Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Help Design a Community Garden & Splash Pad!

We are excited to bring Goleta residents the City’s first community garden at Armitos Park and install a splash pad at the Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park! The Goleta Water District has lifted its stage II and III water restrictions, so the City can begin the design phase of a splash pad. The splash pad will use potable water that is recycled and sanitized through a closed loop system. Water will not be running unless people are playing in the splash pad.

We want input from the community on the design of both park projects. Do you want a raised or flat garden bed in the community garden? Should the water for the splash pad come from below or above? Is there anything else you want to see at Armitos Park or Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park? Two community meetings were held at the end of May to gather input, and we have an upcoming meeting on Wednesday, June 19, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive, Suite B). Snacks will be provided, but everyone is encouraged to bring a lunch to eat during the meeting.

We will be working with a design firm on these projects, and will hold additional meetings for the community to give input on the initial design later this summer. Stay tuned for more details and sign up here to have information emailed directly to you. For questions, contact JoAnne Plummer, Parks & Recreation Manager, at jplummer@cityofgoleta.org or 805-562-5505.

City Awarded $3.9 Million in Funding for the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

On May 16, 2019, the Coastal Conservancy approved $3.9 million in funding (previously authorized for expenditure during adoption of the State budget) to the City of Goleta for implementation of the Ellwood Mesa Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (MBHMP). As noted in the May issue of the Monarch Press, the MBHMP was approved by City Council on March 19, 2019. Growing concern over the drought-stressed and dying eucalyptus trees in the butterfly groves led to the finalization of the MBHMP. The MBHMP identifies how the City will preserve, restore, and enhance the monarch butterfly overwintering habitat. It also includes enhancement of other wildlife habitats, education and outreach, trail improvements, signage, monitoring, and research.

The funds administered by the Coastal Conservancy allow the City to begin implementing the MBHMP and help restore the ecosystem on the Ellwood Mesa. This will not only support the monarch butterfly population, but other vulnerable plant and animal species as well. Key components include:

  • Expedite the completion of the MBHMP Implementation Plan and necessary permitting.
  • Remove and replace dead trees to optimize butterfly habitat value and increase human safety along trails and observation sites.
  • Identify and reduce potential impacts to monarch butterfly habitat including pest infestations, trash and debris, and other threats that may arise over time.
  • Support implementation of Goleta’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan in the buffer zone between the open space and adjacent housing.
  • Design, construct, and install an interpretive signage program that is sensitive to the environment.
  • Improve and maintain public recreational features such as trails, trail markers, and benches.
  • Expand the docent program.

The City will begin work on the MBHMP implementation plan as soon as necessary permits are obtained, which is anticipated to be by September. Restoration work will continue incrementally over the next few years.

Fire is Everyone’s Fight: Vehicle Fire Safety

Each month we have been talking about fire safety. This month features vehicle fire safety. The U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association share that vehicle fires attributed to nearly one out of seven fires; one in 10.5 fire deaths; an estimated 300 civilian deaths and 1,250 injuries annually; and four percent of fire-related firefighter injuries each year. Learn more here.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cars can catch fire for many reasons, with mechanical or electrical issues being the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash, although most crashes do not result in a fire. If you see smoke or flames, or smell burning rubber or plastic, take action. Here are steps you should follow if your car catches on fire:

  • Pull over as quickly as you can when it is safe.
  • Once you have stopped, turn off the engine.
  • Get everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car. Do not try to fight the fire yourself.
  • If you think there is a fire under the hood or trunk, do not open it. This could cause the fire to grow.
  • Move everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic.
  • Call 911.

Get more fire safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration at www.usfa.fema.gov.

Stop the Bleeding with an Advanced CERT Class

Have you completed the City’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training? Then take the Advanced Bleeding Control class being offered by Safety Matters Certified Training on Thursday, May 23, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). This is a hands-on class and the cost to attend is $10 per student.

The Advanced Bleeding Control class is designed to teach participants how to stop the bleeding, with detailed instruction on the control of severe external bleeding, including the use of direct pressure, commercial pressure bandages, tourniquets and packed dressings.

No matter how rapid the arrival of professional emergency responders, bystanders will always be first on the scene.  A person who is bleeding can die from blood loss within five minutes, which is why it’s so important to stop it quickly. Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death from trauma.

Learn if this program is right for you and register here.

Easy Ways for Businesses to go Green

Are you interested in becoming a Certified Green Business or in the process of certification? The California Green Business Network (CAGBN), in partnership with the California Environmental Protection Agency, has rebates available to assist businesses with the updates and upgrades that are required to become a Certified Green Business. Up to $500 per business is available on first-come first-served basis, until the available funds are spent. The rebates can be used to cover the cost of expenses such as low-flow water fixtures, recycled paper, reusable utensils and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Following are the rebate requirements:

  • Business will be reimbursed for a material expense or service expense. Copies of receipts must be provided.
  • Expense must be a cost incurred that leads directly to a measure required for certification being completed. The measure must be on the business’ CAGBN checklist.
  • Business must achieve the Participant Level, or higher, to be reimbursed for expense.
  • The expense must be verified by a local Green Business Program Coordinator.
  • There are a limited number of rebates. They are first-come, first-served. Check with your coordinator to make sure there are funds available before incurring the expense.

For more information on the rebate program, email coordinator@greenbizsbc.org. To become a Certified Green Business, visit www.GreenBizSBC.org.

Businesses can also make themselves greener with Southern California Edison’s Direct Install program. The program offers long-term savings to qualifying businesses by providing no- or low-cost energy efficient products, including installation. In late May, Southern California Edison will be auditing small businesses who want to make their lighting more energy efficient. If interested, call (909) 942-8496 or email michele.myersheard@sce.com. Audits for eligibility will take place in mid-late May, and installations will take place in early summer. Learn more about the SCE Direct Install program here. Read Southern California Edison’s announcement of the program here.

Emergency Preparedness Fair

Prepare yourself for the next emergency. Attend a free family-friendly Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sunday, May 19, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) hosted by local organizations. This is a great opportunity for families, individuals, and anyone else who wants to learn about disaster resources and safety procedures. Participants will walk away with an emergency plan, information on what items to include in an emergency kit, radio station information, a bag of fresh and healthy produce, how and when to call 911, and essential trainings like CPR and First Aid. Click here for the flyer and RSVP information.

*Updated 5/10/19

Parking Tips from the City’s Sergeant Maxwell

This month, Sergeant John Maxwell, head of the City of Goleta’s Motor Traffic Unit, is sharing parking tips. Even though we may see a space large enough to fit a car or truck, it does not mean it is a legal parking space. California law puts restrictions on certain locations to enhance public safety and to provide easier access for emergency services.

The following is a brief list of parking violations commonly encountered by City of Goleta Parking Enforcement:

  • Parking within 15 feet of a Fire Hydrant:
    The California Vehicle Code prohibits parking a vehicle within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant, whether or not the curb is painted red. The purpose of this law is to allow the Fire Department access to the hydrant in the event of an emergency. The only exception to this law is if a licensed driver is sitting in the front seat and is able to immediately move the vehicle if needed.
  • Blocking Wheelchair Access:
    The California Vehicle Code also prohibits parking a vehicle blocking any portion of a curb that has been cut down, lowered, or built to provide wheelchair accessibility to the sidewalk. These areas are typically located on corners, but be watchful as they can also be present wherever the need to provide wheelchair accessibility has been established. Also note that, unlike fire hydrants, there is no exception to this law, even if a driver is in the vehicle.
  • Red Curbs:
    We all know that it is unlawful to park along a red curb. The Goleta Police Department’s Traffic Unit would like to remind all motorists that this includes any portion of your vehicle that may extend into the red curb. When parking, be sure to take an extra moment to ensure your vehicle is not in a red zone in any way to avoid the cost and inconvenience of a parking citation.

The Goleta Police Department is committed to working with our community to keep our roads safe for everyone. If you observe a parking violation that you believe needs to be addressed quickly, please call (805) 683-2724 to notify a Deputy or Parking Enforcement Officer. To report an ongoing parking issue that concerns you, please click here to complete a Citizen Service Request.

New! Library of Things

Public libraries used to loan out more than books and movies. Back in the 1960’s and 70’s, you could check out things like artwork and fishing poles! The Goleta Valley Library is bringing back the idea of loaning out non-traditional items. Goleta’s ‘Library of Things’ launched in April 2019, and the following items are available for patrons:

  • Virtual reality goggles
  • Robots for kids to learn coding
  • Portable record player
  • Machine for transferring videocassette information onto DVDs
  • Machine for transferring audiocassette information onto USB drives
  • Binoculars
  • Portable disc drives for your laptop or computer
  • UV flashlight
  • Cake pans
  • Games

Head over to the Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue) today to check something out from the new Library of Things! Stay up-to-date on what’s happening at the Library by visiting the website (www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org) or following us on Facebook (@GoletaValleyLibrary). You can also subscribe here for the Library’s e-newsletter, The Reading Corner.

 

Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Cruises to Another Award

We are excited to share that the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (BPMP) has won another award! The BPMP is the proud recipient of the American Planning Association Central Coast Chapter’s Award of Excellence. The award is given to projects that exemplify outstanding achievement in the planning field. Earlier this year the BPMP also won the 2018-19 Project of the Year in the Special Studies <$2 million category by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Central Coast Chapter.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was developed over a two year period with input from the community, project consultant, Technical Advisory Committee, City Commissions and Council. The BPMP was adopted by City Council on October 16, 2018.

The BPMP will guide Goleta’s biking and walking future and make it easier to bike and walk around town by encouraging the development of an integrated bicycle and pedestrian system throughout the City of Goleta with connections to other regional bike systems. The BPMP also promotes public health by encouraging more people to bike and walk, reducing automobile usage and fuel consumption, and promoting transportation equity.

The BPMP outlines a broad range of improvements within public rights-of-way that will be developed and constructed when Council directs project funding and prioritization. These improvements will occur over the next ten to twenty years and coordinate with the existing Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The BPMP is also considered a “living document” that Council can update as needed in future years when new programs and projects are identified.

It Starts with Public Works

National Public Works Week is May 19-25 and City of Goleta Public Works staff will be at the Camino Real Marketplace (7004 Market Place Drive) for a community event on Thursday, May 23, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. This year’s theme, “It Starts Here,” represents the efforts put forth by public works professionals to keep our communities going. Infrastructure, growth and innovation, mobility, security and healthy communities all start with public works.

Join us for our annual community event to interact with City staff and have your questions answered on projects happening throughout Goleta. There will be equipment demonstrations, games, prizes and balloons for kids, educational materials for school age children, and light refreshments.

The City of Goleta’s Public Works department works hard year-round to improve the quality of life for those who live, work and play in Goleta. Current projects include: repaving portions of Cathedral Oaks Road, the addition of a sidewalk on Fairview Avenue between the Goleta Valley Library and Fairview Gardens, the San Jose Creek Bike Path Project, the Old Town Sidewalks Project, and the award-winning Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan which will make it easier to bike and walk around town. 

Click here to learn more about the City’s Public Works Department, and we hope to see you on May 23!