Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Ellwood Mesa Turns 20

More than 300 Ellwood Mesa Enthusiasts Gathered for Joyous Occasion

There was something for everyone at the memorable 20-year Anniversary for the Sperling Preserve at Ellwood Mesa held this past Saturday, May 17, 2025. More than 300 people turned out throughout the day to celebrate this moment in Goleta’s history, pay tribute to this special place, and enjoy all it has to offer. From start to finish, every moment was filled with meaning and thoughtfulness. See for yourself by watching this short video recap, narrated by City of Goleta’s Parks & Open Space Manager George Thomson. You can also view a photo album of this special event at https://ellwoodfriends.org/.

Chuck Flacks, representing the City of Goleta and Ellwood Friends, said it was a beautiful event. “We are so pleased with the great turnout and vibrant spirit of Ellwood Mesa’s 20th Anniversary celebration. The day was a powerful display of the community’s role in the past preservation and ongoing stewardship of Ellwood Mesa, filled with gratitude, pride, and hope for its future.”

The day started at 8:30 a.m. with a non-competitive community fun run through the eucalyptus forest, across the mesa, and along the bluffs where high clouds topped a stunning view of the Channel Islands. 

Next, at 11:00 a.m. attendees gathered at Ellwood Elementary School for a moving tribute ceremony honoring Ellwood’s past, present and future. A string of powerful speakers took turns telling the inspiring story of the community effort to protect Elwood Mesa as open space, to underscore the work happening now and motivate action for the future.

Linda Krop, Chief Counsel of the Environmental Defense Center (EDC), gave a brief overview of the timeline. Krop was a new staff attorney at the EDC in 1989 when local residents were trying to stop a massive housing development project at Ellwood. She said, “It’s important to know that the community is what saved Ellwood. It was the community that fought, even when we didn’t have the support of the County or the courts… It is a reminder that we need to be persistent, we can’t give up hope.”

George Thomson, Goleta’s Parks and Open Space Manager, said, “This is not an ordinary place. Ellwood Mesa is sacred, it’s wild, it’s resilient, and it’s ours. Not to own, but to honor. Not to use, but to protect, to steward.” He thanked those whose efforts brought us this far, and called for the community to step up, again, to help the City meet its lofty goals for restoration. “Stewardship is not about doing everything, it’s about doing something, consistently, lovingly, and together. It’s meeting your neighbors, it’s about showing up on Saturday mornings to collect native seeds, to plant a new tree that will live for 200 years and create a winter sanctuary for our beloved monarch butterflies.”

Charlie Palmer and Nayari Uribe Diaz, youth leaders with the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade have been working Saturday mornings at Ellwood. They are part of the next generation of stewards. Uribe Diaz said, “Having hope is important, because without hope, there is no motivation and without motivation, there is no action, and action is what makes change happen. I have hope for Ellwood’s future because I’ve seen the community and how it supports and surrounds Ellwood.”

Palmer said, “There’s no substitute for being able to see the tangible results of the work that you did with your hands, making the world a more beautiful place.”

Mayor Pro-Tempore Stuart Kasdin thanked the numerous organizations and individuals who were instrumental in the preservation effort. He said, “There was no reason, no inevitability, no certainty that the Elwood Mesa was going to be preserved. Yet some people, average people, ordinary people and yet exceptional people, stepped in to make it happen.”

Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann asked attendees to reflect on their contributions to Ellwood’s story. She said, “Way back then, did you write a letter, make a call, speak at a meeting? Bring your kids here, hoping they grow up loving this land? Do you stop to notice a bloom, a monarch, a hummingbird nest, and act just because you love this place? If so, this moment, this celebration, this day, is for you.”

Following the tribute, there was a celebration complete with activities for all ages at Ellwood Mesa. Partners displayed information and activities, and a walk down the trail revealed a series of signs describing the history of the 230-acre preserve. There was much to do and see at different locations: a bike ride along the bluffs, a guided bird walk through trees, music, poetry and plein aire painting at the edge of the forest, kite-flying, a scavenger hunt, bubbles, fire safety, and more. The mood was festive and friendly, sustained by a shared appreciation for this special place.

Learn more about Ellwood Mesa and how you can get involved at CityofGoleta.org/Ellwood.

Enormous thanks to over 40 volunteers and the following sponsors and partners who made this event possible: ​​​​Appfolio, Art From Scrap, Backbone Storytelling, Community Arts Music Association of Santa Barbara, Draughtsman Aleworks, Dune Coffee, eji event co., Elizabeth Weber, Ellwood Elementary School, Ellwood Friends, Environmental Defense Center, Gail Osherenko & Oran Young, Greg McPhee, Hall’s Culligan Water, Kevin Gleason Fine Art, LegacyWorks Group, Mo’s To-Go, MOVE Santa Barbara County, NatureTrack (Freedom Tracks), Patricia Bragg Foundation, Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council, Santa Barbara Foundation, Santa Barbara Half Marathon, Santa Barbara Poets, Santa Barbara Zoo, Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, The Skunk Corner, Wilderness Youth Project, Yardi Systems, Inc.

Photos from the event:

Pictured above: Goleta City Council (pictured left-to-right): Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3), Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin
(District 4) and Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2)


Neighbors and friends gather at Tribute to remember Ellwood’s history and inspire its future


Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann speaking at the Tribute


Linda Krop (center) from the Environmental Defense Center with SB Bucket Brigade Youth Nayari Uribe Diaz and Charlie Palmer 


A few of the volunteers who made this event possible; A big thank you to ALL volunteers


Artist Kevin Gleason painting in the Grove


Guitarist Joey Malvinni playing at the Ellwood 20-Year Celebration


Kids enjoying bubbles

High Fire Season is Here

High Fire Season is underway. A press conference announcement with multiple first responder agencies was held on June 2, 2025.

With the onset of High Fire Season, Santa Barbara County (SBC) Fire will suspend all burn permits issued for residential burning and hazard reduction. Simultaneously, the department will increase the deployment of resources to respond to vegetation fires as needed throughout the county.

During the High Fire Season, it is critical for residents, workers, and visitors to exercise increased caution and prioritize fire safety at all times. SBC Fire emphasizes the following key public safety measures:

Vegetation Management: Create Defensible Space

Property owners are urged to maintain defensible space by creating three key zones around homes and structures:

  • Zone 0 (0–5 feet): Remove all combustible materials—leaves, mulch, wood piles, and other fuels—immediately around the home. Use non-combustible landscaping materials in this area when possible.
  • Zone 1 (5–30 feet): Keep grass mowed to 4 inches or less, remove dead plants and vegetation, and maintain space between trees and shrubs.
  • Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Thin or remove excess vegetation, prune tree limbs up 6–10 feet from the ground, and reduce plant density to slow fire spread.
  • Access Zones: Maintain vegetation clearance along driveways and private roads to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles. Trim overhanging branches to at least 13.5 feet above roadways and maintain at least 10 feet of horizontal clearance.

Maintaining these zones not only increases survivability during a wildfire but also improves firefighter safety and access.

Home Hardening: Strengthen Your Structure

Flying embers can destroy homes up to a mile from the actual fire. Making small upgrades can significantly reduce your home’s risk.

  • Install metal mesh screens (1/8-inch) on attic and crawl space vents
  • Replace wood shake roofs with Class A fire-rated roofing
  • Cover chimneys with spark arresters
  • Use dual-pane, tempered glass windows
  • Remove combustible fencing connected to structures

Prepare and Act Early

This three-step program helps residents understand what to do before, during, and after wildfire threats:

  • Ready: Prepare your home and property before fire season by creating defensible space, hardening your home, and assembling an emergency kit.
  • Set: Stay alert, know your evacuation zone, and be prepared to evacuate quickly if wildfire conditions worsen.
  • Go: Evacuate early when told—don’t wait until the last minute. If you feel unsafe or conditions worsen, leave Never wait for official orders—early evacuation keeps you safe and allows firefighters to operate without added rescue risks.

More information is available in English and Spanish at: https://sbcfire.com/ready-set-go.

Protect Against Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke and ash contain small particles that can harm the lungs and heart. The best protection is to stay indoors, ideally in a well-sealed “clean air room” with a HEPA air purifier.

The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) provides the following resources:

SBC Fire urges all Santa Barbara County residents to remain proactive and engaged in fire prevention efforts throughout the High Fire Season. With community awareness and cooperation, we can collectively help reduce wildfire risk and enhance public safety.

The public is also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at https://readysbc.org.

To download your wildfire preparation checklist and learn how to protect your home before fire season intensifies visit sbcfire.com/ready-set-go.

Pictured: Photo from June 2, 2025, press conference

Bicycle & Motorcycle Safety Month

The Goleta Police Department is encouraging everyone to be alert to keep bicyclists and motorcyclists safe. With the arrival of warmer weather, more people are using their bikes and motorcycles for commuting, exercise or recreation, making it essential for all people to look out for one another and save lives.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,105 people killed while riding a bike in 2022, and an estimated 46,195 bicyclists were injured. Also according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2022, representing 15 percent of total highway fatalities for that year. In California, 634 motorcyclists were killed in 2022, an increase of 3.8 percent from 2021.

To help keep people biking or walking safe, the Goleta Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operations throughout the month focused on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield right of way and stop sign/red light running.

The Goleta Police Department has the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers:

Drivers

  • Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
  • Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
  • Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.
  • Never drive distracted or impaired.

Bike Riders

  • Use lights at night.
  • Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
  • Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections

To help protect motorcycles, the Goleta Police Departments wants you to keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

  • Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
  • Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
  • If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists

  • Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
  • Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
  • Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
  • Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Funding for both programs is provided by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office provides police services for the City of Goleta.

Sponsors STILL Needed to Help Fund 4th of July Drone Show

City Aims to Finalize Funding by May 15th

The City of Goleta is still seeking funding partners to pilot a free community 4th of July Drone Light Show at Dos Pueblos High School (7266 Alameda Avenue). With Independence Day just TWO months away, the City is hoping more sponsors will step up and help fund the remaining costs to put on this first-time event, including security, audio/visual, custodial services, and entertainment.

All donations made in support of this free community event may be considered a charitable contribution to the City of Goleta and may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The City aims to have all funding in place by May 15th.  If your business or organization is interested in supporting the drone show, do not hesitate and please email pio@cityofgoleta.org.

Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “We are so appreciative of the generous community partners who have already jumped in to get this drone show off the ground.  While individual community members have offered to give to this event, we are looking for larger donations due to the short time period needed to fund the event this first year.”

Sponsors so far include the Santa Barbara Unified School District, Yardi Systems, Teledyne FLIR, Deckers, Goleta Valley Historical Society, MarBorg, Community West Bank, Santa Barbara Air Bus, Cottage Health, and Fuel Depot and Point Market. Who can we add to this list?

While planning is still in the works, doors will open at 6:00 p.m. at the Dos Pueblos High School stadium. There will be food trucks, DJ Darla Bea playing, a dance floor, a stage, and potentially more fun activities for all ages. The drone show will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. While the choreographed, animated light show will be potentially visible to the surrounding community from up to ten miles away, the best viewing experience will be inside the stadium. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Whether the drone show becomes an annual Goleta tradition will depend on how well it is received and the level of community support.

If your business or organization is interested in supporting the drone show, do not hesitate and please email pio@cityofgoleta.org.

Take Survey on the Future of Goleta’s Butterfly Docent Program

Complete Short On-line Survey by June 1st

The City of Goleta and community partner Ellwood Friends is requesting your input to help shape the future of the monarch butterfly docent program. Since its inception, the docent program has introduced thousands of school groups and visitors to the monarch butterflies of Ellwood Mesa. The docent program was paused for several years as the City addressed public safety and habitat restoration in the Goleta Butterfly Grove. Now is a timely opportunity for residents to provide feedback on how this program can be revitalized, ensuring it meets the community’s interests and benefits the butterfly habitat. Please take a moment to complete this short online survey by June 1st. Click here to share your thoughts on the docent program.

George Thomson, Parks and Open Space Manager for the City said, “Goleta is undertaking the largest monarch habitat restoration project in California, if not the United States. The revitalized docent program will help connect that work with the public—through education, engagement, and hands-on stewardship. The docent program is a great opportunity for people who care about monarchs to get involved.”

An input session was held on April 30th at the Goleta Community Center where thoughtful ideas were captured. The session was attended by both community members learning about the program for the first time as well as longtime docents. The session was facilitated by Carrie Kappel of LegacyWorks, who also created a live graphic recording to capture the community’s input.

Take the survey at https://tinyurl.com/zx32pft6.

For questions about the docent program, contact Leonel Mendoza-Diaz at lmendoza-diaz@cityofgoleta.org.

Photos from April 30 input session:


Breakout session


George Thomson speaking to the group

City Clerks Week

Group to Be Recognized at May 6th Goleta City Council Meeting

The work performed by a City Clerks Division is unlike any other job in the United States, which is why we hope you will join us in recognizing our terrific City Clerks group during Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 4 – 10, 2025.) There are many ways you can show your appreciation. Join us for the Goleta City Council meeting on May 6th at 5:30 p.m. and show your support when the Mayor presents the group with a Proclamation recognizing Municipal Clerks Week. You can also take a moment and send an email of gratitude to cityclerksgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Our City Clerks Team is the really the glue that keeps our City running smoothly. I am continually amazed at the work demonstrated by our talented team each day. Please take a moment to thank them for all they do.”  

Goleta’s City Clerk Division is comprised of 22-year veteran City Clerk Deborah Lopez, Deputy City Clerk David Cutaia, Planning Commission Clerk Nicholas Norman and Management Analyst Blake Markum.

Here are just some of the City Clerks Division responsibilities:               

  • The group serves as a liaison to the general public and within the municipal government.
  • The Division is also the Historian of the Records, taking care of the recorded history of the City. This includes maintaining a complete and accurate record of City Council proceedings and official City files as well as overseeing all ordinances, resolutions, proclamations, written contracts, official bonds and public records requests.
  • The Division is also responsible for overseeing the City’s seven Council-appointed Boards and Commissions. The Division also oversees 11 Committees.
  • The Division serves as the election official for the City of Goleta and oversaw the process for the City’s historic move to District Elections in 2022. Learn more about the City Clerk Division go to cityofgoleta.org/your-city/city-clerk.

Thank you, Goleta City Clerks Team, for your professionalism and dedication to our community.

Pictured above City Clerk Team (left-to-right: Planning Commission Clerk Nicholas Norman, City Clerk Deborah Lopez, Deputy City Clerk David Cutaia, and Management Analyst Blake Markum)

Countywide Test of the ReadySBC Alerts System

Happening May 15 at 10am – Sign Up Now to Receive Alerts

The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management will conduct a test of the County’s ReadySBC Alerts emergency notification system across all of Santa Barbara County on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 10 a.m. The purpose of the test is to verify that community members who have registered for ReadySBC Alerts receive them without issue. Community members that live and work in Santa Barbara County are encouraged to register or sign in to their ReadySBC Alerts account to update contact information.

In order to receive the test alert, YOU MUST BE REGISTERED FOR ALERTS at ReadySBC.org.

“Registrations for the ReadySBC Alerts system have seen a slight increase over time, however we still have a very long way to go,” shared Director for the Office of Emergency Management Kelly Hubbard. “Ensuring every community member is registered for these alerts can be a lifesaving step that every person can take today.”

Upon receiving the bilingual (English/Spanish) test alert on Thursday, May 15, community members will be prompted to confirm receipt of the message. Unless someone acknowledges receipt upon receiving the first alert, the system will continue alerting through each registration method until the recipient confirms or the system reaches the last method provided by the individual. Residents are encouraged to acknowledge receipt at any time in the process. No emergency action is required.

Community members are advised to save the ReadySBC Alerts phone number and text message number to their phone’s contacts under the name “ReadySBC Alerts.” Doing so will make it immediately clear that they are receiving an emergency message from ReadySBC Alerts when the call or text message comes in.

  • Phone number: 805-979-2040
  • Text message: 88911

About ReadySBC Alerts

Public safety agencies across Santa Barbara County utilize the ReadySBC Alerts system to inform the public of emergencies and any necessary protective actions, such as evacuations and sheltering in place. Registering for this system is critical to receiving life-safety information when it matters most. Community members may register to receive alerts for up to five addresses within Santa Barbara County. Those five addresses might include one’s home address, work address, their child’s school address, or addresses of vulnerable loved ones who may need help during an emergency.

At least one contact method and one physical address are required to sign up for ReadySBC Alerts. Community members may register several contact methods and prioritize them in the order they prefer to be reached:

  • Text Message
  • Calls to cell phones and landlines
  • Email
  • TTY/TDD for the deaf and hard-of-hearing

Community members that registered for “Aware and Prepare” alerts in the past do not have to re-register for ReadySBC Alerts and can log in to their accounts using the same username. However, everyone is highly encouraged to log in before the May 15 test and update their contact information.

County Call Center Open on May 15, 2025
The Santa Barbara County Call Center will be open starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 15 and can be reached by calling 1-833-688-5551. The Call Center will be open to take calls from community members with questions or issues relating to the test alert.

Nearly 80,000 people are registered for ReadySBC Alerts in Santa Barbara County (approximately 18%), with the majority of registrants located in south county. This will be the first countywide test of the ReadySBC Alerts system since it was first implemented in 2016.

REGISTER TO RECEIVE ReadySBC ALERTS: If you haven’t registered for emergency alerts, register now at ReadySBC.org. Receive local emergency alerts via text, phone call, and email.

Goleta Crime Stats – 2024

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has released the 2024 crime statistics for the communities it serves. Throughout the year, the Sheriff’s Office compiles information about crimes occurring within the areas served by our agency: the County’s unincorporated areas and the Contract Cities of Goleta, Carpinteria, Solvang and Buellton. For the purposes of tracking, reports are broken down into two major categories: Part 1 crimes, which are the most serious in nature, and Part 2 crimes, which include a number of lesser criminal offenses and some juvenile status offenses. Offense definitions can be found here.

In Goleta, crime statistics from 2023 to 2024 indicate an increase in overall crime. Reported Part 1 crimes increased from 533 incidents in 2023 to 602 in 2024, a 13% increase.

Violent crimes saw an increase, rising from 56 incidents in 2023 to 64 in 2024, a 14% increase. This includes a slight increase in aggravated assaults, which went from 37 incidents in 2023 to 44 in 2024, and in robberies, which increased from 12 to 15.

Property crimes also showed a slight increase, with totals rising from 477 incidents in 2023 to 538 in 2024, an increase of 13%. This category includes a decrease in motor vehicle thefts from 46 incidents in 2023 to 31 in 2024.

Read the full press release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office here.

One Hundred Happy Tails Adoption Event

Fees waived 100% through partnership with Bissell Pet Foundation

Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) is thrilled to announce its participation in the national Empty the Shelters campaign, sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation, with a local twist: One Hundred Happy Tails.

SBCAS will be waiving 100% of adoption fees through May 15, 2025, at all three shelter locations—Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc—with a goal of finding 100 pets loving new homes. Thanks to the generous support of BISSELL Pet Foundation, adoption fees for cats, rabbits, and dogs will be fully covered.

“There’s no better time to open your heart and home to a new best friend,” said Sarah Aguilar, Animal Services Director. “Through the Empty the Shelters campaign and the generosity of BISSELL Pet Foundation, we’re making it easier than ever for families to adopt. Every adoption during this event helps us save more lives and create one hundred new happy stories.”

All pets adopted during the promotion will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. While adoption fees are covered, a license fee may be applicable and donations to support shelter animals are strongly encouraged to help SBCAS continue providing lifesaving care to thousands of pets each year.

Interested adopters can visit any of SBCAS’s three locations during open hours or view available pets online at www.sbcanimalservices.org.

Help us celebrate One Hundred Happy Tails and be part of something truly transformational this spring!

Mental Health Awareness Month

Lighting Up Green, Practicing Self-Care, and Building Connection for Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness invites all community members to Turn Awareness into Action. Throughout May, residents, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to take intentional steps toward supporting mental health — through self-care, connection with others, and by joining the county-wide effort to Light Up Green.

Lighting buildings green — the official color for mental health awareness — serves as a powerful, visible reminder that no one is alone in facing mental health challenges. This simple act, paired with everyday steps like pausing for self-care and reaching out to others, helps build a stronger, more connected Santa Barbara County.

Ways to Take-Action This May

Light Up Green:  From May 1–31, dozens of buildings across Santa Barbara County will shine green to show support. We invite you to visit, take photos, and share the message of hope! A full list of locations is available here.

Send Your Photos: Capture and share photos of green-lit buildings! Tag #LightUpGreenSBC on social media and/or email photos to Suzanne Grimmesey at suzkirk@sbcbwell.org to be featured on the County’s social media and community highlights.

Practice Self-Care Daily:

  • Start each day with a self-check: How am I really feeling?
  • Take breaks from screens and step outside.
  • Practice deep breathing — just 60 seconds can lower stress.
  • End your day by reflecting on one thing you are grateful for.

Strengthen Connections:

Meaningful relationships protect mental health.

  • Reach out to someone today — even a few minutes of true connection can make a difference.
  • Watch Simon Sinek’s powerful short reflection on Ted Talk – on noticing when someone needs support. Watch here.

Join the Board of Supervisors Proclamation: Attend the May 6, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting to formally recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Explore Mental Health Month Activities: Discover free events and activities taking place across the county. View the full calendar here.

See the full list of local buildings lighting up here. Visit these locations throughout May and share your photos using #LightUpGreenSBC. See the National Mental Health America Press Release listing all buildings, here.

Remember: You Are Not Alone.  If you or someone you know needs support, help is available 24/7.  Call the Behavioral Wellness Crisis Response and Services Access Line at (888) 868-1649.

Looking for more ways to take-action? Check out the Mental Health America 2025 Planning Guide for more ideas for individuals, schools, and organizations.