Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

MTD Service Changes Occur August 15

Additional morning trips added to Lines 12x & 24x

Santa Barbara MTD makes service changes to local bus service every year in mid-August. This year’s service changes will go into effect at the beginning of the day on Monday, August 15, 2022.

Due to a shortage of bus operators, temporary schedule reductions were made on April 25, 2022 in order to improve system reliability. Because the bus operator shortage continues, the majority of these temporary reductions will remain in effect through August 15th.

After the April reductions, MTD staff heard from regular riders that specific early morning trips on the Line 12x (Goleta Express) and Line 24x (UCSB Express) had been suspended, making it difficult to make it to work and other morning obligations. Taking this feedback, MTD staff worked to identify specific trips to reinstate on these lines.

The following trips will be added to the schedule for August:

  • Two Line 12x weekday AM outbound trips departing the Transit Center at 6:05 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
  • One Line 12x weekday AM inbound trip departing Hollister & Storke at 7:58 a.m.
  • One Line 24x weekday AM outbound trip departing the Transit Center at 7:25 a.m.

Additionally, a minor routing change will happen for the Line 17 (Lower West/SBCC). Due to circulation improvements at the San Andres and Carrillo intersection in Santa Barbara, the inbound Line 17 route will now turn left on Canon Perdido from San Pascual, then right on San Andres before turning right on Carrillo to head to the Transit Center. This one block change does not affect any stops or schedules for the Line 17; it simply makes an operational improvement for the buses. This change now means the inbound and outbound routes are identical.

The new schedule guide reflecting these changes is available online here. The printed version of the schedule guide will be available at the Transit Center and onboard buses at the beginning of August.

Customer Service Representatives are available for assistance at (805) 963-3366.

9-8-8: New Mental Health Crisis Number

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, can be more easily reached by calling or texting 9-8-8, or chatting on 988lifeline.org. People throughout California can call 9-8-8 to receive emergency assistance when experiencing a mental health crisis. Calls are routed to the State’s suicide prevention call centers. These call centers can connect callers to emergency responders and local mental wellness resources, as needed. The State is currently working to enhance funding for the call centers to meet service needs and expand mobile crisis capabilities. Please tell your loved ones about 9-8-8. Click here to learn more.

Apply for 2022 Clean Air Grant Funding

On-Road, Off-Road, Marine, Agricultural, and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Projects Qualify

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Grants Program July 25 through August 31. A record amount of funding (approximately $3.8 million) is available for voluntary Clean Air Grant projects this year — twice as much funding as was available last year.

APCD will prioritize applications proposing zero-emission or near-zero emission technology projects, along with projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities, as defined by this map: https://webmaps.arb.ca.gov/PriorityPopulations/.

Individuals, businesses, and nonprofits looking to replace old equipment with newer, cleaner technology, or transition to zero-emission or near-zero emission vehicles, equipment, and/or fueling infrastructure, are encouraged to apply. Successful projects will be eligible to receive a grant within a range from $10,000 to $250,000. Emission reductions from the project must be surplus to any rule or regulation. Examples of eligible projects include:

  • On-Road Heavy-Duty Vehicles:
    • Heavy-duty trucks and buses
    • School buses
    • Solid waste collection vehicles
    • Transit fleet vehicles, including urban buses
    • Public agency and utility vehicles
    • Emergency vehicles
  • Alternative Fueling Infrastructure
  • Off-Road Equipment:
    • Tractors
    • Forklifts
    • Loaders and dozers
    • Excavators
    • Agricultural utility vehicles
  • Marine Vessels (regulated and non-regulated commercial vessels)
  • Agricultural Engines

Over the past 34 years, APCD has collaborated with local operators and awarded more than $50 million to various engine replacement projects throughout Santa Barbara County. These projects have eliminated several thousand tons of smog-forming pollution and particulate matter, both of which harm human health. Here are some testimonials from previous recipients:

“We are proud of the fact that we have been able through this Grant Program to be able to upgrade our tractors over the past few years. Without this program, we would have continued to repair our old tractors and not replace them with much cleaner-running, energy-efficient tractors. This has also had a positive effect with the morale of our employees.” – Plantel Nurseries (Santa Maria)

“Access to grant funds are crucial for small businesses like mine, looking to upgrade to best available technology in order to reduce emissions. Especially because we carry the public, health and safety are our priority. Having the newest equipment ensures reduced mechanical issues and easier access to parts.” – Stardust Sportfishing (Santa Barbara Harbor)

“I enjoy hearing from previous Clean Air Grant recipients about how transitioning to newer, cleaner technology has benefited their operations while improving our air quality,” said Aeron Arlin Genet, APCD Director. “I strongly encourage all interested companies and organizations to apply.”

For more information, visit the Grants webpage.

Birds of Lake Los Carneros Short Film

One of Goleta’s gem locations is the stunning Lake Los Carneros. Now there is a newly released 7-minute short film, Birds of Lake Carneros, shot at this special location available to view. The Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) and filmmaker Michael Love recently released the short film which is rich in bird conservation, local history, and ecology.

The film can be viewed here: https://santabarbaraaudubon.org/learning-resources/.

The film celebrates local and migrating birds at Lake Los Carneros, raises awareness about the importance of this open space for providing critical habitat to avifauna and other wildlife, and inspires community environmental stewardship and nature conservation. 

Movie footage includes iconic shots of hummingbirds, predators, and new chicks, as well as other important wildlife around the lake. Guest appearances in the film include SBAS Board Field Trips Chair Peter Thompson leading a group and City of Goleta Councilmember Stuart Kasdin birding with local students at the lake.

Lake Los Carneros is owned and managed by the City of Goleta.

About Santa Barbara Audubon Society
Founded in 1963, SBAS’s mission is to protect area birdlife and habitat and connect people with birds through education, conservation and science. SBAS strengthens people’s connection to birds through outreach, local presentations and birding events, promotes avifauna protections through meetings with agency decision-makers, public comments, and conservation letters, and advances knowledge about birdlife through community and research-based science. To learn more about SBAS and how you may join and help our local birds, please visit https://santabarbaraaudubon.org.

Get Your Goleta 20-Year Gear! 

Available Now at the Goleta Valley Historical Society Museum Store

If you want to show off your love for Goleta, NOW is your chance by purchasing a limited-edition City of Goleta 20-Year logo t-shirt and/or coffee mug while supplies last. This specialty merchandise, custom made to commemorate the City of Goleta’s 20th Birthday, is also a great gift for anyone you know who loves the Good Land.  

Thanks to the Goleta Valley Historical Society (GVHS) for selling the 20-year gear at its Museum Store located at 304 N. Los Carneros Road. Store hours are Saturday and Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and by appointment. T-Shirts are $25 and mugs are $10. 

Once the merchandise is sold, there are no plans to purchase more, so we encourage you to get your gear before its gone.  

The shirts and mugs will also be available to purchase at special events including the popular Tuesday night concert series “Music at the Ranch” (now through August 16 from 5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.) and the Dam Dinner on August 20 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. You can learn more about GVHS and its upcoming events at https://goletahistory.org/.

We are excited to see you with the 20-year merchandise. Send a photo of you and your Goleta merch to PIO@cityofgoleta.org for a chance to be featured on our Facebook (@cityofgoleta) and Instagram (@cityofgoleta) accounts! #happybirthdaygoleta

Pictured above and below: 20-year mugs and t-shirts

Highest Form of Recognition in Government Budgeting Awarded to City

City also receives its first Special Capital Recognition

The City of Goleta is proud to announce that it has received its third Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the City’s two-year budget plan, fiscal years 2021/22 and 2022/23. The City first received this award in 2018 for fiscal years 2017/18 and 2018/19, and again in 2020 for fiscal years 2019/20 and 2020/21. Alongside this prestigious award, the City of Goleta also received its first Special Capital Recognition which requires three outstanding ratings on the capital program from the reviewers.

The award is now the third consecutive award since the City of Goleta has prepared and submitted their entry in accordance with GFOA standards. Finance Director Luke Rioux and a support team of dedicated staff members continue to put together a comprehensive budget plan that increases transparency and allows community members to easily see how money comes into our City and how it is spent.

Luke said, “This is a great accomplishment for our team, and especially the special recognition for capital budgeting. It reflects the many hours of effort and hard work that goes into budget development and producing a well-organized budget document our City can take pride in. This award is a tribute to all of staff’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to improve Goleta’s budget document. We appreciate City Council’s support and expectation of only the highest standards in budget preparation. It is an honor to share this award with Council and City staff.”

The Distinguished Budget Award and the first Special Capital Recognition represents a summation of the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the Award, recipients must satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation, and the budget must serve as a: policy document; financial plan; operations guide; and communications device. View the City’s Two-Year Budget Plan for FY 2021/22 & 2022/23 here. To learn more about the award, please visit www.gfoa.org.

The primary function of the City’s Finance Department is to ensure the financial integrity of the City by providing superior financial services, maintaining public trust, and promoting governmental efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in a transparent and easy to understand manner. Finance maintains an effective financial accounting system that accurately reflects the financial operations of the City and offers a framework for both financial planning and analysis. The department provides accurate, reliable, and timely financial information for City Council, City Manager, City staff, and outside requests using the highest-level of professional standards.

More information on the City’s Finance Department, including objectives and accomplishments, is available at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/finance.

Green Room: SB Creek Week Begins September 17

Creek Week is an annual celebration of our creeks, watersheds, and the ocean, with many organizations hosting events to help build awareness and stewardship of the natural treasures of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria. This year Creek Week is September 17 – 24.

Stay tuned for more Goleta Creek Week activities closer to Creek Week. The City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Division is planning an art contest in partnership with the Goleta Valley Library, launching a Creek self-guided tour app, and hosting a bulky items collection event. Details to be announced soon.

Upcoming Events for SB Creek Week 2022: 

  • Coastal Cleanup Day: Saturday, September 17th, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Help clean your favorite beach! Learn more and sign up to participate at www.ExploreEcology.org/CCD. If you are unable to make it, clean up your neighborhood, favorite park, trail, or beach anytime throughout September. Don’t forget to collect and submit cleanup data on the Clean Swell app! 
  • San Jose Creek Cleanup with the Environmental Defense Center: Saturday, September 17th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.at Berkeley Rd & Merida Dr
    Join the Environmental Defense Center for a cleanup of San Jose Creek. Meet at the Berkeley Road Footbridge at 10:00 a.m. Bags and gloves will be provided. Masked are encouraged. Contact Brian Trautwein at BTrautwein@EnvironmentalDefenseCenter.org for more information or to RSVP. 
  • Andrée Clark Bird Refuge Restoration Tour: Wednesday, September 21st, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.at the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge, 34a Los Patos Way, Santa Barbara
    Join the City of Santa Barbara Creeks Division for a tour of our Andrée Clark Bird Refuge Restoration Project. The City’s Creeks Advisory Committee will be attending a site visit to view the restoration project’s progress and learn more about efforts to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.  Meet at the Bird Refuge beach parking area on Los Patos Way. Please RSVP to Liz Smith at (805) 897-2606 or LSmith@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.  
  • Land Shark Tour with the City of Santa Barbara Creeks Division: Saturday, September 24th, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Details TBA

  • Walking Tour of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve: Saturday, September 24th, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.Details TBA 

For a full list of activities please visit www.sbcreekweek.com, and remember to check back for new events.

Join #TeamGoleta! Apply for a Job with the City

Have you ever thought of a career in local government? Are you looking for a rewarding job where you can give back to the community? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then check out the available jobs the City of Goleta is looking to fill at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/goletaca. We have close to 20 job openings throughout multiple departments including the newly posted Senior Manager Analyst – Purchasing & Procurement and the Senior Planner in our Advance Planning department. If you love Goleta as much as we do, we encourage you to apply!

Current job openings include (in alphabetical order):

  • Accounting Specialist & Accounting Supervisor
  • Administrative Assistant (multiple)
  • Engineering Positions (multiple)
  • Homelessness Services Coordinator
  • Library Positions (multiple)
  • Maintenance Worker (multiple)
  • Public Works Supervisor
  • Senior Management Analyst – Purchase & Procurement
  • Senior Planner

You can learn more about the open positions and apply at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/goletaca. Job availability subject to change. #TeamGoleta #GoodLandGreatJobs

Applicants Wanted for City Commission Openings Including Two Youth Positions

Deadline to Apply is August 31st

The City of Goleta has opportunities for community members to get involved, two of them specifically for teens. The Parks and Recreation Commission and Public Engagement Commission are both looking to fill a student / youth position. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how local government works, have your voice heard, and give back to your community. The City is also looking for applicants for an opening on the Santa Barbara County Library Advisory Committee. Interested community members can apply here by August 31.

Parks and Recreation Commission – one (1) vacancy for a Student Commissioner (age 15 years or older); This Commission advises the City Council on all issues related to parks and recreational opportunities in Goleta, including the acquisition, development, maintenance, and improvement of the City’s public parks, recreational services, and open spaces. Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. Members are compensated at the rate of $50 per meeting; the student commissioner may choose to waive their compensation to receive community service credit.

Public Engagement Commission – one (1) vacancy for a Youth Commissioner (must be between the ages of 15 – 21); This Commission provides City residents a venue to address opportunities and ways to increase public engagement in City government and advises the City Council on related issues. Members are compensated at the rate of $50 per meeting.

Santa Barbara County Library Advisory Committee – one (1) vacancy for a Committee member; This Committee’s role is to advise the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. It reviews and maintains the master plan for each County library service zone, makes recommendations to ensure adequate library services to all, determines the per capita level of service, reviews budgets, considers site locations and building programs, and reviews the operation of the library. The member represents all of Zone 4, which includes Goleta, Buellton and Solvang. Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta.

Applications for all open vacancies may be submitted online at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. Applications are due by August 31, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

Introducing New Board and Commission Members

The City of Goleta is excited to introduce our newest Board & Commission members! Vacancies were recently filled with new members on three City of Goleta Boards and Commissions: Design Review Board, Library Advisory Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission. Thank you to everyone who applied and congratulations to those selected.

Our Board Members and Commissioners bring a diverse list of experience, interests, and talents to the position.

Design Review Board

Cecilia Brown was appointed to the Design Review Board (DRB) through February 1, 2025. She is a familiar face, having previously been on the DRB for 10 years. She is a UCSB graduate who served 24-years as an officer in the U.S. Navy before returning to beautiful Goleta. Shortly after arriving back in Goleta, the City incorporated and established the DRB. Cecilia said, “It was a very interesting time in the City’s history, for there was much development going on with many big projects which would ultimately transform the City’s streetscape. So, I am pleased to once again to have the opportunity to be a part of the DRB and participate in its efforts.”

As a Goleta resident, Cecilia has given back to the community through volunteer work with two dog rescue groups and having been past president of the Patterson Area Neighborhoods Association and past president of the Santa Barbara Cactus and Succulent Society. She is also currently a Director on the Board of the Historic Main Begg Farmhouse located in the Eastern Goleta Valley. She enjoys being in her garden of native California plants (including her collection of bromeliads) and with her three rescued All American Shelter dogs. One of her favorite things to do is take a walk, especially at Goleta Beach!

Library Advisory Commission

Stephanie Drake, PhD is the newest member of the Library Advisory Commission having been appointed to a three-year term ending June 30, 2025. Stephanie has called the Goodland home for 20 years. She holds a PhD and Master’s in Education from UCSB, and worked for 20 years in the education and nonprofit sector. Stephanie is currently the owner/operator of Goodland Doula which provides a wide range of education, support, and guidance to families beginning or expanding their family. In addition to providing support for families, she is the Education Program Manager at Then Comes Baby New Family Resource in Santa Barbara. Serving on the Library Advisory Commission brings together both her personal and professional passions with the aim of broadly supporting her community’s access and love of the Goleta Valley Library.

Parks and Recreation Commission

Stacie Furia was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a three-year term ending February 1, 2025. This is Stacie’s first appointment on a Goleta commission, though she previously served on the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls in San Mateo County. Stacie has served on the board of Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) for the past 4 years and also volunteers with various community and school groups. Stacie is an avid parks user as a hiker, runner, cyclist, and mom. Currently she works as the Learning and Evaluation Manager at the Santa Barbara Foundation.

If you are interested in joining a City Board or Commission, visit our website at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions to check for vacancies.