Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Fairview Avenue / US 101 Intersection Sidewalk Project Complete

Bicyclists and pedestrians are enjoying the new improvements of the completed Fairview Avenue / US 101 Intersection Sidewalk Infill Project. The project took less than six weeks to complete and constructed new sidewalk to fill the sidewalk gap along the north side of S. Fairview Avenue leading to the signalized intersection at the northbound US 101 off-ramp.

Goleta Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling said, “We are committed to making Goleta a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly city. This area along Fairview Avenue had a gap in the sidewalk that had been there for many years and we are happy to see it complete and being used by our residents. We are excited to continue making these safety improvements around the City – the Old Town Sidewalk Project is also nearly finished and there are more projects in the works.”

The project consisted of the reconstruction of existing sidewalk necessary to conform to the existing bicycle and pedestrian ramp connecting Fairview Avenue and Calle Real. The City also recently started design on another directly related project to add a pedestrian signal crosswalk on Calle Real near Cajun Kitchen Café.

The City secured Measure A grant funding for the project and is excited to have completed construction. Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is the administrator of Measure A, a local transportation sales tax measure that was approved by 79% of Santa Barbara. Information on Measure A is available at www.measurea.net. The City awarded the project to Lash Construction, and MNS Engineers provided construction oversight for the City.

Make Goleta Count Wrap-Up and Artwork

Thank you to everyone who completed the 2020 Census! We want to take this opportunity to thank the more than three quarter of Goleta households who filled out their census. The last day to respond to the census was October 15, 2020, and the City of Goleta had a self-response rate of 76.8%. Despite not being able to do in-person outreach due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is higher than our self-response rate in 2010 (75.3% self-response rate). Our 2020 numbers are also higher than the California and Santa Barbara County averages.

Our final hoorah for the 2020 Census was celebrating our great community participation by asking residents to submit artwork with the theme “Everyone Counts.” Below are three cute images we received by some of our youngest residents.

Final census numbers won’t be released for months, but we will be sure to let you know the outcome. We appreciate the community coming together to #MakeGoletaCount.

Pictured left to right: Long (age 4), Nicole (age 7), and Alfonzo (age 7)

Don’t Forget to Follow us on our New Twitter Account @CityofGoleta

Have you followed us yet on our new Twitter account handle @CityofGoleta (formerly @GoletaPIO)? We don’t want to lose any of our followers so please come with us to our new Twitter spot. If you don’t already follow us, NOW is the time. It’s a great platform to stay updated on news and information. You can also follow us on Facebook (@CityofGoleta), Instagram (@cityofgoleta), and Nextdoor. To have information sent directly to you via email and/or text, sign up for topics that interest you at tinyurl.com/GoletaSubscriptions. Information is also available on our website at www.CityofGoleta.org.

Goleta’s Homelessness Strategic Plan Released Next Week

The City of Goleta is nearing the finish line of an important milestone: the City’s first comprehensive Homelessness Strategic Plan. Residents should be on the lookout for the public release of the Draft Homelessness Strategic Plan the week of November 9th. Once released it will mark the start of a 30-day public review period prior to final adoption by City Council. The Draft Plan will be available here next week.

On September 15, 2020, the Goleta City Council reviewed the Draft Homelessness Strategic Plan and provided direction to staff to incorporate some additional information prior to releasing the Draft for further public review.

The process to get to this point has been a collaborative and thorough effort, involving multiple agencies and extensive community engagement. Prior to bringing the full Homelessness Strategic Plan to Council in September, staff had brought a draft of the Plan before the newly-formed Homelessness Issues Standing Committee in July. The Committee reviewed the draft Plan, particularly providing input on the goals, objectives, and timeline for Goleta’s homelessness efforts. Once adopted, the document will help guide and coordinate efforts to prevent and address homelessness within the City of Goleta. During the review process, the draft Plan was reviewed by a variety of internal City staff and multiple outside agencies and partners.

The strategic planning process began in 2019 with stakeholder meetings and data gathering. In addition to public meetings, the City released a survey in December of 2019 to directly hear from those with input on homelessness in our region. Staff received input from residents, businesses, service providers, and those who are or who have experienced homelessness. In addition, staff have held stakeholder meetings, best practices discussions with communities nationwide, and held a Community Open House and information session. Community involvement has been essential since the beginning, most of which occurred prior to the onset of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

City Council and staff believe having a Homelessness Strategic Plan will provide important direction and clarity around needs, service gaps, and priorities in order to make effective and strategic funding decisions that serve both the existing homeless population, as well as those at risk of becoming homeless. The Homelessness Strategic Plan will help guide and coordinate efforts to prevent and address homelessness within the City of Goleta and help the City prioritize its efforts related to homelessness on a regional level, essential when resources are limited.

The City team thanks the community for its input and interest in this important effort. To learn more and keep up to date on next steps, please visit https://tinyurl.com/GoletaHomelessnessPlan.

Pictured: Homeless person sleeping in front of a business in Old Town Goleta

Creek and Watershed Management Plan Presented

The City of Goleta’s Creek and Watershed Management Plan (CWMP) is now available for public review on the project website. There will be a virtual public workshop on the CWMP tonight, Monday, November 2nd at 6:00pm at https://tinyurl.com/y3adk4nv. City staff will provide an overview of the CWMP and the project team will also be available to answer questions and receive comments. Spanish interpretation will be available. We encourage you to participate, get informed and be a part of shaping the future of our creeks and watersheds. A recording of the workshop will also be posted on the project website for those who cannot attend.

The Creek and Watershed Management Plan includes detailed information on the dozen creeks that run through our community, identifies impairments to these creeks, and outlines programs and specific future actions to address identified impairments. It also outlines best practices to provide habitat for fish and wildlife, accommodate wildlife movement corridors, convey stormwater runoff and floodwaters, and furnish open space and passive recreational areas for City residents. 

City of Goleta Advanced Planning Manager Anne Wells said, “Goleta’s creeks shape the environment for our rich natural resources and are worthy of coordinated stewards. The proposed Creek and Watershed Management Plan reflects a collaborative vision and presents actions that will protect and enhance our waterways, improving our valuable and valued resources for future generations to enjoy.”

The City Council will consider adoption of the Creek and Watershed Management Plan at their November 17, 2020, meeting.

Learn more about the project at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaCWMP.

Photo is of Bell Creek near Haskell’s Beach looking north towards the foothills.

Be Part of the City’s Stow Grove Park Renovation Project

Watch our video to learn more about the project and take our survey to let us know what park features are important to you

The City of Goleta is renovating Stow Grove Park and we want to hear from you! Stow Grove Park, located at 580 N. La Patera Lane, is a beloved destination for local residents and visitors to the City of Goleta. Learn more about this project by watching our video featuring City of Goleta Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer. Also, take our survey in English or Spanish to let us know what the park means to you and your family and how you use the park, by Monday, November 16th. While the focus of this project is on the multi-purpose field, your priorities will help us establish direction for this project, as well as prepare for future phases.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Stow Grove Park is such a treasure serving all of Goleta. We are looking forward to hearing from our community to make it an even better outdoor area for picnics, sports and family gatherings for people of all ages.”

Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer added, “This is such an exciting time for our community. To be part of the process that will improve one of Goleta’s most revered parks, adding to the rich history of this location.”

We are looking forward to receiving your surveys to find out the community’s thoughts on this cherished park. Current amenities for Stow Grove Park include (in alphabetical order): barbecues, baseball/softball field, horseshoe pits, open multi-purpose field, picnic shelters/gazebos, picnic tables; playground and tot lot; restroom; and sand volleyball court.

Thank you in advance for providing your feedback and we look forward to working with you to design and create a “new and improved” multi-purpose field at Stow Grove Park. If you have questions about the project, please contact the Project Manager, JoAnne Plummer, at 805-562-5505 or jplummer@cityofgoleta.org. For regular updates on this project, and other parks and open space related projects, please sign up for email and/or text updates from City of Goleta at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaRecreation.

Park Background

Stow Grove Park was developed when Edgar Stow first planted trees for a beautiful, shaded picnic area to share with his family, friends and neighbors. This space has remained a public picnic ground since 1920. In 1964, the Sherman P. Stow Company deeded Stow Grove to the County of Santa Barbara as a public park. When Goleta became a City in 2002, the ownership of Stow Grove Park was transferred to the City of Goleta. This location continues to be a popular destination for sports, family gatherings, fitness, bird watching and more.

In 2015, the City of Goleta participated in a Recreation Needs Assessment. During this evaluation of City facilities, parks and services, Stow Grove Park’s Multi-Purpose field was identified as an area that needed improvement and the project was approved within the City’s Capital Improvement Project Budget. 

“Masked and Mighty” COVID-19 Countywide Campaign

An uncommon coalition of healthcare and education partners from across the county has joined forces for MASKED AND MIGHTY, a campaign to save lives, reduce the transmission of COVID-19, reopen more businesses and schools and maintain access to vital healthcare.

“We want to reach our communities with a positive, non-political message that will engage all parts of our county to work together on stopping COVID-19 in its tracks,” said Dr. Peggy Dodds, Deputy Health Officer, Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and retired pediatrician. “In addition to avoiding gatherings with people outside of your household, residents should practice good hygiene and observe physical distancing of at least six feet.”

Geared for audiences of all ages and translated into English and Spanish, the MASKED AND MIGHTY campaign uses local imagery and people to engage all communities with messages about the importance of MASKS, and the MIGHTY powers that physical distancing, good hygiene and other preventions can have to prevent community spread of the virus.

From October 27 to November 7, there will be a Lighting Display to “POWER UP SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.” Partners will come together to power up landmark buildings across the county with bright, multi-colored lights to demonstrate commitment to adhering to safety precautions to reduce transmission of COVID-19. Any business or resident can participate or share images on social media with the hashtag #maskedandmighty. The MASKED AND MIGHTY website lists some stores that stock colored light bulbs.

Learn more about the campaign at www.maskedandmighty.org/ and watch the short videos found here.

MASKED AND MIGHTY Coalition members include County of Santa Barbara, Sansum Clinic, Cottage Health, CenCal Health, Central Coast Medical Association, Lompoc Valley Medical Center, Lompoc Valley Pediatric Care Center, Marian Regional Medical Center, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara County Promotores Network, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, Santa Barbara County Education Office, and School Districts throughout Santa Barbara County, UC Santa Barbara, and Westmont College.

 

Watch Goleta Business Ambassadors in Action

Several members of the Goleta Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have been busy the past few months taking on a new role to help businesses during this ongoing pandemic. The volunteers who are trained to prepare and respond to emergencies are now working as Goleta Business Ambassadors. See how this rewarding work is having a positive impact – watch the video here.

The City of Goleta is pleased that our CERT volunteers are able to help the Santa Barbara County RISE Ambassador Program provide assistance to our businesses. For more information, contact Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris at cert@cityofgoleta.org or (805) 690-5119.  Learn more about the Goleta CERT program at http://tinyurl.com/GoletaCERT.  

Pictured: CERT Volunteer Peter Omoregie with the owner of Choi’s Oriental Market

How to Play it Safe at City Playgrounds, Skatepark and Fitness Stations

It is great to see the community enjoying our playgrounds, skate park and fitness stations again now that they are back open. The City of Goleta wants to make sure we can keep these facilities open and are asking residents to take time out to watch this short video with important safety guidelines. The video is also available in Spanish here.

Thanks for watching and for your cooperation.

As a reminder please see the below safety guidelines:

  • 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.

Your safety is important to us. Playgrounds will be cleaned three times per week. Since it is not possible to clean all playground surfaces between every user, please make sure every member of your group washes their hands or uses hand sanitizer before and after each playground visit. 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.

Census Deadline Extended to October 31

Equalitech Expands Hours for Computer Station Access to Complete Census and City Launches ‘Everyone Counts’ Drawing Campaign

The City of Goleta is using the extra time following the announcement on Friday, October 2, that the 2020 Census deadline has been extended to October 31.  The City will use this final month to rally and reach community members who still have not responded.  Currently, the City has a 76% self-response rate which is higher than the 2010 self-response rate of 75%. Thank you to everyone that already completed their 2020 Census. If you are one of those who still hasn’t responded, please do so now either online at My2020Census.gov or by phone by calling 844-330-2020. If you get a visit from a census taker, please cooperate. It’s important you do in order to be counted.  

If you need a place to fill out your census, go to Equalitech which is open every Wednesday in October from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the back of the Goleta Valley Community Center at 5679 Hollister Avenue.  Thanks to support from the Goleta Education Foundation, Equalitech extended its hours to provide more opportunity for residents to use the computer stations inside to complete their census.  Executive Director Danny Fitzgibbons said, “Equalitech continues to provide access to computers and internet to the community during these trying times.  Don’t let access issues stop you from completing the census. Come see us any Wednesday and get a free “Make Goleta Count” swag bag. Bilingual staff are present to help answer questions and guide you to a computer station.” 

The City is getting creative this final month and asking for your creativity as well to keep the “Make Goleta Count” campaign going.  Using the “Everyone Counts” theme, draw a picture, take a photo of it and send it to us at PIO@CityofGoleta.org with the name of the artist, a short explanation of the artwork and how it fits into the theme.  You will be entered into a drawing for several prizes. This contest is open to Goleta residents of all ages.  Submissions must be emailed to us by October 30th.  We can’t wait to see your creations!

Also, a big thank you to everyone who visited us at the Camino Real Marketplace Farmers Market on September 13 and had a chance to pick up some “Make Goleta Count” swag and check out the California Census digital truck.

We hope to see our self-response rate increase and look forward to providing you with an update. We are proud to be a part of the Santa Barbara County Complete Count Committee dedicated to making sure we get a complete count in the 2020 Census.

Pictured: Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover at the Camino Real Farmers Market set-up in front of the California Census digital truck.