Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Green Room: Multi-Benefit Watershed Projects

The City of Goleta is committed to investing in projects that protect our community members and our environment, and that add as many benefits to our community as possible. One such project being considered is a multi-benefit watershed project (MBWP). A MBWP, as defined by the Department of Water Resources, is a project designed to deliver a variety of positive outcomes across different areas, such as environmental protection, community development, economic growth, and social well-being, essentially creating multiple benefits from a single initiative; often seen in areas like water management where a project can simultaneously reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat.

In Goleta, we are incredibly fortunate to have twelve creeks within our City, which are home to dozens of native fish, birds, insects, trees, scrubs, and wildlife. Importantly, these creeks provide water resources, recreation, and habitat to all those who call Goleta home, but can also represent flooding and pollution hazards in developed areas and need to be protected and managed carefully. 

Most MBWPs include green infrastructure, a wide variety of technologies that aim to slow the speed of stormwater runoff, capture stormwater, filter pollutants, and infiltrate water resources into underground aquifers. Examples of green infrastructure elements include permeable pavement, planter boxes, bioswales, rainwater harvesting systems, and rain gardens. 

How do MBWPs and green infrastructure protect the environment and human health? Slowing and capturing stormwater mitigates flood risk, prevents erosion, and reduces sediment and pollutants in runoff. This results in healthier, resilient habitats and recreational spaces for plants, animals, and humans to enjoy. Filtering pollutants improves water quality, resulting in clean, nontoxic water for drinking, swimming, fishing, and recreation. Additionally, promoting infiltration allows stormwater runoff to replenish underground aquifers, resulting in sustainable groundwater supplies to support local ecosystems and meet community water demands. 

MBWPs generally consist of dedicated green spaces, which are commonly used for recreation, education, beautification, and community placemaking for all residents, regardless of economic background. These projects create learning and employment opportunities for local students, and support economic vitality in the environmental, construction, and watershed planning sectors. MBWPs can further help the economy by attracting businesses, residents, and tourists seeking beautiful, sustainable living and tourism. By adopting a multi-benefit approach to project planning, design, and implementation, the City can maximize public dollars to address a variety of environmental, public health, safety and community concerns simultaneously 

Multi-benefit projects are being evaluated for some of the City’s parks, creeks, and drainage infrastructure.


MBWP example from Contra Costa County

Changes to the City’s Deltopia Parking Permit Program

Affected Households Received Permits in Mail

The City of Goleta has extended the hours of its Deltopia parking permit program. The unsanctioned event in Isla Vista is usually held the weekend after students return from their Spring Break, and this year it is anticipated for Friday, April 4th through Sunday, April 6th. Over the past several years, a temporary permit-only on-street parking program for residents near Isla Vista was implemented and deemed successful in dissuading partygoers from parking in Goleta neighborhoods. Since the congregation for the event takes place over the full weekend, the City has extended its previous overnight only restricted parking to now begin at Noon on Friday, April 4th and go through 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 6th.

Also new this year, Girsh Park will be issuing daytime permits to those attending organized activities at Girsh Park on April 5th. Affected families will receive their permits ahead of time.

Signage will be posted on the streets in advance to remind drivers, and electronic message boards will be at several entrances to the University 1 and 2 neighborhoods. Vehicles parked on the street not displaying the appropriate permit will be subject to ticketing and/or towing. 

Parking permits are issued for the Goleta neighborhoods closest to Isla Vista: University 1 and University 2 neighborhoods including the Cannon Green Condominium complex. This includes Hollister Avenue to the southern City limit (generally Whittier Drive), from Cannon Green Drive (including those cul-de-sac streets on the west side of Cannon Green Drive) to Storke Road. 

Each impacted household should have received two passes in their mailbox. The parking permits are required to be taped to the inside of the vehicle’s driver’s side window for vehicles parked on the street during the restricted hours. Should Deltopia move to the following weekend, the restrictions will be in place from Noon on Friday, April 11th to 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 13th.

If you live in the area designated to receive a parking permit and have not received yours, please contact the City of Goleta Neighborhood Services Department at 805-961-7554 or mcure@cityofgoleta.org to make arrangements for a replacement.

A map and FAQs can be found here: https://cityofgoleta.org/parkingrestrictions.

Public Works Receives Top Honors

Professional of the Year and Transportation Project of the Year

The City of Goleta is the proud recipient of two honors handed out at the American Public Works Association (APWA) California Central Coast Chapter awards ceremony in Pismo Beach on March 13, 2025. Goleta’s Assistant Public Works Director Autumn Glaeser received the prestigious Professional of the Year Award and the City’s Pavement Rehabilitation Project received 1st place for a Transportation Project in the $5-25 million category. Each year AWPA recognizes and honors excellence in public works through its annual awards program, celebrating outstanding individuals, groups, and chapters for their contributions to the field. 

Goleta Public Works Director Nina Buelna said, “I am incredibly proud of my staff for receiving this well-deserved recognition for two major APWA Awards. The 2023 Pavement Project leveraged value engineering and Vision Zero designs to maximize safety and efficiency. Despite working with a limited budget, we achieved remarkable results. Additionally, the Professional of the Year Award is a testament to Autumn Glaeser’s exceptional competence, dedication, and expertise, which have been invaluable to our success.”

A write-up on the award in the AWPA newsletter stated, “Autumn exemplifies outstanding leadership in public works and engineering. With over 18 years of engineering experience spanning utilities, transportation, parks, and open space, Autumn has led with vision and dedication in both multiple government and private engineering firms. She has successfully managed complex projects from planning through execution, ensuring they meet budgetary constraints, environmental regulations, and community needs. Under her guidance, Goleta’s street maintenance, parks, and open space teams have thrived, and the Capital Improvement Project Division has flourished. What sets Autumn apart is her ability to bring people together—whether collaborating with stakeholders, mentoring team members, or fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency. Her leadership has had a lasting impact on the City’s infrastructure and the professionals she guides. She doesn’t just manage projects; she builds communities, develops future leaders, and ensures that public works serve the people effectively and sustainably.”

The City’s Pavement Rehabilitation Project was recognized due to its completion of upgrades to eight individual streets in Goleta totaling more than 16,000 feet of improvements citywide. The project also included installing new striping and markings to improve visibility for drivers and accessibility compliant curb ramp upgrades. The work lasted from July – October 2024 and is part of the City’s ongoing effort to maintain and improve the City’s road network by restoring and resurfacing the existing pavement to prevent further damage and extend its lifespan.

As part of the upgrades, a new Vison Zero layout on Cathedral Oaks Road was implemented that expanded bike lanes and created safer routes of travel with increased protection from vehicular travel. Additionally, 31 new angled parking spots were added in the improved area.

For more information about AWPA go to https://centralcoast.apwa.org/.

Above: Autumn Glaeser with her APWA Professional of the Year Award


Pavement work being done on Forest Drive in Goleta in September 2024 as part of the Pavement Rehabilitation Project

Take Action this Earth Month

You can take action to positively impact the planet this April in recognition of Earth Month. The City of Goleta is raising environmental awareness through programs like Go Green Goleta and Plastic Free Goleta, and encourages you to live every day sustainably. Through individual daily actions and shared learning, we can all do our part to influence the future of our environment. Learn more about small changes you can make to your lifestyle this Earth Month. 

What sustainable changes can we make to positively impact the planet? 

Our strength is in numbers and even the most minimal changes can make a difference. In support of our single-use plastic reduction ordinance, the City encourages Goletans to minimize plastic usage and be environmentally conscious in the following ways: 

  1. Bring your own reusable utensils when going out to eat or bring your own cup when going to a coffee shop.  
  2. Attend one of our City’s Beautify Goleta events to clean up your local environment and show your appreciation. There is one coming up on Saturday, April 19!
  3. You can also drop off unwanted bulky items or electronic appliances at Beautify Goleta events so they can properly be disposed of or repurposed. 
  4. When going to the grocery store, be sure to bring your own reusable bags and consider not bagging your produce in plastic bags (especially for produce like bananas or onions). Have your deli meat, cheese or bread wrapped in paper at the counter. 
  5. Consider carpooling, taking public transportation or walking to your destination. 
  6. Shop local or from businesses that use local materials to reduce the carbon footprint of the products you buy. 
  7. Replace light bulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs to save money with energy efficient lighting in your home. 
  8. Consider not grabbing a straw for your drink if it doesn’t require one and sip from the cup instead. 
  9. Think about buying grocery items that are bottled in glass instead of plastic so that you can reuse that container later.  
  10. Use bar soaps for dish washing or powder laundry detergent sold in a box to avoid buying plastic containers and consider shopping at stores that allow you to bring your own container and refill your products. 

With a little extra effort, we can avoid consuming unnecessary materials and utilize reusable items that we often already have at home. By taking individual actions in our own lives, and through educating ourselves and those around us, each of us can make a valuable contribution. 

Join the City of Goleta in having an impactful Earth Month in any of the previously mentioned ways or by joining us for the Third Annual Earth Day event on April 19th from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Evergreen Park where there will be coffee and food, interactive activities and a FREE bulky item drop-off at Brandon Elementary (195 Brandon Drive). Learn more at www.CityofGoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.  

Celebrate Earth Day in Goleta on Saturday, April 19

Join Us for Family Fun Activities from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Evergreen Park

Goleta’s third annual Beautify Goleta Earth Day event is coming up on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Evergreen Park (Evergreen Drive at Hillview Drive)! Join us for a community cleanup with fun activities for all ages. You may even get to meet the Earth Day Bunny! There is also a FREE bulky item drop-off nearby at Brandon School (195 Brandon Drive) from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Here’s what you have to look forward to:

  • Community Cleanup – Help pick up trash in and around Evergreen Park; the City will supply the trash grabbers, safety vests, gloves, and trash bags– you bring the sunscreen, hat, water, and the energy for this fun event.
  • Coffee & Donuts – Kindly donated by Hook & Press Donuts and Handlebar Coffee (please bring your own reusable cup).
  • Elubia’s Food Truck – Purchase delicious food to enjoy while celebrating sustainability (please bring your own reusable utensils).
  • MarBorg Touch-a-Truck Activity – A fun, hands-on experience that has been a crowd favorite in past years.
  • Informational Tables – Learn from City staff and local organizations about how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle and support Go Green Goleta.
  • Take photos with the Earth Day Bunny.

A big thank you to Tidy Seas, a dedicated nonprofit organization with a proven track record of removing pollution from local areas, for stepping up to be a first-time Beautify Goleta captain. Tidy Seas will be spearheading volunteer efforts to pick up trash and litter throughout Evergreen Park and adjacent neighborhoods.

Either during or after the community cleanup event, head over to the Brandon School (195 Brandon Drive) front parking lot between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for a FREE Bulky Item Drop Off Event. This is a great opportunity to declutter your home, garage or yard by getting rid of unwanted bulky items like old furniture, mattresses, and more. No electronics or hazardous waste will be accepted. Goleta residents only. You are encouraged to arrive early. The event will close early if capacity is reached before 1:00 p.m. 

Beautify Goleta is not possible without the help of our volunteers and captains. We encourage community members of all ages to join us for this meaningful event. Come out, lend a hand, and take pride in making Goleta a cleaner, more beautiful place to live. To sign up for the event or learn more about the Beautify Goleta initiative, please visit www.cityofgoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

For any event-related questions, please contact environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org.

We hope to see you on Saturday, April 19th for another great Beautify Goleta Earth Day event!

Goleta Valley Library Closed for Temporary Relocation

Programming to Continue Offsite During Move

Attention library patrons, the Goleta Valley Library (GVL) located at 500 N. Fairview Avenue is temporarily closed as it readies for an 18 – 24 month construction project focused on infrastructure upgrades. GVL will be relocating just three miles away at 6500 Hollister Avenue during construction. The relocation process is expected to take 2-3 months, with the “GVL Express” opening its doors at in June 2025. But don’t worry, library services and programs will still be available April – June.

There are many ways you can continue to receive service while the library is closed for the move:

Borrowing Materials

  • Holds can be placed through the online catalog and picked up at any Black Gold Library, including the Bookvan.
  • The Bookvan visits a variety of locations throughout the Isla Vista community, with two new Goleta stops at the Goleta Union School District Office at 401 N. Fairview Ave (across from GVL) on Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • The Bookvan’s mobile collection is available to borrow.
  • Plan your visit to the Bookvan with full route details at goletavalleylibrary.org/bookvan.
  • The e-Library is available 24/7 and new titles will be added regularly.
  • The Zip Books program will continue through June, or for as long as the grant funds last. Learn more and place your request at goletavalleylibrary.org/zipbooks.

Returning Materials

  • If you checked out materials prior to the library’s closure, due dates will be extended until the GVL Express opens at 6500 Hollister Avenue. This applies to all Goleta Valley Library patrons, Goleta Valley Library materials, and Black Gold materials checked out from Goleta Valley Library prior to April 1.
  • The book drops will remain open at 500 N. Fairview until further notice. When the book drops are moved, we will let you know their new locations.
  • Returns are also accepted on the Bookvan and at other Black Gold Libraries.

Programs

  • Most programs will continue to be provided offsite. Visit the online calendar at goletavalleylibrary.org/calendar or download a printable copy of our April – May Events Calendar.
  • Community favorites including Senior Happy Hour, Nursery Rhyme Dance Time, Goodland Yarn Works, Writers’ Workshop, and Mystery Book Club will meet at their regularly scheduled days and times at a new location, the Goleta Community Center at 5679 Hollister Avenue.
  • Storytimes will be held every Friday with back-to-back Baby & Me and Wiggly Storytime programs. The locations will rotate throughout the month to reach as many families as possible. Join us at the Goleta Community Center, Stow Grove Park, Evergreen Park, and Santa Barbara Shores Park – plus, the Bookvan will be onsite and stocked with holds and children’s materials, too!
  • The community is invited to a special collaborative program on April 29th at UCSB Library with a Community Poetry Readings event co-sponsored by UCSB Reads and Goleta Valley Library, in celebration of the UCSB Reads title The Book of Delights by Ross Gay. We’ll also hear from local poet and UCSB Professor Emerita Shirley Geok-Lin Lim with a reading of one of her favorite poems. To RSVP and sign up to read aloud, click here.
  • Keep an eye out for the June – July calendar, which will include Summer Reading Program details, to be announced in May.

Stay informed about the library project and services at GoletaValleyLibrary.org. Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this transition. We look forward to continuing to serve our community throughout each phase of this project!

Countdown to the Community State of the City

Tuesday, April 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center

Goleta’s biggest night of the year – the Community State of the City – is almost here! We hope you will join us for this informative evening this Tuesday, April 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). Learn valuable insight on how the City is doing and network with others who love Goleta like you do. Spanish interpretation will be available. Watch this video invite with Mayor Paula Perotte.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Visit our City information tables, mingle with staff and the City Council, and enjoy light refreshments. The main event starts promptly at 6:00 p.m. and includes the Mayor’s State of the City Address, a financial update from City Manager Robert Nisbet, and the popular Q&A segment. Think of your questions ahead of time and submit them to be answered at the event. Come early to listen to the Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band performing in the gazebo in front of the Goleta Community Center from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

There are so many reasons to attend, but here are our top 10:

  1. You LOVE Goleta and want to know what is happening in our City!
  2. You want to mingle with fellow Goletans including the Mayor and Councilmembers.
  3. You want to hear first-hand why Mayor Perotte thinks the State of Our City is strong.
  4. You want to get an update on the City’s finances from City Manager Robert Nisbet.
  5. You want to enjoy a GREAT performance from Teen Star Finalist Tyler McCutchen.
  6. You want to listen to the smooth sounds of the Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band.
  7. You want to enjoy snacking on charcuterie cups and fresh baked cookies.
  8. You want to take home a City of Goleta reusable steel cup.
  9. You want a City of Goleta tote bag for your visit to a room full of City information tables.
  10. You want to ask a question and get it answered during the popular Q and A segment.

There is parking in the front and side parking areas at the Goleta Community Center. Additional parking is available behind the building.

We hope to see you April 8th at the Goleta Community State of the City!

There is also a Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce State of the City luncheon on Friday, April 11 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Hilton Beachfront Resort Santa Barbara. It will feature presentations from the Mayors of Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria, as well as a panel discussion with the administrator and managers of the three cities. For more information and to register, click here.

Ellwood Mesa Restoration and Monarch Butterfly Update

There is so much happening now at Ellwood Mesa and the Goleta Butterfly Grove. We are excited to share with you some of our recent progress.

Trails and Erosion Control

Sage Trail Alliance has completed enhancements to the drainage habitat and trails within the main monarch butterfly grove. They removed built up sediment and constructed earth and rock weirs to reduce erosion and create stepped pools of water. These enhancements will increase humidity, provide a water source for monarchs, and support vegetation ladders for them to climb off the ground. Trails to the viewing areas were rerouted to increase accessibility, reduce erosion, and avoid impacts to specific trees.


Sage Trail Alliance working in the drainage below the main butterfly grove, photo by Melissa Fontaine

Monarch Butterfly Science in Action

It was a disappointing year for migrating monarchs throughout California. The Xerces Society’s annual Western Monarch Count shows the migrating western monarch population was very low throughout the entire overwintering range along the coast from northern California to Baja Mexico. Experts believe the population is impacted by increasing heat, wildfire, drought and severe storms in their overwintering and breeding habitats. Many organizations and scientists are working to protect the monarchs and their habitat. As part of these efforts, the City of Goleta installed a Motus station on the Ellwood Mesa to join the scientific community in the groundbreaking capability of remotely tracking movements of individual monarch butterflies.

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is an international collaborative research network that uses coordinated automated radio telemetry to facilitate research, education, and conservation of migratory animals. With the recent introduction of a radio tag small enough to be attached to a monarch butterfly, this technology can now be used to study their movements. The data collected from tagged monarchs will help us understand the frequency of movement within overwintering sites and between overwintering sites, migration routes, site fidelity and home ranges.

In addition to the Motus antennas, we installed two weather stations, one inside and one outside the main monarch butterfly grove, to monitor environmental conditions that affect monarch butterfly activity at Ellwood Mesa. Each station will monitor temperature, humidity, wind speed/direction, barometric pressure, rainfall, and solar radiation.

Data collected from the Motus tower and the weather stations will inform our conservation efforts and will available to the public. Links will be posted at CityofGoleta.org/Ellwood-now.


Motus Station at Ellwood, photo by Charis van der Heide

BlūMorpho radio tog on a monarch butterfly, photo by Kyle Nessen

Weather Station at Ellwood, photo by Kyle Nessen

Keep informed about all things Ellwood here and the Monarch Butterfly Grove here.

 

Spring into Action with Beautify Goleta Saturday, March 8

Thank You to Participants of Beautify Goleta’s February Self-Guided Cleanup Month

Looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday morning? Join us for our next Beautify Goleta event THIS Saturday, March 8 in Old Town. Be part of the Volunteer Cleanup and/or get rid of unwanted items with the FREE Bulky Item Drop-Off – details below:

  • Volunteer Cleanup – Join us from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. as we meet at Community West Bank in Old Town Goleta (5827 Hollister Avenue) to help clean up the surrounding area. Tools and equipment will be provided. Close toe shoes, sunscreen, and hats are recommended. The Spotlight Captains are Community West Bank and the Goleta Rotary Club.

  • FREE Bulky Item Drop-Off – From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., community members can dispose of large unwanted items at the Goleta Community Center located at 5679 Hollister Avenue. No electronics or hazardous materials will be accepted; No drop-offs before or after the event hours will be accepted. Staff reserve the right to close the event early if capacity is reached before 1:00 p.m.

Drumroll please! Beautify Goleta is pleased to announce the results of our Self-Guided Cleanup Month which took place throughout February. Sixteen volunteers successfully completed 15 cleanups, removing an impressive 425 pounds of trash from Goleta’s streets, parks, beaches, and open spaces. Stay tuned for the winners which will be announced soon on the City’s social media channels (@cityofgoleta)! A huge thank you to everyone who participated in keeping Goleta clean and beautiful!

Helping Beautify Goleta is a great way to make a positive impact in your community. For more details or to sign up, visit www.cityofgoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta or email EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.org

Mark your calendars for upcoming Beautify Goleta dates:

  • April 19, 2025: “Earth Day”
  • July 19, 2025: “Plastic Free July”
  • September 20, 2025: “Coastal Cleanup Day”

Together, let’s keep Goleta clean and beautiful!

 

FoodBank Sharehouse Grand Opening in Goleta

A new chapter begins for food security in Santa Barbara County and the City of Goleta gets a front row seat! On Saturday, March 1, the Santa Barbara County Foodbank held a ribbon cutting for its new South County Sharehouse (82 Coromar Dr), as part of “Sharehouse Community Day.”

The new 57,600-square-foot Sharehouse in Goleta is five times larger than the previous facility, providing the capacity to store over 1 million pounds of staple food commodities. This expansion allows for more efficient food distribution and dramatically reduces unloading times—from 1.5 hours to just 15 minutes. The enhanced storage capabilities also ensure that the Foodbank can better respond to emergencies, with increased reserves of food ready to be distributed in times of crisis.

Over 400 community members attended the festive event filled with engaging activities, food trucks, interactive family-friendly entertainment, educational booths, and giveaways. Attendees also enjoyed tours of the new facility, fresh smoothies from the blender bikes, face painting, bingo, and more. The highlight of the day was the ribbon cutting ceremony where Mayor Pro Tem Stuart Kasdin and District 2 Councilmember James Kyriaco joined a host of special guests including Senator Monique Limón, Congressman Salud Carbajal, Supervisor Laura Capps, California State Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Foodbank CEO Erik Talkin, and many others for the memorable occasion.

Food insecurity remains a critical issue in Santa Barbara County, where 1 in 3 residents relies on the Foodbank for assistance, and 38% of the individuals we serve are children. The county also has one of the highest poverty rates in California, and rising food costs have made access to nutritious meals even more challenging for vulnerable families. The new Sharehouse will help address these challenges by increasing food storage capacity, streamlining distribution, and enhancing disaster preparedness efforts.

The City of Goleta congratulates the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County on this historic milestone in the region’s fight against food insecurity. Every donation, volunteer hour, and partnership helps the Foodbank ensure no one in Santa Barbara County goes hungry. For more information, including tours of the Sharehouse and ways to get involved, please visit www.FoodbankSBC.org or contact the Foodbank at (805) 967-5741.


Ribbon cutting at the Sharehouse


Group in front of the Sharehouse banner


Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) speaking at the event