Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Old Town Sidewalk Project Final Paving Work

The City’s Old Town Sidewalk Improvement Project is nearing the finish line. The final asphalt grind and pavement overlay work was recently completed. Thank you to everyone impacted by this work for their cooperation and patience. The next step is to paint the striping on the streets which is scheduled for September 8. The striping work is expected to take one day to complete.

City of Goleta Senior Project Engineer James Winslow said, “The Public Works Department is very pleased with the success of the Old Town Sidewalk Project and excited to announce that the project will be completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Completing the work early is a huge benefit to the residents and community.”

Additional project information, including a map of the asphalt grind and overlay phasing, can be found on our City website at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaOTSW.

The utilities – Southern California Edison, Cox Communications, and Frontier Communications – still need to relocate their poles and equipment in some of the project areas. The contractor will return to finish pouring the sidewalks in these utility areas. For questions, please contact sidewalks@cityofgoleta.org or call the Construction Inspector, Daniel Anderson, at 805.869.3727.

Background

The 9031 Old Town Sidewalk Improvement project includes constructing sidewalk on at least one side of each street north of Hollister Avenue between South Fairview Avenue and Mallard Avenue as well as on Pine Avenue south of Hollister Avenue. The new sidewalks will connect to existing sidewalk providing a continuous path of travel. There will also be drainage improvements, tree replacements, repaving, and the construction of 39 back-in angled parking spots on Magnolia Avenue (for a net increase of approximately 17 new parking spots). Watch this video to learn more about the project.

When this project is done, the safety improvements, livability and ability to recreate in Old Town will change dramatically. We are pleased the community will be able to enjoy the improvements for years to come.

Pictured: New paving, and paving in progress, on Mandarin Avenue in Old Town

Less than Month Left to Make Goleta Count in the 2020 Census!

Come visit us at the Farmers Market on Sunday, September 13

We have less than one month left to make sure all of Goleta is counted in the 2020 Census. The closing date has been moved up to September 30, and we still have approximately 25% of households that need to respond. We need your help to get as close as we can to 100% participation. You can complete the census online at My2020Cenus.gov or over the phone or by calling 844-330-2020.

Mayor of Goleta Paula Perotte said, “We need to do everything possible to obtain Goleta’s fair share of vital health and safety services funding from Federal, State and County governments. For the next 10 years such funding will be based on the total number of Goletans counted by the September 30, 2020 deadline!”  She continued, “Census information is not shared with any other agency and completing the form for everyone in a household takes less than 10 minutes. Please be counted.”

We are also pleased to share that every Wednesday in September from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Equalitech is providing computer stations for community members to complete their census online. This will be a great asset for those that do not have access to a computer or internet. Equalitech staff are Bilingual and will be available to answer questions about the census. Equalitech is located in Room 13B in the back of the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). If you go, please follow COVID-19 health guidelines – wear a face covering and stay six feet apart from others.

Also, come visit us at the Camino Real Farmers Market on Sunday, September 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. We will be there to answer questions about the census and pass out Make Goleta Count swag. Look for the large California Census digital truck parked at the Camino Real Marketplace.  Again, COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

As a reminder, now that Census workers are going door to door to contact households who have not responded, the City wants to remind the community to be aware of potential scams.  Census workers, who are hired locally, all have a census ID and briefcase with the census logo, and wear a protective mask and gloves. Their ID can be verified online at www.census.gov/cgi-bin/main/email.cgi.

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.

Fire Hazards Reduced Along Highway 101

The City of Goleta is pleased to report that fire hazards along the US Highway 101 corridor between Los Carneros Road and Fairview Avenue are greatly reduced following a two week-long project. Caltrans crews removed more than 60 tons of underbrush and cleared paths for emergency responders to have access in case of an emergency. The work started on July 27, 2020 and wrapped up on Friday, August 7, 2020. In addition to clearing brush and dead vegetation, crews also trimmed trees and pruned remaining tree canopies. In all, ten full 40-cubic yard roll off containers were hauled off. 

The build-up of dense vegetation, trash and debris through the corridor has been a source of great concern, especially after several homeless encampment associated fires in the area last month. 

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “We are so grateful to Caltrans crews for the hard work they put in the last two weeks to address this important public safety concern. While much progress was made there is still more work that needs to be done. We will continue close coordination efforts with our allied agencies to do everything we can to ensure the safety of the entire community.”

The City wants to thank motorists impacted by delays on US Highway 101 for their patience during the course of the project. In addition to Caltrans, we also want to acknowledge our collaborative partners including California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Barbara County Fire, Marborg Industries and the California Conservation Corps.  

Pictured: Caltrans crew removing a 40-cubic yard roll off container filled with debris and vegetation.

Dos Pueblos High School Class of 2020 Resiliency Mural Now Complete

The Dos Pueblos High School Foundation recently announced the completion of the Class of 2020 Resiliency Wall. The 264 square foot mural incorporates 466 student tiles, as well as the school crest, the year, and “We are Resilient” (an homage to the “We are DP” school slogan). The plaque next to the mural reads: “Dedicated to the Class of 2020 who showed their resiliency and strength during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are DP!”

Over Memorial weekend, graduating seniors were each given a 6”x6” tile to design like a flying graduation cap (the mural captures the mortarboard toss, a graduation tradition the Class of 2020 missed out on). Volunteers painted caps with names on them for those who couldn’t participate so all graduated would be represented.

Principal Bill Woodard stated, “Seeing the beautiful mural come to fruition was a wonderfully emotional moment – symbolizing our school coming together to overcome the challenges of last spring to celebrate the class of 2020. I want to thank the DPHS Foundation for spearheading the efforts which will be a lasting legacy to the class of 2020!”

“The Dos Pueblos community really stepped up to make this project a reality. We raised over $10,000 in less than two weeks. In addition, Tileco donated over 1,000 tiles, local artist Scott Boger painted the crest and lettering, Eliesa Bollinger, our high school ceramics teacher, spent the summer firing tiles, and local craftsmen and alumni, Clayte Robinson and Jorge Lorca, did the installation” stated Rechelle Ringer, DPHS Foundation board member and parent of a 2020 graduate, “We had staff, parents, students and community members all working on different aspects and the end result is a lasting tribute to the class, the school and the community. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

The Foundation still plans to do a ribbon-cutting celebration with the graduating class when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, the mural may be viewed on the south wall of the high school gymnasium.

Dos Pueblos High School Foundation www.dphsfoundation.org.

Goleta ReStart Loans Available for Small Businesses

The City of Goleta has collaborated with Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) to provide a loan program specifically for Goleta-based small businesses. Goleta ReStart Loans up to $25,000 are available to help Goleta-based businesses reopen and adapt to operating under proper public health guidelines due to COVID-19. 

Goleta ReStart Loans from WEV will provide capital to Goleta-based businesses who are now open or eligible to open under the most current government orders (subject to change based on updated orders) related to COVID-19. 

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

Learn more about WEV’s Goleta ReStart Loans (in English and Spanish) here: www.wevonline.org/loans-2/restart/.

COVID-19 Testing Site Now Open at Goleta Valley Community Center

A State-operated COVID-19 testing site is now open at the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). The State-operated testing site that was located at the Earl Warren Showgrounds has moved to the Goleta Valley Community Center. Testing services began on September 3, 2020, at the new GVCC site. Testing appointments can be made online at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling (888) 634-1123.

“We are very pleased with this move to the Goleta Valley Community Center. This location offers residents of Goleta and Isla Vista expanded testing opportunity by proximity to, and ease of access by public transportation,” said Van Do-Reynoso, Santa Barbara County Public Health Director.

Goleta Valley Community Center Acting General Manager Charlie Johnson said, “We are in difficult stressful times, times where flexibility and compassion can go a long way to making things better.  The Goleta Valley Community Center Board of Directors and staff are proud to do our part. While the Center remains closed to the public, our location is in the heart of Old Town Goleta and is easily accessible. We are pleased to have the City of Goleta’s support for this important outreach.” 

The testing being conducted is intended to identify if an individual currently has the COVID-19 virus. When considering getting a test, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (PHD) recommends asking yourself the following questions. If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you should get tested.

  • Do you work in a high-risk environment for the transmission of COVID-19?
  • Are you an essential worker?
  • Do you live or work in a congregate setting?
  • Have you had close contact with an individual who has been recently confirmed as having COVID-19?
    • Close contact is about 15 minutes, in a closed room less than six feet apart.
  • Have you been experiencing any symptoms of illness, different than seasonal allergies?
    • Cough, runny nose, fatigue, headaches, sore throat, loss of taste, nausea, etc.
  • Has a Public Health Department employee told you to get tested?

If you cannot answer yes to any of these questions, you are at lower risk for contracting COVID-19 and are not advised to be tested at this time.

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.

Free testing for essential workers is now available in Santa Barbara County. Call 805-705-7279 for more information and to make an appointment.

Pictured: Goleta Valley Community Center

Goleta CERT Team Acts as Business Ambassadors During Pandemic

The Goleta Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is taking on a new role to step up and help the local business community during this ongoing global pandemic.  The CERT Team, a volunteer organization that typically trains to prepare and respond to emergencies, is now trained to act as Business Ambassadors to help during the COVID-19 crisis. The on-the-ground assistance is in support of the County’s RISE Ambassador effort to provide education, resources and support for businesses in Santa Barbara County.

The CERT Business Ambassadors will be hitting the streets of Goleta next week in their dark green shirts and will be stopping by local restaurants, barber shops, retail stores and more to answer questions and ensure that businesses understand the laws and guidelines surrounding re-opening and conducting business safely. 

City of Goleta Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris, who oversees the group said, “The City of Goleta recognizes that news is constantly changing and as a business owner it can be tough to keep up with the latest laws and guidelines for businesses. For example, are you uncertain if your business is compliant with the current Health Orders?  Do you wonder if your current practices are safe for your employees?  Our CERT Business Ambassadors are here to help.”

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/.

The City of Goleta is pleased that our CERT volunteers are able to help Santa Barbara County provide this 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: Goleta CERT Volunteer Cecilia Herrera

The GVAA Virtual Art Show is Now Open

The Goleta Valley Art Association’s (GVAA) Annual Art Festival at Stow House has moved online this year and is available to view now. New paintings are added weekly. Pieces are also available for purchase. 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 at https://www.tgvaa.org/.

Pictured: “Hanging Out” by Jerilynne Nibbe, one of the many beautiful pieces of art available to view at the online show.

Emergency Tree Trimming Necessary for Public Safety

The City of Goleta performed emergency tree trimming in mid-July at two public open spaces located in the Santa Barbara Shores neighborhood.  The work involved trimming downed trees blocking a public trail and reducing tree fall risk and associated damage to life and private property.   The specific work and locations included:    

  • Trimming three trees blocking the trail leading west from the end of Coronado Drive
  • Trimming 21 trees at Campus Glen Open Space, located near the end of Coronado Drive
  • Trimming 16 trees at Santa Barbara Shores Open Space, located between Newport Drive and Santa Barbara Shores Drive/Sea Gull Drive

Work was completed from July 14-21. Thank you to everyone for your patience as the City completed this important public safety improvement.

The work was authorized by emergency permits from the City of Goleta and the California Coastal Commission.  Wildlife surveys were completed and no nesting birds or other protected, sensitive resources were found.  A biologist also monitored the tree trimming work and no impacts to wildlife were observed.

Questions or concerns about this emergency work can be directed to: George Thomson, Parks and Open Space Manager, at 805-961-7578 or gthomson@cityofgoleta.org.

Pictured: Cleared trail leading west from the end of Coronado Drive (before and after photos)

Update on Goleta’s Homelessness Strategic Plan

The City of Goleta is one step closer to adopting our first-ever Homelessness Strategic Plan. On July 22, 2020 City staff brought a full draft of the Plan before the newly-formed Homelessness Issues Standing Committee. 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. Prior to going before the Committee, 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 partner meetings and data gathering. Community involvement has been essential since the beginning. 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.

City Council and staff believe having a 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 plan is expected to go before Council in September with the goal of being adopted by fall of 2020. 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, essential when resources are limited.

The City team continue to be grateful for the public’s input and interest in this important effort. Learn more, review the draft Plan and keep up to date on opportunities for public review and input at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaHomelessnessPlan.

Pictured: Community meeting on homelessness