Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

MTD’s “The Wave” Rolls in to Goleta and Isla Vista

Santa Barbara MTD’s new on-demand microtransit service known as The Wave is now open for business in an area of Goleta and Isla Vista. Microtransit is a flexible, on-demand, curb-to-curb service providing trips between any two points in a specified zone for a flat fare with an accessible van.

Riders order a ride on the TransLoc app, or by calling MTD’s Customer Service Center at 805-963-3366. Much like a rideshare app, the rider will make a ride reservation by selecting their pick-up and drop-off locations within the service zone.

The zone includes an area bounded by Patterson to the east, Cathedral Oaks to the north, Los Carneros to the west, and 101 to the South. The housing and business park areas on either side of Los Carneros south of the freeway are also included. Additionally, specific points at the following locations are available for drop-off or pickup: Goleta Amtrak Station, Santa Barbara Airport, UCSB Bus Loop, Elings Hall stop, Isla Vista Community Center, and the El Colegio & Embarcadero del Mar outbound bus stop. The map of the zone can be found here and below.

The Wave is currently operating Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and rides can be booked in the moment or up to a week in advance. For the month of May, rides are complimentary. The regular one-way fare will be $3, and seniors over 65 and people with disabilities will pay $1.50. Riders can transfer for free to any MTD fixed route bus within an hour and will be provided a transfer by the driver upon request. Payment will be accepted via cash or contactless payment.

Full details and frequently asked questions about The Wave can be found at https://sbmtd.gov/thewave.

Real ID Enforcement Begins May 7

If you are planning to travel by plane in the near future, make sure you have your REAL ID. Beginning May 7, all airline passengers 18 years and older must present a REAL ID at TSA security checkpoints. Other forms of ID, such as a passport, may be acceptable but the process to get through security will take longer.

According to the Santa Barbara Airport, passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.

How do you know if your California driver’s license is a REAL ID? Check for the bear and star icon in the top right corner (photo below).

For information on obtaining a REAL ID from the DMV go to https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/.

City Assist Service Request Categories Streamlined

Watch Brief Demo 

It’s now easier to report a problem or concern online via City Assist. To simplify the process, the City has streamlined and reduced the number of Service Request categories from 37 to 11.  At the April 15th Goleta City Council meeting, City Manager Robert Nisbet gave a brief demonstration of how to use City Assist on the City’s website at CityofGoleta.org.

View the demonstration here: https://youtu.be/MBAHqBUjdDU.

Here is the new condensed list of Service Request Categories:

  • Abandoned Vehicles/Illegal Parking
  • Broken/Fallen Tree Limb/Tree
  • Broken Sidewalks/Potholes
  • Building/Zoning Code Violations: Overgrown Foliage/Public Nuisance/Sub-Standard Property Conditions
  • City Owned Facilities (City Staff Only)
  • Homeless Encampment/Illegal Camping
  • Parks & Open Space
  • Public Records Request
  • Traffic Sign/Signal Issue or Striping/Painted Curb(s)
  • Trash Pickup/Illegal Dumping/Lost Shopping Cart/Graffiti Complaint
  • Ask a Question/Other Request Type Not Shown Above

City Assist is the most efficient way to report a problem or concern to the City. Not only does it provide a method to identify the most common problems and concerns in the community, it also ensures the reporting party receives a timely response and can track the status of the request.

How It Works

Submit a Report: Access the City Assist system online and provide details about the issue, including its location and any other relevant information.​

Routing: Your submission is automatically directed to the appropriate City Department or staff member responsible for addressing the concern.​

Review and Action: City staff review submissions during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and take necessary actions to resolve the reported issues.​

Tracking: The Neighborhood Services Department oversees the process, monitoring the status of reports to ensure timely resolution.​

Access City Assist here: www.CityofGoleta.org/CityAssist.

Goleta Comes Together to Celebrate Earth Day

Thanks to Tidy Seas for Leading the Charge as Team Captains

Over 90 volunteers collected 317 pounds of trash from Evergreen Park and the surrounding neighborhoods on April 19th during Goleta’s Beautify Goleta Earth Day event. Additionally, more than 8,000 pounds of bulky items were dropped off by 115 vehicles at Brandon Elementary School.

City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Project Manager Dan Rowell said, “Sunshine, community spirit and a whole lot of horn honking made for a memorable event. The occasion was powered by a coalition of committed residents, volunteers, and organizations, all working together. The turnout and comradery is proof of just how serious Goletans are about keeping their city clean and beautiful.”

Thanks to Elubia’s Kitchen for fueling the volunteers with delicious food and coffee. Another highlight was MarBorg Industries Touch-a-Truck activity. Both kids and adults alike were thrilled to climb aboard, honk the horn, and see the truck’s automated arm in action—an awesome peek into what goes into keeping Goleta clean.

The event also featured educational tables from the City of Goleta, local eco-business Mission Refill helping kids make zero waste bird feeders, and nonprofit superhero Tidy Seas as the event’s team captain.

Tidy Seas volunteers have removed tons of trash from our coasts, including abandoned lobster traps and ocean debris, earning admiration from across the community. Be part of a movement by signing up to be part of this group at https://www.tidyseas.org/.

A huge shoutout to the Beautify Goleta team for bringing everyone together for this impactful Earth Day celebration. And remember—every day, not just Earth Day, is a chance to make a difference. Here are five easy ways to be more sustainable in Goleta:

  1. Bring your own bags, bottles, and containers when shopping or dining out.
  2. Support local farmers’ markets and reduce your food miles.
  3. Bike or walk when you can—Goleta’s beautiful for a reason!
  4. Join a local cleanup event (like Tidy Seas or Beautify Goleta—hint hint).
  5. Be water-wise—shorter showers, native plants, and fixing those drips!

Want to keep the momentum going? Follow @TidySeas and @CityofGoleta on social media to get involved.

Mark your calendars for the next big event: Beautify Goleta’s Plastic Free July Cleanup on Saturday, July 19th, 2025. Let’s keep Goleta gorgeous, one clean-up at a time. Learn more about Beautify Goleta www.CityofGoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

Pictured above: City staff at the Earth Day celebration


Volunteers (photo courtesy of Tidy Seas)


MarBorg Touch-A-Truck


Young volunteers weighing the trash they collected


Bulky item drop off at Brandon School

 

Coffee, Community and Chilaquiles on May 3rd

Get to Know our Newest Councilmember Jennifer Smith

We are hoping to knock it out of the park with our upcoming Coffee & Community taking place on Saturday, May 3rd from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Home Plate Grill located behind the 7-Eleven at 7398 Calle Real. It’s a great opportunity to get to know our newest City Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3). Bring your friends and family and come enjoy a hot cup of coffee with your west Goleta neighbors and get in the Cinco De Mayo spirit by ordering up the restaurant’s famous Chilaquiles dish (available for purchase).

Make sure to bring any questions or concerns you have about your neighborhood. We look forward to a great morning of conversation and connection with you. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

The gathering is also a great opportunity to support a local restaurant.  Home Plate Grill has been in business at this location for almost ten years! Depending on the weather, the gathering will be centered on the outdoor patio with indoor seating available as well. There will be a coloring table set-up to keep the kids occupied.

We hope to see you for Coffee & Community and potentially Chilaquiles on May 3!

The City holds a Coffee & Community event in each of its four Districts throughout the year. To find out what district you are in, plug in your address into our interactive Know Your District Map: https://tinyurl.com/GoletaInteractiveMap.


Councilmember Jennifer Smith at Home Plate Grill

Celebrate Sustainably

As a coastal city, Goleta has a unique responsibility to protect the ocean and local environment by reducing single-use plastic consumption and litter. With upcoming celebrations and graduations around the corner, we encourage the community to celebrate sustainably and opt for decorations that are more environmentally friendly. As you plan for parties and holidays, the City of Goleta urges you to avoid single-use plastic products, ©Styrofoam, and helium-filled balloons in an effort to support the health of our community and environment. 

Under the City of Goleta’s Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance, passed unanimously by City Council in 2022, the sale and distribution of rigid polystyrene products (i.e. solo cups), foam polystyrene (©Styrofoam), and ©Mylar or foil balloons are prohibited. While all balloons are not banned, releasing any balloons into the air is considered littering and is prohibited anywhere in the City. 

These specifically regulated products can linger in surrounding ecosystems for decades to come and are extremely harmful to marine and aquatic life. Birds, turtles, and other animals often mistake balloons and plastics for food, and when ingested, this plastic debris can block the digestive tract of the animal, often resulting in death by starvation. Wildlife can also get entangled in balloon ribbons. The good news is that there are plenty of low-waste, festive ways to celebrate and decorate. Here are a few alternatives and swaps that you can make: 

  • Replace balloons with bubbles, paper bunting, paper streamers, or locally sourced flowers to liven up your party. Paper decorations can be reused and recycled, making them a colorful and conscious choice. 
  • Borrow, rent, or thrift unique decorations like vases, candles, and tableware. This allows you to cut down on waste and invest in a reusable item that you can decorate with for multiple years. 
  • Serve meals family-style using normal plates and silverware to minimize single-use items and food waste. The sale and distribution of plastic utensils is also prohibited within the City. 

By embracing these sustainable celebration tips, we can preserve the natural beauty and health of our community while still enjoying festivities. 

For more information about single-use plastic reduction efforts in the City of Goleta and tips on avoiding plastic consumption visit www.cityofgoleta.org/PlasticFreeGoleta. #GoGreenGoleta

Goleta State of the City Wrap-Up

Watch Highlight Reel and View Photo Gallery

The State of Goleta is strong according to Mayor Paula Perotte. The Mayor gave her 2025 State of the City Address on April 8, 2025, at a bustling Goleta Community Center. The impressive turnout of attendees included community leaders, stakeholders, residents and City staff. It was not only an informative event but a great opportunity for Goleta enthusiasts to connect with each other and the City. The event included live music, city information tables, mingling, refreshments, presentations from the Mayor and City Manager and questions from the public. Don’t worry if you missed it, you can watch a highlight reel here and the full video here.

In her State of the City Address, Mayor Paula Perotte looked at the City’s progress over the course of five years. She concluded her remarks by saying, “From this look back on the last five years, I hope that you’ll agree that the State of our City is STRONG. While many, many challenges remain, the progress we’ve made in key areas gives us the confidence to see our trajectory points dramatically upward. With your continued support and involvement, Goleta will soar ever higher!”

The Mayor’s speech was followed by a presentation from City Manager Robert Nisbet who gave an update on the City’s finances including a look at the City’s top five current Capital Improvement Projects and funding for each.  Mirroring the Mayor’s five-year reflection, he also showed the increase in City staff over the years and stressed the importance of hiring, promoting and retaining talented employees to keep the City moving forward.

During the final segment of the program, City staff answered questions submitted from the audience on various topics ranging from parking, pavement, public safety, future construction and more.

Some other highlights of the night included a performance from 2025 Teen Star finalist Tyler McCutchen and keyboardist Andrew Manos who played live music throughout the night. The Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band performed in the gazebo as guests arrived.

Another memorable moment was watching the Another Great Year in the Good Land video. Watch the video here.

To see photos from the event go to https://photos.app.goo.gl/inQsbSRvYFn5sG249.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of making the 2025 Goleta State of the City a standout event and potentially the most memorable one yet.

Pictured at top: Mayor Paula Perotte giving her 2025 State of the City Address


City Manager Robert Nisbet giving an update on the City’s finances


Q&A Segment


Group Photo (left-to-right): Goleta Chief of Police Lt. Frank Vasquez, 1st District County Supervisor Roy Lee, City Manager Robert Nisbet, Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3), Chair of the Board and 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps and Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Salcido


Audience at the 2025 Community State of the City


Attendees visiting city information tables


Tyler McCutchen performing


Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band performing in the gazebo at the Goleta Community Center

Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) Maps for Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) within Santa Barbara County on March 10, 2025. It was CAL FIRE’s first update to the LRA maps since 2009. In accordance with State law, local agencies must adopt and designate updated zones within 120 days.

Community members can visit their local fire department’s website to review the map where they live and share comments. Goleta residents should go to: https://sbcfire.com/

For questions or public comment: FireHazardSeverityZones@countyofsb.org 

Where applicable, local fire departments have also published proposed maps specific to their jurisdictions. These proposed maps incorporate State-designated zones and reflect local knowledge, such as terrain-specific hazards, sundowner wind patterns, and evacuation complexities.

CAL FIRE Released Local Responsibility Area (LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps:

Proposed Amendments to LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps:

The State Fire Marshal classifies lands as one of the FHSZ types:

  • Moderate
  • High
  • Very High

Per Government Code, CAL FIRE provides FHSZ Maps for Local Responsibility Areas. The six fire departments of Santa Barbara County with areas updated by the 2025 release of CAL FIRE’s FHSZ Maps for Local Responsibility Areas are:

Under State law, local agencies may not reduce the severity level of hazard zones designated by the State. However, they may raise the hazard classification or include additional areas based on local conditions.

Celebrate Ellwood Mesa’s 20th Anniversary on Saturday, May 17

Watch Video Invite and Join Us for a Day Full of Fun, Nature, and Connection

Ellwood Mesa is celebrating an important milestone and we hope you will mark it with us on Saturday, May 17th! Join us for a fun-filled day where we will gather to honor the heroes of Ellwood’s remarkable past and inspire a new generation of stewards to benefit its future. Whether you helped protect Ellwood decades ago or are just discovering its magic, this event is for you! Come to Ellwood Elementary (7686 Hollister Avenue) at 11am for a Tribute Ceremony, then from 12pm – 4pm enjoy a community celebration with activities across the street at Sperling Preserve. Watch this short video invite with all the details in English and Spanish. 

Decades ago, our community came together to save Ellwood Mesa’s breathtaking open space from imminent development. This extraordinary effort by hundreds of individuals, organizations, and agencies culminated in a creative land swap and purchase, and in 2005 the City of Goleta established the Ellwood Mesa Sperling Preserve. Today, Ellwood provides sanctuary for monarch butterflies and other wildlife, and is a beloved destination for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, surfing, painting, birdwatching, experiencing the natural world, and more.

All events are free. Here is a schedule of activities:

Schedule of Events

8:30 AM: Fun Run – A non-competitive, scenic 5K-ish run through the eucalyptus forest and along the bluffs. Sponsored and organized by the Santa Barbara Half Marathon. Park at Ellwood Elementary, then cross the street. The run starts at Sperling Preserve. 

11 AM: Bike the Bluffs – A community celebration on wheels! This is a family-friendly bike ride from Isla Vista through Ellwood Mesa. We will ride at a slow pace, mostly on trails. Bring your off-road, gravel, or adventure bikes. Sponsored and organized by MOVE Santa Barbara County.

11 AM – 12 PM: Tribute to Ellwood – Past, Present and Future. Hear the inspiring story of Ellwood Mesa by those who helped protect this beautiful sanctuary from development. Tribute will be held at Ellwood Elementary, 7686 Hollister Avenue.

12 PM – 4 PM: Fun & Nature Activities – Join us at Sperling Preserve for fun activities for kids, adults, and the whole community: a guided bird walk, nature journaling, classical music in the grove, kite-flying, scavenger hunt, bubbles, a fire safety discussion and more! 

Freedom Trax Wheelchairs available for Ellwood’s 20th Anniversary
NatureTrack Foundation will be providing 8 Freedom Trax mobility devices to help make the trails more accessible for individuals who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges. Freedom Trax converts a manual wheelchair into an electric, all-terrain device—ideal for exploring natural trails. Reserve a Freedom Trax in advance: Sign up here to use a Freedom Trax

Activities provided by Ellwood Friends, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, Environmental Defense Center, Move Santa Barbara County, NatureTrack, Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council, Santa Barbara Zoo, Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, The Skunk Corner, and Wilderness Youth Project. 

For all the details, visit ellwoodfriends.org.

Other Details

Pedal to the party! Skip the traffic, love the planet—ride your bike to the event! Free bike valet provided by MOVE Santa Barbara County. For those driving, parking will be available in the Sperling Preserve parking lot and Ellwood School parking lot (7686 Hollister Avenue).

Make a day of it! Bring or purchase a picnic lunch and spend May 17 celebrating Ellwood with us!

Enjoy a picnic lunch. Mo’s To-Go is a fully inclusive scratch kitchen where your order supports people with disabilities. They employ a team of dedicated and diverse team members. 10% of each purchase will be donated to Ellwood Friends, and the remainder supports local food justice and job training through Mo’s To Go.

Submit a story. If you have a story about the 1990-2005 campaign to save Ellwood as well as current efforts to enhance the monarch butterfly habitat and ensure Ellwood is safe and accessible for generations to come, send it to ellwoodfriends.org/stories.  View the stories already submitted for inspiration.

This event is not possible without the help of generous sponsors. Thank you to: Appfolio, Patricia Bragg Foundation, Kevin Gleason Fine Art, Santa Barbara Foundation, Sierra Club – Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, Community Arts Music Association of Santa Barbara, eji event co., LegacyWorks, Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation and Santa Barbara Half Marathon.

Activities provided by Ellwood Friends, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, Environmental Defense Center, Move Santa Barbara County, NatureTrack, Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council, Santa Barbara Zoo, Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, The Skunk Corner, and Wilderness Youth Project.

For information on Ellwood Mesa’s 20th anniversary celebration, visit ellwoodfriends.org.

 

CycleMAYnia in Goleta

It’s May, which means CycleMAYnia is here! The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) has a full calendar throughout the month of activities countywide inviting you to “Bike Your Way.” There are a few activities happening right here in Goleta that we don’t want you to miss.

  • Ellwood’s 20th Anniversary Bike Ride
    Saturday, May 17, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Roundtrip Isla Vista Elementary (721 Camino Corto, Isla Vista) to Ellwood Mesa
    Be part of the Ellwood 20-Year Anniversary celebration with this family-friendly bike ride! It will be mainly be on trails; bringing your off road, gravel, or adventure bike is recommended. The ride will be at a slow pace and make stops to enjoy the scenery and discuss how active transportation is imperative to the preservation of the natural environment. Register here.
  • Bike & Buy Local Goleta Old Town
    Saturday, May 24, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at La Hacienda (298 Pine Avenue)
    Bike rides aren’t just about the destination but the bike-friendly places along the way. Before, during, and after: Old Town businesses are here to welcome the bike community. Register here.
  • Mayor’s Ride
    Thursday, May 29, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Old Town Goleta (320 S. Kellogg Avenue)
    Ride along Hollister Avenue in Old Town with elected officials and community members. Learn about Old Town Goleta recent and upcoming bike path projects. View the map here (subject to change).

Information on the Bike Challenge and a calendar of bike month activities is available on the CycleMAYnia website at CycleMAYnia.org.

HISTORY OF CYCLEMAYNIA
Founded in 2009, CycleMAYnia began as a community brainstorming meeting aimed at jump starting a vibrant bike culture here in Santa Barbara County. Inspired by events and programs in other towns, the hope was that by engaging the cycling community directly and bringing them into the fold as collaborators, a dynamic calendar of events could be created and co-managed that celebrates National Bike Month in May. Expanding the reach of cycling to a greater number of riders and connecting to a more diverse demographic brings the joy and benefits of biking to as many people as possible in the greater Santa Barbara area.