Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Standing Room Only to Honor Outgoing Community Resource Deputy Dave Valadez

A standing room only crowd turned out to the December 3, 2019, Goleta City Council meeting to honor outgoing Community Resource Deputy (CRD) Dave Valadez.  During his six years as the City of Goleta’s CRD, Senior Deputy Valadez had a tremendous impact on the City and made a number of significant contributions. 

As a token of gratitude for his outstanding service to Goleta, Mayor Paula Perotte presented Sr. Deputy Valadez with a City tile.  City Staff, Sheriff’s colleagues, community members and Sheriff’s Explorers, a group Sr. Deputy Valadez leads, filled the Council Chambers to show their support and appreciation.

Mayor Perotte said while he accomplished so much during his time in Goleta, “I especially appreciated how you treated people without homes with dignity and respect.”

City of Goleta Director of Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Vyto Adomaitis said Sr. Deputy Valadez has a lot to be proud of for what he accomplished during his time in Goleta.  He said, “Thank you seems so little to say for all you have done for Goleta but thank you for your service, for your friendship and for your leadership.”

Senior Deputy Valadez said, “I was honored to have this assignment from day one.  I was very proud to be one small part of your team. What I was able to accomplish I could not have done without my family and leadership from my chain of command.  Thanks also to the Volunteers and Sheriff’s Explorers who helped me serve the City.”

During his time with the City, Community Resource Deputy, Dave Valadez was involved in a number of projects and assignments including the following:

  • City of Goleta Restorative Policing Program (GRPP)
  • UPRR Corridor Task Force City of Goleta Representative
  • City of Goleta Business Watch Program
  • City of Goleta Neighborhood Watch Program
  • City of Goleta Active Shooter Response Training Program
  • Goleta Union School District School Resource Deputy
  • SBSO/City of Goleta Authority Letter Program
  • SBSO City of Goleta/South County Citizen’s Academy
  • SBSO/City of Goleta Explorers Program
  • SBSO/City of Goleta Sheriff’s Volunteer Team
  • City of Goleta City Council Security Detail
  • SBSO/City of Goleta Marketplace Substation Management
  • City of Goleta Safe Parking Program Liaison
  • Executive Council Member for the Goleta Boys and Girls Club
  • City of Goleta Specialized Patrols and Investigations
  • South Coast Task Force for Youth Safety City of Goleta Representative
  • SBSO/City of Goleta Restorative Court Liaison

Sr. Deputy Valadez was also involved in many Community Outreach Events including the Lemon Festival, Goleta Old Town Parade, 4th of July, Calle Real Center Halloween Celebration, PEP Touch-A-Truck, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation and at local preschools and senior centers.

Thank you Sr. Deputy Valdez for pouring your heart into your role as the Community Resource Deputy.  You will be missed.  Best of luck in your new assignment with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office as a Background Investigator.

The Sheriff’s Office is in the process of selecting a new Community Resource Deputy for the City of Goleta.  We look forward to introducing this CRD to the community in the new year.

Photo: Dave Valadez Receiving his City Tile (pictured left to right: Director of Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Vyto Adomaitis, Community Resource Deputy Dave Valadez, Mayor Paula Perotte)

Safety Corner: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over this Holiday Season

The Goleta Police Department urges everyone attending holiday parties and gatherings where alcohol may be involved to use a designated sober driver. From December 13 to New Year’s, the Goleta Police Department will have more officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Unfortunately, this time of year is when we see more people driving impaired,” said Sgt. John Maxwell. “There is no excuse for driving after drinking or using drugs that impair. There are many ways to get home safely without driving.”

The Goleta Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol; prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

Those who are hosting a holiday party should offer non-alcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor how people are getting home. If someone has been drinking and tries to leave, offer to have them stay the night or take ride-share home.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for police services.

Countdown to Census 2020 – Let’s Make Goleta Count

In March, households will receive an invitation to complete the 2020 Census online (paper copies will be available as well). The City is encouraging everyone to respond in order to “Make Goleta Count.” The responses provided in 2020 will affect local funding and services for the next 10 years. They will also play a role as we move to district elections in 2022. Show others that you will take part in the 2020 Census, come to City Hall (130 Cremona Drive, Suite B) during regular business hours to pick up your free “Make Goleta Count” sticker (available in English and Spanish). City Hall business hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.

Learn more about the Census at the following websites:

Tis the Season to Recycle

MarBorg will be collecting Christmas trees free of charge after the holidays. All you have to do is bring your tree to the curbside on your greenwaste collection day (if you do not have greenwaste service, bring it to the curbside on your trash collection day). Christmas trees can also be dropped off for free through January 12, 2020, at MarBorg’s Santa Barbara facility (119 North Quarantina Street) or at the South Coast Recycling & Transfer Station (4430 Calle Real in Santa Barbara). Please remove all tree stands, lights, tinsel and ornaments. Any trees taller than six feet must be cut down to fit in MarBorg’s trucks. 

In addition to recycling your Christmas tree, here are tips to help you reduce your waste this holiday season:

  • Get creative with your wrapping paper by reusing things like maps, the Sunday comics, and posters.
  • About 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. This year, switch to reusable batteries.
  • Consider giving an experience instead of an object. The gift of your time (cooking, babysitting, gardening) a charitable donation, or tickets to an event are all great gift ideas that require little to no packaging.
  • Don’t forget your reusable shopping bags.
  • And when the holidays are over, remember that wrapping paper, greeting cards, tissue paper, and cardboard boxes can all be recycled in your blue recycle carts!

Learn more at www.marborg.com.

Keep FOG out of the Drain this Holiday Season

Goleta West Sanitary District wants to remind everyone to keep fats, oils, and greases (FOG) out of home and commercial pipes. Improper disposal can lead to blocked sewer lines and pollution to creeks, wetlands, and the ocean. During the holidays many people spend extra time cooking in the kitchen; fats, oils and greases are a byproduct of cooking and are found in things such as meat fats, cooking oil, lard and shortening, butter and margarine. When washed down the drain, they may stick to the inside of sewer pipes on your property and in the streets. Over time FOG can build up and block pipes.

Garbage disposals do not help keep the grease out of pipes; they only shred it into smaller pieces. A grease-blocked sewer pipe can back up into your home or neighborhood resulting in expensive and unpleasant clean-ups, possible exposure with disease causing-organisms, and an increase in maintenance costs at Goleta West Sanitary District.

To properly dispose of your FOG (fats, oils, and greases), follow these steps:

  • Pour FOG into a heat resistant covered disposable container. Store it in the freezer and put it in the trash after it has hardened.
  • Use paper towels to wipe greasy dishes before washing. Put the paper towels in the trash.
  • Use sink strainers to catch food waste. Put food scraps in compost bin or in the trash.
  • FOG waste should only be put in the trash.

New Lights Shine Bright at Goleta Valley Library

The Goleta Valley Library went green this holiday season by taking advantage of Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Direct Install Program to provide upgraded energy-efficient lighting throughout the building. The new LED equipment and installation was free of charge and will provide long term energy and cost savings to the Library. Generally, LED lights use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. By making the transition to LED, the Library is reducing its energy use, carbon footprint, and electricity bill.

The Library is very excited about the improvements as the new lighting has made a significant difference in the daily experience of visitors and staff alike. Library Director Allison Gray said, “It has greatly increased visibility in the library, making all activities easier. Library users noticed the difference immediately and remarked how much of an improvement it is.”

The Direct Install Program allows small businesses the opportunity to have an SCE contractor identify energy-savings opportunities in their facility and provide no- or low-cost energy efficient products, including installation. Through the City’s participation in the South Coast Energy Efficiency Partnership, (SCEEP), Southern California Edison extended their Direct Install Program to local government partners. Learn more about the SCE Direct Install program here.

DPHS Library Cards

Dos Pueblos High School Students Receive Goleta Valley Library Cards

The Goleta Valley Library has a goal of putting library cards into the hands of every student in the Goleta Valley. To make this goal a reality, more than two thousand Goleta Valley Library cards were delivered to Dos Pueblos High School on December 10th and are being distributed to the students.

Heather Magner, the DPHS librarian said this is a dream come true.  She said. “While our DPHS library has much to offer, the wealth of resources available to them with a Goleta Valley library card is a game changer, particularly their huge offerings of ebooks and quality audiobooks. The newest program, Brainfuse, which offers online tutoring after library hours, is equally exciting! With our 1-1 iPad program and the library card, now everyone has access to a plethora of amazing materials and support. I deeply appreciate the hard work the Goleta Valley Public librarians put in to make this happen. Thank you!”

The first two classrooms to receive the Goleta Valley Library cards cheered when they were presented. View a video clip of the excitement here. Mason Miller, a 9th grader said, “I am very excited to have received my brand-new library card and can’t wait to use it. By utilizing the Goleta Library Card, I can go to the library, find a book I like, and check it out. The card makes this process super quick, all you have to do is scan your card, and the book you want is now in your possession.”  

Christopher Pagliaro, also a 9th grader, agreed and said, “I’m very excited to use my new Goleta Public Library card. This library card allows me to gain access to hundreds of different books and  checking out books is now a whole lot easier. I think that now that I have received this new library card I will be reading a lot more.” 

DPHS English Teacher, Cate Nelson, said, “I am so thrilled that these students will get the same opportunity I had when I was younger; to enter the library and realize they have free access to an entire world.”

Goleta Valley Library Director Allison Gray said, “High School can be an overwhelming time of life.  We are thrilled that the library cards will allow these students access to resources and services, both in the library and on our website, that will be incredibly helpful and beneficial to their academic success.”

There are many reasons the library cards are especially useful for High School students. The cards allow students free full-text access to the New York Times to help with homework via the Goleta Valley Library website (www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org). The library cards also allow students access to Hoopla, a great site for downloading free e-books, e-audiobooks, comic books, movies, TV shows, and music. Hoopla is so popular with students that the Goleta Valley Library has budgeted additional funds anticipating significant increased use. Goleta Valley Library also offers personalized reading lists to patrons with library cards. Now students interested in new books to read can simply complete a form on the Goleta Valley Library website and have a customized list sent to them.

The student library card effort was made possible thanks to a Student Success Initiative Grant the Goleta Valley Library received. The goal of the grant is to ensure that all school-aged children in the Goleta Valley Library service area have a library card. Thus far, students at Goleta Valley Junior High, El Camino Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Brandon Elementary, and Coastline Christian Academy have received library cards.  Ellwood Elementary is the next school slated to receive library cards; distribution is planned for January 2020.

The City of Goleta manages the Goleta Valley Library and four libraries in the Santa Ynez Valley, serving approximately 116,000 residents. Learn more about the programs and services available at all five libraries at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org. Follow the Library on Facebook (@GoletaValley Library) and Instagram (goletavalleylibrary) for the latest news. Sign up here to receive the monthly Library e-newsletter The Reading Corner.

Photo: DPHS Freshman Jack Forgea with his new Goleta Valley Library Card

City of Goleta Grant Funds Available for Non-Profits

Are you a part of a local non-profit serving Goleta residents or know someone who is? If so, the City of Goleta has more than $100,000 in grant funds for which you can apply. Starting on Monday, December 16, 2019 until Friday, February 7, 2020, online applications will be accepted for both Goleta City Grant and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs. This year, the application period has been extended in order to accommodate the busy end-of-year period for non-profit organizations.

The City Council has set aside approximately $100,000 in General Fund monies for the Goleta City Grant Program. Recipients of this grant may receive up to $5,000 for programs that benefit Goleta residents and the general community. Organizations involved in educational and cultural activities, such as music, art, dance, and recreation, as well as Goleta-oriented special events and regional projects that enhance and support the quality of life in Goleta are encouraged to apply.

Each year, the City of Goleta sets aside a portion of its Community Development Block Grant funding to support non-profits serving low-income residents, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness. CDBG funds are dispersed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which strictly regulates the use of funds. The City of Goleta reserves these funds for agencies who qualify for CDBG funding, serve the goals of the City’s 5-Year Consolidated Plan, and apply for a minimum of $10,000. For the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year, the City distributed more than $33,000 to public services from its CDBG allocation.

Grant applications for both programs will be accepted online via the ZoomGrants program. Once all applications are received the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tempore, and two Goleta residents appointed by the Mayor make up the committee that evaluates the applications and makes funding recommendations to the City Council. The Council then awards the grants at a meeting in the spring, likely in May of 2020.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to help your non-profit or community group. Visit https://tinyurl.com/goletagrants for additional information on both grant programs or contact Dominique Samario in the City of Goleta Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department, at 805-690-5126 or dsamario@cityofgoleta.org.

Photo: Isla Vista Youth Projects, a 2019 – 2020 grant recipient, assembling health kits for their annual Health Fair

We Need Your Input to Develop the City’s Homelessness Strategic Plan

The City of Goleta would like to thank the community for the great turnout at our Community Open House on Homelessness as well as the service providers for taking the time to speak with residents. The December 11 event was a unique opportunity for the community to interact on a one-on-one basis with City staff and homelessness service providers, as well as provide ideas and input on homelessness in our community. Organizations including the County of Santa Barbara, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing, Isla Vista Youth Projects, New Beginning’s Safe Parking Program, Showers of Blessing, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness, Equalitech and others were on hand to talk personally to attendees.

Approximately 150 people attended the Open House. In addition to members of the general public, City staff and service providers were able to speak with a number of current or former homeless individuals. Local dignitaries or their representatives in attendance included: City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, Councilmember James Kyriaco, 2nd District County Board of Supervisor Gregg Hart, and representatives for 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann and State Senator Hannah Beth Jackson.

Community input is an essential part of the City of Goleta’s effort to develop its first-ever comprehensive Homelessness Strategic Plan. The City has released a survey, which was also available at the Open House, in which we hope to hear from residents, businesses, service providers, and those who are or who have experienced homelessness. To date, the City has received over 300 completed surveys. The survey can be found online in both English and Spanish at the following links:

The Community Open House and survey are elements of a larger homelessness strategic planning effort, which has included stakeholder meetings, best practice discussions with communities nationwide, and years of partnership supporting regional homelessness efforts. While the City of Goleta has a history of supporting organizations and regional efforts serving those at risk of homelessness and those experiencing homelessness, the City currently does not have a comprehensive plan analyzing the state of homelessness in our area and the most effective steps forward. City Council and staff believe having a strategic plan will provide important direction and clarity around needs, service gaps, and priorities in order to make effective and strategic funding decisions that serve both the existing homeless population, as well as those at risk of becoming homeless. Once adopted, the Homelessness Strategic Plan will help guide and coordinate efforts to prevent and address homelessness within the City of Goleta.

We appreciate the community’s involvement in this process thus far and look forward to continued engagement during this important effort. For more information, please contact Dominique Samario, Management Analyst for the City of Goleta, at dsamario@cityofgoleta.org or 805-690-5126. Learn more about the City’s Homelessness Strategic Plan at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaHomelessnessPlan.

Photo: Woman taking survey at Community Open House – survey now available online

City of Goleta Joins Monterey Bay Community Power Policy Board

The City of Goleta is closer to achieving its sustainability goals. On December 4, 2019, the Monterey Bay Community Power (MBCP) Policy Board unanimously approved inclusion of the City of Goleta, along with 10 other jurisdictions, as new members to be served by MBCP, a not-for-profit agency established by local communities to source carbon-free electricity. In addition, City of Goleta Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards was sworn in as a new member of the Policy Board, representing both the City of Goleta and the City of Carpinteria’s shared seat. The partnership will help move the City towards its 100% renewable electricity goal and make it easier and quicker for residents and businesses to adopt clean energy technologies while providing a competitive rate.

Customers within the newly approved jurisdictions are set to begin receiving electric generation service from MBCP in 2021. This is also when customers within the City of Goleta will gain access to MBCP’s local energy programs that reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and help solve energy resiliency issues; incentives will also be available for customers.

With this action, MBCP is now the largest– geographically speaking – of all nineteen Community Choice Energy (CCE) agencies operating in California. In 2018, the agency:

  • had a cost-savings of $4.4M
  • saved 300k metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (which is equivalent to taking over 65,000 cars off the road in a year)
  • invested $1.25M in local energy programs
  • secured $6M in EV Charging station funds

The CCE model puts energy purchasing and pricing options into the hands of local decision-makers and allows the community to determine what type of energy mix serves its needs. The day-to-day experience for the customer is the same; the difference being that the energy is purchased through the CCE. This model gives customers the opportunity to be a part of the effort to put more clean energy on the grid and less greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Customers have the right to opt out of the CCE program and continue to receive service from the incumbent utility.

Learn more about Monterey Bay Community Power here: www.mbcommunitypower.org, and stay tuned for more details. Sign up to receive news from the City of Goleta on Community Choice Energy and other sustainable topics here.

Photo: Selfie of City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte and Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards in front of  Monterey Bay Community Power Policy Board wall of members.