Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Flex Alert Issued for Holiday Weekend – Calling for Energy Conservation

Power grid operator predicts high heat, energy demand this holiday weekend

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning Saturday, September 5 and extending through Monday, September 7 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Labor Day weekend temperatures are forecast 10-20 degrees above normal for California, and the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use. Overnight temperatures statewide are projected to be at least 10 degrees higher than normal, which doesn’t allow infrastructure to cool down.

High heat is also predicted throughout the West for the weekend, which can limit the ISO’s ability to import energy to serve demand.

Consumers can actively help by shifting energy use to morning and nighttime hours. Conservation can lower demand and avoid further actions, including outages, and lessen the duration of possible power interruptions. For example, consumer conservation efforts during a heat wave on Aug. 17 and 18 were key to preventing expected power outages.

Consumers are urged to conserve electricity when the grid is most stressed in the afternoons and evenings, when temperatures remain high and solar production is falling due to the sun setting.

The ISO recognizes that reducing energy use during the hot time of the day is a hardship, especially for those working from home or for families with children schooling at home. However, if a large enough number of consumers conserve even in small ways, they can help grid operators avoid more serious system emergencies. Between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., the ISO is urging consumers to:

  • Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits.
  • Defer use of major appliances.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights.
  • Unplug unused electrical devices.
  • Close blinds and drapes.
  • Use fans when possible.
  • Limit time the refrigerator door is open.

Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3:00 p.m.:

  • “Pre-cool” their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats.
  • Charge electric vehicles.
  • Charge mobile devices and laptops.
  • Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
  • Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night.

For information on Flex Alerts, to get more electricity conservation tips, and to sign up for conservation alerts, visit the ISO’s Flex Alert website. Visit the ISO’s News page for more information on the heat wave’s impacts on grid operations, and to learn more about alerts, warnings and emergency notices.

For updates on grid operations, follow us on Twitter at @California_ISO or @FlexAlert, or monitor system conditions in real time at ISO’s Today’s Outlook.

Health Alert: High Temperatures Anticipated for Santa Barbara County

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is issuing a Health Alert due to the Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service for Santa Barbara County from 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2020 through 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The Public Health Department is urging residents to take the necessary safety measures to avoid heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Community members are strongly encouraged to take the following precautions whenever temperatures are on the rise:

  • Take care of those who might not be aware of the danger or be able to react accordingly – especially the elderly, young children, and pets. Check on your neighbors.
  • Wear appropriate clothing. Lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing works best.
  • Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. If you have fluid restrictions from your doctor, ask to see how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
  • Limit outdoor activity. Try to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, like morning and evening hours. Be sure to wear sunscreen and rest often.
  • Take regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room. A few hours in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler. Taking a cool shower or bath can help too.
  • If you do not have air‐conditioning, consider arranging to spend at least parts of the day, in a socially distanced manner and with a face covering, at another space that is cool. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. 
  • For those who work outside, be sure to take frequent rest breaks in a shaded area or air-conditioned room, if possible. Stay hydrated and take action by moving to a cooler space if you feel signs of heat exhaustion.
  • Know the signs of heat exhaustion. If someone becomes dizzy, nauseated, or sweats heavily, find a cooler location for him or her immediately.
  • Know the signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. The symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but also include hot, flushed skin. With heat stroke, the person often stops sweating and the skin will be unusually dry. If heat stroke is a possibility, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is life threatening!
  • Do not leave children (and pets) unattended in vehicles. It only takes a matter of minutes on a relatively mild day for a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures.

Goleta Recognizes First Mayor on Her 90th Birthday!

The City of Goleta is celebrating the City’s first ever Mayor on her 90th birthday.  At the September 1, 2020 City Council meeting, the Council issued a proclamation acknowledging Margaret Connell’s milestone birthday and the many contributions she has made to the City.

The Proclamation read, “Margaret Connell devoted more than six decades of her life in the City of Goleta and the greater Santa Barbara community, inspiring those around her with her leadership and professional achievements on civic engagement, social justice, women’s rights, environmental protection and stewardship, historic preservation and quality education for our youth.”

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Margaret has so many accomplishments to her name over decades of devotion to the public good, including serving on Goleta’s school board, driving us to Goleta cityhood, and leading us as Goleta’s first Mayor. Among her greatest accomplishments has been inspiring (and sometimes cajoling) me and so many to serve in elected office. I’m so proud to know her as a public servant and so honored to call her my friend”.

Margaret grew up in England where she received her BA in Zoology from Oxford University and moved to Goleta in 1956 when her husband joined the faculty at UCSB.  She became active in education issues when her children were in school and served on the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board for four terms.  She was an active member of GoletaNow! which worked successfully for the incorporation of Goleta in 2001. 

She was elected as the first Mayor of Goleta in November of 2001, something she is proud of to this day. She said, “It was an exciting time and the theme was “decisions about Goleta would be made by people who lived in Goleta. Twenty years later, this remains the driving force behind the City.”

Margaret served on the Council until 2006 and was re-elected as a council member in 2008. She was appointed Mayor in 2012. 

While she is proud of the many accomplishments that were made during her time on the City Council, she is especially proud of her part in creating a General Plan for Goleta.

She said, “It was a blueprint for what can be developed and where.  The overriding concept was protection of the environmentally sensitive habitat and open space as well as preservation of viewsheds critical to the character of the city.”

Margaret’s message to the community on her 90th birthday is, “Goletans must treasure what they have – one of the most beautiful and livable places in California. Please, everyone, take care of it!

Her list of volunteer activism is extensive but a short list includes, Planned Parenthood President of local affiliate and later as the Public Affairs Director, founding member of the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee, Goleta Valley Historical Society, Goleta Valley Land Trust, League of Women Voters, Santa Barbara County Civil Service Commission, Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center, Environmental Defense Fund and the Goodland Coalition.

Margaret is a mother of four and has eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to her contributions to the City and her civic volunteerism, we are proud of Margaret for her role as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a champion for women, families, the environment and a fearless leader.  We wish her health and joy on her 90th birthday.

Pictured: Margaret Connell

Reminders Regarding Wildfire Preparedness, Air Pollution, and Power Outages

In the last month, Californians have lived through wildfires, air pollution, and power outages. The City wants to say a big thank you to all of our local firefighters for their endless work to protect everyone. Many have traveled and helped fight fires in other areas of California. We are so appreciative of your sacrifices!

It is important to remain vigilant and be prepared in the event of a wildfire. View the City’s resources here. With fires also comes the poor air quality that we need watch out for, and recently experienced, with the fires in Northern California. You can get the latest information on air quality from the Santa Barbra County Air Pollution Control District at https://www.ourair.org/.

With the excessive heat, the California Independent System Operator (ISO) declared an electrical emergency in mid-August, and again this Labor Day weekend, due to the strain on the grid. Residents are asked to conserve energy to avoid rotating power outages. While we were successful in not having a power outage during the mid-August electrical emergency, we must continue to conserve as much energy as we can this weekend and beyond. Below are home energy conservation tips from Southern California Edison:

  • Set air conditioners to 78°F or higher.  
  • Turn off unused appliances and equipment. 
  • Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.  
  • Minimize use of lighting where possible.  
  • Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.  
  • Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.  
  • Operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, during early-morning and late-evening hours after 10:00 p.m.  
  • Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, major users of electricity in many homes. 

The California Department of Insurance has resources on insurance and an evacuation checklist.

Thank you for doing your part to be prepared and safe.

Pictured: SBC’s Strike Team 9322C assigned to the Lake Fire, in the Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County. They worked that fire for a week & then were reassigned to the Moc Fire in Tuolumne County.

Hiking Tips for People and their Pets

From the Santa Barbara County Fire Department

In recent weeks, Santa Barbara has experienced some of its hottest heat waves in nearly 15 years. This Labor Day weekend, temperatures are forecasted to rise to well above average. During times of sunny, warm weather, many like to take the opportunity to get outdoors and go hiking. During our recent heatwave, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to multiple calls for service due to heat-related illness for both humans and their dogs, resulting in several helicopter hoist rescues and the unfortunate death of a dog.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department would like to remind hikers of steps they can take to ensure a safe hiking experience for both themselves and their dogs. Below are some guidelines to follow while hiking as well as a message from Dr. Dave Dawson, DVM on how to prepare for the hike and keep yourself and your pet(s) safe.

  • Pay attention to weather forecasts. Sites like Weather.com  let you check forecasts by location and ZIP code. The site offers hourly temperature predictions for the current day and for the following day.
  • Don’t be overly ambitious. A hot day isn’t the best time to finally do that 10-miler with 2,000 feet of climbing. If you’re intent on getting out, scale back your expectations and save the tough trails for another day.
  • Choose the right hike. There are many trails to pick from in Santa Barbara County from very easy to very difficult and strenuous. To help you decide which hike is best for you (and your pet), check out the website santabarbarahikes.com. It has a description and maps of all trails in Santa Barbara County.
  • Hike early in the day. Temperatures can easily be 20-25 degrees cooler in the morning than in the afternoon.
  • Avoid the most intense sun. Direct sun will increase heat-related stresses and the risk of sunburn. Try to find shaded trails and avoid hiking between 10 and 4.
  • Keep it loose and light. When it comes to clothing, remember “The Three L’s: Lightweight, Loose-fitting, Light-colored.
  • Wear a hat. A lightweight, light-colored hat with a broad brim to keep the sun off your face and neck will help you stay cool.
  • Use (and pack) sunscreen. Exposed, sunburned skin will only make it more difficult for your body to stay cool.
  • Don’t travel alone. If you’re just going for a hike in a nearby, well-traveled area, you’re as safe there as anywhere. But if you travel through heavily forested areas with steep canyons and winding trails, you can easily get lost or injured. Traveling with a partner will help you in many ways, especially if he or she is an experienced hiker. People in pairs are much less likely to panic. They can assist one another up steep grades and apply first-aid when needed.
  • Know where you’re going. Stay on clearly marked or well-traveled trails. A map, a compass and/or a GPS unit is a must for any kind of serious hike. A cell phone can also be very useful. Naturally, it has to be usable in the area you hike. Not all units will continue to function in every area. Get the details of where you plan to go and ask someone who knows.
  • Take some basic gear. A simple first aid kit can also be a lifesaver. Gauze and bandages, anti-bacterial cream and other standard items are essential. All these things are small and lightweight. No need to take a miniature doctor’s office, just the basics.
  • Hydration. On hot days, your body can lose large amounts of water through perspiration. The general rule is that you can sweat roughly a quart of water every hour—and even more when hiking uphill or in direct sunlight. Proper hydration is essential to the health of the body’s organs, including the brain. Dehydration can lead to impaired brain functioning, which then results in confusion and impaired judgment. Blood can also thicken, forcing the heart to work harder. Start the hydration process before you go out. Begin to hydrate a couple of hours before you hit the trail. Drink frequently, instead of guzzling a bunch of water all at once, take smaller and more frequent drinks of water.

Safety Measures for Pets from Dr. Dave Dawson, DVM

We are fortunate in Santa Barbara to be able to enjoy our outdoor paradise with our pets. However, when the weather heats up, it can be very dangerous for your pet. The following simple precautions should help you avoid a tragedy:

  • Ensure your pet is healthy to begin with by seeing your veterinarian at least annually.
  • Your dog should be exercised regularly. Do not embark on a long hike when they have not been hiking for a long time (i.e. think about going 1/4 of a normal distance when hot).
  • Start early in the morning to avoid the excessive heat of the day. Leave them indoors when excessive heat is present (80 degrees or more).
  • Bring more water than you think you will need with a collapsible bowl.
  • Never leave your pets alone in a parked car!
  • Avoid walking your dog on hot asphalt (place your hand on asphalt for 10 seconds to assess).
  • Do not shave your dog – the layers of a dog’s coats protect them from overheating and sunburn.
  • Ensure your pet is not overweight.

Also, know the symptoms of overheating in pets:

  • Excessive panting, difficulty breathing
  • Increased heart and respiratory rate
  • Drooling
  • Weakness
  • Seeming “distant” or even unresponsive or collapse
  • Seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting
  • Temperatures over 104 degrees

Pets have limited ways to cool down with dogs relying only on panting – an inefficient means of cooling. Do not put your pets in danger of heat-related death. You love them too much!

 

What You Need to Know about the Upcoming November 3 Election

Locally, City of Goleta residents will be voting for a Mayor, two City Council seats, and Measure O2020 asking “Shall the term of office of the mayor be changed from two years to four years?” Information on candidates, the measure, and general election information is available at www.cityofgoleta.org/elections.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, every registered voter in California will receive a ballot in the mail for the upcoming election. If you are not already registered to vote by mail you DO NOT need to complete an application to receive your ballot by mail, it will automatically be sent. The first day ballots will be mailed is October 5, 2020. In-person voting will still be available, but on a limited basis. You can check the status of your voter registration here. October 19, 2020, is the last day to register to vote and you can register online here.

More information is available on the Santa Barbara County Elections Division webpage. You can also learn more about voting on the Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters Vote Safely, Santa Barbara County webpage.

What You Should Know:

  • Nearly 75% of the county’s registered voters are already signed up to permanently receive their ballot by mail. This means the Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters is well positioned to manage this increase.
  • There will be ballot drop boxes located throughout the county to safely return your ballot directly to the Registrar of Voters. We will provide information on locations once it is finalized.
  • If you need to vote in-person, limited polling places will be available and lines may be long. Your polling location may have changed from previous years. Look up your polling location here.
  • Take advantage of early voting:
    • At the Registrar’s office (4440-A Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93110) beginning Oct. 5, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • At your assigned polling place or the Registrar’s office Saturday, Oct. 31 through Monday, Nov. 2, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • All will again be open on Election Day, Nov. 3, when the voting hours change to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Due to COVID-19, we are encouraging all voters to vote by mail avoiding lines and to ensure that voters can exercise their right to vote in a safe, secure and accessible manner.

National Preparedness Month is Now!

“Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” is the theme of this year’s National Preparedness Month 2020. National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

Be sure you are signed up for local emergency alerts with both Santa Barbara County (www.ReadySBC.org) and City of Goleta (http://tinyurl.com/goletaemergency).

National Preparedness Month is a good time to think about gathering supplies that will last for several days after a disaster. Make sure you have enough for everyone living in your home and don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Learn how to build a kit at www.Ready.gov/kit.

Now is also a good time to talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved. Resources for kids, teens and the whole family available at www.Ready.gov/kids.

City of Goleta Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris adds, “National Preparedness Month is a great reminder to check in on your emergency go bags and other family plans. Even a quick five minute conversation with your family and neighbors will go an incredible way towards how you handle the craziness of a disaster when it happens.”

Learn more about National Preparedness Month, and how to make sure you and your family are prepared, at https://www.ready.gov/september.

Equalitech Reopens to Provide Computer Access to Help Boost Census Participation in the Final Stretch

Equalitech has opened its doors to help people who don’t have internet access complete their census.  Every Wednesday in September from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. community members can go computer stations at Equalitech, located at the back of the Goleta Valley Community Center located at 5679 Hollister Avenue and use the internet to fill out their census.  Bilingual staff will be present to answer questions. 

The 2020 Census deadline to respond is coming up on September 30, 2020.  As of September 2, 2020, roughly 25% of Goleta households have not responded to the Census. Not getting a complete count could result in a loss of millions of dollars in State and Federal funding over the next ten years.

Equalitech Executive Director Danny Fitzgibbons said he and his bilingual staff are happy to help an important cause.  He said, “Equalitech understands that tech accessibility and literacy is more important than ever as we all try to navigate these turbulent times. The census is yet another disparity revealed by COVID-19 and we just want to do what we can to bridge the divide.”

Equalitech’s mission is to remove barriers to learning, career opportunities and life skills by expanding free access to technology and education.  Fitzgibbons, a certificated tutor for the Goleta Union School District, founded Equalitech in 2017 after he became acutely aware of the learning gap that begins to develop between students with access to technology and those without it. 

We encourage residents who have not completed their census to take advantage of this opportunity to use Equalitech computers.  Please remember to wear a mask and stay six feet apart.  COVID-19 Health Guidelines will be followed.

For those with internet access, you can complete the census online at My2020Cenus.gov phone or by calling 844-330-2020.

If you would like some Make Goleta Count swag, come on by the Camino Real Farmers Market on Sunday, September 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Look for the large California Census digital truck parked at the Camino Real Marketplace.  Again, COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

Learn more about the 2020 Census at www.CityofGoleta.org/Census2020. The City of Goleta is proud to be a part of the Complete Count Committee which is working together to make sure EVERYONE counts in Santa Barbara County.

Pictured: Equalitech Executive Director Danny Fitzgibbons and Staff Member Teresa Melgoza standing out front of the newly re-opened Goleta Valley Tech Center to help with internet access in the final month of the 2020 Census.

Local Beaches and Sperling Parking Lot at Ellwood Mesa Closed for Labor Day Weekend

In response to a new Santa Barbara County Public Health Order, the City of Goleta is closing the Sperling Parking Lot at Ellwood Mesa located at the 7700 block of Hollister Avenue over the Labor Day weekend.  The parking lot will be closed starting Saturday, September 5 at 12:01 a.m. through Tuesday, September 8 at 6:00 a.m. The order is in alignment with what other agencies are doing regionally to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Pursuant to an August 26th Health Officer Order, all Santa Barbara County beaches will be temporarily closed for stationary activities. Only immediate access to and from the ocean for water sports or beach access for active physical activity will be permitted. This Order is effective beginning on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and continuing until Monday, September 7, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

The following restrictions apply for the duration of the Health Officer Order:

  • Sitting, lying, standing, sunbathing, sight-seeing, picnicking, and all other non-exercise, passive, or sedentary activities on beach parkways are prohibited.
  • Items for sitting or lying on the beach are prohibited for use or possession on beaches, such as umbrellas, shade structures, tents, barbeque grills, sand or beach toys, coolers and beach chairs.

Full details regarding these restrictions can be found in the Health Officer Order.

Disease transmission rates have been consistently improving in the last few weeks, yet this metric still remains above the threshold outlined by the California Department of Public Health for being removed from the County Monitoring List.

“Reduced disease transmission is critical in the fight against COVID-19. We anticipate a high volume of visitors at our beaches during the Labor Day weekend, which will impede the practice of safe and necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County,” said Dr. Henning Ansorg. “Our community has remained diligent in their efforts and now is the time to protect all the positive outcomes we have accomplished.”

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

Goleta City Council Approves Outside Operations for Family Entertainment Centers

Goleta City Councilmembers voted to approve a resolution at their September 1 meeting amending the Emergency Expanded Restaurant Dining and Other Uses Program (Program) to allow family entertainment centers to operate outdoors and allow the use of shade structures for outdoor operations.

Under the recent State and County health orders, family entertainment centers must keep indoor services and attractions closed, except outdoor operations, while complying with state and local requirements to protect against COVID-19. Family entertainment centers, as well as many other businesses, have been impacted by state and local closure orders and are struggling to financially recover. This order is intended to allow these businesses to safely re-open by moving their operations outdoors, under the scope of the Program, and allows for those businesses to contribute to the City’s economic growth and recovery as well as their own. The approved Resolution also addresses allowing shade structures as part of the Program as long as they meet certain standards outlined in the staff report (available here: https://tinyurl.com/yxlbz4yp).

The City’s Emergency Expanded Restaurant Dining and Other Uses Program was approved by Council on June 2, 2020, and allows for the expansion of dining and use areas temporarily to open-air spaces and parking lots on private property where certain requirements are met. Expanded outdoor dining and use areas are intended to allow Goleta restaurants and specified uses to re-open safely, ensuring safe and adequate pedestrian and vehicle circulation while simultaneously meeting physical distancing and public health standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This Program temporarily suspends City zoning and/or land use permit provisions applicable to business premises or restaurant dining areas that are in conflict with the expanded dining or use areas allowed by this Program.

For more information, please contact the Planning and Environmental Review Zoning Counter at (805) 961-7543.

Pictured: Zodo’s parking lot