Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Multiple Business Sectors Ordered to Close due to COVID-19

Santa Barbara County Health Officer, Dr. Henning Ansorg has issued a Health Officer Order mandating the closure of multiple business sectors that promote the mixing of populations beyond households and create environments where physical distancing and wearing face coverings is difficult.  This guidance is effective at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020 and will continue until 5:00 p.m. on July 26, 2020 or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended in writing.

At the direction of the California Department of Public Health and by mandate of the health officer order the following business sectors must close:

  • Nightclubs, including private social clubs; and
  • Indoor operations of Dine-in restaurants, Wineries and Tasting Rooms,
  • Indoor operations of Family Entertainment Centers, Movie Theaters, Zoos and Museums, and Cardrooms

Outdoor operations of the above listed sectors may remain open with strict physical distancing protocols in place.

Bars, breweries, pubs, and brewpubs were ordered to close, but have been permitted to reopen with the following guidelines:

  • Outdoor seating/service only
  • Alcohol can only be sold in the same transaction as a meal
  • Businesses in these categories must follow the dine-in restaurant guidance
  • Venue that do not offer sit-down dine-in meals must offer curbside sales only, and no on-site alcohol consumption

The full Health Officer Order can be found here.  For more information about COVID-19 and the response locally, please visit www.publichealthsbc.org or call the County Call Center at 1-833-688-5551.

City of Goleta Launches #reCOVERgoleta Campaign

In an effort to stress the importance of wearing face coverings to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the City of Goleta is launching the #reCOVERgoleta campaign.  The goal of the #reCOVERgoleta slogan is to capture the need to consistently wear face coverings to protect each other and allow our community to safely get back to business.  The campaign supports the orders issued by the Goleta City Council, Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer, and Governor of California, in regards to face covering requirements.

A growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the disease and that the use of face coverings, combined with physical distancing, staying home when you feel sick and frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings are required when you are not at home. This includes indoors at all businesses and outdoors when waiting for service or interacting with anyone you don’t live with.

As part of the #reCOVERgoleta campaign the City will be putting up signs throughout the community and is encouraging businesses to post signs as well.  We also ask that residents and businesses promote the #reCOVERgoleta hashtag and graphic/flyers on their social media channels to help spread the word. View our #reCOVERgoleta flyer in English and Spanish.

The City is also releasing a new safety video featuring our Emergency ServicesCoordinator, Michael Baris, which aims to clear up some confusion about how and when to wear face coverings.  The video is followed with a Spanish version that is narrated by Natalia Rios, an Emergency Services aide.  In addition to information about face coverings, the video also includes other important COVID-19 safety tips.  We hope you will take time out to watch and share the video with others.  Click here to view the video. 

The City is in the process of creating a #GoodLandGoodPeople face covering for Goleta residents to wear to show support of their City and each other.  We will let you know when they are available.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Thank you Goleta, for continuing to look out for each other and for doing what is needed to get us through this challenging time. Wearing a face covering is critical to helping us move forward.  Thanks for helping us #reCOVERgoleta.”

For more information, consult the State Guidance for Face Coverings  or go to the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.  For more information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California. For the latest information on COVID-19 and Santa Barbara County, visit the Public Health portal at https://publichealthsbc.org/.

Council Condemns Police Brutality and Declares Racism Public Health Emergency

At a special virtual Goleta City Council meeting, Council unanimously approved a resolution condemning police brutality and declaring racism a public health emergency. View the resolution here.

The City of Goleta has a proud record of proclaiming its commitment to inclusivity, diversity and equity. The City Council has expressed a commitment to making Goleta a welcoming, inclusive, and safe community for everyone, and to promoting free thought and speech, while condemning racism and police brutality, hate speech, bigotry, violence and prejudice. However, with the recent tragedy against George Floyd and others, and the ensuing activism, advocacy and protests that have developed across the country, several councilmembers requested a resolution be drafted for their consideration.

This is an important issue for the public as well. Sixty-eight people sent in public comments to the City Clerk’s office, two people called in and spoke, and 12 people opted to have their comments read into the record during the City Council meeting.

Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Today’s meeting was an important first step in addressing our current law enforcement challenges, but this resolution is only a first step. Our Council remains committed to assuring that all residents receive fair and equitable treatment, that police receive the proper training and equipment, and that all Sheriff personnel are held accountable for their policies and practices. It was very important to me to have had Sheriff Brown as part of today’s meeting and for it to serve as a stepping stone for a more open dialogue between the Council and Sheriff’s office. The issues we are dealing with are national issues, and I see our Sheriff and police as being leaders.”

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services, so it was important for the City Council to have Sheriff Bill Brown as part of the meeting. He was able to provide information and answer questions from Council.

Sheriff Brown said, “I hope that the information provided gives you the following assurances: that we in the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office take your concerns seriously; that we are continuously working to insure that our organization provides the best possible protection and service to everyone in our community; and, that we endeavor to do so in a fair, unbiased and just manner.” He added, “Our organization doesn’t always get things right, but we strive to treat people the right way. We operate transparently, hold ourselves accountable, and we continuously seek to improve.”

If you missed the meeting, you can watch it anytime on the City website at www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings.

Pictured: Special Virutal Goleta City Council Meeting on June 8, 2020

Goleta Valley Library Announces Curbside Pick-Up to Begin June 16

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce that beginning Tuesday, June 16, 2020 the Goleta Valley Library will be offering sidewalk service out front at 500 N. Fairview Avenue. Library patrons will be able to place holds for any items currently at the Goleta, Buellton and Solvang libraries.  As of June 16, returns can also be made in the book drops. Large item Library of Things should be returned at the table at the entrance to the library.

Library Director Allison Gray said, “After two and a half months of being closed and using that time to provide a number of unique virtual services, we are excited to focus our attention back to providing physical services.  We know it has been difficult to not have access to our materials, and now community members will be able to borrow whatever they need from our three branches.”

All visitors must comply with social distancing rules. To receive service, everyone must wear a face covering and line up six feet apart on the sidewalk leading up to the library’s front walkway. A library staff member will make sure everything is ready for you, and then send you to the front door of the library to pick-up your items. Curbside service will be available Tuesdays – Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Please be respectful of other patrons and do not come if you are feeling ill.

Black Gold service, which ships books between library locations throughout seven tri-county jurisdictions, will not resume until later this year. You are still able to log-on to Black Gold and place holds on items you wish to check-out that are at one of our three library locations. Patrons will be contacted by library staff when the items are ready for pick-up, and can then schedule an appointment to pick-up the items using a new app soon to be available at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Now that that sidewalk service is available, the Library will no longer be mailing Craft Kits.  They will be available for pick up at the branches starting on June 16.  The free Craft kits are only available for patrons of the Goleta, Buellton and Solvang libraries. Each month children can receive two craft kits. Once you request a kit online, two will automatically be prepared for you each month, for each child registered. Sign-up here. For some of the craft kits, you will need to provide items such as glue, crayons, etc… These kits are yours to keep. Please remember that some of these kits have quite small pieces so younger children should be monitored at all times.

For more information on the Goleta Valley Library, and the programs and services available, please visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Swimming Pool Safety

It only takes a few seconds for a person to drown, and drowning accidents are the leading cause of death for children one to four years of age. Almost 70 percent of all drowning accidents occur in backyard swimming pools; however, people can drown in just a few inches of water. Santa Barbara County Fire would like share these swimming pool safety tips.

Safety Tips to Prevent Drownings:

  • NEVER allow children to be alone when near water; make sure an adult is always present.
  • Make sure that the pool is secure at all
  • Keep toys out of the pool area when not in
  • Mount approved floatation devices near the pool. Many toy floatation devices are thought to be lifesaving devices; they are not. They are toys!
  • Never dive into an above-ground pool. Know the depth of the water before you attempt to dive.
  • Keep a telephone outside near the pool. DO NOT leave children unattended to talk on the
  • Post the 911 emergency number on the

If a child or adult is in trouble in a pool:

  • Do not panic. Yell for
  • Get the child or adult out of the pool
  • Call 911 immediately for emergency medical
  • Begin CPR if
  • If you are not trained in CPR, follow the telephone instructions from the Fire Department Dispatcher until firefighters arrive to assist

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department urges all Santa Barbara County residents to exercise safety during any water recreational activity.

City of Goleta Celebrates Class of 2020 with #GoletaGraduates

The City of Goleta is saddened that our #GoletaGraduates didn’t get the traditional pomp and circumstance that they usually would due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines. That’s why we asked the community to send us photos of their favorite graduate (elementary through college) in a cap and gown, with a yard sign, or traditional class picture. You can now see the many wonderful #GoletaGradutes on our Facebook page (@CityofGoleta).

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “’As Goleta’s Mayor, I want to say, “Congratulations!” on your graduation.  Our city shares the pride you, your family and friends feel in your achievement, especially in the face of this pandemic. And we know that you can and will overcome other inevitable life challenges as you embark on your next adventure. We send you all our best wishes for a bright and joyful personal and professional future.”

Thank you for helping us showcase these special graduates and honor this important milestone in their lives. Class of 2020 we salute you!

Pictured: Kerigan Ringer, a graduating senior at Dos Pueblos High School.

Keeping it Positive with #GoodLandGoodPeople

Good news is something we all are hanging onto these days. What better way to spread positive vibes than by participating in our #GoodLandGoodPeople photo campaign. It’s a way to share the positive things people are doing to help one another and stay sane during the COVID-19 pandemic and Stay at Home order. Whether you are sewing masks for those who need one, or coming up with imaginative games for your young children at home, please tell us about it!  We are looking for the following types of photos:

  • Creative ways you and your family are working/schooling/playing/staying busy during the Stay at Home Order.
  • People in our Goleta community we can pay tribute to for helping others during this time. This includes medical professionals, grocery store workers, first responders and more.
  • Uplifting images from our community that will make us smile.

We would love to hear from all of you. To participate, email your photo and a brief description/caption to PIO@CityofGoleta.org. Follow us on Facebook (@CityofGoleta) and Instagram (@CityofGoleta) to see the great photos we have already shared and to see what’s next. Feel free to share your photos on your social media accounts as well and use the hashtag #GoodLandGoodPeople.

70% of City of Goleta Households Have Completed the 2020 Census

Finding yourself at home a lot these days?  It’s the perfect time to make sure you have completed your #2020Census.  While you are home, please do your part to Make Goleta Count and take a minute to fill out the census online at My2020Cenus.gov or call 844-330-2020.  #BeCounted #CensusSBC #MakeGoletaCount

According to the 2020 Self Response Rate Map, as of June 5, 2020, 70% of Goleta Households have completed their census.  As a comparison, the final response number for the City of Goleta in the 2010 Census was 75.3%.  That means we are close to beating our rate from 2010 but we are hoping we can fill the remaining gap and rally the remaining 30% of residents to complete their census. We need your help to achieve our goal of 100% participation.  The City is proud of our Make Goleta Count campaign which has helped spread the word about the importance of filling out the census. Please watch and share our Make Goleta Count video.

This is the first year you can fill out your census on-line at My2020Cenus.gov. If you did not respond to a postcard invitation to participate on-line, you should have received a paper copy of the census in the mail. The census is easy to fill out, follow the instructions and answer 9 simple questions – it takes no time at all. You can also complete your census by phone at 844-330-2020. U.S. Census workers will be doing in person visits to households who have not yet responded.

When filling out your census, please remember to count everyone in your household even if they are not family members. Also, don’t forget to count children even if they are babies.  It’s estimated that one in 10 children under age five were missed in the last census.  That is more than two million uncounted children. Also, it’s important to know that the 2020 Census is confidential and your personal information, by law, can’t be shared.

Emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic are precisely why the government needs accurate 2020 Census data. Your response to the 2020 Census shapes decisions about how billions of dollars in federal funds flow into communities each year for the next ten years.

The following items are at stake for Goleta if there is an undercount in the 2020 Census:

  • Loss of revenue for TEN years
  • Federal funding for Community Development Block Grants
  • Library funding
  • Gas tax related revenue for road repairs
  • Special funding based on population
  • District election boundaries

You can track the census completion rate for the City and other areas by using the Response Rate Map. 

Learn more about the 2020 Census on the City’s census webpage and on Santa Barbara County’s census website. Information in Spanish is also available on the City website and Santa Barbara County website. 

Let’s Go Goleta!  Let’s reach 100% participation in the 2020 Census.  We can do it!