Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

30 Days of Microchips

Animal services launches collaboration to Promote pet identification ahead of the 4th of July

With the upcoming 4th of July festivities just around the corner, Santa Barbara County Animal Services is proud to announce a critical campaign highlighting the significance of microchips and identification for pets. In collaboration with partners across the county, we are offering 30 days of free microchipping aimed at safeguarding our beloved furry companions during this historically challenging time.

The 4th of July holiday is a time of celebration, but unfortunately, it also brings an increased risk of pets becoming lost or separated from their owners. More pets are reported missing during this period than any other time of the year. The loud fireworks, unfamiliar surroundings, and general commotion can cause distress and anxiety, leading to panicked pets attempting to escape and find safety.

To address this issue and ensure the safe return of our cherished companions, SBCAS is partnering with CARE4Paws, ASAP, BUNS, SB Humane, and others, to offer 30-days of free microchips across the County. “Our goal is to raise awareness about the importance of microchipping and identification for pets, particularly as we approach the 4th of July,” said Sarah Aguilar, Animal Services Director. “By offering free microchips, we hope to equip as many pets as possible with this vital tool to ensure their safe return in the event they become lost or separated from their families.”

Throughout the entire month of June, pet owners can take advantage of this initiative by visiting any SBCAS shelter, BUNS or ASAP Cats during regular business hours, or taking advantage of one of the 44 mobile clinics near you. Additionally, SB Humane will be offering free microchips daily at the Santa Maria location with pre-scheduled appointments.

SBCAS is committed to the well-being and safety of pets in our community, and this collaboration is a testament to that dedication. By working together, we can make a significant impact in reducing the number of lost pets and reuniting them with their families during this potentially tumultuous period.

For more information on this initiative and to find the nearest participating location, please visit https://www.countyofsb.org/3872/July-4th-Preparation. Together, let’s ensure a safe and joyous 4th of July for all our furry friends.

Let’s Fiesta Goleta!

One of Goleta’s favorite events is almost here. Fiesta Ranchera is on Thursday, June 15 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the beautiful Rancho La Patera & Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road). This treasured event is a chance to experience Fiesta in Goleta and is a collaboration between Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society. Come see performances by the 2023 Spirit of Fiesta, Junior Spirit and musical entertainment by classical guitarist Tony Ybarra and Area 51. There will also be delicious food and beverages from local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. This is a 21 and older event. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Go to https://oldspanishdays.ticketsauce.com/e/fiesta-ranchera-2/tickets.   

You can also experience Fiesta in Goleta at the June 6 Goleta City Council meeting. The Council will issue a proclamation declaring June 15, 2023, as “Fiesta Ranchera Day.” Council will also give Certificates of Recognition to the Spirit of Fiesta, Jack Harwood, and the Junior Spirit of Fiesta, Olivia Nelson, and watch them perform. We hope you will join us in person, watch on the City’s website or on Goleta TV Channel 19. Viva La Goleta!

IVYP Leaps Forward with New Name and Logo

One of the City’s long-time community partners has a new name! At a special community briefing on May 10th, the Isla Vista Youth Projects officially launched their new organization name and logo: LEAP – Learn, Engage, Advocate, Partner. 

Chuck Flacks, Chair of LEAP’s Board of Directors and the City of Goleta’s Homelessness Services Coordinator, led the event with Lori Lander Goodman, Executive Director of LEAP. “LEAP represents who we are and the work we’ve been doing for over 50 years” said Lori Goodman, “we are excited to continue to provide a solid foundation for our community to LEAP into the future they envision for themselves.”

Councilmembers James Kyriaco and Luz Reyes-Martín  joined Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards to present an official Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the City of Goleta to LEAP.

LEAP Central Coast has been a committed community partner for the City with 60% of the families they serve residing in Goleta.

The City of Goleta congratulates LEAP on their new name change and logo and wish them continued success!

Read the full press release from LEAP here: https://tinyurl.com/yj8hbevy.

Pictured at top: LEAP Executive Director Lori Goodman with the new logo

Pictured left-to-right: Chuck Flacks, Chair of LEAP’s Board of Directors and the City of Goleta’s Homelessness Services Coordinator, Mayor Pro Tempore, Kyle Richards, LEAP Board Member Angie Swanson-Kyriaco, District 2 Councilmember James Kyriaco, District 1 Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín, and LEAP Board Member Eileen Monahan

GridStor Begins Installing Emission-Free Batteries at New Goleta Facility Site

GridStor, a developer, owner, and operator of battery energy storage systems, is writing the next chapter of Santa Barbara’s clean energy transition with cranes installing 44 emission-free batteries at the company’s new 25,000-square foot facility on a 2.6-acre commercial/industrial lot on Cortona Drive in Goleta, California. Once online, the 60 MW / 160 MWh lithium-ion battery facility will be the biggest in Santa Barbara County, capable of powering over 30,000 households through the hours of the day when electric infrastructure is most stressed, in just the latest step towards realizing California’s goal to decarbonize its economy.

GridStor builds large-scale battery systems that connect directly into the power grid, providing critical infrastructure for reliable energy as the grid increasingly incorporates intermittent wind and solar power sources. The company strategically sites battery storage projects close to where demand is greatest to maximize delivery from renewable resources. This approach also helps build more resilient communities in the face of threats posed by climate change and severe weather.

“Climate change is the single greatest common challenge facing every one of us today, and with the opening of this facility we’re very excited to be meeting the moment for America’s demand for a clean and reliable electrical grid while also providing benefits to communities in Santa Barbara County,” said Chris Taylor, CEO of GridStor. “All of us depend every day on a reliable electric system, and as we keep adding wind and solar energy to the grid, battery energy storage projects like our facility in Goleta will provide essential assistance to maintain that reliability at all hours of the day and in all conditions.”

As the second and largest battery in Santa Barbara County, GridStor’s Goleta facility will bring a range of environmental, financial, and security benefits to the region. Santa Barbara County generates very little of its own power and is served by only a few high-voltage lines that carry energy from far-flung sources. At the same time, the region is highly susceptible to natural disasters like wildfires, mudslides, and earthquakes, all of which can threaten power infrastructure and plunge communities into darkness. In addition to enabling more clean energy that reduces pollution from the region’s electricity grid, GridStor’s batteries will be capable of storing enough power to supply the equivalent of all of Goleta’s residential customers for up to four hours in the event of a blackout. This provides Santa Barbara County residents another option for local reliability and reduces dependence on the highly polluting Ellwood Generating Station, a gas-powered peaker plant, and other fossil power sources.

“Clean energy storage projects like this one help move the City of Goleta toward its renewable energy goals and enhance our energy resilience,” said Paula Perotte, Mayor of Goleta. “The addition of GridStor’s storage batteries to our grid brings closer the day that we will no longer need to rely locally on a gas-powered peaker plant.”

California currently generates abundant clean power from solar and wind, but still relies on polluting natural gas-fired power plants when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine or when transmission infrastructure becomes overtaxed. Batteries such as GridStor’s, which provide system reliability under a contract with the public utility Southern California Edison, ensure sustained operations and maximum utilization of clean energy while simultaneously reducing reliance upon natural gas power plants.

The Goleta batteries come at a critical time for California’s transition to clean energy, as the State of California works toward a carbon-free electricity system by 2045. The California Energy Commission projects that 49,000 MW of battery storage will be needed to meet the State’s decarbonization goals. GridStor’s project is a direct contribution to the State’s resource goals of 11,000 MW of new battery storage by 2026. The Goleta facility is expected to come online in the fall of 2023, at a time when resources to provide electric reliability are much needed across California; in a decision just three months ago, the California Public Utilities Commission determined an additional 4,000 MW of capacity is needed by 2027 to support the power system’s mid-term reliability.

In this case, the Goleta location will support the 900 MW of wind and solar power operating in the region and support the further build out of the planned 7,500 MW of additional renewables there over the next decade – expanding the company’s ability to deliver energy to the Greater Los Angeles area. The large size and strategic location of the facility will contribute to meeting these system reliability needs, and initiates GridStor as a major player in the California energy storage market as the state’s transition to clean energy continues.

Update on Public Safety Power Shutoffs

No Longer a Major Threat in Southern California

Southern California Edison (SCE) reported to Goleta that significant progress has been made to strengthen their electric infrastructure. SCE reported the following to Goleta, “As a result of the abundance of recent precipitation, a [Public Safety Power Shutoff] (PSPS) is not expected for the foreseeable future. However, we will be closely monitoring the rate at which widespread heavy grasses will dry out to contribute to increased fire activity later this year.”

A PSPS event would have led to multi-day power outages in Goleta during periods of extremely hot, dry, and/or windy weather, and would have lasted as long as the potentially dangerous weather conditions exist that could spark a wildfire. 

Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator, Michael Baris, said, “I’m very pleased that a once-significant threat to the community has been seen to. I will continue to work with SCE to monitor hazards associated with electrical infrastructure and will keep the Goleta community updated on what threats are present to residents’ families and homes.”

Learn more about PSPS from SCE here: www.sce.com/outage-center/outage-information/psps.

2023 Summer Reading Program Begins June 10th

At the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, the annual fun-filled Summer Reading Program for all ages will begin on Saturday, June 10th. This year’s program – All Together Now – will run for seven weeks through July 29th and celebrates the many wonderful ways that libraries and reading bring us together as a community. There is something for everyone at the library this summer, from earning community service hours by becoming a Teen Volunteer, to winning fantastic prizes, to participating in the Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Read on to learn more!

Volunteering

Teen volunteers ages 14-17 can earn community service hours by volunteering at the library this summer! They are an integral part of the program, as youth-level participants report on their reading to teen volunteers in order to receive their prizes. In addition, our team of teen volunteers help library staff set up for entertaining programs including magic shows, craft days, and the Stuffed Animal Sleepover.

  • If you are interested in becoming a teen volunteer at Goleta Valley Library, complete an application packet and bring it with you to the orientation on Saturday, June 3rd from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. at Goleta Valley Library.
  • If you are interested in becoming a Teen Volunteer at Solvang Library or Buellton Library, complete the Santa Ynez Valley Libraries application packet and bring it with you to the orientation on Saturday, June 3rd from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. at Solvang Library.

For more information, contact your local branch directly at goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org, solvanglibrary@cityofgoleta.org and buelltonlibrary@cityofgoleta.org.

Earning Prizes by Reading

Inspiring our community to get excited about reading is one of the main goals we hope to accomplish through the Summer Reading Program. Young people who read over vacation breaks from school have a much better chance of staying at grade level, or even improving their reading skills, during the summer months. Plus, a reading habit that is established early can become a lifelong practice that improves literacy in the community overall.

Every year, our local businesses help motivate readers by supporting this important literacy program with donated prize incentives that participants can earn at different milestones based on the number of books they read. Participants in the Youth category (grades 6 and below) earn prizes for every five books they read, and participants in the Teen category (grades 7-12) earn prizes for every book they read. Similarly, participants in the Adult category (ages 18+) receive one prize drawing ticket for each book they read, which they can enter in the library’s weekly prize drawings. The full list of prizes at Goleta Valley Library is available here.

Reading logs and prize drawing tickets will be available at the Goleta Valley Library, Bookvan, Buellton Library, and Solvang Library beginning June 10th. Reading in all formats is welcome, including print books, graphic novels, eBooks, and audiobooks. Click here to access eBooks and audiobooks for free with your library card.

Special Events

Each week, programs and special performances will be held across our three library locations for patrons of all ages! The full event schedule is available on our website calendar, or download a copy of the event schedule for Goleta Valley Library and Solvang Library.

We are excited to read with you this summer! Reading recommendation lists for all ages are available on our website to help you get started, including the 2023-24 Battle of the Books list and even Book Club Kits that you can share with your fellow bookworms.

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2023 Summer Reading Program: Birkholms Bakery, Blenders in the Grass, The Book Loft, Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard, Chipotle, Chomp!, The Elverhoj Museum, Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, Goleta Depot, Golf ‘N’ Stuff, Kyle’s Kitchen, Ice in Paradise, Isla Vista Food Co-op, Islands Burgers, Los Arroyos, MOXI Museum, Mystic Merchant, Nathalie’s Dollhouse, New Frontiers Natural Marketplace, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ocean Nails & Spa, Old Town Coffee, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Parks-Janeway Carriage House, Solvang Bakery, South Coast Deli, South Coast Montessori, Stuart C. Gildred YMCA, The Wildling Museum, and Woodstock’s Pizza.

 

City Holds First Bilingual LEAD Goleta Academy

Watch the Video Recap

The City of Goleta is proud to announce the completion of its first bilingual LEAD Goleta Academy. LEAD stands for Learn, Empower, Advocate, and Discuss. For six weeks, 29 participants, including seven Spanish speakers, learned about how the City of Goleta is run. This is the 3rd LEAD Goleta Academy the City has held, but the first time the program included Spanish interpretation and translated materials. On Wednesday evening, May 24, 2023, the group completed its final class which included participants receiving a graduation certificate and a City of Goleta pin from the Mayor and City Council. The graduation ceremony ended with celebratory LEAD cupcakes and sparkling apple cider. Watch a video recap here and to see photos go to https://photos.app.goo.gl/hEEQbG9Xdoozvqf96.

Mayor Paula Perotte applauded the group for their participation and said, “We appreciate you taking time out of your busy lives to come learn about our local government. I hope you will take what you learned and share it with your neighbors, friends, and loved ones, and consider being on a Board or Commission, running for City Council, and staying engaged.”

The class learned a lot, including the story of how the City came to be and all the facets that make up a City. There were presentations from Finance, Public Works, Sustainability, Environmental Services, Planning, Neighborhood Services, the City Clerk’s Office, Goleta Valley Library, City Attorney’s Office, Emergency Services, Goleta Police, Community Outreach, and more.  Besides getting a behind the scenes look at each of these departments, the participants also participated in a Mock City Council meeting and took tours of City Hall and the Goleta Valley Library.

The diverse group of LEAD Goleta participants came from all different backgrounds and walks of life but had one thing in common, a love for Goleta and wanting to learn about how they can make their community a better place. The group included high school and college students, retirees, business professionals, a sorority house mother, an author, community partners and overall Goleta enthusiasts. All were drawn to participate for different reasons.

Before receiving their certificates, the graduates went around the room and expressed what they enjoyed most about the Academy. Here are just some of the comments:

Melissa Villa who played the role of Mayor in our Mock Council and is a mother of three said, “The experience has been so informative, engaging, and wonderful. It really has opened doors for me in ways in which I can be involved and show up as an advocate for the community.”

Lynn Darnton who played the role of City Manager in the Mock Council meeting and is President of her Homeowners Association, said, “This was an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the City and all of the ins and outs. It was great to meet so many people who work at the City, learn about the what they do and how to contact them. By the end of the course, you really understand the City.”

A huge thank you to our Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez and to our Spanish interpreters Viviana Marsano and Hugo Santos for making this first bilingual LEAD Goleta Community Academy possible. We are looking forward to the next class. A date has not yet been determined. If you are interested in signing up, please email jshaw@cityofgoleta.org to be notified when applications are available.

Pictured at top: Kelly Hoover, Community Relations Manager, and Marcos Martinez, Spanish Engagement Specialist, holding celebratory cupcakes spelling out LEAD


LEAD Goleta 2023 graduating class with Councilmembers and City staff

Bilingual participants with District 1 Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín and Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez


Mock City Council meeting participants


Participants outside Council Chambers after a tour of City Hall

Save the Date for Beautify Goleta on July 22

Self-Guided Cleanups Available Year-Round

The City of Goleta’s next Beautify Goleta event, “Put a Smile on Your Place,” will take place on Saturday, July 22 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. There will also be a Bulky Item Collection Event at the Dos Pueblos High School Upper Parking Lot from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The community is encouraged to participate on event day, but we are excited to also offer an option for you to cleanup anytime and anywhere! Just follow our self-guided cleanup instructions to stay safe and report your results to be entered into a prize drawing. You can do your own self-guided cleanup or coordinate a group as a site captain. More information can be found below.

Call For Captains

Learn more about the Captain role online and please reach out if you’d like to Captain a location. For each event, there is no limit on the number of captains or cleanup locations but generally we hope for at least 4 cleanup locations. During each event we will also host a Free Bulky Item Drop Off in the Spotlight Neighborhood.

Bulky Item Collection Event

The Bulky Item Collection will be located in the upper parking lot of Dos Pueblos High School (7266 Alameda Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Any drop-offs before or after the event will not be accepted. Residents can drop off unwanted bulky items free of charge. Electronics, medicine, and hazardous waste will NOT be accepted.

The bulky item drop-off is in partnership with Caltrans and the Clean CA program. These statewide Dump Day events are made possible through Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping $1.1 billion, multiyear clean-up effort led by Caltrans to keep roads and waterways free of litter, create thousands of jobs and transform state and local public spaces through beautification efforts. For more information on the Clean CA program, please visit Clean CA program online.

Self-Guided Cleanup Program

Grab your buckets, gloves, and a good pair of walking shoes, and pickup litter where you want, when you want! Beautify Goleta has updated its Self-Guided Cleanup program, which you can read more about here. Participants can pickup litter off streets, in neighborhoods, in parks and open spaces, and more. The City asks that participants do not pickup litter on private property without getting permission from the property owner first. Self-Guided Cleanup participants are not required, but highly encouraged, to report their results to Beautify Goleta using an updated report form so progress can be tracked over time. Participants can submit reports anonymously or can provide an email to be entered into a prize drawing.

The City would like to thank Caltrans, MarBorg, and Big Green Cleaning for their event support. We are also so thankful to our returning clean up volunteers!

Thank you for helping us keep Goleta healthy and beautiful. Please email any questions or feedback can to EnvironmentalServices@CityofGoleta.org.

Learn more about the Beautify Goleta community cleanup program on our website at www.CityofGoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

Team Goleta Needs You

The City of Goleta has a few job openings in a wide range of departments. If you are looking for a new career where you can give back to your community, this is it! Open positions include:

  • Accountant in the Finance Department
  • Custodian at the Goleta Community Center
  • Department Aide (part-time) in the Neighborhood Services Department
  • Library Assistant (part-time) at the Buellton Library

If any of the above jobs sound interesting to you, we encourage you to apply today! Learn more about our open jobs and apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/goletaca.

SBA Launches Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Supporting Passengers with Varied Disabilities Travel with Ease

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is one of 200 airports across the world participating in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. This program enables people with varied disabilities, especially non-visible disabilities, to access the support they need and travel through SBA with more ease.

Passengers with a disability may voluntarily choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard, or other Sunflower branded item, to discreetly indicate they need extra assistance or time. Airport staff are trained to recognize the Sunflower and are available to provide an even higher level of assistance and support as needed. Sunflower lanyards are available from SBA free of charge for either delivery or pick up. Visit SBA’s Sunflower program website to fill out the form to request a lanyard and learn more: https://flysba.santabarbaraca.gov/terminal/accessibility/sunflower-program.

If you wish to be a community partner in this effort, contact SBA at Airport@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

For more information please visit FlySBA.com, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.