Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Viva La Goleta! Fiesta Ranchera on June 16

One of Goleta’s favorite events is almost here. Fiesta Ranchera is on Thursday, June 16 from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the 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 Spirit of Fiesta, Junior Spirit, and local entertainers. There will also be delicious food and beverages. The Goleta City Council will issue a proclamation at its June 7 City Council meeting declaring June 16, 2022, as “Fiesta Ranchera Day.” Council will also give Certificates of Recognition to the Spirit of Fiesta, Tara Mata, and the Junior Spirit of Fiesta, Layla Gocong. You will love seeing these talented dancers perform. Mark your calendars for June 7 and June 16 to see them dance in Goleta.


Spirit of Fiesta Tata Mata, photo courtesy of Fritz Olenberger


Junior Spirit of Fiesta Layla Gocong, photo courtesy of Fritz Olenberger

City’s Adopt-a-Park Program is Off and Running

Our new Adopt-a-Park program is off and running. In the month of May, community members from across the city answered the call to adopt-a-park, volunteering their time, effort and getting involved with the community. If you haven’t had a chance to participate, don’t worry, there are more opportunities coming your way!

Winchester II Park, located on Calle Real, has officially been adopted by the surrounding neighbors, focusing their efforts on trash pickup, filling gopher holes, cleaning playground structures and much more. Their first adoption date took place on the first Saturday of May, with the neighbors joining in volunteering with smiles on their faces. The neighbors of Winchester II have committed to continue their efforts on the first Saturday of the month throughout the summer.

The Goleta Noontime Rotary Club continues their volunteer work at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park once a month as well, with the same excitement and commitment to the program as when they first started in 2019. This last month, Goleta Noontime teamed up with some volunteers from the Beautify Goleta program, marking the first time these two programs joined forces for an event. Together they were able to give this beloved neighborhood park some extra love and care while having a great time on a Saturday morning.

In the month of May, we have also seen the Stonebridge Open Space adopted by a neighbor who is dedicated to preserving the beauty of our parks and open spaces. This individual volunteers twice a month, conducting walkthroughs of the trail while encouraging others to get involved.

For the month of June, we are fortunate to add a few more parks to the adopted list. Families and surrounding neighbors of both Andamar and Evergreen Parks have completed the requirements and will begin soon. Andamar will begin its Adopt-a-Park program on Saturday, June 18th, while Evergreen Park will have a neighboring family volunteering their time and efforts on Saturday, July 2nd. 

Here is a list of some of the upcoming adoption dates and their location.

Park Name

Area Adopted

Adoption Type

Upcoming Cleanup Dates

Andamar Park

Entire Park

Neighborhood

(2-8 participants)

Monthly- 3rd Saturday

June 18th

Evergreen Park

Tennis Court &

Surrounding area

Neighborhood

(2-4 participants)

Monthly- 1st Saturday

July 2nd

Jonny D. Wallis

Neighborhood Park

Entire Park

Organization

Noontime Rotary

Monthly- 3rd Saturday

June 18th

Winchester II Park

Entire Park

Neighborhood

(2-8 participants)

Monthly- 1st Saturday

July 2nd

We want to take this opportunity to thank each of our volunteers and community members that are participating in the Adopt-A-Park program. Your time and effort go a long way helping to preserve our Parks and Open Spaces for many years to come.

If you are interested in adopting a park or learning more, visit our webpage at https://cityofgoleta.org/adoptapark or email the Adopt-A-Park coordinator, Leonel Mendoza-Vera, at lmendoza-vera@cityofgoleta.org.

Thank you and we hope to see you at an upcoming Adopt-A-Park date!

Pictured: Goleta Noontime Rotary Club at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park

Your Summer of Reading is Here!

The 2022 Summer Reading Program runs through July 30th at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries

The 2022 Summer Reading Program is happening now and will run for eight weeks through Saturday, July 30th. The program is being held completely in-person for the first time in two years and includes participation categories for children, teens, and adults. We are also excited to welcome back our teen volunteers, who help make the program a success!

“We are really excited to be holding our Summer Reading Program in person once again this summer,” said Elizabeth Saucedo, Children’s Librarian at Goleta Valley Library. “It’s fantastic to see our community come together to enjoy the gift of reading with us!”

To get started, simply stop by the Goleta Valley Library, Isla Vista Bookvan, Buellton Library, or Solvang Library, where you can pick up a Youth or Teen reading log to record the great books you read this summer. Bring back your log to tell us about your reading and receive your prizes! Adult participants can enter one ticket into our weekly prize drawings for every book you read during the program.

There will be live shows throughout the summer for patrons of all ages to enjoy. We will kick off our family entertainment with a dazzling magic show by Shawn McMaster on Saturday, June 11th. Catch the show at Solvang Library at 10:00 a.m. or at Goleta Valley Library at 2:00 p.m. Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org to check out our Events Calendar to see everything we have planned, including puppet shows, concerts, crafts, and more!

Click here for a list of the events and prizes included in the Summer Reading Program at Goleta Valley Library. Visit your local branch to learn more about the specific events and prizes offered at each location.

Are you interested in being a Teen Volunteer this summer? Join our awesome crew! Email Elizabeth at esaucedo@cityofgoleta.org to sign up and receive training.

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries would like to wholeheartedly thank the many local businesses and organizations whose generous prize contributions will motivate participants to keep reading all summer long. The 2022 Summer Reading Program sponsors include: Albertson’s, Bennett’s Toys & Educational Materials, Blenders in the Grass, California Electric Supply, Chipotle, Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley, Golf ‘N’ Stuff, Ice in Paradise, Isla Vista Food Co-op, Island Burgers, Kyle’s Kitchen, Los Arroyos, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ocean Nails & Spa, Old Town Coffee, Pattibakes, Pollofino, Powell-Peralta, Santa Barbara Axxess, South Coast Deli, South Coast Montessori, South Coast Railroad Museum – Goleta Depot, UCSB Gauchos, and Wingstop. We appreciate your support of our program!

Mayor Perotte Receives Mayors Climate Protection Award

During the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 90th Annual Meeting in Reno (NV) on June 3, Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte and eleven other mayors were recognized for their efforts to address the climate crisis as part of the 2022 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards. Mayor Perotte received an Honorable Mention in the Small City category for the City’s Strategic Energy Plan and commitment to reaching 100% renewable electricity by 2030.

The award winners are the 16th class of mayors to be honored for successful local climate action changing how energy is used and produced in cities, resulting in reduced carbon use and emissions. This annual mayoral awards program is supported through a partnership between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Walmart.

“I am so honored to be recognized on behalf of the City for our climate leadership, and am excited to support comprehensive climate action that fosters a greener, more sustainable Goleta,” said Mayor Perotte. “The Strategic Energy Plan is the first of many steps that we hope to take to improve our community’s energy resilience.”

Adopted in 2019, Goleta’s Strategic Energy Plan (SEP) lays a roadmap to achieving the City’s 100% renewable electricity goals and identifies strategies to improve regional energy resilience. Read it here: https://tinyurl.com/2p8mudyh. The SEP aims to improve the quality of life by advancing equity, creating jobs, improving public health, and minimizing Goleta’s contribution to climate change. In pursuing SEP implementation strategies that focus on local generation, the City is currently installing a microgrid-ready solar photovoltaic generation system at City Hall and looking to replicate the project at other City facilities.

“The City of Goleta is thrilled to be recognized for its successful efforts to promote emissions reductions and a sustainable future in partnership with neighboring jurisdictions on the South Coast,” said Planning & Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof.

Goleta’s SEP was developed alongside the County of Santa Barbara and City of Carpinteria’s own plans, laying a strong foundation of regional connection and collaboration.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors President, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, shared, “These award-winning cities – and others across the nation – are embracing energy innovations, deploying cutting-edge technologies, and developing more renewable energy, making our cities healthier and more prosperous today and in the future.”

Full descriptions of the 2022 Mayors Climate Protection Awards winning programs can be found at: https://www.usmayors.org/climateprotection/2022awards/.

For more information about the City of Goleta’s Strategic Energy plan, visit: https://www.cityofgoleta.org/projects-programs/sustainability-climate-adaptation/strategic-energy-plan.

Mariscos Santa Barbara Celebrates Grand Opening in Old Town Goleta

Councilmembers James Kyriaco and Kyle Richards were in attendance Wednesday, June 1, as Mariscos Santa Barbara invited the community to celebrate its grand opening at 5892 Hollister Avenue and experience the freshly-crafted cuisine. Mariscos Santa Barbara was filled with community members that came to celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony and enjoy an evening of fresh food, culinary desserts, and hors d’oeuvres.

Councilmembers Kyriaco and Richards, both residents of Old Town Goleta, joined Miguel Avila (Co-President for the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) in welcoming Mariscos Santa Barbara to the community.

“I am so happy to welcome Mariscos Santa Barbara to Old Town,” said Councilmember Richards. “The City of Goleta is very excited to have another thriving and delicious local business come into the area.” 

Mariscos Santa Barbara is led by Chef Karlos Gonzales and a kitchen team with over 30 years of combined restaurant experience that aims to bring the taste of real Mexican seafood flavors to Old Town Goleta. Chef Karlos and his team have committed to sourcing ingredients only from local farmers’ markets to create a new and authentic experience for customers.

“We always love seeing new business make their home in Goleta,” said Councilmember Kyriaco. “Especially a business like this that represents the cultural and historical heart of Goleta.”

City of Goleta Sustainability Staff was also given the opportunity to speak to community leaders and business owners in attendance. Management Assistant Angeline Foshay and Civic Spark Fellow Stephanie Holmes provided important information and answered questions about the new single-use plastic ordinance. The new regulation requires that single-use foodware accessories be available for customers only by request starting June 17th. To learn more about plastics reduction in Goleta, please click here.  

Please join the City of Goleta in welcoming its newest restaurant to Old Town.

  

 

 

We Need You! Apply for a City Board or Commission

Applications Accepted Through June 14

The City of Goleta is looking for community members interested in applying to be on a Board or Commission. We have extended the deadline to June 14. The City is seeking applications for upcoming vacancies on the Design Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Library Advisory Commission, and the Santa Barbara County Library Advisory Committee. Joining a Board or Commission is a great way to give back to your community and have your voice heard.

Interested community members can apply for the following positions:

Design Review Board – one (1) vacancy for an At-Large Member; This board meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m., and the members are compensated $50 per meeting.

Parks and Recreation Commission – one (1) vacancy for a Commissioner; Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission holds six regular meetings and may hold additional meetings as needed.

Library Advisory Commission – one (1) vacancy for a Commissioner; Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission meets the first Monday of every month.

Santa Barbara County Library Advisory Committee – one (1) vacancy for a Committee member; Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta.

Applications for all open Board and Commission vacancies may be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/goletaboards-commissions. Applications are due by June 14, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.

Again, this is a great opportunity to be involved in your city and learn more about how local government works. For additional information on what is involved with serving on a Board or Commission, or to inquire about a specific vacancy, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

City Manager Retirement Date Extended

Council Requests Additional Time to Allow for Ongoing Recruitment Process

Goleta City Manager Michelle Greene, who was set to retire on June 30, 2022, has agreed to stay on until September 1, 2022, to provide continued leadership to the organization during the ongoing recruitment and eventual appointment of a new City Manager. The Goleta City Council tonight, May 17, 2022, unanimously approved Ms. Greene’s separation agreement, which included the extension of her retirement date. 

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “We are grateful for Ms. Greene’s willingness to stay on and provide her seasoned leadership to our City as we take the time needed to find and hire the right replacement.”  

The recruitment for a new City Manager has closed and a series of interviews is being scheduled for June. After the interviews and background checks are concluded, negotiations with the preferred candidate can begin.  Once a tentative agreement is reached with the new City Manager, a contract would then be approved at a regular City Council meeting, and the successful candidate would likely need to give formal advance notice to their current employer.   If more time is needed during the City Manager recruitment and appointment process, the Council can request another extension to Ms. Greene’s separation agreement.

Another Beautify Goleta Success

Almost 700 Pounds of Trash Picked Up

The City of Goleta held its second city-wide Beautify Goleta community cleanup on Saturday, May 21 and are excited to share the results with the community. We are grateful for the seventy-five volunteers who took time out of their Saturday and collected 673 pounds of trash! That’s 673 pounds of trash that will no longer pollute our neighborhoods, creeks and ocean. Volunteers were spread out among four locations: Dos Pueblos/El Encanto, South Old Town, Marketplace, and Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park. The Dos Pueblos/El Encanto location was also the Neighborhood Spotlight, and collected 2,900 pounds of furniture, mattresses, and other items as part of the Bulky Item Drop-Off.

We are so thankful and proud of our volunteers and neighborhood captains for taking the time and energy to participate in this event. A special thank you to Goleta Evening Rotary Club and Santa Barbara Habitat for Humanity for hosting their spotlight volunteer groups! Additionally, thank you to Big Green and MarBorg for their continuing support of Beautify Goleta events, and to Dos Pueblos High School for the use of its upper parking lot.

By the Numbers:

  • 673 pounds of trash collected
  • 2,900 pounds of bulky items collected
  • 3,573 pounds of total waste collected
  • 2,512 pounds of total waste recycled (70%)

Neighborhood Spotlight – Dos Pueblos/El Encanto:
Twenty volunteers, including the Goleta Evening Rotary Club spotlight volunteer group, picked up a total of 141 pounds of trash from the Dos Pueblos/El Encanto neighborhood area! Plus, an additional 2,900 pounds of bulky item waste was dropped off by nearby residents – that’s 3,041 pounds of total trash collected for this site! Thank you to Goleta Evening Rotary Club for supplying coffee and pastries for volunteers. Also, thank you Cheryl Washburn-Lander for being our returning spotlight captain!

South Old Town:
Old Town is a popular volunteer cleanup spot, and May 21st was no exception. Thirty-two volunteers, including Santa Barbara Habitat for Humanity, Goleta Presbyterian Church, the Winslowe community, and fellow residents picked up a total of 412 pounds of trash! Thank you to Zoe Atkins of Santa Barbara Habitat for Humanity, and Katie Pazan of Goleta Presbyterian Church for leading this cleanup effort with such an amazing turnout.

Marketplace:
This location was brand new for our May 2022 event. A total of 15 volunteers met at the Phelps Road parking lot to clean areas around the Marketplace neighborhood. In just two hours, they were able to collect 71 pounds of trash! Thank you to Jennifer Smith for leading this effort and providing pastries for her volunteers.

Adopt-A-Park at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park:
The City of Goleta’s recently launched Adopt-A-Park program held its monthly cleanup at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park on the same day as Beautify Goleta – this was the perfect opportunity to join forces! Three Beautify Goleta volunteers joined five Goleta Noontime Rotary members to pick up trash, clean benches, and sweep up Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park. In total, 49 pounds of trash were removed from the park.

Thank you again to all the volunteers who came out on Saturday to help Beautify Goleta. If you were not able to be part of this event, you can still join our next event on July 30th by signing up here. For more information on the program, please visit https://cityofgoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

Prop 218 Solid Waste Increase Begins July 1

Starting in July, you will see your Solid Waste Collection Rates charged by MarBorg Industries for franchise residential and commercial waste collection services increase.  Effective July 1, 2022, collection rates will be increased by 5.93%.

The reason for the increase is due to (i) inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) and (ii) the per ton tipping fees imposed by the County of Santa Barbara for disposal and/or processing of solid waste at the ReSource Center (“Pass-Through Tipping Fees”). The terms of the franchise agreement with Marborg allow for rate increases due to CPI or Pass-Through Tipping fees.

A Public Protest hearing was held on May 17, 2022, in compliance with Proposition 218. Only three public comments were received, far fewer than the 50% required to deny Marborg’s rate increase request. As a result, City Council motioned to approve the collection rate increase.

Healthy Homes for Healthier Living Webinar

Are you interested in learning how your living space may be affecting your health or how you can lower your utility bills while making your home safer and more comfortable?

3C-REN’s (Tri-County Regional Energy Network) next webinar on June 8th from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Healthy Homes for Healthier Living, will help you understand how your home works, how it can affect your health, and steps you can take to mitigate health risks.

Some key home-related health concepts you’ll learn: 

  • Your home acts as a system that needs to be managed; through a combination of the building and its components, what’s inside your building, and how you occupy and manage your indoor environment.
  • There are eight healthy home principles that work together as a successful strategy for improving your home environment.
  • Learn how to clean smart! Home cleaning is all about your health and reducing exposure to things in the home that are known to contribute to increases in health complaints.
  • Modern homes and their contents directly impact how much moisture is available to create problems that lead to mold growth and allergen overload.
  • The best intentions of homeowners sometimes have the worst consequences. Learn some common pitfalls in home maintenance and how to avoid creating health impacts.
  • Your comfort in any home is all about good ventilation and air management. Things like air sealing and insulation are just as important as the products you use to clean with for better health in your home.

Register today at 3C-REN.org/events.