Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

#RideGoleta Community Bike Share Survey

Bike share programs everywhere have been clicking into high gear! You see them in communities across California including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Diego, and more recently by our neighbors in Isla Vista and the City of Santa Barbara. Now, the City of Goleta is considering a bike share pilot that would offer bikes on-demand, providing residents and visitors with quick and easy access to some of Goleta’s most popular destinations. The first step is to hear your valuable input. If you’d like to be involved in the decision-making process, please take our survey in English here, or in Spanish here, by July 19, 2021.

City of Goleta Sustainability Coordinator Cindy Moore said, “Goleta is such a bike-friendly town and we are eager to find out what residents and businesses think about bringing a bike share program to Goleta, and if so, what the pilot should look like.”

What is Bike Share?

Bike share programs provide bicycles available for rent to the public. In a bike share program, bicycles are stored in multiple locations throughout a city, providing options for where a bike may be picked up and dropped off. Some bike share programs operate within a limited area and others operate on a regional scale. These programs can also offer different types of bicycles including the common human powered bicycle and pedal-assist electric bicycles.

In the past several years, bike share programs have had a resurgence throughout the United States due to innovation with smart bicycles and reduced costs. Smart bikes are equipped with locking systems, global positioning software (GPS) for tracking, and other technological infrastructure to manage the bikes within a bike share platform. The bikes are reserved and managed through a smart phone application. Cities typically contract with bike share vendors who provide bicycle parking infrastructure, locally maintain the bikes, and manage the system.

What are the Key Considerations?

Bike share is unique in that it can serve as both a convenient option to visit points of interest in a city and as an alternative and healthy method of transportation for residents and visitors. The many benefits of bike sharing include improved individual and community health, economic development through green jobs, and improved access to businesses, decreased traffic congestion, and environmental benefits such as reduced vehicle emissions. Additionally, safety, nuisance issues, availability, and equitable distribution must be carefully examined. Goleta hopes to gain your feedback on these key considerations from the community survey.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to fill out the survey. The results will help inform next steps in the process and will be shared with the community later this summer. For any questions, please email bikeshare@cityofgoleta.org. #RideGoleta

COVID-19 Vaccine Update and Anticipation of June 15th!

The County is moving in the right direction with more and more people getting their vaccinations. Per County Public Health, if the downward trend in metrics continues, we can anticipate moving to the long-awaited yellow tier on June 9th.  Then on June 15th, the Governor is expected to get rid of the colored tier system altogether and lift the mask mandate. 

While we are still waiting on specific guidelines from the state, here is a look at what life may look like beyond June 15th: publichealthsbc.org/june-15th-beyond.

Vaccinations are the key to moving forward. The COVID-19 vaccine is free and readily available throughout Santa Barbara County. Everyone ages 12 and over is eligible to be vaccinated. Minors are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Vaccination appointments can be made using the states My Turn vaccination scheduler, a Community Vaccination Clinic, or Local Pharmacy. If you still need a vaccine, please go to https://publichealthsbc.org/vaccine/ or call 2-1-1. 

Currently more than 50% of the eligible population is vaccinated. In order to reach herd immunity, Public Health is striving to get 80% of the eligible population vaccinated by July.

Let’s Give it a Shot Goleta, the best vaccine is the one available to you! Hear from your Mayor and City Council on why it’s important to get vaccinated in our #VaccinateGoleta video message.

#GoletaGraduates Spotlight on Vinesh Manian

What a year this has been for students, parents and educators with remote learning and then moving to in-person learning for the end of the year. While we know our seniors didn’t get the year they were hoping for, we are glad they were able to celebrate a reimagined prom and graduation.

Congratulations to all of our #GoletaGraduates. While we are so proud of you all, we want to take time out to highlight a senior in particular for his service to our City.

Vinesh Manian, a 2021 Dos Pueblos High School graduate, served as the first Youth Commissioner on the City’s Public Engagement Commission (PEC) for the past three years. He also participated in the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy and the Golf Team. Vinesh is also the proud leader of Riptide Robotics, a local FIRST Tech Challenge Team.

Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “Vinesh has been an important voice on the PEC Commission and has brought fresh perspectives and feedback to the Commission that we wouldn’t have had without his participation. It has been important to make sure we are resonating with the entire community, including our youth, and he has helped make sure we are doing that.”

He said, “I initially applied for the Youth Public Engagement Commissioner position because I wanted to do something to give back to my community. I have really enjoyed working with my fellow Commissioners on some very cool projects such as the Census. The skills I have learned in this position will help throughout my lifetime and I am very grateful for the opportunity I have had.”

We wish Vinesh the best of luck as he moves on to UC Riverside where he will major in Materials Science and Engineering. Vinesh your future is bright! Thank you for all you have done for Goleta!

The City is looking for a student to fill our soon-to-be vacant Youth Position on the PEC Commission, if you are interested, click here.

Pet Resource Centers Open

C.A.R.E.4Paws and Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) joined forces with five other nonprofit partners to open two new Pet Resource Centers at the County Animal shelters in Lompoc and Santa Barbara. On May 26, Mayor Paula Perotte performed the ribbon cutting at the Santa Barbara shelter, 5473 Overpass Road (pictured). The additional five organizations include: Companion Animal Placement Assistance (CAPA), Animal Care Foundation of Santa Barbara County, ASAP Cats, K-9 PALS, and Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter (BUNS).

No pet owner should ever have to make the tough decision between paying a bill and buying pet food or providing medical treatment for a four-legged family member. But the pandemic has made it hard for a growing number of community members to care for their pets, leaving animals at greater risk of being relinquished to a shelter. The Pet Resource Centers are part of the shared community-based vision of C.A.R.E.4Paws and SBCAS to leverage partnerships to provide increased support services that prevent animals from ending up in shelters.

Pet Resource Centers are locations where community members can pick up dog and cat food and other supplies, as well as sign up for critical pet wellness services and veterinary care in C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile clinic and the SBCAS clinic at the Santa Maria Animal Center.

Beyond the joint Pet Resource Centers, during the pandemic, SBCAS and C.A.R.E.4Paws began collaborating even more closely to prevent animals from being relinquished at SBCAS’s three shelters. A joint staff member works with pet owners inquiring about relinquishing their animals to provide access to the services and support they need to prevent them from having to give up their pet. This includes assistance with spay and neuter surgeries, veterinary care and pet food.

Since the start of COVID-19, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Companion Pet Assistance program has distributed more than 400,000 pounds of pet food to pet owners in need throughout Santa Barbara County. This amount of pet food is 100 times the total amount of pet food distributed during any year prior to the pandemic and reflects the tremendous need in the community. The uncertainty around the long-term economic impacts of the pandemic creates an imperative to bolster services and resources to keep families together.

The Green Room: City of Goleta’s Street Sweeping Program

City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Division would like to provide helpful information about our street sweeping program.

WHY STREET SWEEPING IS IMPORTANT

Not only does street sweeping keep our community looking great, but street sweeping helps remove trash and debris from the gutter and roadsides that would otherwise go into storm drains, causing water pollution in our creeks, wetlands, ocean, and beaches. The City’s street sweeping program is an important part of the solution to water pollution. Learn more about our other programs and what else you can do to help protect our watersheds.

OUR STREET SWEEPING PROGRAM

The City of Goleta is responsible for street sweeping the eastern portion of the City, and the western portion of the City is currently swept by the Goleta West Sanitary District (GWSD); view their calendar here. See the map and schedules below or click here.

Help us do a better job on street sweeping day:

  • Bookmark this page or print the schedules for easy reference. Memorizing your zone and schedule will also be helpful.
  • Move vehicles off the street on street sweeping day. Set a reminder if you need to!
  • Remove basketball backboards, trash cans, and any other obstructions.

The City hopes that these notices will encourage voluntary cooperation to avoid the need for enforcement. A clean sweep helps keep your street looking great and prevents debris from entering storm drains and causing creek and ocean pollution. If you have any questions, please contact the Environmental Services Division at environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org


City of Goleta Street Sweeping Map

Let’s Read This Summer!

The 2021 Online Summer Reading Program kicks off June 5th at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries are excited to launch the 2021 Online Summer Reading Program! Community members of all ages are invited to participate in this eight-week program full of great reading, fantastic prizes, and fun livestreamed shows for the whole family.

The program, which will run through Saturday, July 31st, will be held completely online through Beanstack, a website and app where you can track your reading. Readers who have used Beanstack for previous reading programs at the library can simply log in to their existing Beanstack account and sign up for the Summer Reading Program, and new users can create a free account in just a few steps. Visit goletavalleylibrary.beanstack.org or download the free app for Apple and Android devices to start logging your books on June 5th.

To encourage participants to keep reading all summer long, many local businesses and organizations have generously donated prizes that readers can earn as they log books in their Beanstack accounts. Participants at Goleta Valley Library will receive their prizes in the mail, and participants at Buellton and Solvang Libraries will pick up their prizes in person during Sidewalk Service/Express Service hours Wednesdays – Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Fabulous online shows will be livestreamed through the libraries’ social media channels through the end of July, including special visits from children’s musicians, a magician, puppeteers, and even the zoo! Details about all of the performances this summer are available on the library Events Calendar.

Teens in search of volunteer opportunities can earn community service hours by submitting book reviews that will be posted on the library website and by volunteering through the Teen Graphic Novel Club, which meets once a month online to discuss all things illustrated. Details on Teen Volunteer Opportunities are available here.

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries extend their heartfelt gratitude to each of this year’s Summer Reading partners: Albertson’s, Birkholm’s Bakery, The Book Loft, California Pizza Kitchen Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard, Chipotle, The Clique, Coffee House by Chomp, Dana V. Wines, Ellen’s Pancake House, The Elverhoj Museum, The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, The Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley, The Giving Ink, The Good Seed Coffee Boutique, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates, Islands Burgers, Kyle’s Kitchen, Los Arroyos, Mesaburger, Mother Hubbard’s, The Mystic Merchant, Nathalie’s Dollhouse, Natural Café, Nothing Bundt Cakes, New Frontiers Natural Marketplace, Old Town Coffee, Pattibakes, Santa Barbara Axxess, Solvang Bakery, Solvang Flavors, Space VR, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, Swedish Candy Factory, SYV Essential Oils, The SYV Historical Museum, and The Wildling Museum. We appreciate your support and we’re looking forward to a great summer!

Follow the Chalk Arrows to Participate in the Family Walk & Roll

Get fresh air, exercise and be a part of your community – for free! SBBIKE, COAST and Traffic Solutions have laid out safe, family-friendly routes in local neighborhoods to keep you happy and healthy and get you bicycling! You can walk, scooter or skateboard these routes too. All of the routes are loops, so wherever you find one of the chalked arrows on the road, you can start following them to eventually end up right back where you started.

  • For a short loop (1–2 miles): follow the green arrows.
  • For a slightly bigger loop (3–5 miles): look for blue arrows.
  • Long routes (6–9 miles) don’t have arrows; follow the digital maps on Strava using your phone.

To find a route near you visit our website: https://www.sbbike.org/neighborhood_routes

Thank You Goleta Public Works!

During National Public Works Week in May, the City of Goleta publicly recognized its hard-working and dedicated Goleta Public Works Team. Their department has a staff of 21 employees who are responsible for so many aspects of our daily life, including the City’s infrastructure, parks and open spaces, street maintenance, storm water management, solid waste and environmental services, and engineering. Learn more about each division here.

City Manager Michelle Greene said, “I am so proud of our Public Works team. From engineering to capital projects, and from streets maintenance to parks and open space maintenance, they continue to do an amazing job no matter the circumstances.”

Director of Public Works Charlie Ebeling said, “Public Works Staff has worked very hard this last year to deliver projects and services to the residents of the City of Goleta. This includes being available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and working to deliver projects including the largest in the City’s history, while simultaneously being remarkably responsive to all types of requests. I am honored and proud to work with such an accomplished group of people.”

Over the past year, our Public Works Department has had many achievements, including completing the following projects:

  • Old Town Sidewalk Improvements Project increased pedestrian safety, added parking and improved drainage
  • Fairview Avenue Sidewalk Infill Project increased pedestrian and bicycle safety
  • San Jose Creek Emergency Channel Repairs in advance of the winter storms
  • Installed enhanced pedestrian crosswalks at Calle Real and Kingston Avenue and at Hollister Avenue and Chapel Street to ensure pedestrian and bicyclist safety and safe routes to school

Public Works projects on the horizon include:

  • LED Street Lighting Project will replace more than 1,300 old streetlights with new energy efficient LED lights making it better for the environment, providing clearer lighting, and saving the City money
  • Hollister Avenue Interim Striping Project will improve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety in the corridor, and increase outdoor business and dining space
  • Hollister Avenue Bridge Project will replace the existing bridge and complete the channel widening south of the bridge thereby allowing greater flood water conveyance capacity
  • Ekwill and Fowler Road Extensions Project will construct major improvements which will greatly enhance circulation in Old Town for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians
  • Four-million-dollar paving project for various citywide roadways including segments of Cathedral Oaks Road
  • New signalized crosswalk on Calle Real near Encina Lane
  • Three enhanced pedestrian crossings on Cathedral Oaks Road
  • Design for the 20-million-dollar San Jose Creek Bike Path Project

Thank you, Goleta Public Works, for your hard work and dedication and for your ability to adjust to continue serving the community safely during the pandemic.

Pictured: Anthony Lopez, Public Works Maintenance Worker, out in the field installing a new stop sign in Old Town and street striping “STOP” on the ground.

Make Goleta Count Video Takes Home Gold Telly

The City of Goleta is pleased to have learned that the Make Goleta Count census video won a prestigious Gold Telly Award. The gold trophy was given to TV Santa Barbara, the region’s community media access center that operates channels 17 and 71, for the production of the video. The City of Goleta had a 76% Census completion rate, the highest completion percentage in Santa Barbara County. Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards are the premier award honoring outstanding content for television and cable, digital and streaming, and non-broadcast distribution. The Make Goleta Count! video can be watched online here.

“It’s a great honor for TV Santa Barbara to be recognized for excellence in video, especially during a year where video storytelling was more important than ever and we had to navigate around so many production challenges,” said Erik Davis, Executive Director of TVSB. “We are thrilled with all the awards, but the Gold award is especially meaningful because of importance of the 2020 Census and the incredible results achieved by the City of Goleta.”

City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “We were so pleased with how the Make Goleta Count commercial turned out and are not surprised it took home the Gold Telly Award. TV Santa Barbara really captured the heart and soul of our community in this video and we are so proud of it.”

Learn more about TV Santa Barbara at www.tvsb.tv.

Images below from the City’s “Make Goleta Count” video

NZO Wins Hard Won Victory Award

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce that it received the “Hard Won Victory” award from the American Planning Association’s Central Coast Section for our New Zoning Ordinance (NZO) which was adopted by City Council on February 18, 2020.

The prestigious Hard Won Victory award recognizes the positive effect of hard won victories by professional planners, citizen planners, or both working together under difficult, challenging, or adverse conditions. The NZO received this award because the City established its own rules for development that the public has long sought.

Anne Wells, Advance Planning Manager, said, “Adopting the New Zoning Ordinance was a milestone for the City. It was a culmination of years of hard work and community input, and we are honored to have received the ‘Hard Won Victory’ award.”          

The City’s New Zoning Ordinance (NZO) replaced the City’s existing zoning regulations, which were inherited from the County at the time of incorporation, and did not reflect the City’s General Plan, which governs land use and physical development within the City and establishes policy direction for the City’s growth. The NZO revised citywide zoning regulations to implement the General Plan, updates development and design standards and permitting procedures, and helps realize the community’s vision for the future – a safe, beautiful, vibrant and livable community with a robust local economy and a sustainable relationship with the environment.

Key personnel involved from the City of Goleta included Peter Imhof, Anne Wells, Andy Newkirk and J. Ritterbeck.


Photo of City Council and City staff celebrating the adoption of the NZO at the February 18, 2020, City Council meeting.