Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Prepare to Protect Those You Love During an Emergency

September is National Preparedness Month and this year’s theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disaster is protecting everyone you love.”! It’s the best time of year to sign up for emergency alerts, double check family plans, and create a Go-Bag for your garage, car, or closet.

Helping our community stay safe is the City of Goleta’s top priority. The City is working to maintain essential services and prepare for future wildfires and other natural disasters with limited resources. As we plan to meet future needs, we want to ensure our community is prepared now in the event of a disaster. Here are some important tips we want to share with you:

First, 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).

Second, 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 of each person or pet. Think about dietary restrictions, prescription medications, important documents and pictures! Create a Go-Bag, a bag meant to be stored away somewhere safe but can be accessed at a moment’s notice. Learn how to build a kit at www.Ready.gov/kit.

Next, start the new school year by talking to your kids about emergencies that could happen at home and away. Talk about meeting spots in case you are separated, and make games to help them memorize family phone numbers. Resources for kids, teens, and the whole family are available at www.Ready.gov/kids.

City of Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator, Michael Baris, adds, “National Preparedness Month is a great time to have a quick five minute conversation with your family and neighbors.  Set yourself up for success in an emergency by preparing now. Locate and find your valuable documents and make sure they are in a safe place. Talk about who will update your extended family about the situation.  Grab an old bag and put old-but-good shoes and clothes inside.  These small things will go a long way towards making life easier in the craziness of a disaster.”

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

Public Input Requested on Community Development Block Grant Funding

Public Review Period is Open now through September 3

Every year the City of Goleta looks forward to helping those in our community in need using funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This past year, the City received additional funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for our CDBG program to assist people affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (CDBG-CV funding). This past year, 3,678 people were assisted with CDBG and CDBG-CV funding. The City is required to submit a year-end report on its accomplishments called the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER provides an assessment of the City’s performance in meeting housing and community development goals in the adopted 2020-2021 CDBG Action Plan. The draft CAPER can be viewed here.

The City is also seeking public input on a substantial amendment to the 2019-2020 CDBG Action Plan that would reallocate $190,000 in CDBG-CV funds from an Emergency Rental Assistance Program to homelessness outreach and assistance. There are currently millions of dollars available at the State and County level for rental assistance, so the City proposes to use the funding to assist people living in encampments, the streets and RVs get needed services and housing. The City also proposes to reallocate $12,500 in CDBG-CV funding to a food program for low-income seniors.

Comments on the draft CAPER and proposed Action Plan Amendment are being accepted during a 15-day public review period ending September 3, 2021, at 12:00 pm. Comments should be submitted to: City of Goleta, Neighborhood Services Department, Attn: Claudia Dato, 130 Cremona Drive, Goleta, CA 93117 or emailed to cdato@cityofgoleta.org.

The City Council will hold a public hearing on these matters on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at their regular Council meeting which begins at 5:30 p.m. An agenda will be available ahead of time at www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings.

About the Community Development Block Grant

On an annual basis the City receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the CDBG program which is intended to be used to assist low-income citizens, people experiencing homelessness, youth and seniors with essential services such as medical and dental care, food security, counseling, homelessness prevention, case management and other needs.

The City also uses the majority of its CDBG allocation on capital projects that will benefit low- to moderate-income people and the disabled. Projects have included renovating City facilities and parks to meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) access standards, install sidewalks in areas where they are lacking, and adding crosswalks.

City Partnership with IVYP Supports Enriching Youth Summer Camp Program

The City of Goleta is proud to partner with Isla Vista Youth Projects (IVYP), providing an enriching full-day summer camp experience for local children. IVYP provides essential childcare to many Goleta families where both parents work or are in school.

As the City looks ahead and makes plans to meet growing community service needs, supporting and expanding opportunities for you and afterschool programs and providing safe places for children to learn and play is one of its priorities.

“The City of Goleta’s support provided a fun, safe learning environment for students, and enabled families to go to work knowing their children were well cared for,” said Lori Lander Goodman, IVYP Executive Director.

The IVYP Summer Program was created in 1985 in response to community need. The program is held on site at Isla Vista Elementary School and is open during the summer months from 7:30am to 5:30pm. It is designed to link with the year-round afternoon Enrichment Program, thereby extending programming during the summer months. The program offers a variety of educational and enrichment activities with academic lessons in Math, Science, Writing, Reading, Social Studies and Art. Breakfast, Lunch, Snack and Supper are provided. 

Students expressed their gratitude for their summer camp experience with a series of thank you cards, putting their art skills to work in the process (pictured above and below).

City Helps Replace Destroyed Dos Pueblos Little League Equipment

The City of Goleta is lending a helping hand to the Dos Pueblos Little League (DPLL) to help pay for equipment destroyed in a suspected storage shed arson fire that occurred on August 18th at Girsh Park.  The estimated $30,000 loss includes but is not limited to pitching machines, bases, general baseball equipment and the storage shed itself. Graffiti was located nearby that may potentially be related to the fire. With the support of the City Council, Goleta City Manager Michelle Greene authorized a $5,000 grant to DPLL to help replace the equipment.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “This donation confirms that the City of Goleta stands by DPLL and by Girsh Park, a vital and valued community space. We are committed to helping promote peaceful enjoyment of our parks for all members of our community, as we condemn all acts of vandalism and violence.”

While Girsh Park is not a city-owned facility, it is well-loved by the community and supported by the City of Goleta. Since its inception in 1997, the park has been operated by a non-profit organization, the Foundation for Girsh Park. DPLL, also a non-profit organization, has been in operation since 1974 but moved to Girsh Park when it opened.  DPLL has played there ever since and stored its equipment in a shed at the park.

Goleta City Councilmember Kyle Richards, who has served as the City’s representative on the Foundation for Girsh Park Board since 2017, said, “The City will stand up against this assault on our community. This is not what our community is about, and this does not represent the values of our City or its residents. We are saddened and outraged over the destruction at Girsh Park, both the graffiti vandalism and the arson.  We know that our community’s residents, businesses, and visitors will rally around the Dos Pueblos Little League and Girsh Park, and that’s why we are Goleta Proud.”

Goleta Mayor Pro Tempore James Kyriaco added, “Our local children and youth deserve to live in a community free from fear and danger. Our hope is that this equipment and shed can quickly be replaced so that our youth can make new, happy memories out on the fields.”

Members of the public who wish to support Girsh Park or the Dos Pueblos Little League are encouraged to visit their websites at www.girshpark.org and www.dpll.net.  Finally, the City encourages anyone with information regarding the storage shed fire to contact the Santa Barbara County Fire Department by sending an e-mail to FireInfo@SBCFire.com.  Any tips related to the vandalism should be directed to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at 805-681-4150.  For anonymous tips call 805-681-4171 or online at www.sbsheriff.org. 

Pictured: Shed Fire at Girsh Park

City’s Long-Awaited New LED Light Installation Begins

After four years of planning and preparation, the City of Goleta is pleased to announce that the installation of brand new LED streetlight fixtures throughout the City has begun. It will take approximately six weeks for the contractor to replace 1,430 streetlight fixtures throughout Goleta with new energy efficient LED streetlights. The project is expected to save Goleta more than 345,000 kilowatt hours and approximately $115,000 annually after the project is implemented. In addition to saving the City money, the new lights will require less maintenance and provide clearer lighting.

City of Goleta Public Works Department Project Manager, Michael Winnewisser, said, “Our staff is very excited for the upcoming installation of LEDs throughout the City. This project offers a lot of benefits to the City, and we wish to thank everyone involved who helped make it happen!” 

View the estimated schedule with approximate installation dates for areas throughout the City at www.CityofGoleta.org/LEDStreetlights. The website also includes additional information such as project design maps and FAQ’s.

Watch our video featuring Public Works staff to learn more about the LED Street Lighting Project. The video is available in English and Spanish.

Background:

The LED Street Lighting Project took root in 2017. After long negotiations with Southern California Edison, in 2020 the City acquired the streetlights and began looking into different LED options for our community. In January 2021, the City conducted a pilot study to get community input. Based on feedback from the pilot study, Green Committee, and Virtual Town Hall, the City selected GE fixtures that are 2700K color temperature streetlights. On July 20, 2021, Goleta City Council approved the replacements and the fixtures were ordered the next day.

Please contact Project Manager Michael Winnewisser at (805) 690-5120 or mwinnewisser@cityofgoleta.org for any questions or additional information.

Pictured: Deputy Public Works Director James Campero and Project Manager Michael Winnewisser filming our LED streetlight video

How to Draw a District Elections Map Tutorial Video

The City of Goleta wants to make it as easy as possible for the public to draw and submit an on-line or paper map with suggested district boundaries as the City moves to district elections for the first time in November of 2022. That’s why the City is pleased to release a How to Draw a Map video tutorial featuring demographer Dr. Daniel Phillips with National Demographics Corporation providing step-by-step instructions on how to draw a map. The City has already received more than 15 maps so far and is hoping the video will increase public participation by making the process simple and less intimidating. All you need to do is go to your computer, go to DrawGoleta.org, and play the video in English or Spanish.

Final 2020 Census data won’t be released until sometime in September, but that doesn’t mean the public can’t start using the mapping tools and submitting maps now. Those who submit maps now will be given the opportunity to adjust their map boundaries, if they want, once the final Census numbers are available. 

With district elections, the City will be divided into four districts, and voters in each district will elect a City Council member who lives in their own district. The Mayor will continue to be elected by voters across Goleta. The public can help draw district boundaries on-line at DrawGoleta.org or by using paper maps, which are available at City Hall or the Goleta Valley Library during hours of operation. Maps are due by January 6, 2022, to be considered. 

Mark your calendar for the next public workshop to be held on October 21, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.

For more information go to DrawGoleta.org.

PEC Commissioner Receives Prestigious Women of the Year Award

Congratulations to our own City of Goleta Public Engagement Commissioner Silvia Uribe for being one of six women to receive the annual Congressional Women of the Year Award! The Award honors exceptional women across the 24th Congressional District who have left a positive impact on their communities. Winners span a variety of backgrounds and professions and represent the thousands of women working tirelessly to improve quality of life on the Central Coast. Silvia is a language access advocate who is honored for her continued commitment to community and the residents of Santa Barbara County.

Rep. Salud Carbajal will recognize the winners by entering a special written tribute for each woman into the official Congressional Record, preserving their stories and their impact on the community. An award ceremony will be held at a later date and each honoree will also receive a special congressional pin. Silvia also received a Certificate of Recognition from the Goleta City Council at the August 17, 2021, meeting.

Silvia was born and raised in Mexico City, before moving to Santa Barbara with her family 28 years ago. Silvia’s business, TransilPro provides translation and interpretation services to businesses, government, community organizations, and beyond. She has a knack for creating programs that overcome language barriers, including: The Spanish language Santa Barbara Leadership program, Líderes Latinos; Spanish-speaking Girl Scout troops; “Fun in the Sun” in collaboration with the United way; and services for low income, Latin-X children. She delivers volunteer trainings for Spanish speakers working with STESA and Just Communities. She is a public servant, working for the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Victim Witness Unit and serving on County commissions. Her passion for communicating even extends to media, as a radio host, writer, and Univision contributor. Silvia’s work in the community goes beyond her everyday activities. Whether she is invited as a guest lecturer at SBCC, or to speak at churches’ groups, or to do presentations at different local schools, her objective is to be of service by sharing information and bringing services and people together.

Way to go Silvia! #GoodLandGoodPeople

For more information, click here.

Public Engagement Commission Encourages You to Draw Goleta!

The City’s Public Engagement Commission (PEC) is encouraging our community to help draw Goleta! Recently, the City released a video message featuring our PEC Commissioners on the importance of public participation in the City’s historic move to District Elections in November of 2022. Watch the video in English or Spanish.  

With district elections, the City will be divided into four districts, and voters in each district will elect a City Council member who lives in their own district. The Mayor will continue to be elected by voters across Goleta. The public can help draw district boundaries on-line at www.DrawGoleta.org or by using a paper map which are available at City Hall or the Goleta Valley Library during hours of operation. Maps are due by January 6, 2022, to be considered. 

Let’s Draw Goleta!

Embracing Clean Energy Through Energy Programs

Through financial resources, technical support, and education, Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE) Energy Programs assist the Central Coast Community with the switch from fossil fuels to clean-energy solutions by focusing on these areas: transportation, building, agriculture, and energy resiliency.

With CCCE service beginning upon enrollment in October 2021, all eligible electricity customers in Goleta will be able to participate in these energy programs. For example, current CCCE customers can access rebates and incentives for:

  • The purchase or lease of new or used electric vehicles (EV), fleet EVs, and EV charging stations for home or office,
  • Electric agricultural equipment,
  • Backup power supply for critical infrastructure,
  • New all-electric housing projects for affordable and market-rate developments, and more.

To date, in partnership with regional and statewide organizations CCCE has made more than $43 million available to customers.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

By meeting customer electricity demand with 100% clean and renewable energy by 2030 as well as focusing on electrification and fuel switching for vehicles, buildings, and agriculture, CCCE will provide the greatest impact on GHG reduction.

Responding to Community Needs

CCCE is engaged with all members of our diverse Central Coast community to synchronize program investment with community needs and priorities. Being responsive allows CCCE to drive greater value for the region. As the need for backup power during prolonged power shutoffs becomes more urgent, CCCE is committed to building a greater level of energy resilience for the Central Coast.

Learn more at 3CEnergy.org and on social media, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @3Cenergy.

Central Coast Community Energy encourages all community members to join the CCCE e-newsletter and board meeting notification list here.

New Energy Provider for Goleta in October

We are only one month away from having a new energy provider to source clean and renewable energy on behalf of all electricity customers in Goleta. Beginning in October, Central Coast Community Energy, or 3CE, which serves nearly 400,000 customers throughout the Central Coast, will become the primary electricity service provider for Goleta.

There are many reasons we are excited about this move. First off, it furthers Goleta’s goal of providing fossil-free electricity and our commitment to reach 100% renewable power by 2030. This proven community-focused energy model is already succeeding for 24 other agencies that serve more than 11 million Californians by providing competitive rates, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and offering programs that invest in our community.  Programs that will help our city move away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy solutions which will stimulate our local economy as well. 

So what does this mean to you? It means some of the money you spend on electricity bills will come back to you in the form of economic and environmental benefits for your home or business – and for our community.

No action is needed on your part. 3CE will begin on your normal meter-read date during the month of October, with all new customers enrolled in their 3Cchoice service offering. However, customers may choose to opt-out and maintain SCE service at any time. Learn more at 3CEnergy.org/2021-enrollment.

Your bill will STILL come from Southern California Edison and will now include Central Coast Community Energy Electric Generation charges. SCE will no longer charge you for electric generation services –   there are no duplicate or extra charges. The 3CE charges will appear as a separate line item on page one of your energy bill.  You can opt out at any time

For more information: Attend an upcoming webinar for residential customers. Register in advance for the webinar in Spanish on September 9 at 6:00 p.m. or the webinar in English on September 14 at 6:00 p.m.

Net Energy Metering (NEM) customers: Enrollment webinar to be announced. NEM customers will enroll in January 2022. Please note that SCE requires a true-up during enrollment. All NEM customers with an email address on file with SCE will receive an email invitation.

To learn more about your options please contact a local customer service Energy Advisor: 888-909-6227, or contact Central Cost Community Energy Customer Service at SouthSupport@3CE.org, or visit 3CEnergy.org/2021-enrollment.