Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Input Wanted on City’s General Plan Amendments

Learn More and Comment at April 14 Planning Commission Meeting;
Deadline to Comment is April 24

The City of Goleta is updating its General Plan to meet new State Planning Law requirements and draft amendments are now available for public review. The General Plan is the City’s official policy that guides decisions affecting future physical development and change within the City. Key topic areas of these updates include:

  • Environmental Justice Policies
  • Open Space Element Updates
  • Safety Element Updates

Existing General Plan content meets some of the requirements while in other instances, amendments are proposed. These draft amendments include refinements to existing General Plan content as well as new text and figures.

Proposed General Plan amendments, as well as existing policies that meet State requirements, are included in a table on the City’s General Plan Updates webpage for public review. Where changes are proposed, they are shown in underline/ strikethrough in the table. Also posted on the webpage for public review are new and revised General Plan maps. Full General Plan elements with the proposed updates shown in underline/strikethrough are also posted for public review.

How to Provide Feedback on the General Plan Updates

City staff will be providing a summary of the draft amendments to the Planning Commission on April 14th at 6:00 p.m. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the draft amendments and provide public comment. Spanish interpretation will be available. An agenda for the meeting, including how to participate, will be available at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.

The public is also encouraged to contribute written comments to City staff on the draft amendments before or after the meeting.  Email your comments on the draft amendments directly to GeneralPlanUpdates@cityofgoleta.org. These comments will be posted on the project webpage. Staff are available to provide clarification and additional information upon request. Please note that while the updates themselves are not translated into Spanish, City staff are available to assist Spanish-speaking community members. If interested, please email GeneralPlanUpdates@cityofgoleta.org.

Staff will be at the Community State of the City on Tuesday, April 8 to provide information and answer questions. Come to the City information tables from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). Stay for the main program beginning at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Perotte’s State of the City address, City Manager Robert Nisbet’s financial update, and a Q&A with City staff.

Comment Deadline

Please submit your comments by Thursday, April 24, 2025. Staff will consider comments received, make necessary revisions, and present the revised General Plan elements to the Planning Commission for their consideration at a future meeting.

3CE community Workshop – Electrify Your Home 2.0

Thursday, April 17 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the GCC

Learn about Central Coast Community Energy (3CE)’s Electrify Your Home program at a workshop on Thursday, April 17 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). The program aims to make building electrification more accessible and affordable for everyone. 

The workshop will help shape incentives and assistance that support the transition to all-electric home appliances. It’s an opportunity for community members, homeowners, renters, contractors, builders, affordable housing developers and advocates, senior advocates, low-income advocates, and any others to share their experiences, challenges, and questions about upgrading household appliances to all-electric.

Highlights:

  • Discussion on potential enhancements to 3CE’s Electrify Your Home program and strategies for effectively promoting the program to the community.
  • Light dinner & refreshments provided for all attendees.
  • Children’s activities available.
  • English-to-Spanish interpretation provided.

Register here.

MTD Meeting on Proposed Service Changes

Attend Meeting on April 9th and Complete Survey to Provide Feedback

Santa Barbara MTD is hosting a set of public outreach meetings this April and is inviting the public to take a brief survey giving feedback on proposed service changes to local bus service. These meetings are held annually in the spring to receive input on the proposed changes that would go into effect on August 18, 2025.

Proposed changes for August this year are minimal, with one additional weekday inbound PM peak trip on Line 24x (UCSB Express). Also to be discussed at these meetings, is the launch of The Wave on-demand microtransit service in Goleta and Isla Vista this spring.

In addition to these proposed changes, members of the public can learn more about MTD’s Tap2Ride contactless payment system that allows riders to use bank cards and mobile wallets on smart devices (like Apple Pay and GPay) to pay their bus fare. With a feature known as dynamic fare capping, a rider using Tap2Ride can ensure that they are capped at the cost of a 30-day pass in a 30-day period. Seniors over 65, people with disabilities, and Medicare card holders are now able to enroll to receive discounted fares when using the Tap2Ride system.

MTD invites the public to learn more and to give feedback via an online survey that explains all the proposed changes at www.sbmtd.gov/servicechanges. The survey is available in English and Spanish.

Community meetings will be held at the following locations and times, and Spanish/English interpretation will be provided:

Wednesday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Goleta Community Center
5679 Hollister Avenue, Goleta

Tuesday, April 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Central Library, Faulkner Gallery
40 E Anapamu St, Santa Barbara

Monday, April 21 at 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting- Zoom Webinar
Click here to register.

Wednesday, April 23 at 6:00 p.m.
Carpinteria Library
5141 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria

In addition to the four meetings listed above, a presentation on the proposed changes will be given at the April 22 meeting of the Isla Vista Community Services District Board of Directors. The meeting begins at 6:00pm.

For questions on proposed service changes, the public may contact Santa Barbara MTD at 805-963-3364 or email info1@sbmtd.gov.

City Planner Honored for 20 Years of Service

To spend twenty years working at one place is not only a great compliment to the employer but can be a great benefit to the community as well.  That’s why we hope you will join us in congratulating Planning and Environmental Review Associate Planner Brian Hiefield for 20 years of service to the City of Goleta.

At the April 1, 2025, City Council meeting, Brian was presented with a butterfly plaque to recognize his milestone marker of two decades with the City.  In his remarks, Peter Imhof, Director of Planning & Environmental Review said, “Brian has been a stalwart of the Department, a go-to person, friendly, approachable, highly competent. He knows his stuff. There’s nothing that he has not seen or done as far as planning is concerned for the City of Goleta.”

During his opportunity to speak, Brian thanked his colleagues for their support. He said, “You can’t do this job alone, and I have always enjoyed learning from you all.”

Brian has played a pivotal role in a variety of impactful projects that have helped shape Goleta these past two decades. His work on affordable housing initiatives like People’s Self Help Housing at the Village at Los Carneros to community-serving facilities such as the Foodbank, contribute directly to benefiting underrepresented groups in our community. Other projects Brian worked on also include Fairview Gardens, Sywest Industrial Building, Cabrillo Business Park, and the Mariposa Assisted Living facility.

One of Brian’s proudest accomplishments is the implementation of the Magnet permit tracking system which launched just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The system allowed City Hall to continue operations completely remote during unprecedented times. “I’m not sure what we would have done without it, to be honest,” Brian said, “The system allowed us to conduct our work 100% remote during the closures.”

Brian first came to the City of Goleta in 2004 as a contract employee and was then hired as a staff member in 2005 for the Planning Department. He found a mentor in then-Building Official Jim Guerra, whose experience helped Brian gain a strong foundation for his future in planning.

What Brian enjoys most about his work at the City of Goleta is the camaraderie and connection he shares with his colleagues. Over the years, he has collaborated with many talented teams and cherished mentors who have helped shape his career. “I get to build community in the community that I grew up in and still live in today,” said Brian, “and you can’t beat that.”

Thank you, Brian, for all you’ve done for Goleta during your time here.


Brian with his butterfly plaque for 20 years of service; pictured left-to-right: Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Pro Tem Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3), Mayor Paula Perotte, Brian Hiefield, Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1) and Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof


Brian and his family

Doggy Day Out Program

With longer days and warmer weather ahead, now is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors while making a difference in a shelter dog’s life. Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) invites community members to participate in our Doggy Day Out Program, a unique opportunity to take a shelter dog on a fun-filled outing and give them a much-needed break from the kennel environment.

The Doggy Day Out Program is designed to provide enrichment and socialization for shelter dogs while giving participants the chance to enjoy quality time with a canine companion. Whether you prefer a scenic hike, a walk along the beach, a visit to a local park, or simply a relaxing afternoon at home, this program allows you to tailor the experience to your interests while benefiting a dog in need.

How It Works:

  1. Visit a Shelter: No appointment is necessary. Simply stop by one of our three shelter locations during regular business hours:
    • Santa Barbara Shelter: 5473 Overpass Rd
    • Lompoc Shelter: 1501 W Central Ave
    • Santa Maria Shelter: 548 W Foster Rd
  2. Sign Up: Upon arrival, you will complete a quick and straightforward registration process to enroll in the program.
  3. Choose Your Adventure: Let our staff know what kind of outing you have planned, and we will match you with a dog whose energy level and personality align with your plans.
  4. Take a Dog Out for the Day: We will provide all necessary supplies, including leashes, waste bags, toys, and treats, so you can focus on having an enjoyable experience with your furry companion.

Why Participate?

  • Give shelter dogs a break from the stressful kennel environment, reducing anxiety and improving their overall well-being.
  • Help dogs get adopted by providing valuable insights into their personalities and behavior outside of the shelter setting.
  • Enjoy a flexible and rewarding experience—whether you have an hour or an entire afternoon, your time and effort make a difference.
  • Support your community by contributing to the welfare of homeless animals in need of companionship and care.

The Doggy Day Out Program is a wonderful way to experience the joys of pet companionship while positively impacting a dog’s life. There is no long-term commitment required, making it a perfect opportunity for those who love dogs but may not be able to adopt or foster at this time.

Community members are invited to visit the shelters during business hours to learn more and participate in this exciting initiative. By taking a dog out for the day, you are not only giving them a memorable experience but also helping them on their journey to finding a forever home.

For more information on Santa Barbara County Animal Services, click here. 

Volunteer with SB County Animal Services

April Orientation Schedule Now Available

Do you have a passion for animals and a desire to make a meaningful impact in your community? Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) is seeking dedicated volunteers to support our mission of providing compassionate care to animals in need. Whether it is walking dogs, socializing cats, assisting with cleaning, or helping with administrative tasks, volunteers play a crucial role in the success of our shelters.

To ensure that all volunteers are well-prepared, SBCAS requires participation in a mandatory orientation session before beginning their service. The April Volunteer Orientation Schedule was just released, providing opportunities for interested individuals to complete the necessary training and get started on their volunteer journey. Volunteers must be able to commit at least 6 hours per month. There are two orientations at the Santa Barbara Shelter (5473 Overpass Road, Goleta): Friday, April 11 and Friday, April 25 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. For orientation dates at the Lompoc and Santa Maria Shelters, see the flyer below. Spots are limited, sign up here to reserve your space: https://tinyurl.com/5n8fy2y2.

Volunteering with SBCAS is a rewarding experience that allows individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week or are looking for a more involved commitment, there are a variety of ways to contribute. Volunteers not only provide essential care and enrichment for shelter animals but also help improve their chances of finding loving homes by giving them positive interactions with people.

If you have ever considered giving your time to help animals in need, now is the perfect opportunity. SBCAS looks forward to welcoming new volunteers and working together to improve the lives of shelter pets.

Learn more about Santa Barbara County Animal Services at https://www.countyofsb.org/415/Animal-Services. Follow SBCAS on social media: Instagram (@sbcanimalservices) and Facebook (Santa Barbara County Animal Services).

Community Poetry Readings

Tuesday, April 29th from 4:00 – 5:15 p.m. at the UCSB Library

Join UCSB Reads and Goleta Valley Library for an afternoon of poetry readings in celebration of National Poetry Month! Adults and teens are invited to the UCSB Library (UCen Road, Instruction & Training 1312) on Tuesday, April 29th from 4:00-5:15 p.m. to hear community members read their favorite poems. If you would like to participate by reading, please complete this form with your name and the title and author of the published poem by April 21st. All genres and styles are welcome. Participants will be confirmed and notified by April 23rd. 

The event will kick off with a reading by local poet and UCSB Professor Emerita Shirley Geok-Lin Lim, of one of her favorite poems. Afterward, other participants will read their selected poems to the audience.

This event is free and open to all students, staff, faculty, and community members. Please RSVP in advance, even if you are planning on just listening from the audience. The event may be photographed or recorded.

UCSB Reads is an award-winning program that brings the campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. The UCSB Reads 2025 book selection is The Book of Delights: Essays by Ross Gay and will culminate with a free talk by the author at Campbell Hall on May 8, 2025.

Goleta Valley Library is thrilled to partner with UCSB Reads and UCSB Library, offering poetry programming for our adult and teen library patrons during our temporary closure.  

“A partnership with UCSB has been a frequent suggestion from our patrons for many years,” said City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “We are looking forward to welcoming both UCSB students and members of the community to an afternoon of poetry to connect and engage, especially while Goleta Valley Library is in the process of relocating to our temporary home during construction.”

Stay tuned for more programming and community partnerships throughout each phase of the library project. Visit www.goletavalleylibrary.org for the latest details, calendars, and information.

Thank You Kathy Allen

Gratitude is the number one emotion that Kathy Allen feels as she retires from the City of Goleta after almost 12 years of service.  At the March 18 City Council meeting, the Supervising Planner with the Planning and Environmental Review Department was presented with a City Tile and a big hug from Mayor Paula Perotte thanking her for the positive impact she has made on Goleta during her tenure.

In her remarks, Kathy expressed her appreciation on so many levels. “I feel so grateful to have had this opportunity to work with a great team of professionals and to have had such interesting and meaningful work. I feel grateful to live and work in such a beautiful area with a community of people who also care deeply about the environment and the well-being of their neighbors. I will really miss everything about living and working in Goleta and I plan to visit as much as possible.”

Kathy joined the City of Goleta in October of 2012 initially as a planning consultant and quickly transitioned into a permanent role. Her passion for planning and commitment to community development culminated in numerous successful projects that have shaped Goleta’s landscape.

One of Kathy’s most notable achievements was her involvement in the Village at Los Carneros project. This comprehensive development initiative included 465 homes on 43 acres, featured 70 affordable housing units, a public park, a new bridge over Tecolotito Creek, and a bike path connecting community areas. “I’m most proud of the work I did on the Village at Los Carneros development project,” Kathy shared. “I spent 8 years working on this project from processing planning entitlements through final inspection of the homes and project amenities.”

“In a department full of friendly people, she was one of the friendliest” said Peter Imhof, Planning & Environmental Review Director for the City of Goleta. “Always soft-spoken and gracious with a welcoming smile to all she met, Kathy has contributed hugely to our community and our city”.

We wish Kathy the very best in her retirement as she relocates to San Diego County and we thank her for all she has done for Goleta. 

The City is always looking for outstanding people like Kathy to join our team. To find out about opportunities, please visit  www.CityofGoleta.org/Jobs.

Thank you Kathy for your exceptional service to the City of Goleta and for making a positive impact on our community. Please join us in wishing Kathy a well-earned retirement!


Kathy with her City Tile (pictured left-to-right): Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof, Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Supervising Planner Kathy Allen, Mayor Paula Perotte, and Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3)


Pictured left-to-right: Current Planning Manager Lisa Prasse, Supervising Planner Mary Chang, Senior Planner Darryl Mimick, Supervising Planner Kathy Allen, and Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof


Kathy with her family

 

Join #TeamGoleta

Are you looking for a rewarding career at a great organization? The City of Goleta is always looking for talented people to join its team. We currently have the following jobs open:

  • Community Center Event Monitor / Building Attendant
  • Department Aide (Part-Time)
  • Principal Civil Engineer
  • Supervising Planner
  • Coming soon! Intern opportunities

Learn more about each position and how to apply here. Check back regularly for new opportunities.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

In its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads, the Goleta Police Department is reminding all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and keep their hands on the wheel. Whether checking a phone, eating or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.

According to the 2024 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving, because of texting, was their biggest safety concern. In 2022, there were 148 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

The Goleta Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine, and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

Follow these simple steps to stay focused and protect everyone on the road:

  • Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can’t reach it while driving.
  • Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors and finish any tasks before you start driving.
  • Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road: Avoid eating, grooming or adjusting controls while driving.
  • Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm.
  • Speak up: If you’re a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stay focused.
  • Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop in a safe place before responding.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.