Join our team! Do you have a passion for your community? Engineering experience? The City of Goleta Public Works Department is looking to fill two positions:
Learn more about each position and how to apply here. Check back regularly for new listings.
The City of Goleta is sharing this information from the County of Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Management.
Santa Barbara County has a new emergency zones map that provides precise, location-specific guidance during emergencies to help eliminate confusion and enable quick, informed decision-making.
Built with input from Santa Barbara County first responders, this free tool found on ReadySBC.org/emergency offers details on current conditions and what actions to take.
Key features include 24/7 availability, compatibility with all devices, key information available in Spanish, and coordination with the county’s existing ReadySBC Alert system. Whether you’re dealing with wildfire threats, flood conditions, or other emergency situations, you’ll have access to official, up-to-date information from emergency professionals actively managing the incident.
Take a few minutes to visit ReadySBC.org/emergency and bookmark the page, explore your neighborhood’s emergency zone, and sign up for ReadySBC Alerts to ensure you receive comprehensive emergency information through multiple channels.
Learn more by watching this PSA video.
While Goleta is known for its mild climate, winter storms can still bring strong winds, heavy rain, and occasional power outages. Having a generator ready can help keep your lights on, your food cold, and your home comfortable. However, it’s just as important to know how to use generators safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, fires, and electrical hazards.
The City of Goleta encourages all residents to prepare ahead of time and review generator safety tips before the next storm. Whether you rely on a generator for short-term outages or as a backup power source during emergencies, following safe practices can protect your family, pets, and neighbors.
Goleta residents are encouraged to keep an emergency supply kit with food, water, flashlights, blankets, and batteries. Make sure outdoor drains are clear of debris to prevent flooding, and secure loose outdoor items before a storm hits.
Taking a few minutes to prepare can make a big difference in how you weather a power outage safely and comfortably.
For more information on winter weather safety and generator use, visit Ready.gov – Winter Weather.
You can also explore local preparedness resources and upcoming safety workshops on the City’s Emergency Preparedness webpage: City of Goleta – Emergency Preparedness.
Stay warm, stay safe, and stay prepared, Goleta!
Check Out Photo Album from Final Event of the Year
For some it was the opportunity to pet a farm animal, for others it was a visit to the Goleta Valley Library Bookvan or the enticement of a Dia de los Muertos inspired treat, but for everyone who attended, it was a great way to spend a Sunday morning at a beautiful place connecting with each other and the City. The Goleta Valley Historical Society was the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) and opened its Sundays at the Ranch event an hour earlier for the final Coffee & Community / Café y Comunidad event of the year on November 2, 2025, at the historic Stow House Ranch Yard. The gathering was held in District 1 and led by Mayor Paula Perotte and Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín. Check out photos from the event at https://bit.ly/47y4BkQ.
Councilmember Reyes-Martín said, “Thank you to everyone who joined our Coffee & Community gathering in District 1. It was wonderful to see neighbors connecting, City staff engaging in conversation, and residents asking thoughtful questions in a welcoming and casual setting. Events like these strengthen our sense of community and help build bridges between residents, their elected representatives and City staff.”
Mayor Paula Perotte said, “The best part of these Coffee & Community events is hearing from our residents. I loved seeing familiar faces and meeting some new community members as well. We learn so much from meeting with you all at these informal gatherings.”
While most of the event was casual, there was an opportunity for Mayor Perotte and Councilmember Reyes-Martín to welcome community members and a period where the public could ask questions. Topics ranged from how to report an issue to the City, to upcoming events and projects. Residents also had ample time to ask questions individually.
A special thanks to Santa Barbara County Firefighters from Station 14 located next to the Stow House for attending. Thanks also to City staff for being there, including Assistant City Manager Jaime Valdez, Public Works Director Nina Buelna, Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof, Neighborhood Services Director JoAnne Plummer and the City’s Community Relations team Kelly Hoover, Jaime Shaw and Marcos Martinez.
The City holds coffee events such as this one throughout the year in each of its four districts. To find out what district you are in, plug your address into our interactive Know Your District Map at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaInteractiveMap.
Photos from the event:
Pictured top right – Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín welcoming to attendees to Coffee & Community on November 2, 2025
Mayor Paula Perotte and Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1) talking to community members
Santa Barbara County Fire Captain Tyson Perkins at Stow House Ranch Yard
Goats being fed at Stow House Ranch Yard
Dia de los Muertos crafts at Coffee & Community event
Dia de los Muertos bread and pastries at Coffee & Community event
Annual listening sessions to take place in the cities of Santa Barbara, Buellton and Santa Maria through December. The focus is on how bus systems, dial-a-ride, and paratransit services can better serve residents in Santa Barbara County.
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and the City of Santa Maria will host a series of annual listening sessions through December on unmet transit needs. Listening sessions will also take place in the city of Santa Barbara and Buellton. Public participation is encouraged to share input on bus systems, dial-a-ride, and paratransit services.
Those unable to attend one of the four listening sessions can take an online comment form available in English and Spanish until Friday, December 15, 2024. The public can also submit comments in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by email to info@sbcag.org.
Comments provided at any of the listening sessions, on the online comment form, or in writing are shared with local decision makers, transit agencies, and the California Department of Transportation to help influence options for transit services and projects.
In February 2026, the Santa Barbara County Transit Advisory Committee will receive a summary of public input. By April 2026, a draft report will be presented to the SBCAG Board of Directors for their consideration.
Santa Barbara
4 p.m. to 6 p.m., December 2, 2025
Visit in person or virtually any time during the two-hour listening session
Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Wisteria Conference Room – 260 North San Antonio Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.
The public can also join virtually by Zoom with the webinar ID of 84941151277, passcode: 751074. Details on how to participate virtually will also be published on the SBCAG website at www.sbcag.org.
Accessible accommodations and Spanish language translation is available by request. Contact SBCAG by November 28, 2025, at (805) 961-8900 or info@sbcag.org.
Buellton
4 p.m. to 6 p.m., December 3, 2025
Visit in person any time during the two-hour listening session
City of Buellton Council Chambers – 107 W Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427.
Accessible accommodations and Spanish language translation is available by request. Contact SBCAG by November 28, 2025, at (805) 961-8900 or info@sbcag.org.
Santa Maria
Two sessions: 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., December 4, 2025
Santa Maria Public Library Shephard Hall, 1st Floor 421 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454.
Accessible accommodations and Spanish and Mixteco translation are accessible upon request to the City of Santa Maria at (805) 928-5624 by December 1, 2025.
Those not able to attend one of the listening sessions are still encouraged to submit their comments by December 15, 2025 through any of these methods:
SBCAG will gather comments on transit needs throughout Santa Barbara County, as outlined under Section 99238.5 of the Public Utilities Code.
Congratulations to the City of Goleta’s Finance Department being awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. This marks the 21st year the City has earned this prestigious award.
Goleta’s Finance Director, Luke Rioux, said, “I am incredibly proud of the entire Finance team for continuing to uphold the high standards that we strive for every day. This recognition also reflects a citywide culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration. I truly appreciate all our colleagues across every department for their partnership and care in managing public funds responsibly. This award embodies the City’s commitment to clear, accessible financial reporting that helps the public understand how public dollars are received, spent, and safeguarded for the community’s benefit.”
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (COA) is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. This award recognizes the City’s commitment to financial reporting and proven track record. The COA has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
Governments who want to be considered for this award must submit their report within six months of the end of the fiscal year and must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements. The review process takes another four to six months. Learn more about the Certificate of Achievement award at www.gfoa.org/coa-award. The City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report can be on our website here.
Join us in congratulating our Finance Department on this well-deserved award! More information on the City’s Finance Department is available at www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/finance.
This November, Goleta Valley Library staff would like to express its massive gratitude for its dear library patrons. City Librarian Elizabeth Saudeco said, “It’s been an unusual year with our closure, move, and re-opening at GVL Express (6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105). Patrons of all ages have kept the library magic alive as we have offered programs off-site, maintaining and expanding our community connections.”
For the full calendar of events, please visit goletavalleylibrary.org/calendar.
This month join GVL for the activities listed below, with many being held at the Goleta Community Center (GCC – 5679 Hollister Avenue).
Senior Happy Hour: Make Your Holiday Cards
Thursday, 11/6, 2-3:30pm, GCC
Enjoy a fun and easy craft, learn a new technique, create your own design, or use one of ours. All supplies provided.
Mending Workshop
Saturday, 11/8, 2-3pm, GCC
Bring your clothes in need of a little care. Our knowledgeable library staff will help fix up your garments.
Poetry Club
Sunday, 11/16, 2-3:30pm, GCC
Whether you want to read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the voices of others, come celebrate the art of poetry.
Film Club: Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Thursday, 11/20, 1:30-3:30pm, GCC
Watch the classic holiday comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy. Stay for a lively discussion, trivia, and fun facts after the movie.
Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, 11/25, 5:30-6:30pm, GCC
We will be discussing this month’s pick: Nightshade by Michael Connelly.
“The Book Was Better” Book Club @ GVL Express
Pick up a free copy of Holes by Louis Sachar to read on your own and join us later for a movie screening in December. Grades 4-8.
Seed Library @ GVL Express
Take seeds to grow at home! Come pick from our rotating selection of edible and ornamental plants. Free and no library card required.
Goodland Yarn Works
Every Wednesday, 2-4pm, GCC
If you know how to knit or crochet, this group is for you! Join us for fun and friendship.
Baby & Me and Wiggly Storytimes
Every Friday, 10-10:30am, Baby & Me & 10:30-11am, Wiggly @ Rotating Locations
We can’t wait to share our favorite cozy reads with you as the days get shorter. “Fall back” and enjoy that extra hour with a good book. See you at the library or at one of our programs soon.
The City of Goleta is looking to partner with local individuals, groups, organizations, or businesses to become part of its growing Parks and Recreation Contract Camps and Program. The City is seeking established community partners to help expand and enrich its recreational, educational, and social programming, with a strong focus on serving youth and senior residents.
This initiative is part of Goleta’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, healthy, and inclusive community. Partners will have the opportunity to provide contract-based camps and programs at city facilities, parks, and other designated spaces throughout the year.
“This is an exciting step forward in expanding how we serve Goleta’s residents,” said Justin Wilkins, Parks and Recreation Manager for the City of Goleta. “By working with trusted local experts and service providers, we can offer meaningful experiences that foster connection, learning, wellness, and fun — from early childhood through the golden years.”
Program Focus Areas Include:
The City encourages local nonprofit organizations, community groups, educational institutions, and private providers with experience in recreation, education, or social services to submit their interest by filling out a short Class & Camp Contractor Interest Form found here. Priority consideration for partnership will be based on experience, alignment with community needs, affordability, and quality of programming. Community members with a special talent, interest or skill that would be interested in contributing or leading a class are also encouraged to express interest.
While the Parks and Recreation Division will review interest forms on a rolling basis, those interested in being included in the Spring and Summer 2026 calendar should complete an interest form by Monday, December 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. More information, and the online interest form, are available on the City’s website at www.CityofGoleta.org/Camps.
For questions or additional information, please contact the City’s Parks and Recreation team at camps@cityofgoleta.gov or call (805) 690-5120.
The City of Goleta would like to update the community on the status of the Splash Pad at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park in Old Town. The City anticipated opening in 2025 but during recent testing and inspection, equipment failures were identified and, as a result, the facility does not meet the City’s safety and quality standards required to open at this time. Staff and the contractors have been working for months to address the deficiencies.
“We understand how disappointing this news is for our residents,” said JoAnne Plummer, Director of Neighborhood Services. “The Splash Pad has been one of our most anticipated park improvements, and our community has been waiting patiently. While we are eager to open this facility to the public, the City is committed to taking the time needed to ensure the safety, reliability and long-term performance of the project.”
City staff and contractors have diligently worked towards completing the Splash Pad installation but continue to run into persistent mechanical and operational challenges. The City is actively working closely with the contractor and equipment manufacturer to identify and resolve the root causes of the malfunctions. Once the technical issues are resolved, the City is optimistic it will be able to open the splash pad. An updated timeline will be announced as soon as repairs and verification testing are complete.
The original design of Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park, which opened on March 30, 2019, envisioned a splash pad. At that time, a splash pad could not be constructed due to water restrictions associated with the prolonged, multi-year drought. As the water restrictions were lifted, the City of Goleta moved forward with design and construction of the splash pad. The project broke ground on June 13, 2023, and delivery of the project to the public has been delayed by construction issues, supply chain challenges, and now mechanical and operational deficiencies.
“We deeply appreciate the community’s patience and understanding through this process,” added Plummer. “We look forward to celebrating the opening together soon and delivering a feature that will bring joy to residents for many summers to come.”
For ongoing updates about the splash pad project, please visit our website at www.cityofgoleta.org/splashpad.
Congratulations to the Goleta School of Ballet for being selected for the City’s Business Recognition Program (Program), honoring the school’s nearly four decades of service to the community and its success as a woman-owned enterprise. An award certificate was formally presented at the October 21 City Council meeting. The Program recognizes establishments that shape Goleta’s identity, strengthen its economy, and enrich the community.
Mayor Paula Perotte said, “I am pleased to present the Goleta School of Ballet with its award certificate not only for its longstanding years of service, but also as an inspiring example of a female-led business thriving in Goleta. We are lucky to have so many great businesses right here in Goleta. If you know of one worthy of receiving a Business Recognition Award, please reach out. We can’t wait to see who is next!”
Upon accepting the certificate, Lisa Abshere, the Goleta School of Ballet’s Artistic Director, said, “I am honored and grateful to have the Ballet School in Goleta for 40 years. The best part of this journey has been seeing the students I teach as children grow up to become wonderful students and mentors for the next generation. Thank you for this amazing recognition.”
The Goleta School of Ballet has been a cornerstone of the community since 1986 when it took over a small ballet program at the Goleta Community Center. Over the years the program grew and in 2011, the school moved into its custom-designed studios on Magnolia Avenue in Old Town Goleta, further cementing its roots in the community.
The school’s mission emphasizes both classroom instruction and performance experience for students of all ages and levels. Each year, students take part in classic productions such as The Nutcracker, a February mixed repertory program, and a full-length classical ballet in the spring. Performances have become cherished traditions for Goleta families and beyond.
Community members interested in dance are encouraged to visit the Goleta School of Ballet’s website at www.goletaschoolofballet.com and sign up for a class to experience the joy of ballet firsthand.
Nominations are open to the public for Goleta’s Business Recognition Program, and self-nominations are encouraged. Nominations may be submitted at any time through an online form and are intended to be given on a quarterly basis, depending on nominations. Award recipients are selected by City of Goleta staff in consultation with the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about the Program here.
Help more Goleta businesses earn recognition – nominate a business today!
Goleta School of Ballet receiving the Business Recognition Program Award Certificate at the October 21 City Council meeting; Pictured left-to-right: Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Lead Dance Student Aaron Kamps, Mayor Paula Perotte, Artistic Director Lisa Abshere, Lead Dance Student Madelyn Ito, Lead Dance Student Charlotte Costello, City Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3) and City Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1)
Goleta School of Ballet with their Business Recognition Program Award Certificate outside of Council Chambers: Pictured left-to-right: Lead Dance Student Madelyn Ito, Lead Dance Student Charlotte Costello, Artistic Director Lisa Abshere, and Lead Dance Student Aaron Kamps
