Watch Video Message

It’s a new school year, and the City of Goleta would like to remind parents and children of some important safety tips. Start by checking out this informative Back to School Safety Video Message from Goleta Community Resource Deputy George Hedricks that includes information on establishing routes to school, avoiding strangers, and teaching children about safely using social media and the internet. A full list of “25 Ways to Make Kids Safer” is available here.

Below are some additional tips to help keep everyone safe during the new school year:

Walking to School

• Leave early enough to arrive at school at least 10 minutes prior to the start of school.
• Always use public sidewalks and streets when walking to school. If there is no sidewalk, walk as far to the edge of the road as possible, facing traffic.
• We all learned as kids to “look both ways before crossing the street.” This remains important advice, for both children and adults.
• When crossing, make eye contact with drivers and always cross the street at intersections or in crosswalks.
• Teach your child to recognize and obey traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.

Biking to School

• ALWAYS wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Obey the rules of the road; the rules are the same for all vehicles, including bicycles.
• Always stay on the right-hand side of the road and ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Be sure your child knows and uses all of the appropriate hand signals.
• Ride single file on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic. Stop at all stop signs and walk bikes across the street.

Driving to School

• When driving your child to school, stay alert and never drive while distracted.
• Always obey school zone speed limits and watch for children crossing the street. Remember, the area 10 feet around a school bus is most dangerous for children.
• NEVER pass a bus loading or unloading children. It is also important to learn and follow your school’s drop-off and pick-up procedures.
• Washing your car can be an easily overlooked task, but driving toward the morning sun with a dirty windshield can be blinding. To make certain you can see children walking and riding to school, make sure your windshield is clean, especially during morning school drop-off hours.

We wish everyone a safe and happy school year!

Pictured: CRD George Hedricks with Mayor Paula Perotte at Brandon School

Pedestrian Safety Starts with You: Stay Alert to Protect People Walking

September is California Pedestrian Safety Month. The Goleta Police Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023. In California alone, 1,106 pedestrians were struck and killed on California roads in 2023, accounting for 27 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the state. The high number of pedestrians injured and killed on our roads highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures for people walking.

“Pedestrian safety should be every driver’s priority.” Sergeant Noel Rivas said. “Safety begins with you, whether you’re behind the wheel or on foot. Slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks, can make a life-saving difference.”

The Goleta Police Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.

Drivers

• Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Never drive impaired.

Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.
• Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – consider wearing bright colors, reflective material, or use a flashlight when practical.
• Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.

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

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

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is warning community members about an increase in fraudulent phone calls where scammers pose as officials and attempt to pressure victims into paying money.

In these scams, callers claim you owe fines, missed tolls, or face arrest unless you make an immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or electronic apps. These calls can sound convincing, but they are fraudulent. The Sheriff’s Office will never demand payment over the phone, request gift cards, or threaten arrest for unpaid fines.

If you receive a suspicious call:

• Hang up immediately.
• Do not send money or share personal information.
• Call the Sheriff’s Office to verify.

“These scammers rely on fear and urgency to trick people into handing over money,” said Chief Deputy Brad Welch. “We want our community to know they always have the right to hang up and call us directly to confirm whether the call is legitimate.”

You can reach the Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at any time of the day or night at (805) 683-2724.

You are encouraged to share this warning with family, friends, and neighbors—especially seniors, who are often targeted by these schemes.

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