Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

San Jose Creek Channel Repair Project Complete

The City of Goleta is pleased to report that the repair project for a small portion of the San Jose Creek Channel is complete in advance of winter storms. The completion of this project represents an important milestone in restoring the damaged portion of the San Jose Creek. The repaired portion of the channel is now ready to accommodate winter storm creek flows.

City of Goleta Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling said, “Public Works staff did a great job ensuring the repairs were completed prior this year’s rainy season. The repairs were also important to complete prior to the upcoming project to extend channel improvements to Hollister Avenue. The channel improvements extension will be part of the Hollister Avenue/San Jose Creek roadway bridge replacement project that is scheduled to begin in 2021.”

The San Jose Creek Emergency Channel Repair Project, which started construction in September 2020, replaced a portion of the existing channel floor that was damaged in winter storms in 2017 and was temporarily repaired at the end of 2017. The repair project, performed by James C. Cushman Inc. out of Santa Barbara, resulted in a permanent repair with the installation of new articulated concrete mats onto the channel floor consistent with the original channel replacement and fish-passage project completed in 2014. 

The project resulted in minimal impact to the community since the work occurred within the San Jose Creek Channel.

Pictured: Completed San Jose Creek Channel Repair Project

Goleta’s Old Town Sidewalk Improvement Project is Now Complete

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce that the Old Town Sidewalk Improvement Project is complete. Residents of Old Town are enjoying the newly finished sidewalks in their neighborhood. The contractor concluded the remaining infill work prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, enabling the community to stroll around the neighborhood on continuous sidewalks with access ramps at the intersections. The project was substantially finished months ahead of schedule and under budget as well. The City and City’s construction management team, Filippin Engineering, worked diligently engaging the utilities – Southern California Edison (SCE), Frontier Communications, and Cox Communications – to relocate their facilities in a timely manner. As soon as they were done, the contractor was able to complete the remaining sidewalk voids that were left for utility work.

“We are excited to see and hear all the positive comments and enthusiasm from the residents,” City of Goleta Senior Project Engineer James Winslow said. “They immediately began using the new sidewalks, access ramps, additional parking, and roadway improvements as soon as they were finished. The Public Works Department is grateful for resident’s initial input during the design phase and their continued patience during construction activities. This project would not have succeeded without the community’s help.

The City constructed sidewalks on at least one side of each street north of Hollister Avenue between South Fairview Avenue and Mallard Avenue as well as on Pine Avenue south of Hollister Avenue. The new sidewalks connect to existing sidewalks and provide a continuous path of travel. Other added improvements include drainage enhancements, tree replacements, repaving, and the construction of 39 back-in angled parking spots on Magnolia Avenue. Watch this video to learn more about the project.

The Public Works Department secured an Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant in the amount of $2.224 million for design and construction. Additional funding came from Measure A (a local transportation sales tax), Goleta Transportation Improvement Program (GTIP), and the General Fund. The City awarded the construction to Toro Enterprises and selected Filippin Engineers to provide the construction management services.

The City is looking for a way to celebrate the completion of this project virtually with the community. Stay tuned for details.

Additional project information and photos can be found on our City website at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaOTSW.

Stow Grove Park Survey Results Are In!

Thank you to the more than 750 people who took our survey on the Stow Grove Park Multi-Purpose Field renovation! Your input is extremely valuable to us and we appreciate you taking time out to help shape the future of this beloved park. Survey results were shared with the Parks & Recreation Commission at the December 2 meeting; view the presentation here. The Commission will be discussing this project at their meeting on February 3, 2021, which will include potential next steps in the project timeline.

The survey was open for four weeks and questions were inclusive of the entire park to better understand what the community values at this park. The data received in this process will allow this project to move forward, as well as provide the necessary information to develop a comprehensive approach to phased projects for this park location.

Goleta Election 2020 Wrap-Up

As we experienced throughout our country, the City of Goleta had a historic turnout of voters this election.  Thank you for doing your civic duty, making your voice heard and for using the secure ballot boxes in Goleta to drop off your ballots.  This election, there were three Ballot Drop Box locations, all of which were a huge success. 5,387 ballots were dropped off at the Goleta Valley Community Center Drop Box, 3,868 ballots at the City Hall location, and 2,447 at the Southcoast Church location. We are pleased to share that two of the three ballot drop boxes (City Hall and the Goleta Valley Community Center) will become permanent and residents will be able to use them in future elections. 

The Goleta City Council remains the same after voters re-elected Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmembers Kyle Richards and Stuart Kasdin (photos below). Voters also narrowly approved Measure O2020 (51.44% vs. 48.56%), making the Mayor’s term four years instead of two. Results will be certified December 15th and the new term begins on that date. Tune in to the City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15th, to see the swearing-in ceremony. You can watch the meeting on Channel 19 or on our website at www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings.

Thanks again Goleta for participating in the 2020 election.

Mayor Paula Perotte

Councilmember Stuart Kasdin

Councilmember Kyle Richards

Expanded COVID-19 Testing Hours

The State-operated COVID-19 testing site at the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) is open for testing five days a week. The days/hours are Thursday – Tuesday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Testing appointments can be made for the Goleta site online at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling (888) 634-1123 and selecting extension #8 to reach an operator.

The testing being conducted is intended to identify if an individual currently has the COVID-19 virus. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms, has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, lives or works in a congregate setting, or who is an essential worker should get tested. In addition, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is encouraging all community members to be tested.

The Goleta Valley Community Center is located at 5679 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117. Testing is by appointment only. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.publichealthsbc.org.

#reCOVERgoleta: Reminder to Wear Your Face Covering

The importance of our #reCOVERgoleta campaign continues to be vitally important. Recently, the California Department of Public Health has issued updated guidance on face coverings. People in Santa Barbara County, and all of California, must wear face coverings when outside of the home and unable to maintain six feet of distance from those not in your household, unless an exemption applies. California’s guidance is in addition to Santa Barbara County Public Health Department’s Health Officer Order No. 2020-10.5 which requires individuals in the County to continue to wear face coverings when in high-risk situations that may contribute to the spread of COVID-19, unless an exemption applies.

The City of Goleta wants to reiterate the importance of following Public Health guidelines and wearing a face covering to minimize the spread of COVID-19. In July of 2020 we released our #reCOVERgoleta campaign to remind everyone of the need to consistently wear face coverings to protect each other and allow our community to safely get back to business. We hope that #reCOVERgoleta will continue to resonate with you as we try to get our community open again.

We previously released a safety video helping to clear up some confusion about how and when to wear face coverings, and other important COVID-19 safety tips. Please take a few minutes to re-watch it, or watch it for the first time, here: https://youtu.be/Er0RkyJo8Fs.

The use of face coverings by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing, sneezing, singing, exercising, shouting, or other forms of increased respiration, and they can also reinforce physical distancing by signaling the need to remain apart. 

According to the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, face coverings are required in the following situations unless an exemption applies:

  • Indoor public space where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance by six or more feet from those others.
  • Obtaining services from the healthcare sector.
  • While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.
  • When waiting in line, whether indoors or outdoors.
  • Waiting for, or riding, on public transportation or paratransit, or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle.
  • Driving, or operating, any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present.
  • Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site.

Exemptions apply to persons younger than two years old and persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering.

For additional information on situations face coverings are required, and on exemptions, please read the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Health Order 2020-10.5 and the California Public Health Department guidelines on face coverings.

Pictured: Mayor Perotte, Mayor Pro-Tempore Richards, Councilmembers Aceves, Kasdin and Kyriaco

Regional Stay-at-Home Order in Effect

As you are aware, there is a Regional Stay-At-Home Order in place.  The Southern California Region of the State’s COVID-19 monitoring system began its Stay-at-Home Order on Sunday, December 6, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. and is expected to remain in place for at least three weeks before re-evaluation by the State the week of December 28, 2020.

The Regional Stay-at-Home Order for the County of Santa Barbara is triggered when the Southern California Region falls below 15% ICU capacity.  Santa Barbara County is included in the Southern California Region.  

The following industry sector changes are in effect:

The following sectors must close: 

  • Indoor playgrounds
  • Indoor recreational facilities
  • Hair salons and barbershops
  • Personal care services
  • Museums, zoos, and aquariums
  • Movie theaters
  • Wineries
  • Bars, breweries, and distilleries
  • Family entertainment centers
  • Cardrooms and satellite wagering
  • Limited services
  • Live audience sports
  • Amusement parks

The following sectors will have additional modifications in addition to 100% masking and physical distancing:

  • Outdoor recreational facilities: Allow outdoor operation only without any food, drink or alcohol sales. This includes gyms and fitness studios. Additionally, overnight stays at campgrounds will not be permitted.
  • Retail: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems. 
  • Shopping centers: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
  • Hotels and lodging: Allow to open for critical infrastructure support only.
  • Restaurants: Allow only for take-out, pick-up, or delivery.
  • Offices: Allow remote only except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible. 
  • Places of worship and political expression: Allow outdoor services only.
  • Entertainment production including professional sports: Allow operation without live audiences. Additionally, testing protocol and “bubbles” are highly encouraged.

The following sectors are allowed to remain open when a remote option is not possible with appropriate infectious disease preventative measures including 100% masking and physical distancing:

  • Critical infrastructure 
  • Schools (no new schools may open)
  • Non-urgent medical and dental care
  • Child care and pre-K

Sheriff Bill Brown, who is the Chairman of the Santa Barbara County Law Enforcement Chiefs, said the following, “When Santa Barbara County becomes subject to the state’s new Stay-at-Home Order, the police chiefs and I have committed to continuing our direction and intent that our agencies’ approach to health order violations will be to make every effort to use discretion, education and encouragement to achieve voluntary compliance, but enforcement options will remain a tool to be used in cases of repeat or egregious violations that endanger public safety.”

For questions, the public may call 211 or visit Santa Barbara County Public Health Department’s webpage on the Regional Stay-at-Home Order for more information on COVID-19.

View the Santa Barbara County Public Health Order here.

Unmet Transit Needs Virtual Public Hearing

Public asked to provide feedback by Dec. 2 on how bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services can better serve their needs in Santa Barbara County.

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is holding an unmet transit needs hearing at Noon and 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2020 via Zoom Webinar. The public is encouraged to participate in one of the two hearing options to share comments or concerns about bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services in Santa Barbara County or express needs for new or expanded services in the county. Spanish language interpretation services will be available at both public hearing options.

Those unable to participate in the virtual hearing opportunities can take an online survey in English and Spanish until December 2, 2020. The public can also submit comments in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by email to comment@sbcag.org. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the December 2, 2020 hearing should contact SBCAG at least three working days prior to the meeting at (805) 961-8900.

WHAT: Unmet Transit Needs Hearing
WHEN: Noon and 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2020 (attend one of the two options)
WHERE:

Zoom Webinar:*
Manually join: Webinar ID: 829 1767 1869; Passcode: 221523; OR Telephone: (669) 900-9128; Webinar ID: 829 1767 1869; Passcode: 221523
*Spanish-language interpretation services available
DETAILS:

SBCAG will conduct the public hearing to receive comments on transit needs in Santa Barbara County, as required under Section 99401.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

 

100 Year Anniversary of a Woman’s Right to Vote

While there are many different perspectives and opinions that have divided our country during the 2020 election, this year marks a special anniversary that all Americans can be proud of.  The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote. The passage marked the largest expansion of democracy in the history of our country. The 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920, and was added to the Constitution eight days later making the amendment the single largest act of enfranchisement in U.S. History.

According to the Women’s Vote Centennial website, Suffragists began their organized fight for women’s equality in 1848 when they demanded the right to vote during the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. For the next 72 years, women leaders lobbied, marched, picketed, and protested for the right to the ballot. The U.S. House of Representatives finally approved the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote, on May 21, 1919. The U.S. Senate followed two weeks later, and the 19th Amendment went to the states, where it had to be ratified by 3/4ths of the-then-48 states to be added to the Constitution. By a vote of 50-47, Tennessee became the last state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment on August 18, 1920. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby issued a proclamation declaring the 19th Amendment ratified and part of the US Constitution on August 26, 1920, forever protecting American women’s right to vote.

Today, more than 68 million women vote in elections because of the courageous suffragists who never gave up the fight for equality.

Pictured: City of Goleta’s first Mayor, Margaret Connell, at the Ballot Box at City Hall

Foodbank 2020 Turkey Drive

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is asking community members to donate 4,000 fresh or frozen turkeys and chickens to provide healthy holiday meals to local families who cannot afford them. The target number reflects a dramatic increase in need throughout the county. The 2020 Turkey Drive runs through the holiday season.

Community members may drop off turkeys or chickens at the Foodbank’s warehouses Monday through Friday in Santa Barbara at 4554 Hollister Ave from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and in Santa Maria at 490 W. Foster Road from 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Birds must be dropped off by November 23 to ensure delivery to families in time for Thanksgiving, but the Foodbank will accept donations through December 11 for other holiday meals.

“The Foodbank needs small turkeys and chickens to ensure everyone in our county can have a wholesome holiday dinner,” explained Paul Wilkins, Foodbank Chief Operations Officer. “With shortages expected for food banks across the country in the last quarter of the year, and when our community is facing rampant job losses and economic crisis, the need is higher than ever this year.”

In lieu of dropping off fresh or frozen birds, community members may sponsor holiday meals online by visiting https://donate.foodbanksbc.org/2020HolidayFoodDrive to donate

Community members or local businesses who would like to host a turkey drive may call (805) 319-9096  or email jjenkins@foodbanksbc.org.