Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Expanded COVID-19 Testing Hours

The State-operated COVID-19 testing site at the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) is open for testing five days a week. The days/hours are Thursday – Tuesday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Testing appointments can be made for the Goleta site online at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling (888) 634-1123 and selecting extension #8 to reach an operator.

The testing being conducted is intended to identify if an individual currently has the COVID-19 virus. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms, has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, lives or works in a congregate setting, or who is an essential worker should get tested. In addition, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is encouraging all community members to be tested.

The Goleta Valley Community Center is located at 5679 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117. Testing is by appointment only. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.publichealthsbc.org.

#reCOVERgoleta: Reminder to Wear Your Face Covering

The importance of our #reCOVERgoleta campaign continues to be vitally important. Recently, the California Department of Public Health has issued updated guidance on face coverings. People in Santa Barbara County, and all of California, must wear face coverings when outside of the home and unable to maintain six feet of distance from those not in your household, unless an exemption applies. California’s guidance is in addition to Santa Barbara County Public Health Department’s Health Officer Order No. 2020-10.5 which requires individuals in the County to continue to wear face coverings when in high-risk situations that may contribute to the spread of COVID-19, unless an exemption applies.

The City of Goleta wants to reiterate the importance of following Public Health guidelines and wearing a face covering to minimize the spread of COVID-19. In July of 2020 we released our #reCOVERgoleta campaign to remind everyone of the need to consistently wear face coverings to protect each other and allow our community to safely get back to business. We hope that #reCOVERgoleta will continue to resonate with you as we try to get our community open again.

We previously released a safety video helping to clear up some confusion about how and when to wear face coverings, and other important COVID-19 safety tips. Please take a few minutes to re-watch it, or watch it for the first time, here: https://youtu.be/Er0RkyJo8Fs.

The use of face coverings by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing, sneezing, singing, exercising, shouting, or other forms of increased respiration, and they can also reinforce physical distancing by signaling the need to remain apart. 

According to the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, face coverings are required in the following situations unless an exemption applies:

  • Indoor public space where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance by six or more feet from those others.
  • Obtaining services from the healthcare sector.
  • While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible.
  • When waiting in line, whether indoors or outdoors.
  • Waiting for, or riding, on public transportation or paratransit, or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle.
  • Driving, or operating, any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present.
  • Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site.

Exemptions apply to persons younger than two years old and persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering.

For additional information on situations face coverings are required, and on exemptions, please read the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Health Order 2020-10.5 and the California Public Health Department guidelines on face coverings.

Pictured: Mayor Perotte, Mayor Pro-Tempore Richards, Councilmembers Aceves, Kasdin and Kyriaco

Regional Stay-at-Home Order in Effect

As you are aware, there is a Regional Stay-At-Home Order in place.  The Southern California Region of the State’s COVID-19 monitoring system began its Stay-at-Home Order on Sunday, December 6, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. and is expected to remain in place for at least three weeks before re-evaluation by the State the week of December 28, 2020.

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.  

The following industry sector changes are in effect:

The following sectors must close: 

  • Indoor playgrounds
  • Indoor recreational facilities
  • Hair salons and barbershops
  • Personal care services
  • Museums, zoos, and aquariums
  • Movie theaters
  • Wineries
  • Bars, breweries, and distilleries
  • Family entertainment centers
  • Cardrooms and satellite wagering
  • Limited services
  • Live audience sports
  • Amusement parks

The following sectors will have additional modifications in addition to 100% masking and physical distancing:

  • Outdoor recreational facilities: Allow outdoor operation only without any food, drink or alcohol sales. This includes gyms and fitness studios. Additionally, overnight stays at campgrounds will not be permitted.
  • Retail: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems. 
  • Shopping centers: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
  • Hotels and lodging: Allow to open for critical infrastructure support only.
  • Restaurants: Allow only for take-out, pick-up, or delivery.
  • Offices: Allow remote only except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible. 
  • Places of worship and political expression: Allow outdoor services only.
  • Entertainment production including professional sports: Allow operation without live audiences. Additionally, testing protocol and “bubbles” are highly encouraged.

The following sectors are allowed to remain open when a remote option is not possible with appropriate infectious disease preventative measures including 100% masking and physical distancing:

  • Critical infrastructure 
  • Schools (no new schools may open)
  • Non-urgent medical and dental care
  • Child care and pre-K

Sheriff Bill Brown, who is the Chairman of the Santa Barbara County Law Enforcement Chiefs, said the following, “When Santa Barbara County becomes subject to the state’s new Stay-at-Home Order, the police chiefs and I have committed to continuing our direction and intent that our agencies’ approach to health order violations will be to make every effort to use discretion, education and encouragement to achieve voluntary compliance, but enforcement options will remain a tool to be used in cases of repeat or egregious violations that endanger public safety.”

For questions, the public may call 211 or visit Santa Barbara County Public Health Department’s webpage on the Regional Stay-at-Home Order for more information on COVID-19.

View the Santa Barbara County Public Health Order here.

Unmet Transit Needs Virtual Public Hearing

Public asked to provide feedback by Dec. 2 on how bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services can better serve their needs in Santa Barbara County.

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is holding an unmet transit needs hearing at Noon and 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2020 via Zoom Webinar. The public is encouraged to participate in one of the two hearing options to share comments or concerns about bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services in Santa Barbara County or express needs for new or expanded services in the county. Spanish language interpretation services will be available at both public hearing options.

Those unable to participate in the virtual hearing opportunities can take an online survey in English and Spanish until December 2, 2020. The public can also submit comments in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by email to comment@sbcag.org. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the December 2, 2020 hearing should contact SBCAG at least three working days prior to the meeting at (805) 961-8900.

WHAT: Unmet Transit Needs Hearing
WHEN: Noon and 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2020 (attend one of the two options)
WHERE:

Zoom Webinar:*
Manually join: Webinar ID: 829 1767 1869; Passcode: 221523; OR Telephone: (669) 900-9128; Webinar ID: 829 1767 1869; Passcode: 221523
*Spanish-language interpretation services available
DETAILS:

SBCAG will conduct the public hearing to receive comments on transit needs in Santa Barbara County, as required under Section 99401.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

 

100 Year Anniversary of a Woman’s Right to Vote

While there are many different perspectives and opinions that have divided our country during the 2020 election, this year marks a special anniversary that all Americans can be proud of.  The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote. The passage marked the largest expansion of democracy in the history of our country. The 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920, and was added to the Constitution eight days later making the amendment the single largest act of enfranchisement in U.S. History.

According to the Women’s Vote Centennial website, Suffragists began their organized fight for women’s equality in 1848 when they demanded the right to vote during the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. For the next 72 years, women leaders lobbied, marched, picketed, and protested for the right to the ballot. The U.S. House of Representatives finally approved the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote, on May 21, 1919. The U.S. Senate followed two weeks later, and the 19th Amendment went to the states, where it had to be ratified by 3/4ths of the-then-48 states to be added to the Constitution. By a vote of 50-47, Tennessee became the last state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment on August 18, 1920. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby issued a proclamation declaring the 19th Amendment ratified and part of the US Constitution on August 26, 1920, forever protecting American women’s right to vote.

Today, more than 68 million women vote in elections because of the courageous suffragists who never gave up the fight for equality.

Pictured: City of Goleta’s first Mayor, Margaret Connell, at the Ballot Box at City Hall

Foodbank 2020 Turkey Drive

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is asking community members to donate 4,000 fresh or frozen turkeys and chickens to provide healthy holiday meals to local families who cannot afford them. The target number reflects a dramatic increase in need throughout the county. The 2020 Turkey Drive runs through the holiday season.

Community members may drop off turkeys or chickens at the Foodbank’s warehouses Monday through Friday in Santa Barbara at 4554 Hollister Ave from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and in Santa Maria at 490 W. Foster Road from 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Birds must be dropped off by November 23 to ensure delivery to families in time for Thanksgiving, but the Foodbank will accept donations through December 11 for other holiday meals.

“The Foodbank needs small turkeys and chickens to ensure everyone in our county can have a wholesome holiday dinner,” explained Paul Wilkins, Foodbank Chief Operations Officer. “With shortages expected for food banks across the country in the last quarter of the year, and when our community is facing rampant job losses and economic crisis, the need is higher than ever this year.”

In lieu of dropping off fresh or frozen birds, community members may sponsor holiday meals online by visiting https://donate.foodbanksbc.org/2020HolidayFoodDrive to donate

Community members or local businesses who would like to host a turkey drive may call (805) 319-9096  or email jjenkins@foodbanksbc.org.

Fall Films at West Wind Drive-In

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) cruises back to the drive-in this fall with an eclectic mix of films that offers something for everyone, from tiny tots to college kids and beyond. A&L at the Drive-In selections include: Family Fun!; Student Picks (with curatorial input from UCSB students); ¡Viva el Cine!, presented in association with ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva); and more! A&L at the Drive-In films screen through December 16 at the West Wind Drive-In (907 S. Kellogg Avenue, Goleta). All films are FREE. Each night features two screenings. Most nights feature a lineup of two different films with a few exceptions. Start times of the remaining film nights are 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. First come, first served. Gates open an hour and a half before the first film. Arrive early to enjoy food trucks, concessions and entertainment from your car!

Celesta M. Billeci, Arts & Lectures Miller McCune Executive Director, said, “Barring an unforeseeable event, these films will screen rain or shine, so get your blankets and get cozy! Wear your masks, and before the movie starts, you can enjoy music, pick up popcorn or order dinner from the food trucks we’ll have on site. Anyone who came out to our summer film series knows that these events are a blast. You can feel the excitement in the air!”

Filmgoers are asked to respect the safety of fellow attendees: Please wear masks and maintain a distance of six feet from others.

Information on A&L films showing at the West Wind Drive-In is available here.

“Picassos 4 Peanuts” Show Goes Virtual

Art lovers get ready to enjoy some beautiful local art from some of our talented local artists.  Last year, a drizzling and overcast day didn’t deter 160 enthusiastic shoppers from attending Goleta Valley Art Association’s “Picassos 4 Peanuts” art sale and reception at the Goleta Valley Library. This year we can’t provide cookies and warm cider, but you can still enjoy the work of our local artists online. On December 1, 2020, the 10th Annual “Picassos 4 Peanuts” show can be found at http://thegoletavalleyartassociation.org.

“Picassos 4 Peanuts” online will feature 50 artists showing 150 art pieces – all priced under $300. The show will remain online, and paintings available for purchase, through March 2021.

The GVAA’s Annual Art Festival is also currently available online to view work by local artists and purchase anything that catches your eye. New paintings are added regularly. The GVAA has over 200 member artists exhibiting artwork in a variety of media, sharing the gift of art with the community. View the virtual art show here.

For more information, contact Terre Martin Sanitate at terre.sanitate@gmail.com.

Pictured: A “Picassos 4 Peanuts” painting by Adria Abraham

Library Bookmark Contest Winners Announced

See the beautiful bookmarks designed by young artists at Goleta Valley, Buellton, and Solvang Libraries!

During September, children in Goleta and the Santa Ynez Valley responded to the libraries’ invitation to draw a bookmark based on the themes “Every Book is an Adventure” (Goleta Valley Library) and “A Friend is…”  (Santa Ynez Valley).  Winning designs have been posted to the library website, and to the Facebook and Instagram accounts for each of the three libraries – and all of the drawings are being printed into free bookmarks for library visitors to enjoy through the month of November. Bookmarks featuring the Santa Ynez Valley contest winners are available at Buellton and Solvang Libraries now, and bookmarks with the Goleta Valley Library winning designs will be distributed at Goleta Valley Library starting on Wednesday, November 4th.

Goleta Valley Library received a total of 133 entries, and the winners are:

  • Age 3 and under: Duke Harmony (2), Felicity Pearce (2), Tyler Dang (3), Anna Dorn (3), and Amelia Macdonald (3)
  • Ages 4-6: Tristan Taormina (5), Ronnie Gloo (6), Elliott Mumm (6), Charlie Platt (6), and Paul Yoder (6)
  • Ages 7-9: Zoe Tamayo (8), James Yoder (8), Paloma Arreola (9), Krishna Garcia-Martinez (9), and Ava Zhang (9)
  • Ages 10-12: Raphael Raibley (10), Malia Rocque (10), Abigail Simonsen (10), Julia VanDe Veire (11), and Ameya Apte (12)

Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo noted: “We loved seeing the imagination and creativity that went into each and every bookmark design! Thank you to everyone who submitted a contest entry this year. It was so fun to see all of your amazing work!”

The Santa Ynez Valley Library entries, submitted to both Buellton and Solvang Libraries, were judged by the Friends of the Library of SYV, and the winners are: 

  • Age 3 and under: Jack Rushing (3)
  • Ages 4-6: Remy Arthur (4), Gray Rushing (5) Justin Martinez (6) and Maddie Nichols (6)
  • Ages 7-9: Felicity Hume (7), Couper Nichols (7), Lucas Goodman (8), Branwen Van Dam (8), Norah Hirth (9), and Macie Ann Martinez (9)
  • Ages 10-12: Alison Hume (10) and Colton Paulson (12)

In addition, the following SYV entries earned Special Mention awards:  Bronson Ballinger (5), Hollis Van Dam (5), Dalston Kay (6), Gus Ballinger (8), and Danaka Cantrell (9), Tatum Kay (9), Stella Libera (9), and Everly Nunez (9).

“The theme of friendship just jumps off the page in these colorful designs – we can’t wait to share these bookmarks with everyone who checks out library materials in the next month,” said Solvang Library Branch Supervisor Carey McKinnon.

Both contests were sponsored this year by Blenders in the Grass, and the Solvang Library contest was also sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley.  The Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley provide funding for programs, library materials, and additional staff hours. Their donor page can be accessed at https://friendssyvlibrary.org/give. 

For information on programs and events the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, see the calendar at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org, or check out www.facebook.com/goletavalleylibrary; www.facebook.com/buelltonlibraries or www.facebook.com/solvanglibrary

Images of winning bookmarks:

Goleta Valley Library bookmark contest winners from left to right: Julia VanDe Veire (11), Abigail Simonsen (10), Ameya Apte (12), Malia Rocque (10), and Raphael Raibley (10)

Santa Ynez Valley Libraries bookmark contest winners from left to right: Felicity Hume (7), Couper Nichols (7), Lucas Goodman (8), and Branwen Van Dam (8)

Virtual Homework Help Available Now

All you need is a library card for free tutoring and research!

Students in grades K-12 needing help with their homework can visit the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries virtually to access useful, high-quality websites to help them succeed in school. By simply logging in with their Goleta or Santa Ynez Valley Library cards, students can connect with subject area experts through live tutoring sessions on Brainfuse HelpNow! and dive into research on over 20,000 popular topics on ProQuest Homework Central.

Brainfuse HelpNow! is a website designed specifically to provide assistance based on academic subject area, including reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Live online tutoring is available every day from 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 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 impressive test preparation resources, including practice tests, flashcards, lessons and more for AP tests and the SAT and ACT college entrance exams. Click here to get started with Brainfuse HelpNow! Please note that you will be prompted to create a username and password after you log in. Brainfuse HelpNow! has been made available for this school year through the generous support of the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

For students who are working on research projects, ProQuest Homework Central offers access to six specialized websites that are each geared toward a specific type of research. ProQuest can help students who are looking for information on a certain subject or who are trying to decide on a topic for an upcoming paper. With information ranging from newspaper archives to trending issues to cultural data and much more, students can search and browse these helpful websites to find the research they need in order to finish their assignments with confidence. To get started with ProQuest Homework Central, click here and enter your Goleta or Santa Ynez Valley Library card number (password is not required). ProQuest Homework Central has been made available through funding from the California State Library.

Brainfuse HelpNow! and ProQuest are especially valuable for families with students who are distance learning this semester. “It can be easy to get overwhelmed when working on an assignment or a research project,” says Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “We’re excited to offer resources to students that can help them with their homework and set them up for success while they study at home.”

Sign up for a Goleta or Santa Ynez Valley Library eCard here, or stop by the library in person during Sidewalk Service hours on Wednesday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to register for a physical card.

For more information on programs and services at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.