Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Goleta Public Works Director Heads to Ventura

Interim Director Announced

Goleta’s former Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling has taken on the role of Public Works Director for the City of Ventura. After almost six years of service his last day with Goleta was Friday, March 29. Assistant Public Works Director Nina Buelna is the interim Director for Goleta.

We wish Charlie well and thank him for his leadership and dedication. During his time with the City he helped deliver significant projects that will have a lasting positive impact on our community.

Among these projects were the rehabilitation of Old Town Sidewalks, obtaining grants from the Office of Traffic Safety for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program, repairing Cathedral Oaks Road settlement, infilling sidewalks on Fairview Avenue and the US 101, and most recently, the groundbreaking for Project Connect, the City’s largest capital improvement project to date.

Charlie has over 15 years of experience as a Public Works Director and more than 27 years of engineering experience in the private and public sectors.

We know he will bring all of this great knowledge and experience to the City of Ventura and do great things!  Best of luck Charlie!


Charlie with Mayor Perotte after receiving his 5-Year Certificate


Charlie presenting at LEAD Goleta (pictured with Autumn Glaeser, Principal Civil Engineer)


Charlie out and about in Goleta

Is a Heat Pump Water Heater Right for Me?

Join the Zoom Webinar April 11 from 12-1pm

Tri-county residents are getting incentives from $4,000 to $11,000 for upgrading to heat pump water heaters. With such high incentives people are eager to know — is a heat pump water heater right for me?!

Join 3C-REN on Thursday, April 11 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. via Zoom to discuss the pros and cons of heat pump water heaters with expert Gregory Holladay* and local residents that live with heat pump water heaters. You’ll be sure to get answers to questions such as:

  • Is a heat pump water heater appropriate for my home? 
  • Are they really that much better than gas water heaters? 
  • Should I wait until my gas water heater burns out to upgrade? 
  • Will I need electrical work done? 
  • How much do they cost to install—and how will my bills change? 
  • Are they really more affordable than gas water heaters? 
  • Who can install heat pump water heaters? 
  • Will I run out of hot water? 

Don’t miss out—register now to receive the link. Also available in Spanish on April 17th here.

*Guest speaker Gregg Holladay is an expert on heat pump water heaters who spent 32 years with General Electric (GE), where he introduced the first Energy Star electric heat pump water heater to the US market. Currently a Business Development Manager for Specialty Markets for Bradford White Water Heaters, Gregg works to educate utilities, architects, builders, engineers and the plumbing/HVAC trade on the benefits of Energy Star heat pump water heaters and currently serves as a member of the Energy Star Manufacturers Action Council. 

Ellwood Now: A Guided Tour of Habitat Stewardship

Join Parks and Open Space Manager George Thomson on May 6 at 6:00 p.m.

Get a behind the scenes look at the active work taking place now at Ellwood with City of Goleta Parks and Open Space Manager George Thomson. Come to Ellwood Open Space on Monday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m. for a guided tour. It’s an opportunity to learn about the meticulous steps being taken to reduce wildfire risk, from clearing flammable materials to mowing grass to trimming and thinning trees. See firsthand the actions taking place to protect our homes and preserve the natural beauty of Ellwood.

Details:
Date: Monday May 6, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 
Location: Park at Ellwood Mesa Open Space & Sperling Preserve parking area, 7729 Hollister Avenue, across the street from Ellwood School.

This event is free and open to all. It is especially designed for community members and neighbors eager to understand the vital work happening in our shared backyard. No RSVP required. 

To learn more about the Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project, visit Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazardous Fuel Reduction.

Funding for fire prevention activities in and near Ellwood Mesa (Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazard Fuel Reduction) is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

April is Fair Housing Month

It’s Fair Housing Month in the City of Goleta. On Tuesday, April 2, the City will issue a proclamation celebrating the 56th Anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act. The Act prohibits discrimination concerning the sale, rental and finance of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and familial status.

By honoring Fair Housing Month, Goleta’s City Council is celebrating a more than 20- year partnership with the City of Santa Barbara’s Rental Housing Mediation Program (SBRHMP) which provides education, eviction prevention, and mediation of rental housing disputes. The SBRHMP has served Goleta tenants and landlords in an effort to ensure fairness, equity, and housing preservation in our community. To contact the Rental Housing Mediation Program, call (805) 564-5420.

City of Goleta Homelessness Services Coordinator Chuck Flacks said, “We are working to end homelessness on all fronts. The RHMP is a valued partner who helps us maintain housing for people who often find it hard to live in Goleta’s expensive market.”

View the City of Goleta’s proclamation here and tune in to the meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Goleta Community State of the City April 10

Check Out Ten Reasons Why You Should Be There

The Goleta Community State of the City is just around the corner on Wednesday, April 10, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the newly reopened Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). This is a must attend event for anyone who cares about Goleta. Spanish interpretation will be available. Here are ten reasons why you should go:

  1. Mingle with the Mayor and City Councilmembers, Community Leaders and fellow Goletans.
  2. Hear the Mayor’s State of the City Address (a reflection on all that we have accomplished this past year, challenges we are facing and exciting projects ahead).
  3. Receive an update on the City’s finances from City Manager Robert Nisbet.
  4. Submit a question for the popular Q&A session with the Mayor and Department Directors.
  5. Check out more than 15 City tables to learn about all that is happening in Goleta and meet City staff across all departments.
  6. Check out the newly reopened Goleta Community Center.
  7. Watch the Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band perform in the gazebo before the doors open at 4:00 p.m. and listen to talented musician Andrew Manos play inside during the event.
  8. Enjoy charcuterie cups and fresh baked cookies.
  9. Take photos with the City of Goleta backdrop and be forever a part of the 2024 event memories.
  10. Last, but not least, because you LOVE Goleta and care about what is happening now and in the future.

Timeline of Events

  • 4:00 p.m. – The Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band will be performing from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
  • 5:00 p.m. – Doors open to visit our City information tables and the mingling begins.
  • 6:00 p.m. – The main event starts with presentations from the Mayor and City Manager.

If you don’t see a spot in the front or side parking areas, there is additional parking behind the building.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 Goleta Community State of the City! Make sure to bring your family and friends.

Then on Friday April 12, the South Coast Chamber of Commerce is holding its State of the City from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort (633 E. Cabrillo Blvd in Santa Barbara).

The Mayor of Goleta and City Manager will be presenting at this event as will those same representatives from Carpinteria and Santa Barbara. This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into upcoming projects, economic development, and community initiatives shaping the South Coast.

Registration is open. Read the full press release from the Chamber for more information.

Go Green Goleta Campaign Kicks Off Earth Month

Watch Video for Steps YOU can Take to Go Green

Just in time for Earth Month, the City of Goleta is thrilled to unveil its new campaign – Go Green Goleta/Vamos Verde Goleta. It’s not just a slogan, it’s a genuine call to action to encourage all of us to take steps, both big and small, to protect our Goleta now and for the future. The tag line for the campaign says it all, “Our Tomorrow is Today.” The City of Goleta is taking steps to protect our environment including six programs in the Go Green Goleta umbrella.  This campaign aims to not only educate you about these programs but to motivate you to take action in your everyday life to make a difference. Watch our new Go Green Goleta video with tips from City staff at https://youtu.be/hwhvBbw_C0o. It is also available in Spanish here: https://youtu.be/4dUsr15g4pc.

City of Goleta Environmental Specialist Dan Rowell said, “Go Green Goleta emphasizes that little drops of water make the mighty ocean. This is a timeless saying that reminds us that even seemingly small efforts, when multiplied across a community of individuals, can lead to substantial positive impacts. By making conscious choices to reduce waste, conserve energy, adopt sustainable practices, we all contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come. Thank you for joining Go Green Goleta’s collective effort to preserve our beautiful Earth, because Our Tomorrow is Today.”

Here are the six Go Green Goleta programs:

  • Plastic Free
  • Healthy Habitats
  • One Water
  • Waste Free
  • Electrify
  • Clean Green Spaces

Learn more about these programs at www.GoGreenGoleta.org.

As part of the Go Green Goleta/Vamos Verde Goleta campaign, you will see light post banners featuring these programs and A-Frame signs around town. 

Be sure and come to the Goleta Community State of the City on April 10th beginning at 5:00 p.m. to visit our Go Green Goleta table and pick up some merchandise with our new Go Green Goleta logo in English and Spanish.

The Go Green Goleta team will also be at a special Earth Day celebration happening on Saturday, April 20th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Bella Vista Park (intersection of Padova Drive and Placer Drive). Stay tuned for more details.

Thank you for taking time to learn about and support our Go Green Goleta efforts. Together, we can ensure that Goleta remains the best place to live, work and play.


City staff (pictured left-to-right): Environmental Specialist Dan Rowell, Sustainability Management Analyst Angeline Foshay, Parks and Open Space Manager George Thomson and Environmental Services Manager Melissa Nelson


Light post banners around town


A-frame signs throughout Goleta

Water Supply for Emergencies

We all know that water is important. It’s good to drink, wash your hands and body with, clean dishes, and more. So how much should you have in your home for emergencies?

One (1) gallon per family member per day of preparedness you want, and City of Goleta recommends having three (3) days’ worth of supplies. So let’s do the math:

If you have four family members, then we recommend having twelve (12) gallons of water in storage for an emergency (1 gallon of water x 4 family members x 3 days). And don’t forget your pets! Remember them as you count your family members.

Water does have a shelf life, so get new water as time passes. Purchase a new gallon of water then drink the old one before its time is up.

Lastly, you don’t need to rush to prepare. You can be prepared in just a few months by adding one gallon of water to your weekly grocery trip.

For more information on creating and storing an emergency water supply, click here.  

Rescued Barn Owl Takes Flight

A happy update to a story we had in the March edition of the Monarch Press. A beautiful barn owl that had been caught in a tree and entangled by fishing wire has been successfully released back into the wild.

The barn owl was found dangling 60ft in the air from a palm tree branch after being trapped in fishing wire. Goleta Public Works staff members Jorge Flores and Joel Rubio, with the City’s recently acquired Boom Lift, were able to aid Santa Barbara County in safely rescuing and untangling the owl.

Unfortunately, the bird was suffering from capture myopathy and its condition did not look good. However, thanks to the diligent care of staff at the Ojai Raptor Center the owl’s health improved to the point where it was ready to be set free.

On Saturday, March 9, Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martin, Mayor Perotte, and a few other lucky witnesses were able to view the exciting moment as the barn owl took flight once more into the beautiful Goleta sky.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this successful rescue and release. The return of the Barn Owl to its natural habitat would not have been possible without you.

Please let this heartwarming ending serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.

Photo credit: The Independent

Job Openings with Team Goleta

The City of Goleta is always looking for awesome people to join our team. If you are looking for a great place to work, we are hiring. The following positions are currently open or coming soon:

  • Public Works Supervisor
  • Recreation Technician (part-time)
  • Senior Engineer – coming soon

Learn more about each position and how to apply here. Check back regularly for new opportunities.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Throughout April, the Goleta Police Department will be focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant Noel Rivas said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach. Also, remember that using your cell phone while stopped at a red light is not allowed.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department provides police services for the City of Goleta.