cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike can be insured of better traffic circulation and an overall much more enjoyable commute.

Goleta Awards $100K in Community Grants

City Council authorized $100,000 in grants last month to award a variety of community organizations that enhance the quality of life in Goleta, including those that provide public services as well as educational and cultural activities such as dance, music, art, and recreation.

$75,600 of the total sum was allocated from City General Fund money while the remaining $24,400 was awarded as part of the Community Development Block Grant Program that Goleta has been a part of since 2004.

Since the last fiscal year, the amount of grants given has skyrocketed, thus benefitting far more Goleta residents than ever before.

Listed below are the organizations that received these special grants.

General Fund Grants: • Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy Foundation • Explore Ecology • Family Service Agency • Food from the Heart • Foodbank of Santa Barbara County • Friends of the Goleta Valley Library • Friendship Adult Day Care Center, Inc. • Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara • Goleta Boys and Girls Club • Goleta Education Foundation • Goleta Valley Girls Softball Association • Goleta Valley Historical Society • Mariachi Los Monarcas de Goleta • Northern Santa Barbara County United Way • Postpartum Education for Parents • Reid’s Gift Inc. & Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara • Rotary Club of Goleta Noontime • Santa Barbara Audubon Society • Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus • Santa Barbara Partners in Education • Santa Barbara Rape Crises Center • Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra Association • Santa Barbara Urban Creeks Council • Soroptimist International of Santa Barbara • South Coast Railroad Museum • The Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens • Transition House

CDBG: • Carrillo Counseling Services, Inc. • Community Action Commission • Family Service Agency • Goleta Neighborhood Clinic • Isla Vista Youth Projects, Inc. • Pacific Pride Foundation • Sarah House Santa Barbara • Unity Shoppe, Inc.

More information on the City’s community grant program can be found online at www.cityofgoleta.org.

 

No End in Sight as the Goleta Valley Enters into Another Summer of Drought

Here in the Goleta Valley we know the importance of water conservation, but we can’t control the weather. In our fourth year of drought we have received only half of our normal rainfall.  Our community faces the worst water shortage emergency in our history— now even more severe than the 1990s drought so many of us remember.

Doing everything you can to cut back now is critical to preserve what is left of the water supply for drinking, health, and safety – especially as we enter what is projected to be a long, hot fire season.
The Goleta Water District is continuing to offer incentives and rebates to help customers save water.  In September of 2014, the District also stopped issuing new water connections.  Consistent with the Governor’s call for water agencies to implement conservation pricing, a temporary drought surcharge is being considered by the Board to achieve the needed water savings that the current mandatory reductions have not accomplished.  Under the temporary drought surcharge, customers who cut back should see little difference in their bill, but those who do not conserve will pay more.

With the lack of rainfall this winter, projected water supplies for the next year have fallen below 74%, triggering a Stage III declaration that will be considered by the Board on May 12.   Lake Cachuma is at less than 28% capacity, and the District expects to receive no allocation from Cachuma beginning in October.  With State Water supplies uncertain, the District is actively using its stored groundwater through eight wells.   Four well rehabilitation projects are planned for 2015-16 to expand our pumping capacity.

While many of our customers have managed to save water, it hasn’t been enough.  Districtwide conservation over the last year has only been 9%, not the 25% needed.  The District is committed to helping our customers rise to the challenge we now face.  It’s time to save every last drop because our community’s well-being depends on it.

Conservation starts outdoors:
For homes and businesses, about half the water you use is outdoors.  Significantly reducing or eliminating outdoor irrigation will make a big difference in your bill, savings thousands of gallons a month.  By comparison a 5 minute shower saves an estimated 37 gallons compared to a 20 minute shower.  For more information on outdoor and indoor water conservation, including laundry to landscape systems and simple ways you can do your part, visit www.goletawater.com.

Let’s save water together.

Information provided courtesy of Goleta Water District.

CycleMAYnia Starts Now!

The month of May marks the Santa Barbara South Coast’s CycleMAYnia, a culmination of thirty-four bicycling events organized by the community, for the community. Whether you are into riding on paved roads, off road, to work, school or play, CycleMAYnia has something for everyone in the month of May. Join us as we celebrate the joys of bicycling for a cleaner and healthier community and planet and just for fun.
CycleMAYnia hosted by SBCAG Traffic Solutions and most of all our growing vibrant bicycling community!

The CycleMAYnia festivities started off on May 1st with the first day of the National Bike Challenge, a five-month team-based casual competition geared for both novice and expert cyclists that want to ride as much as possible for fun, fitness and good fortune from May 1st through September 30th. Workplaces and teams compete locally and nationally for prizes and glory. The National Bike Challenge aims to unite 75,000 people in riding 35 million miles. If you’re not ready to commit to five months of cycling, you can just join the National Bike Challenge for the month of May and qualify for some great prizes offered by Traffic Solutions. For more info go to http://cyclemaynia.ning.com/events/challenge2015.

Wednesday, May 6th is National Bike to School Day and the COAST Safe Routes to School program is coordinating numerous bike to school day events throughout the South Coast. New this year, is a Santa Barbara City College Bike to School Day Breakfast hosted at the new Bici Centro campus bike shop. On May 7th is the monthly Bike Moves costume theme ride meeting at Vera Cruz Park in Santa Barbara at 7:30 PM and riding up and down State Street. The costume theme is Bike Prom, so pull out your old prom dress or fluffy tuxedo and ride up and down State Street in style, then have a slow dance at the pier before heading to the Bike Moves After Party at Bici Centro for some more dancing and merriment, hosted by SB Bike.
On May 9th if you are willing to journey to Santa Barbara’s North County, check out the first annual Guadelupe Ciclovia (their version of SB Open Streets), for car free bicycling through town with healthy activities and festivities along the way. Also on May 9th is a great opportunity to learn the basics of Mountain Biking at Tuckers Grove County Park hosted by the Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers.
The week of May 11 – May 15th is Bike to Work Week, with eight celebrations throughout the South Coast. Goleta residents and commuters can attend a different event nearly every day that week starting off at Goleta City Hall on Monday for a waffle breakfast, Old Town Goleta at Yardi on Tuesday for more breakfast treats, UCSB on Wednesday for bicycle shaped pancakes and topping it off with some afternoon refreshments at Bicycle Bob’s in Old Town Goleta on Friday afternoon.

More fun cycling events will follow in the month of May including, overnight bicycle touring, more classes and the grand finale CycleMAYnia Talent Show on June 4th in Downtown Santa Barbara. For a full calendar of events go to www.CycleMAYnia.org or call 963-SAVE.

Coastal Commission to Consider Goleta Beach

On May 13th, the California Coastal Commission will consider the County of Santa Barbara’s permit application to keep the rock revetment at Goleta Beach County Park in place. The County’s Environmental Impact Report shows that the structure has helped the beach withstand storms while also allowing for natural movement of sand up and down the coast.

The Coastal Commission staff report has recommended approval of the County’s application, with conditions of regular monitoring.  Read it here.

The City supported the County’s plan to protect the park and is pleased the Coastal Commission staff agrees with the solid scientific evidence and a thorough environmental review which shows the revetments provide the best chance to protect the park and the free coastal access.

The City urges the commissioners to vote in favor of the staff report and approve this permit request.  Email your comments to the Coastal Commission today at GoletaBeachRevetment@coastal.ca.gov.  Show your support by attending the hearing at the County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu Street, Fourth Floor, on May 13th. The hearing begins at 9 a.m. but no specific time is set for this item.