Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

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.

Meet the City’s New Sustainability Manager

The City of Goleta is pleased to introduce Dana Murray as the City’s new Sustainability Manager. Ms. Murray began on July 18 and will oversee Goleta’s Sustainability Program and its vision for a cleaner and greener Goleta for all. She will manage projects that help Goleta address climate action, sustainability, community resilience, renewable energy and shared mobility.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “This is an important role for the City and a great hire for Goleta. We are thrilled to have someone with this caliber of experience to help Goleta achieve its ambitious sustainability goals. We proudly welcome Ms. Murray to our team and wish her great success ahead and a rewarding time serving our City.”

Ms. Murray brings more than 20 years of professional experience in the conservation, sustainability, and environmental field and broad international experience including the Peace Corps. She comes to the City from Manhattan Beach, where she served as the Environmental Sustainability Manager over the past five years. Ms. Murray accomplished a great deal during her time there, including helping the City move to 100% renewable energy. Before diving into local government, Dana was the Senior Marine Scientist and Coastal Policy Manager at Heal the Bay, where she worked on science and policy issues related to coastal habitats and marine wildlife in California. Prior to that, she lived and worked in Goleta. Ms. Murray earned her master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School, specializing in Conservation Planning and Coastal Marine Resource Management, and her bachelor’s in Geography and Environmental Studies from UCLA.

Ms. Murray said, “I believe in furthering the City’s vision to support a “cleaner, greener” Goleta and have been inspired by how the City has taken great strides to achieve this vision. I believe meaningful public engagement is critical to furthering that success, especially as we move forward to create a sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient city. As a former Goleta resident, I have ties to the community and great love for the Good Land and the people that live here. I am honored to lead Goleta’s future sustainability efforts.”

To learn more about the City’s Sustainability programs, projects, and initiatives, please visit: www.CityofGoleta.org/sustainability.

COVID-19 Status and Response in Santa Barbara County

In recent weeks the highly infectious Omicron BA.5 subtype has been circulating broadly. Throughout the pandemic, the COVID-19 virus has mutated frequently, creating new and even more transmissible strains. BA.5 is no exception. It is more transmissible compared to earlier Omicron variants but generally does not cause more severe illness. Over the past month, Santa Barbara County has seen higher infection rates as well as an uptick in hospitalizations. Local hospitals remain well positioned and with enough capacity to tend to all patients, especially more severely ill patients.

Higher infection rates are a result of the virus being more capable to bypass the immune defense of the body. The virus is also able to reinfect persons who have recovered from COVID-19 even relatively recently. The best protection still is getting fully vaccinated and boosted per CDC recommendations. Significantly less severe illness is currently being seen due to a less virulent version of the virus, potent medications that are widely available, as well as the partial immunity either through vaccination, recovery from infection, or both in Santa Barbara County’s population.

 “Treatment for those who contract COVID-19 is widely available and has proven to be a significant tool in the fight against severe cases of the illness,” shared Dr. Henning Ansorg, County Health Officer.

COVID-19 community levels have been in the high range since July 14, 2022 in Santa Barbara County according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This reflects an increase in new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population, new COVID-19 related hospital admissions per 100,000 population, and the percent of inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. It is important to note that this increase is being seen across California and local hospital ICU numbers remain low.

Given that the local healthcare system is stable and well equipped to care for more severe COVID-19 cases, there is currently no need to implement a mask mandate in Santa Barbara County.

Prevention strategies continue to be key in reducing the spread of the virus. It is important to continue the following precautions:

  • Get yourself and your family fully vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible.
  • Wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Seek testing if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • Stay home if you are not feeling well and isolate if you test positive for COVID-19.

To find information about COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and treatment visit https://publichealthsbc.org.

Countdown to the Return of Goleta’s Dam Dinner on August 20th

#BestDamDinner at Lake Los Carneros from 5-7 p.m.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is coming up fast on Saturday, August 20 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Los Carneros Dam! If you have been before you know how special this event is and if you have not, now is the time for the #bestdamdinner you have ever had. Bring your own picnic and beverages or purchase Dam Pupusas, Dam Tamales, and/or Dam Tacos from Elubia’s Kitchen. Water will be provided but alcohol will not be sold as in years past.  Here is a video invitation from Mayor Paula Perotte with all the details: https://youtu.be/ewLkBQqhQms.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner, which is returning after a three-year hiatus, is a free community event bringing together friends and neighbors in a beautiful setting. Tables and chairs are set-up by the dam with breathtaking views of Lake Los Carneros and the mountains.

There will be live music courtesy of the Salt Martians and a few kid-friendly activities, including face-painting and the Kona Ice Truck.

Dam Dinner t-shirts, along with the City of Goleta’s 20-Year merchandise (t-shirts and mugs), will be available for purchase.

You can enter the event off N. La Patera Lane or Stow House at 304 N. Los Carneros Road and bring a jacket in case it gets windy.

Please do not bring pets, service animals are allowed.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is organized by the City of Goleta and Goleta Valley Historical Society with special thanks to Big Hammer Lures, Devereux, MarBorg and Santa Cruz Market.

Let’s make some dam memories. We hope to see you there!

For more information go to www.goletahistory.com.

Goleta Looks to Continue Plastic Waste Reduction

Protecting the environment is part of Goleta’s core values. Yet, single-use plastics of all shapes, sizes, and colors are popping up everywhere – from cocktails to delivery food. Those plastics make their way into our neighborhoods, waterways, and beaches. Goleta is poised to take action to tackle the plastic pollution problem locally. In May, the Goleta City Council adopted an ordinance requiring single-use foodware accessories and standard condiments to only be available upon request. As an impactful second step in doing our part to reduce plastic waste, the City’s Sustainability Program is now proposing to tackle further reduce plastic waste in our community by regulating disposable polystyrene foodware, mylar balloons, and other single-use plastics in a new proposed ordinance.

Polystyrene is a light, inexpensive material made of petrochemicals. You have probably seen it in the form of clamshell food containers, cups, or plates. Because it’s so light, polystyrene easily ends up as litter in streets and waterways. These products not only pollute the environment, they contain styrene, a carcinogen which can leak into food when heated1. Goleta is on the precipice of joining the 154 jurisdictions in California that have already regulated polystyrene.

Mylar balloons (the metalized plastic kind) and single-use plastic foodware like utensils also pose threats to the environment. Mylar balloons can be mistaken for food by marine life if they end up in the ocean as litter. They can also cause power outages when caught in power lines. In 2021, Mylar balloons were responsible for 1,103 power outages2! Single-use plastic utensils and straws are not recyclable and often end up in creeks and beaches where they can impact aquatic wildlife and litter our neighborhoods. The proposed ordinance addresses these plastic pollution offenders.

The new ordinance also encourages reusable foodware for on premises dining and bringing your own cup or containers for beverages. This will not only reduce waste but also save money!

The proposed plastic waste reduction ordinance will be presented in the spirit of doing our part as a coastal community to tackle the problem of plastic pollution. The vast majority of all plastic produced, seventy-nine percent (79%), is accumulating in landfills or becomes litter in our communities and beaches. Nearly every piece of plastic ever made still exists on Earth, regardless of whether it has been recycled, broken down into smaller bits, or floating in the ocean. The City of Goleta is proud to take steps to reduce plastic waste community-wide, while protecting our health and environment and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Learn more about the City’s single-use plastics ordinance and all of our sustainability programs at www.CityofGoleta.org/sustainability.

1 (CDC); 2 (SCE)

Welcome Monarch 1! Goleta’s First Solar Array

The City of Goleta celebrated the unveiling and completion of Monarch 1, the City’s first solar array, at a green ribbon-cutting the morning of July 27, 2022, at Goleta City Hall. The event was well-attended (approximately 60 people) and included the entire Goleta City Council, City staff, dignitaries, stakeholders, staff from neighboring jurisdictions, and community members. City of Goleta Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof and recently retired, former Sustainability Manager Cindy Moore had the honor of officially cutting the green ribbon underneath the new installation, followed by cheers from the audience. Watch the special moment captured on video here: https://youtu.be/qt7YxaaUvd0. 

The Monarch 1 Solar project will generate 210 kw of solar power, which will power nearly 100% of City Hall’s energy usage with clean, renewable energy produced on-site. Monarch 1 is wired to be micro-grid ready and includes pre-wiring for six electric vehicle charging stations to be installed in the future. Anticipated savings for the City over the 25-year lifespan of the project are estimated to be more than $270,000. This is the first solar project of many that the City hopes to install at municipal facilities to offset energy use and meet the City’s 100% renewable electricity goal by year 2030.

Prior to the cutting of the green ribbon, speakers discussed the milestone project and its significance not only to Goleta but to the region.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “This is a truly historic day for the City of Goleta. Monarch 1 named for our famed butterfly, is the first municipal solar installation for the City and represents years of hard work and the City’s dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Councilmember Kyle Richards said, “This project is not only a reminder of the City’s commitment to sustainability but a reminder that we as a community are coming together to address climate change. We are moving forward to meet our goals to reduce our carbon footprint, and in the process we are working to safeguard our region against vulnerabilities due to wildfires and grid disruptions.”

2nd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Gregg Hart was impressed with the event turnout and said, “The Goodland continues to be at the forefront of our regional efforts to advance sustainability. This project demonstrates the City of Goleta’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, while generating clean energy and putting our values into practice.”

Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof said, “The Monarch 1 Solar Project is a cornerstone of the City’s Strategic Energy Plan and our first step towards developing onsite generation at City facilities. It not only meets our environmental goals but shows fiscal prudence and responsibility.”

“Our City is committed to completing more projects like Monarch 1 to build a more climate resilient community and clean energy future,” said the City’s new Sustainability Manager Dana Murray. “I look forward to collaborating with our elected officials, staff, residents, and stakeholders to ensure that Goleta is prepared for and buffered from the local effects of climate change, while reducing our City’s carbon emissions.”

Make sure to drive by and check out Monarch 1 behind Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive).

Learn more about the City’s Sustainability Program and projects at: https://cityofgoleta.org/sustainability.

Photo of everyone who attended

 

Mayor Perotte speaking to the audience

Ready to cut the ribbon, pictured from left-to-right: Sustainability Management Assistant Angeline Foshay, Sustainability Manager Dana Murray, Councilmember Kyle Richards, 2nd District Supervisor Gregg Hart, Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof, former Sustainability Manager Cindy Moore, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco, Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin, and Councilmember Roger Aceves

City of Goleta Hires New City Manager

Robert Nisbet to Take on New Role September 1, 2022

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce that after a three-month-long national recruitment and competitive interview process, Robert Nisbet has been selected as Goleta’s new City Manager. Mr. Nisbet is currently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay in Northern California and a familiar face to Santa Barbara County. Mr. Nisbet’s employment agreement was approved at the July 19, 2022, regular City Council meeting. Mr. Nisbet will begin his new role at the City of Goleta on September 1, 2022.

Mr. Nisbet brings more than 28 years of professional management experience to his new role, including four years as the City Manager of Half Moon Bay, six previous years as Assistant General Manager for the East Bay Regional Park District, twelve years with the Santa Barbara County General Services Department (including seven years as the Department Director), and seven years as the Public Works Director for the City of Carpinteria. He has a B.S. in Construction Management from Washington State University and an M.A. in Economics from U.C. Santa Barbara, with an emphasis in Public Finance and Urban Economics.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “The selection of a new City Manager is incredibly important as this position essentially oversees all City staff and operations. The members of the City Council feel that Mr. Nisbet is an excellent choice to serve as our next City Manager and he is well-suited for this role. His experience combined with his knowledge of our area, makes him well-qualified to keep our wonderful city moving in a positive direction.”

Mr. Nisbet said, “I am thrilled to have been selected as the new City Manager for the City of Goleta. I know first-hand how special of a place Goleta is and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Good Land.”

Mr. Nisbet will replace veteran City Manager Michelle Greene who will be retiring after 18 distinguished years of service with the City, the past eight as the City Manager. Ms. Greene’s last official day as City Manager will be on August 31, 2022, after which she will be available to advise the new City Manager for the next several months, as needed, under the terms of her previously approved separation agreement.

The appointment of Mr. Nisbet and the terms of his contract can be found in the staff report for the July 19 City Council meeting, available here: https://tinyurl.com/hy8d7xr7. Watch the City Council meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/mrnjy2ys. 

Goleta City Council Candidate Nomination Filing Period Open for Districts 1 and 2

Candidates Must Be Registered Voters Living in Districts 1 or 2

The nomination filing period for Goleta City Council candidates in Districts 1 and 2 began on Monday, July 18, and closes Friday, August 12 at 5:00 p.m. To apply, candidates must be 18 years or older as well as reside and be a registered voter in the district in which he or she seeks election at the time nomination papers are issued.

This is a historic election for the City of Goleta as it is the first By-District Election for the City.  The City is now divided into four districts and registered voters in Districts 1 and 2 will have the opportunity to elect City Councilmembers from the District in which they live.  The two western districts, Districts 3 and 4, will be decided upon in the following election in November of 2024.  The Mayor’s seat will continue to be elected at-large and will be on the November 2024 ballot as well.

Residents interested in running for City Council must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk’s Office to receive and/or file nomination papers. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 805-961-7505 or cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

To find out what district you are in, view the attached map, or use this interactive map. Simply type your address into the top left-hand search bar and clicking on the search icon. The results will show your address within the map.

For information on the 2022 General Municipal Election go to www.CityofGoleta.org/elections.

Goleta's District Elections MapDistrict elections map of Goleta

Goleta Resident Mary Kahn Turns 100!

Happy 100th Birthday to an inspiring Goleta resident. Mary Kahn celebrated her centennial birthday, June 30, 2022, with her daughter and neighbors at a small backyard gathering (pictured below). She was delighted to see Mayor Paula Perotte walk in and was honored to receive a Proclamation from the City of Goleta acknowledging her 100th birthday.   

Mary was born on June 30, 1922, in Missouri and has lived a well-traveled life. She worked as an elementary school teacher in California, New York and Florida and was an exchange teacher in Honduras. Upon her retirement from teaching, Mary enjoyed travelling around the United States in her Chinook camper. She also was part of a group that hosted travelers from other countries and she stayed with host families in countries she visited.

Mary moved to Santa Barbara to be close to her daughter in 1997 and in 2002 she moved to Goleta where she has lived ever since. 

Mary is the author of a book entitled “Dear Grandparents” with suggestions of things to do with your grandchildren. She has been active throughout her years in equal rights for everyone, including for women’s rights, peace and freedom. She has volunteered at the Library and Head Start and has been a Tutor for English as a Second Language. 

What’s her secret to living to 100? Mary recommends daily exercise, including a walk, plus healthy eating, including almonds at every meal! Happy Birthday Mary! We wish you health and joy. You amaze us!