Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Hiking Tips for People and their Pets

From the Santa Barbara County Fire Department

In recent weeks, Santa Barbara has experienced some of its hottest heat waves in nearly 15 years. This Labor Day weekend, temperatures are forecasted to rise to well above average. During times of sunny, warm weather, many like to take the opportunity to get outdoors and go hiking. During our recent heatwave, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to multiple calls for service due to heat-related illness for both humans and their dogs, resulting in several helicopter hoist rescues and the unfortunate death of a dog.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department would like to remind hikers of steps they can take to ensure a safe hiking experience for both themselves and their dogs. Below are some guidelines to follow while hiking as well as a message from Dr. Dave Dawson, DVM on how to prepare for the hike and keep yourself and your pet(s) safe.

  • Pay attention to weather forecasts. Sites like Weather.com  let you check forecasts by location and ZIP code. The site offers hourly temperature predictions for the current day and for the following day.
  • Don’t be overly ambitious. A hot day isn’t the best time to finally do that 10-miler with 2,000 feet of climbing. If you’re intent on getting out, scale back your expectations and save the tough trails for another day.
  • Choose the right hike. There are many trails to pick from in Santa Barbara County from very easy to very difficult and strenuous. To help you decide which hike is best for you (and your pet), check out the website santabarbarahikes.com. It has a description and maps of all trails in Santa Barbara County.
  • Hike early in the day. Temperatures can easily be 20-25 degrees cooler in the morning than in the afternoon.
  • Avoid the most intense sun. Direct sun will increase heat-related stresses and the risk of sunburn. Try to find shaded trails and avoid hiking between 10 and 4.
  • Keep it loose and light. When it comes to clothing, remember “The Three L’s: Lightweight, Loose-fitting, Light-colored.
  • Wear a hat. A lightweight, light-colored hat with a broad brim to keep the sun off your face and neck will help you stay cool.
  • Use (and pack) sunscreen. Exposed, sunburned skin will only make it more difficult for your body to stay cool.
  • Don’t travel alone. If you’re just going for a hike in a nearby, well-traveled area, you’re as safe there as anywhere. But if you travel through heavily forested areas with steep canyons and winding trails, you can easily get lost or injured. Traveling with a partner will help you in many ways, especially if he or she is an experienced hiker. People in pairs are much less likely to panic. They can assist one another up steep grades and apply first-aid when needed.
  • Know where you’re going. Stay on clearly marked or well-traveled trails. A map, a compass and/or a GPS unit is a must for any kind of serious hike. A cell phone can also be very useful. Naturally, it has to be usable in the area you hike. Not all units will continue to function in every area. Get the details of where you plan to go and ask someone who knows.
  • Take some basic gear. A simple first aid kit can also be a lifesaver. Gauze and bandages, anti-bacterial cream and other standard items are essential. All these things are small and lightweight. No need to take a miniature doctor’s office, just the basics.
  • Hydration. On hot days, your body can lose large amounts of water through perspiration. The general rule is that you can sweat roughly a quart of water every hour—and even more when hiking uphill or in direct sunlight. Proper hydration is essential to the health of the body’s organs, including the brain. Dehydration can lead to impaired brain functioning, which then results in confusion and impaired judgment. Blood can also thicken, forcing the heart to work harder. Start the hydration process before you go out. Begin to hydrate a couple of hours before you hit the trail. Drink frequently, instead of guzzling a bunch of water all at once, take smaller and more frequent drinks of water.

Safety Measures for Pets from Dr. Dave Dawson, DVM

We are fortunate in Santa Barbara to be able to enjoy our outdoor paradise with our pets. However, when the weather heats up, it can be very dangerous for your pet. The following simple precautions should help you avoid a tragedy:

  • Ensure your pet is healthy to begin with by seeing your veterinarian at least annually.
  • Your dog should be exercised regularly. Do not embark on a long hike when they have not been hiking for a long time (i.e. think about going 1/4 of a normal distance when hot).
  • Start early in the morning to avoid the excessive heat of the day. Leave them indoors when excessive heat is present (80 degrees or more).
  • Bring more water than you think you will need with a collapsible bowl.
  • Never leave your pets alone in a parked car!
  • Avoid walking your dog on hot asphalt (place your hand on asphalt for 10 seconds to assess).
  • Do not shave your dog – the layers of a dog’s coats protect them from overheating and sunburn.
  • Ensure your pet is not overweight.

Also, know the symptoms of overheating in pets:

  • Excessive panting, difficulty breathing
  • Increased heart and respiratory rate
  • Drooling
  • Weakness
  • Seeming “distant” or even unresponsive or collapse
  • Seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting
  • Temperatures over 104 degrees

Pets have limited ways to cool down with dogs relying only on panting – an inefficient means of cooling. Do not put your pets in danger of heat-related death. You love them too much!

 

What You Need to Know about the Upcoming November 3 Election

Locally, City of Goleta residents will be voting for a Mayor, two City Council seats, and Measure O2020 asking “Shall the term of office of the mayor be changed from two years to four years?” Information on candidates, the measure, and general election information is available at www.cityofgoleta.org/elections.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, every registered voter in California will receive a ballot in the mail for the upcoming election. If you are not already registered to vote by mail you DO NOT need to complete an application to receive your ballot by mail, it will automatically be sent. The first day ballots will be mailed is October 5, 2020. In-person voting will still be available, but on a limited basis. You can check the status of your voter registration here. October 19, 2020, is the last day to register to vote and you can register online here.

More information is available on the Santa Barbara County Elections Division webpage. You can also learn more about voting on the Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters Vote Safely, Santa Barbara County webpage.

What You Should Know:

  • Nearly 75% of the county’s registered voters are already signed up to permanently receive their ballot by mail. This means the Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters is well positioned to manage this increase.
  • There will be ballot drop boxes located throughout the county to safely return your ballot directly to the Registrar of Voters. We will provide information on locations once it is finalized.
  • If you need to vote in-person, limited polling places will be available and lines may be long. Your polling location may have changed from previous years. Look up your polling location here.
  • Take advantage of early voting:
    • At the Registrar’s office (4440-A Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93110) beginning Oct. 5, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • At your assigned polling place or the Registrar’s office Saturday, Oct. 31 through Monday, Nov. 2, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • All will again be open on Election Day, Nov. 3, when the voting hours change to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Due to COVID-19, we are encouraging all voters to vote by mail avoiding lines and to ensure that voters can exercise their right to vote in a safe, secure and accessible manner.

National Preparedness Month is Now!

“Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” is the theme of this year’s National Preparedness Month 2020. National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

Be sure you are signed up for local emergency alerts with both Santa Barbara County (www.ReadySBC.org) and City of Goleta (http://tinyurl.com/goletaemergency).

National Preparedness Month is a good time to think about gathering supplies that will last for several days after a disaster. Make sure you have enough for everyone living in your home and don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Learn how to build a kit at www.Ready.gov/kit.

Now is also a good time to talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved. Resources for kids, teens and the whole family available at www.Ready.gov/kids.

City of Goleta Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris adds, “National Preparedness Month is a great reminder to check in on your emergency go bags and other family plans. Even a quick five minute conversation with your family and neighbors will go an incredible way towards how you handle the craziness of a disaster when it happens.”

Learn more about National Preparedness Month, and how to make sure you and your family are prepared, at https://www.ready.gov/september.

Equalitech Reopens to Provide Computer Access to Help Boost Census Participation in the Final Stretch

Equalitech has opened its doors to help people who don’t have internet access complete their census.  Every Wednesday in September from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. community members can go computer stations at Equalitech, located at the back of the Goleta Valley Community Center located at 5679 Hollister Avenue and use the internet to fill out their census.  Bilingual staff will be present to answer questions. 

The 2020 Census deadline to respond is coming up on September 30, 2020.  As of September 2, 2020, roughly 25% of Goleta households have not responded to the Census. Not getting a complete count could result in a loss of millions of dollars in State and Federal funding over the next ten years.

Equalitech Executive Director Danny Fitzgibbons said he and his bilingual staff are happy to help an important cause.  He said, “Equalitech understands that tech accessibility and literacy is more important than ever as we all try to navigate these turbulent times. The census is yet another disparity revealed by COVID-19 and we just want to do what we can to bridge the divide.”

Equalitech’s mission is to remove barriers to learning, career opportunities and life skills by expanding free access to technology and education.  Fitzgibbons, a certificated tutor for the Goleta Union School District, founded Equalitech in 2017 after he became acutely aware of the learning gap that begins to develop between students with access to technology and those without it. 

We encourage residents who have not completed their census to take advantage of this opportunity to use Equalitech computers.  Please remember to wear a mask and stay six feet apart.  COVID-19 Health Guidelines will be followed.

For those with internet access, you can complete the census online at My2020Cenus.gov phone or by calling 844-330-2020.

If you would like some Make Goleta Count swag, come on by the Camino Real Farmers Market on Sunday, September 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Look for the large California Census digital truck parked at the Camino Real Marketplace.  Again, COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

Learn more about the 2020 Census at www.CityofGoleta.org/Census2020. The City of Goleta is proud to be a part of the Complete Count Committee which is working together to make sure EVERYONE counts in Santa Barbara County.

Pictured: Equalitech Executive Director Danny Fitzgibbons and Staff Member Teresa Melgoza standing out front of the newly re-opened Goleta Valley Tech Center to help with internet access in the final month of the 2020 Census.

Local Beaches and Sperling Parking Lot at Ellwood Mesa Closed for Labor Day Weekend

In response to a new Santa Barbara County Public Health Order, the City of Goleta is closing the Sperling Parking Lot at Ellwood Mesa located at the 7700 block of Hollister Avenue over the Labor Day weekend.  The parking lot will be closed starting Saturday, September 5 at 12:01 a.m. through Tuesday, September 8 at 6:00 a.m. The order is in alignment with what other agencies are doing regionally to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Pursuant to an August 26th Health Officer Order, all Santa Barbara County beaches will be temporarily closed for stationary activities. Only immediate access to and from the ocean for water sports or beach access for active physical activity will be permitted. This Order is effective beginning on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and continuing until Monday, September 7, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

The following restrictions apply for the duration of the Health Officer Order:

  • Sitting, lying, standing, sunbathing, sight-seeing, picnicking, and all other non-exercise, passive, or sedentary activities on beach parkways are prohibited.
  • Items for sitting or lying on the beach are prohibited for use or possession on beaches, such as umbrellas, shade structures, tents, barbeque grills, sand or beach toys, coolers and beach chairs.

Full details regarding these restrictions can be found in the Health Officer Order.

Disease transmission rates have been consistently improving in the last few weeks, yet this metric still remains above the threshold outlined by the California Department of Public Health for being removed from the County Monitoring List.

“Reduced disease transmission is critical in the fight against COVID-19. We anticipate a high volume of visitors at our beaches during the Labor Day weekend, which will impede the practice of safe and necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County,” said Dr. Henning Ansorg. “Our community has remained diligent in their efforts and now is the time to protect all the positive outcomes we have accomplished.”

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

Goleta City Council Approves Outside Operations for Family Entertainment Centers

Goleta City Councilmembers voted to approve a resolution at their September 1 meeting amending the Emergency Expanded Restaurant Dining and Other Uses Program (Program) to allow family entertainment centers to operate outdoors and allow the use of shade structures for outdoor operations.

Under the recent State and County health orders, family entertainment centers must keep indoor services and attractions closed, except outdoor operations, while complying with state and local requirements to protect against COVID-19. Family entertainment centers, as well as many other businesses, have been impacted by state and local closure orders and are struggling to financially recover. This order is intended to allow these businesses to safely re-open by moving their operations outdoors, under the scope of the Program, and allows for those businesses to contribute to the City’s economic growth and recovery as well as their own. The approved Resolution also addresses allowing shade structures as part of the Program as long as they meet certain standards outlined in the staff report (available here: https://tinyurl.com/yxlbz4yp).

The City’s Emergency Expanded Restaurant Dining and Other Uses Program was approved by Council on June 2, 2020, and allows for the expansion of dining and use areas temporarily to open-air spaces and parking lots on private property where certain requirements are met. Expanded outdoor dining and use areas are intended to allow Goleta restaurants and specified uses to re-open safely, ensuring safe and adequate pedestrian and vehicle circulation while simultaneously meeting physical distancing and public health standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This Program temporarily suspends City zoning and/or land use permit provisions applicable to business premises or restaurant dining areas that are in conflict with the expanded dining or use areas allowed by this Program.

For more information, please contact the Planning and Environmental Review Zoning Counter at (805) 961-7543.

Pictured: Zodo’s parking lot

Goleta Business Ambassadors Visit More Than One Hundred Local Businesses During On-Going Pandemic

A group of Goleta Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members are busy in their new role as Goleta Business Ambassadors.  Typically, the volunteer organization trains to prepare and respond to emergencies, but due to the on-going pandemic, CERT pivoted to help out in a different way.  Since August, the trained team members have been visiting local businesses to provide support, answer questions, and ensure that Goleta businesses understand the laws and guidelines surrounding re-opening and conducting business safely during the COVID-19 crisis.  So far, they have visited more than one hundred businesses.

City of Goleta Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris said the Goleta Business Ambassadors are pleased to help in this way and support the County’s RISE Ambassador effort. He said, “Recovery from a disaster is difficult and causes so much stress.  And then add in the ever-changing laws of how to operate your business – it becomes overwhelming.  The City knows these troubles are occurring, which is why we want the CERT Ambassadors out in the community to point you in the right direction.”

CERT Team Member/Goleta Business Ambassador Cecilia Herrera said, “I feel helpful participating as a business ambassador volunteer because these new regulations can be stressful but us going to offer our help to the owners or managers makes it easier to comply and less confusing.”

The group has also been passing out #reCOVERgoleta signage for businesses to post in their front windows indicating the City’s face covering requirement when outside of the home.

Before businesses can reopen in Santa Barbara County, they are required to review state and local guidance, complete a COVID-19 Prevention Plan, and self-certify that they can open safely; all of which can be found at https://recoverysbc.org/reopen-your-business/.

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: Goleta Business Ambassadors (CERT Team Members) Peter Omoregie, Cecilia Herrera and Viridiana Victoria meet in front of the Goleta Valley Community Center before heading out to meet with businesses.

New Health Order Allowing Some Indoor Businesses to Reopen

Santa Barbara County Health Officer, Dr. Henning Ansorg has issued a Health Officer Order in response to the States new four-tiered color-coded reopening framework (pictured). Santa Barbara County is classified as Tier One, “purple” – the highest risk tier. The new framework allows for some previously closed sectors to reopen indoor services with modifications. This Order is effective August 31 at 5 p.m. and continues until 5 p.m. on September 29, 2020, or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing.

As required by the Health Officer Order the following sectors may open indoor operations with modifications and adherence to the Health Officer Order and State provided guidance located here.

  • Hair salons and barbershops
  • Indoor occupancy is limited to 25% capacity. Common areas and food court dining areas must remain closed. Food court food facilities may remain open for off-site consumption (take-out or delivery).
  • Libraries limited to 25% occupancy capacity
  • Retail limited to 25% occupancy capacity

Additionally, the following businesses and activities must continue to keep physical locations closed:

  • In-person higher education including technical schools, colleges, universities, adult education, and trade schools. Indoor lectures are prohibited.  Courses offered in specialized indoor settings (e.g. labs, studios, arts), whose design imposes substantial physical distancing on participants are permitted when following the Stated issued guidance.  Distance learning is allowed;
  • Parties and Receptions. Outdoor wedding ceremonies (religious or non-religious) are permitted so long as the State guidance for Places of Worship is followed.  Indoor ceremonies are not allowed at this time.  Receptions for weddings are not allowed.
  • Rodeos and public equestrian events.
  • Organized sports and team sports including adult, amateur (non-professional) team sports, and indoor and drills, except professional sports without a live audience. (Intramural &Youth sports training and conditioning are allowed when following State guidelines.)

Gatherings are not allowed whether small or large. Gatherings are defined as an event or convening that brings together people from different households in a single room or space at the same time in any indoor or outdoor space whether public or private. Gathering exemptions include:

  • While in a work setting which is allowed while maintaining physical distancing;
  • Outdoor recreational activities while maintaining six feet distance from others. Examples include walking, cycling, jogging and hiking;
  • Congregate living situations including dormitories and homeless encampments;
  • Outdoor worship services, wedding ceremonies, outdoor cultural ceremonies or outdoor protests, when physical distancing of six feet is maintained.

More information can be found on COVID-19 and the response locally at www.publichealthsbc.org or call 211 for further assistance.

Bookmark Design Contests Begin at Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries

Entries from Ages 12 and Under Accepted September 1st – 30th

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries will be holding their annual Bookmark Contests this fall!  All kids ages 12 and under are eligible to participate.  Goleta Valley Library’s theme this year is “Every Book is an Adventure…” and the theme for the Santa Ynez Valley Libraries is “A Friend is…”  There is a limit of one entry per participant, and entrants are encouraged to use their best idea: make it colorful, fun and let your imagination run wild!

Entry forms are available here on the Goleta Valley Library website and can also be picked up from your home branch the next time you pick up library materials.  All entries should be turned in to your local library before the deadline of September 30th.  There will be boxes for submitting entries outside each library during Sidewalk Service hours on Wednesday – Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Entries will be considered in four different age categories: age 3 and under, ages 4-6, ages 7-9, and ages 10-12.  Winners will be announced for both contests on October 13th, and winners’ work will be shared via social media and printed for distribution in Sidewalk Service bags during the month of November.  Winners will also receive a certificate of participation and a gift card from Blenders in the Grass!

Library staff is excited to run this contest. Carey McKinnon, Branch Supervisor of the Solvang Library, said, “We love seeing the creativity and imagination of these young artists!  And so do patrons when they pick up bookmarks after the contest!”

The Goleta Valley Library has been running their annual bookmark design contest for many years, and staff is thrilled to be able to continue to offer the contest this year even while the library is closed to the public. “During these challenging months, it is so important for children to take time to be creative and to celebrate the special themes of adventure, individuality and friendship,” said Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo.

The Santa Ynez Valley Libraries’ contest is sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley. Both Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries’ contests are sponsored by Blenders in the Grass.

For more information, or to request an entry form by email, contact your local library at either buelltonlibrary@cityofgoleta.org, goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org, or solvanglibrary@cityofgoleta.org. Information on all programs at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries can be found online at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Visit the Library Events Calendar for a full list of virtual programs at the Goleta, Solvang and Buellton libraries.

Pictured: 2019 Bookmark Design Contest Winners

Teen Graphic Novel Club Launches this Month at Goleta Valley Library!

Library Invites Teens to Join New Book Club for a “Fantastic” September

Comic lovers, rejoice! Fans of art, comics, and graphic novels will be thrilled to learn that Goleta Valley Library is introducing a Teen Graphic Novel Club to their set of virtual programming.

Goleta’s Teen Graphic Novel Club welcomes everyone between the ages of 13 and 17 who loves comics and wants to connect with other likeminded individuals. Each month the club will focus on a unique genre, represented by a hand-picked assortment of graphic novels. For the month of September, the genre is High Fantasy and we will be reading Nimona by Noelle Stevenson and Wynd: Issue #1 by James Tynion IV. Members are encouraged to read either or both options, and to bring their insights to the September 30th meeting to share with others. Meetings will be held once a month for an hour each meeting, using the platform GoToMeeting. The mood will be casual and the meetings fun and discursive — recommend it to your friends!

All of the books discussed in the Teen Graphic Novel Club are available on Hoopla, one of the library’s popular digital platforms that boasts a wide selection of unique graphic novels and comics in eBook form – all of them instantly accessible and completely free with a Goleta Valley Library card! If you don’t have a library card already, you can register for an eCard through the catalog and start downloading titles through the Hoopla app or website right away.

Starting in October, members of the Teen Graphic Novel Club will also have the opportunity to earn community service hours each month by participating in a discussion leader role and contributing to the club’s WordPress blog. More information will be provided at the meeting on September 30th.

Interested in joining, or know a teen who might be? Register for our first meeting through the library’s online calendar of events here and receive a link to join the club. We can’t wait to talk about the incredible genre of graphic novels together at our first meeting on September 30th from 4:30-5:30pm! Wear a cool costume to the meeting and we’ll even feature your look on our Instagram page @goletavalleylibrary.

More information about Goleta Valley Library’s newest in teen programming can be found here on the Goleta Valley Library website. Questions about this program can be sent via email to goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org with the subject line “Teen Graphic Novel Club.”