Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Reminder to Sign up for Santa Barbara County Emergency Alerts

All Santa Barbara County residents are urged to sign up for Aware and Prepare alerts from the County at ReadySBC.org by clicking on the red “Register for Alerts” button. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services will alert the public any time an urgent action in needed. It is imperative the County has a way to reach you in order to alert you. The ReadySBC.org website also has lots of great resources including maps, storm preparedness and health & safety tips. In addition to signing up for County emergency alerts, the City of Goleta also encourages you to:

November 2018 Election Results

In the November 2018 election, Goleta residents were asked to directly elect a Mayor for the first time, vote for two open City Council seats and decide on two measures: W2018 and Z2018. In case you haven’t heard, we wanted to share the outcome with you.

Goleta residents voted for Paula Perotte to serve as Mayor for a two-year term. Paula has served on the City Council since 2010, and was appointed Mayor by her fellow councilmembers for one-year terms in 2014, 2016 and 2017. She will continue to serve on the City Council alongside Stuart Kasdin and Kyle Richards, who both have two years remaining on their four-year terms. Two councilmember seats were on the ballot, and the two candidates vying for those positions included incumbent Roger Aceves and newcomer James Kyriaco. They were both elected to four-year terms. The new Council will be sworn in at a special Council meeting on December 12.

Goleta residents also voted in favor of Measure W2018, an increase to City Council salaries (64.86% to 35.14%). Current salaries for all five councilmembers, including the Mayor, are $7,020 annually. Beginning later this month, councilmember salaries will increase to an annual amount of $42,134 and the Mayor’s salary to $50,561.

The cannabis business tax, Measure Z2018, also passed. It received an overwhelming amount of support with 81.95% in favor and 18.05% opposed. The passing of this measure puts in place a tax on gross receipts of cannabis businesses. The tax will not exceed 10% and initial rates will range from 1-5% depending on the type of business (ex.: retail, distributor). The cannabis business tax is estimated to raise $334,000 – $1,423,000 for unrestricted general revenue purposes such as street repair, parks and police. Measure Z2018 becomes effective January 2019.

Motorized Scooters Banned in Goleta

The City Council voted unanimously to ban shared on-demand motorized scooters in Goleta at the December 4, 2018, Council meeting. The City received more than 200 public comments in advance of the item, the most ever received on a single topic, and the Council heard numerous speakers at the meeting.

These scooters have become a hot topic in Goleta with vendors dropping off scooters within Goleta City limits without permits. The idea is that these scooters provide an additional form of alternative and convenient transportation, however, the City has received multiple complaints from residents and business owners. Some users were not following the law when riding the scooters, they were sometimes left haphazardly in the public right-of-way obstructing pedestrian travel, some members of the public were concerned that they caused visual impacts and they can present an operational safety hazard for riders.

The passing of the City of Goleta’s urgency ordinance is effective immediately and prohibits shared on-demand motorized scooters from being offered for use anywhere in the City. This does not prevent the City from creating a future regulatory framework which would eventually allow the scooters to be used within City limits. But for the time being, they are banned. With the urgency ordinance, the City’s public works crew is collecting and impounding all motorized scooters in Goleta that are not otherwise picked up by the vendors. If you see any in the public right of way, you can let the City know through the online City Assist program (please submit it under “Ask a Question”). At the meeting, Council directed City staff to work with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and neighboring entities on regulations for a shared scooter program. Staff was also directed to work with police services on an enforcement and education plan.

Watch the Council discuss this topic and view the staff report at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaMeetings.

Learn about Local Government with LEAD Goleta

Be part of the City’s first LEAD Goleta community academy! The program is free and designed to help residents better understand the role that local government plays in the community so that they can effectively participate and share that knowledge with others. LEAD Goleta stands for Learn, Empower, Advocate, Discuss. Attendees will be exposed to the role of local government and will hopefully consider a future role in city governance either as an elected Councilmember, Board member or Commissioner.

LEAD Goleta is open to the first 20 Goleta residents who submit a completed application. The City believes that it is important to get young adults involved in the local government process as well. That is why we have reserved five additional spots for youth ages 15-21, and encourage people within that age group to apply. Participants must attend all six classes which are held on the second Wednesday of each month, beginning February 13, 2019, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Goleta City Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive, Suite B). The remaining class dates are March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12 and July 10. Following completion of the six classes, attendees will be recognized by the City Council for their participation. The program will include lively discussions, role playing, and other activities.

For more information and to apply, go to: https://tinyurl.com/LEADGoleta. Questions? Contact Valerie Cantella at pio@cityofgoleta.org or 805-961-7507.

Fire is Everyone’s Fight – Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Do you have a carbon monoxide detector? If so, when was the last time you checked it? Carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan of up to seven years and because of legislation requiring them back in 2011, many expire this year.

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “Invisible Killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the Unites States die every year from accidental non fire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators. Other products include faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces. 

Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including: mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness and ultimately death.

Protect yourself and your family from the dangers of Carbon monoxide by:

  • Installing and maintaining CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of CO.
  • Installing CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home.
  • Using portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents.
  • Making sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of debris.

Learn more about fire prevention from the U.S. Fire Administration at www.usfa.fema.gov.

Santa Claus is Coming to Old Town!

Begin the holiday season with the Annual Old Town Goleta Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 1! The parade starts at 6:00 p.m. and runs along Hollister Avenue from Orange Avenue to the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). Stay after the parade for a Christmas Tree Lighting in front of the GVCC and photos with Santa Claus.

The parade is presented by the Goleta Old Town Community Association, Goleta Valley Community Center and community volunteers. If you would like to volunteer please contact Robin Hurley at robinhurley.sb@gmail.com  or 805-455-2712. For more information on the parade please go to http://goletachristmas.com/.

Pedestrian Safety Tips from the Goleta Traffic Unit

Please join us in welcoming Sergeant John Maxwell as the new lead of the City of Goleta Police Department’s Motor Traffic Unit! Safety is his top priority, and in this month’s Monarch Press, he would like to remind everyone about pedestrian safety.

Our roads can be crowded places. Cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and bicycles all share the road to move throughout our busy days. As pedestrians, it can be dangerous to walk along and cross these busy streets. Here are a few safety tips:

  • Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far to the side of the road as possible.
  • Never assume a driver sees you and will stop. Before crossing the street, make eye contact with the driver and make sure they have stopped before stepping into the street.
  • Obey traffic signals such as Walk/Don’t Walk signs, but don’t rely solely on these signals. Always look both ways before crossing the street.
  • Don’t wear headphones or talk on your cell phone while crossing the street.
  • When walking in parking lots, keep an ear out for engine noise or backup lights on cars. Drivers may not see you as they reverse out of parking spaces.
  • When walking at night, be visible! Consider wearing reflective clothing, carrying a flashlight and crossing the street only in well-lit areas.

As both motorists and pedestrians, we can all work together to make our roads safer places for everyone. The Goleta Police Department Traffic Unit reminds everyone to drive and walk safely on our roadways. One mistake could change your life, and the lives of other motorists who share the roadways with you.

No Cost to Compost!

Approximately 37% of Santa Barbara County’s waste stream is comprised of organic materials like food scraps and yard waste. Naturally, organic waste releases beneficial nutrients into the soil when it breaks down. However, when organic waste ends up in the landfill, it takes up valuable space and releases methane gas which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas. By composting food scraps and yard waste in your backyard, you can keep organics out of the landfill and build healthy soil in your garden – it’s a win win!

In partnership with the City of Goleta, MarBorg Industries is pleased to offer Goleta residents* up to two free Earth Machine compost bins per household. The Earth Machine is an aerobic composting system – no worms are required to generate compost, just the presence of oxygen. The simple two-piece assembly, durability, and ease of use make the Earth Machine compost bin a practical solution for anyone with a bit of outdoor space. Call MarBorg at 805-963-1852 to order your compost bin. For more information about backyard composting, check out Santa Barbara County’s online resources.

*Compost bins for apartments or condos must be ordered by the property owner or Management Company.

Have a Say – Join a City of Goleta Board or Commission

Looking to be more involved in what happens in your community? The City of Goleta has vacancies on four Boards and Commissions and is looking for dedicated community members to apply for the Design Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission and the Public Tree Advisory Commission.

Those with an eye for design are encouraged to apply for the Design Review Board (DRB). This seven-member body encourages development that uses the best professional design practices to enhance the visual aesthetics of the community and prevent poor quality of design. Vacancies are for one (1) Professionally Licensed Landscape Architect or Landscape Contractor and two (2) At-large Members (must reside within City Limits). Members are appointed to a three-year term. The Design Review Board shall hold a minimum of one regular meeting each month with compensation of $50/meeting.

City of Goleta residents interested in the needs, opportunities and current offerings of parks and recreation activities should apply for one of the three (3) vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission advises the City Council on all issues related to parks and recreational opportunities in Goleta. The term ends January 1, 2023. The Parks and Recreation Commission will schedule six regular meetings per year and may hold such additional meetings as deemed necessary or expedient. Compensation is $50/meeting.

Residents of the City of Goleta with an interest in land use issues will want to apply for the Planning Commission. The Commission’s role is to review and take appropriate action on discretionary development applications and to make recommendations to the City Council regarding any proposed legislative actions, including the General Plan and its implementation, as required by law. Members are appointed to a four-year term. The Planning Commission shall hold at least one regular meeting each month. Compensation is $100/meeting.

Do you have an interest in and/or experience in urban forestry or landscaping? Then apply for the Public Tree Advisory Commission. The Commission provides advice to staff and the City Council in developing plans and goals for the Goleta Urban Forest, represents the interests of the community and informs the community of the Urban Forestry program as directed by the City Council. Meetings are held on an as-needed basis and compensation is $50/meeting. Applicants must live in the City of Goleta.

Applications for all open Boards and Commissions may be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/goletaboards-commissions. Additional information can be provided by emailing cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org. Applications for the Parks & Recreation and Public Tree Advisory Commissions must be received no later than December 10, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. The deadline for Design Review Board and Planning Commission applicants is January 2, 2019, at 5:00 p.m.

Goleta’s Biking and Walking Future

Over the last two years the City has undertaken a Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan (BPMP).  This was developed with input from the community, project consultant, Technical Advisory Committee, City Commissions and Council. The City Council adopted this plan on October 16, 2018, and this document will provide the City with a roadmap for the next 10-20 years.

The BPMP will make it easier to bike and walk around town by encouraging the development of an integrated bicycle and pedestrian system throughout the City of Goleta with connections to other regional bike systems. The BPMP also promotes public health by encouraging more people to bike and walk, reducing automobile usage and fuel consumption, and promoting transportation equity.

The BPMP outlines a broad range of improvements within public rights-of-way that will be developed and constructed when Council directs project funding and prioritization. These improvements will occur over the next ten to twenty years and coordinate with the existing Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The BPMP is also considered a “living document” that Council can update as needed in future years when new programs and projects are identified.

Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/GoletaBPMP and click here to read the Staff Report and final plan presented to Council on October 16, 2018.