Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Virtual Volunteers Needed at Library

Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries are currently accepting applications for teens and adults eager to get involved in their community by volunteering virtually at the library.

Teens can earn community service hours or volunteer just for fun by completing online book reviews or contributing to the Teen Graphic Novel Club. Book Reviews are posted on the Book Reviews by Teens page of our website, so you’ll get to see your review in print and read other teens’ reviews to help you find your next favorite book! Members of the Teen Graphic Novel Club have the option to volunteer by contributing to the club blog, acting as a discussion leader during meetings, creating marketing such as flyers and bookmarks, or writing book reviews on each month’s picks. For more information, contact Teen Graphic Novel Club coordinator Alex Whelan at AWhelan@cityofgoleta.org.  Visit our Teen Volunteer Opportunities webpage for more details on all of our teen volunteer programs and to complete the online Volunteer Application for Minors.

The library is also welcoming applications for adult volunteers who are interested in providing online tutoring to help K-8 students succeed academically through the library’s virtual after-school program. Volunteers will tutor remotely from home and will receive training on using the library’s homework help resources, including BrainFuse HelpNow! and ProQuest Homework Central. Tutoring sessions will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact Supervising Librarian Brent Field at BField@cityofgoleta.org or (805) 690-5137.

“Volunteering is a great way to stay connected and get involved, which is more important than ever in our current times,” says Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “We’re very excited to provide these virtual opportunities to our community!”

Volunteer applications are available at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org. For information on programs and events at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, visit the online calendar.

Britannica School Now Available on the Library Website

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries provide a number of free education and homework help resources for all ages, the newest being free access to Britannica School, a safe, up-to-date, and age-appropriate information resource for Elementary, Middle, and High School. With Britannica School, discover encyclopedia articles, multimedia, primary sources, games, and other learning resources that support student research and reinforce curriculum standards. A Spanish version, Britannica Escolar, is available as well.

There are additional homework resources on the library website as well. Brainfuse HelpNow! offers live tutors every day from 1:00 – 10:00 p.m. for students of all ages. It provides assistance based on academic subject area, including reading, writing, math, science and social studies and includes a user-friendly chat box and a shared whiteboard to work through a variety of assignments. Students even have the ability to upload a paper through the Writing Lab to receive feedback from experts on how to strengthen their essays. For older students, Brainfuse HelpNow! also offers test preparation resources, including practice tests, flashcards, lessons and more for AP tests and the SAT and ACT college entrance exams. ProQuest Homework Central delivers educator-reviewed and approved websites organized around more than 20,000 most-studied topics for students K-12. Students get the ease and freedom of the open web with guaranteed reliability and educational purpose.

Kindergarten – 8th grade students can now request free, online, homework help from knowledgeable tutors thanks to a new program at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries.

Visit the Goleta Valley Library at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org for more resources.

Watch End of the Year Community Video Message

The City of Goleta invites you to watch our End of the Year Community Video Message. In this informative video, we reflect on this incredibly trying past year as a City, provide an update on the City’s finances and share some exciting things to look forward to as a City in 2021. We encourage you to take time out to hear directly from the Mayor, City Councilmembers and City Manager. While we know this is a difficult time, we hope you enjoy watching our video and we wish you a safe and peaceful holiday season.

View the video here in English. It is also available to watch in Spanish here.

Pictured – Top row left to right: Councilmember Roger Aceves, Mayor Paula Perotte, and Councilmember Stuart Kasdin; Bottom row left to right: Councilmember James Kyriaco, City Manager Michelle Greene, and Councilmember Kyle Richards

 

City of Goleta Supports Request to Separate from Southern California Region

The Regional Stay-at-Home Order for the County of Santa Barbara is triggered when the Southern California Region falls below 15% ICU capacity.  Santa Barbara County is included in the Southern California Region. Other Counties in this region include Imperial, Inyo, Mono, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside.

However, on December 8, 2020, the Board of Supervisors from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties issued a letter to state health officials and California Governor Gavin Newsom to request a separate Central Coast Region be created composed of the three counties. The letter requests that the Central Coast Region be allowed to exit the Regional Stay-at-Home Order as a region after three weeks if the ICU capacity in the three counties exceeds 15 percent.

“The letter being sent to state officials is an accurate measure of our regional distinction through both geography and demographics,” stated Gregg Hart, Chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. “We are best positioned to understand the critical needs within our region and have existing partnerships to promote the health and economic well-being of our communities.”

At a Special City Council meeting on December 10, 2020, the Goleta City Council voted to send a letter of support for this effort to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office as well. 

Learn more at https://publichealthsbc.org/feedback-for-creation-of-central-coast-region/ and submit public comment to the County of Santa Barbara at CentralCoastRegionSBC@countyofsb.org.  

New Smart Phone Tool Designed to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

A new digital tool called CA Notify will help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and is now available to smartphone users. Upon its launch, Californians can opt in to receive COVID-19 notifications informing them if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus. CA Notify is a digital tool that protects privacy and security – it does not collect device location to detect exposure and does not share a user’s identity. The tool was developed in partnership with Google and Apple and piloted with the help of the University California, San Diego and the University of California, San Francisco.

Santa Barbara County residents can enable CA Notify in iPhone settings directly (IOS 13.7 or higher), for Android per download of an app, by downloading the CA notify app from the Google Play Store.

When individuals voluntarily activate CA Notify, the tool uses Bluetooth technology to exchange random codes between phones without revealing the user’s identity or location. If a CA Notify user tests positive for COVID-19, they will receive a verification code to plug into the app, if they choose. Any other CA Notify users who have been within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more of the COVID-19 positive individual will get an anonymous notification of possible exposure. CA Notify will accelerate how quickly people get notified of a possible COVID-19 exposure, giving people information they need to make responsible decisions around quarantine and testing. Users who have tested positive for COVID-19 will get a text from the California Department of Public Health at 855-976-8462 with a code which they can enter into CA Notify triggering an alert to phones of people who may have been exposed in the previous 14 days.

“With the increase in positive cases of COVID-19, this tool comes at an ideal time to give community members another way to be informed of potential exposures so that they can take action as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Henning Ansorg, Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Health Officer. “This will allow the community to act quickly to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community.”

CA Notify is completely voluntary and free, and is designed to protect your privacy. It does not use device location to detect exposures and does not share your identity to other users. Individuals can securely report if they test positive, so that others can be notified of exposure without indicating their identity. 

For more information, visit www.CaNotify.ca.gov  and www.Covid19.ca.gov.

Additional Resources for Businesses

The state and federal government are providing broad assistance to small businesses and employers impacted by COVID-19. This includes:

 

Reminder to Goleta Based Businesses: WEV ReStart Loans Still Available

Made possible by the City of Goleta in partnership with Women’s Economic Ventures

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is still accepting applications from Goleta- based businesses for ReStart Loans up to $25,000 each (administered by WEV). In August, the City of Goleta and WEV collaborated to create a loan program to assist Goleta-based businesses during the pandemic. With the extended period of requirements to maintain safe operating conditions and meet tighter State regulations, local businesses may need additional support. Goleta ReStart Loan information and application (in English and Spanish) are available at www.wevonline.org/loans-2/restart/ .

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “The WEV ReStart Loan program will provide immediate funding on favorable terms and WEV’s highly-regarded financial expertise to our small businesses.”

The City of Goleta contributed $200,000 to support the small business loan program. Goleta ReStart Loans from WEV will provide capital to Goleta-based businesses who are now open or eligible to open under the most current government orders (subject to change based on updated orders) related to COVID-19. Loan applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until loan funds have been depleted.

“Business owners consistently say community support is a key factor in sustaining their resolve through the pandemic,” shared WEV CEO Kathy Odell. “Our ReStart Loans will provide the capital necessary to retain employees, modify business practices and acquire new equipment and/or supplies required for safe re-opening. Additionally, ReStart Loan recipients are eligible to receive business advisory services from WEV.”

Mayor Perotte added, “It’s amazing what we can do when great organizations work together to support our small businesses during this unprecedented time of economic upheaval resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The City is proud to partner with Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) on these much-needed financial support programs to assist Goleta small businesses.”

About Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)

Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV provides training, consulting, and loans to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and thrive in business. WEV serves Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. While WEV targets its services toward women, it helps men as well. Services are provided in both English and Spanish.

Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and consulting to more than 17,500 women and men throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV has made over $6 million in business loans and helped more than 5,000 local businesses start or expand. WEV-supported businesses generate more than $300 million in annual sales revenues and have created nearly 9,400 local jobs. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center, and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

City Playgrounds, Skate Park and Fitness Stations Remain Open to the Community

The state of California has determined to keep playgrounds open during the Regional Stay-at-Home Order. Santa Barbara County and the City of Goleta are aligning with this decision. The City’s playgrounds, skate park, and fitness stations reopened on October 9 after being closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We know the community has enjoyed having these outdoor recreational opportunities available to them, and we are pleased that we can continue to keep them open.

It is important that everyone using the facilities follows COVID-19 safety guidelines. Please watch our short video to learn more. The video is also available in Spanish here.

The park facility guidelines put in place in October remain the same:

  • Everyone two years old and older must wear a face covering that goes over their mouth and nose.
  • Maintain physical distance of six feet between individuals from different households and prevent crowding of children.
    • Do not use the playground, skate park, or fitness stations when different households are unable to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet on play structures, swings, and other playground equipment.
  • No food or drink are permitted on the playground, skate park, or fitness stations.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands before and after your visit.
  • Visit a playground at different times or days to avoid crowds and waits (peak hours tend to be weekday afternoons and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
    • To avoid crowding and allow everyone to use this space, please limit your visit to 30 minutes when others are waiting.
  • Elderly individuals and people with underlying medical conditions should avoid playgrounds when others are present.
  • Organized group activities that include people outside of your household are not permitted and should not use the playground.
  • Users of the skate park at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park must comply with all of the new guidelines and the safety guidelines that were in affect prior to COVID-19, which include wearing a helmet and safety pads.
  • Park facilities (playgrounds, skate park, fitness stations) are open during regular park hours: 8:00 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week.

The City’s outdoor recreation facilities will not be supervised, so we are relying on the community to abide by the guidelines above.

Your safety is important to us. Playgrounds and fitness stations will be cleaned three times per week. Please make sure every member of your group washes their hands or uses hand sanitizer before and after each playground visit since it is not possible to clean all playgrounds surfaced between each user. In addition to bringing face coverings with you, it is a good idea to bring hand sanitizer and/or disinfecting wipes.

Thank you for complying with these guidelines in order to keep the facilities open. For questions, please contact Parks & Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer at jplummer@cityofgoleta.org or (805) 562-5505

Pictured: Playground and skate park at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park in Old Town Goleta

Goleta City Council Authorizes $200,000 for Additional COVID-19 Relief

The City of Goleta took additional steps at the December 10, 2020, Special City Council meeting to provide COVID-19 relief in light of the current Regional Stay-at-Home Order (RSAHO) issued by the State of California, which mandated the closure of many businesses and limited the operation of others.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “The City is very concerned about the likely detrimental impacts on our local businesses and residents as a result of the current Regional Stay-at-Home Order that went into effect earlier this week. It is our belief that this funding, combined with working with our talented partner organizations, will help provide immediate assistance during this public health and economic crisis.”

The City’s Director of Neighborhood Services and Public Safety, Vyto Adomaitis, said, “The City continues to move quickly to deal with everchanging conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is another example of that responsiveness which can only be accomplished with determined leadership, dedicated staff, and collaborating with our partners to deliver services and funding to our community.”

The Goleta City Council took the following actions:

  • City Council authorized the City Manager to retain the services of a contract emergency housing and homeless services coordinator to help manage an emergency rental assistance program and work with various homeless service providers to identify housing options for the homeless.
  • Appropriated $200,000 from the General Fund unassigned fund balance to be set aside for immediate COVID-19 relief efforts.
  • Of those funds, $100,000 was allocated to the Santa Barbara Foundation for small business assistance grants, $50,000 was allocated to the United Way of Santa Barbara County for their Low-Income Individual Assistance Program, and $50,000 was earmarked for emergency rental assistance in partnership with the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara. This program will assist tenants who earn up to 80 percent of the area median income with grants up to $5,000 or up to three month’s rent, whichever is less.

The City is also urging the community to support Goleta businesses and restaurants by shopping and dining locally with our #GoodLandGoodShopping and #GoletaToGo campaigns.

Apply Today for a City Board or Commission

The City has a number of different Boards and Commissions for community members serve on. We encourage you to apply today for upcoming vacancies on the Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Public Tree Advisory Commission. It’s a great way to get to know your city and be a part of helping to shape the future of Goleta. Apply here by January 4, 2021. Email CityClerkGroup@cityofgoleta.org for any questions.

The Planning Commission consists of five members who each serve a four-year term. The Planning Commission sits as a decision-making body on land use issues for the City. Their role is to review and take appropriate action on discretionary development applications and to make recommendations to the City Council regarding any proposed legislative actions, including the General Plan and its implementation, as required by law. The Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month starting at 6:00 p.m. Compensation is $100 per meeting. There will be four vacancies (two members will be re-applying, but the application process is open to all). To be eligible, applicants must reside within City limits and be a qualified elector.

Community members with an eye for design may be interested in applying for the Design Review Board (DRB). This seven-member body encourages development that uses the best professional design practices to enhance the visual aesthetics of the community and prevent poor quality of design. Vacancies will be for one (1) Licensed Architect, two (2) At-Large Members (must reside within City Limits), and one (1) at-Large Member. Of the four vacancies, three of the current members will be re-applying, but anyone in the community is invited to apply. Members are appointed to a three-year term. The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m., and the position is compensated $50 per meeting.

Residents who spend time in the City’s parks and open space may be interested in our Parks and Recreation Commission. This seven-member Commission advises the City Council on all issues related to parks and recreational opportunities in Goleta. There will be three vacancies (two current members will be re-applying). All applicants must reside within City limits. The Parks and Recreation Commission meets every two months on the first Wednesday of every even month. Commissioners are compensated at the rate of $50 per meeting.

The Public Tree Advisory Commission provides advice to staff and the City Council in developing plans and goals for the Goleta Urban Forest, represents the interests of the community, and informs the community of the Urban Forestry program as directed by the City Council. There will be two vacancies (two current members will be re-applying). Eligible applicants must live within the City of Goleta. The Commission holds six regular meetings per year, and may hold additional meetings as necessary.

Put your skills to use in the community and apply today!