Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

New Senior Lounge Opening at Goleta Community Center

Community Members 55+ Encouraged to Join the City’s Senior Program

A new Senior Lounge will be opening soon (by April 1, 2025) at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). Now is a great time for interested residents 55 and above to enroll in the Senior Program and take advantage of its many offerings – you do not have to be a resident of Goleta to join and participate in the Senior Program. The refinished open-concept Senior Lounge room is being upgraded with new furnishings, a television, and more. The room will host scheduled activities such as Gentle Movement and Chair Yoga, along with open hours for reading, crafts, games, and socializing.

Recreation Supervisor Leonel Mendoza-Diaz who oversees the Senior Program said, “The lounge will provide a brand-new space for our senior community to come together in a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. We can’t wait to see you there.”

Among its many highlights, the Senior Program has over 100 participants who partake in classes and activities such as dance, music, and fitness. Program participants can also find information on counseling, transportation, and other community resources. Last but not least, there is also a nutrition program providing a free healthy lunch daily at the GCC (you do not need to be a member of the Senior Program to participate in the nutrition program).

Community members interested in joining the Senior Program must complete a one-time enrollment form located online or in person at the GCC front office and pay an annual membership fee of $25. The program is open Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. City staff are onsite during open hours to assist participants with registration, programming, and services.

Learn more about the Senior Program on the City’s website here. For more information, please contact Dori Crolius, Senior Program Technician at dcrolius@cityofgoleta.org.

Goleta City Council Meetings Now on YouTube

Watching City Council meetings is now easier than ever before. You can now watch the meetings live and recorded on the City’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/cityofgoleta1). Even better, when viewing a previously recorded meeting, there is the capability to add auto-generated closed captions or Spanish-language captions in video playback, offering even more ways to access the content.

City Clerk Deborah Lopez said, “We are so pleased to provide a way for people to easily watch our meetings from their home or on the go. With so many people already familiar with YouTube, this was an easy way to complement our existing platforms. We hope more people will watch our City Council meetings and feel more engaged with the City.”

Other ways to watch Goleta City Council meetings? In person in City Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive), via Zoom, Goleta TV Channel 19, and the City’s website (www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas).

City Council Meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. An upcoming schedule can be found on the City website here. Sign up to receive a meeting agenda sent to you via email or text here: https://tinyurl.com/y36ervg4.

We encourage the public to check out our Goleta City Council meetings on YouTube with the next meeting Tuesday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Business Burglary Prevention Tips

Book Appointment with CRD Worden for Free Assessment and Review Burglary Prevention Tips

The City of Goleta would like to remind Goleta business owners and community members that the City’s Community Resource Deputy (CRD) is available to provide free assessments to Goleta businesses to help deter burglaries. Goleta business owners can book an appointment with CRD Connor Worden to receive an onsite inspection and personalized tips. Deputy Worden will come to your business and provide tips on what the business can do to improve employee safety and prepare against burglaries and robberies in this free assessment.

The City of Goleta partnered with the Goleta Police Department to publish a brochure that provides information on how to book an assessment and includes important tips for businesses such as what to do to avoid a robbery, what to do if a robbery occurs, proper design recommendations and video surveillance advice. The brochure is available to pick up at the Sheriff’s substation at the Camino Real Marketplace (7042 Marketplace Drive) and Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive). You can also download the brochure with the full list of tips here.

Goleta business owners who want to schedule a free assessment with CRD Worden, please call (805) 729-5240 or email crw5576@sbsheriff.org.

Thank you to the Goleta Police Department for providing this great resource.

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

Spring and Flood Safety Month

As spring approaches, Southern California undergoes a breathtaking transformation with blooming flowers and vibrant greenery. However, this season also brings unpredictable weather patterns and potential flood risks. Here are some essential flood safety tips from the City of Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Jason Levy to keep you and your loved ones safe this spring:

Understanding the Risks

Southern California’s geography, coupled with occasional intense rainfall, increases the likelihood of flash floods and mudslides. Being aware of these risks is the first step in staying safe. Monitor local weather reports and be vigilant during heavy rainstorms.

Prepare in Advance

  • Create an Emergency Kit: Ensure your kit includes essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents in a waterproof container. Learn more about how to build your own kit here.
  • Know Your Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with local routes and have a plan in place in case you need to leave your home quickly. Learn more about how to create a plan here.

Stay Informed

  • Sign Up for Alerts: Register for local emergency alerts to receive real-time information about severe weather and flood warnings. The County’s central alerting tool is Ready SBC, sign up today.
  • Keep Updated: Follow local news channels, and consider installing weather apps on your mobile devices for instant updates.

During a Flood

  • Avoid Floodwaters: Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and one foot of water can sweep a vehicle away.

  • Move to Higher Ground: If floodwaters are rising around your home, seek higher ground or move to an upper floor if evacuation isn’t possible.

After the Flood

  • Wait for Official Clearance: Only return home when authorities have declared it safe to do so.
  • Inspect Your Property: Check for structural damage and be cautious of potential electrical hazards. Document any damage for insurance purposes.

Community Resilience

By working together and supporting one another, we can enhance our community’s resilience to floods. Participate in local emergency preparedness programs and share these tips with your neighbors.

Let’s enjoy the beauty of spring while staying safe and prepared for whatever weather may come our way.

Tsunami Awareness Week March 24 – 30

Tsunami Awareness Week is celebrated annually March 24 – 30. City of Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Jason Levy, would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our community members to think ahead about natural disasters that can occur in our area.

Living along the beautiful coastline of Goleta comes with its unique set of perks and challenges, including the potential threat of tsunamis. While the risk might be lower compared to other coastal areas, preparedness is key to ensuring safety and minimizing impact. Here’s a practical guide to tsunami preparedness specifically tailored for Goleta residents.

First, it’s crucial to recognize tsunami hazard zones in your area. Many beaches in Goleta have posted tsunami evacuation route maps. Study these carefully and familiarize yourself with the routes.

Having a clear evacuation plan is essential. Make sure to know the routes to high ground or inland areas that can be reached on foot if necessary. Identify safe locations on higher ground and away from the coast, ensuring they are accessible in case of an emergency.

Staying connected with emergency alerts is important. Register for emergency alerts from the County of Santa Barbara (www.readysbc.org/) and emergency information the City of Goleta (https://tinyurl.com/goletaemergency) to stay informed about potential threats. Regularly check updates from trustworthy sources like the National Weather Service.

There are three alerts related to a tsunami:

  • Tsunami Watch: A tsunami may later impact the area.
  • Tsunami Advisory: A tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves is imminent, expected, or occurring.
  • Tsunami Warning: A tsunami with the potential to generate widespread inundation is imminent, expected, or occurring. Evacuations of identified tsunami inundation areas will be required.

Preparing an emergency kit is another critical step. Your kit should include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, important documents, and personal hygiene items. Additionally, have a smaller, portable go-bag ready in case you need to evacuate quickly.

Participate in disaster education courses and emergency preparedness training offered by the City of Goleta. Engaging in community preparedness initiatives helps you stay informed and ready. To learn about upcoming opportunities for emergency preparedness training and request a Community Disaster Education (CDE), please contact cert@cityofgoleta.org.

Be aware of the natural signs of a tsunami. A strong coastal earthquake could be a precursor to a tsunami. Also, be alert to sudden changes in sea level, such as a rapid rise or fall, and a loud ocean roar—these are natural tsunami warnings.

While Goleta is known for its picturesque coastal beauty, being aware and prepared for tsunamis is crucial for the safety of its residents. By understanding the risks, creating a robust emergency plan, staying informed, and actively participating in community education and safety initiatives, you can significantly reduce the potential impact of tsunamis.

County Plan to Address Homelessness

Community Invited to Strategic Plan Launch on March 10

SB ACT, along with the cities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, the County of Santa Barbara, and local agencies, is launching a new three-year strategic plan to address homelessness in South Santa Barbara County. Join Goleta’s City Councilmembers, staff and more at the launch of the County Homelessness Strategic Plan on Monday, March 10 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Public Library Faulkner Gallery (40 E. Anapamu Street, SB). Learn about the plan’s goals, ongoing efforts, and ways to get involved. Be part of a community committed to making a difference – please RSVP to attend: surveymonkey.com/r/strategylaunch.

Chuck Flacks, City of Goleta Homelessness Services Coordinator said, “The City of Goleta has made great progress helping people experiencing homelessness find housing as part of our own Homelessness Strategic Plan. Now, thanks to SB ACT, we have a chance to strengthen our partnership across the South County from Gaviota to Carpinteria. Our collaboration means more resources and more options for helping people make it home.”

Become a Licensed Childcare Provider in Goleta

Respond by April 1 to be One of a Dozen Applicants Selected

The City of Goleta is focused on providing more childcare options to its residents. On December 3, 2024, the City Council approved funding for several childcare initiatives to support local families and enhance community well-being. The funding, made possible through Measure B, is a part of the City’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable childcare solutions to meet the needs of working families.

The City is partnering with local nonprofit agencies including the Santa Barbara Foundation, United Way of Santa Barbara County, Children’s Resource & Referral (CRR), and Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV). CRR is launching a program to create 96 new licensed childcare spaces in the City. With this funding, CRR will take a dozen individuals and provide them with the tools they need to become a licensed home childcare provider. Interested Goleta residents should call 805-925-7071 or email ProviderServices@crrsb.org by April 1, 2025, to be considered for the program.

For CRR’s Goleta program, those selected will receive personalized coaching, rigorous training, and vital business development support. Once licensed, they will participate in an 8-week Quality Business Cohort, a collaborative effort with Women’s Economic Ventures, where they will gain entrepreneurial skills. The cohort will also receive training in the Environmental Rating Scale tool, a methodology designed to elevate the quality of care and programming within their Family Child Care Homes. Upon completing the cohort in 2026, each provider will be awarded $2,500 worth of high-quality materials and furnishings, tailored to their specific needs and assessment results.

This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to become a licensed home childcare provider. For questions, please contact Shannon Kirn at the City of Goleta via email skirn@cityofgoleta.org or phone: (805) 562-5512. To sign up for the program call 805-925-7071 or email ProviderServices@crrsb.org by April 1, 2025.

About Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County

Over the decades, CRR has expanded from those humble beginnings into an organization that now helps hundreds of aspiring childcare providers start their own licensed programs. They also administer subsidy programs that give thousands of lower income and at-risk families the financial assistance to access high-quality care, providing critical early learning experiences to help prepare children for kindergarten. This comprehensive support across the childcare spectrum has made Santa Barbara County a state and national leader in quality care, including having the most Nationally Accredited Family Child Care Providers per capita. In the past two years CRR’s efforts have led to over 2,000 new childcare spaces countywide, directly addressing the acute shortage of quality care options. CRR’s enduring legacy and impact shows how small community programs, started with passion and care, can grow to make a difference across a region. Learn more: https://crrsbc.org.

City Successfully Issues Bonds

Strong Market Demand and High Credit Ratings

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce the successful issuance of its recently approved bonds, securing favorable financing terms that will support critical local projects. The bond pricing, which took place on February 25, 2025, generated strong investor demand, demonstrating confidence in the City’s financial strength, creditworthiness, and responsible fiscal management.

Market conditions on the day of pricing were favorable, with declining consumer confidence leading investors to seek safe-haven assets such as municipal bonds. As a result, Goleta’s Local Measure A Transportation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds and Lease Revenue Bonds attracted significant investor interest, achieving better-than-expected pricing outcomes.

“The successful bond sales and very strong credit rating of the City are a testament to how well managed the City is by its governing body and staff as well as fortunate market timing,” said Wing-See Fox, Municipal Advisor for the City.

Bond Pricing Highlights:

  • Lease Revenue Bonds: Oversubscribed by more than 4 times, securing a true interest cost of 3.97% with final maturity in 2055.
  • Measure A Transportation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds: Oversubscribed by more than 2 times, securing a true interest cost of 3.32% with final maturity in 2040.
  • Total Project Proceeds: $35.7 million across both bond issuances, exceeding initial estimates.

Strong Credit Ratings Boost Investor Confidence

Investor interest was further bolstered by the strong credit ratings assigned to the bonds by S&P Global Ratings on February 12, 2025:

  • Lease Revenue Bonds received an “AA” rating (Stable Outlook), reflecting Goleta’s strong financial management, stable economy, and solid revenue-generating capacity. This implies an Issuer Credit Rating of “AA+”, signaling low credit risk and high confidence in the City’s ability to meet its debt obligations.
  • Measure A Transportation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds were assigned an “A+” rating, aligning with staff expectations and consistent with similar local transportation sales tax revenue bond transactions with comparable debt service coverage.

Finance Director Luke Rioux said, “These strong credit ratings helped reduce borrowing costs for the City, ensuring that we are maximizing the value of every taxpayer dollar. We are proud that Goleta continues to be recognized for its sound fiscal management and strong financial position.”

Investing in Goleta’s Future

The proceeds from these bonds will fund important community improvements, including transportation infrastructure projects such as Cathedral Oaks Crib Wall Repair and San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path. These investments will enhance connectivity, safety, and long-term infrastructure resilience in Goleta.

The City remains committed to maintaining strong financial health while delivering essential services and strategic investments that support its growing community and improve the quality of life for residents.

New Speed Limit Signs Around Town

Installation of Signs to Take a Few Weeks and Enforcement to Begin Right Away

The installation of about one hundred new speed limit signs on designated roads throughout Goleta is underway, having begun on February 24. Orange flags are being installed on the new signs to alert drivers of the new speed limit. The project is anticipated to take a few weeks to complete, but once a sign is in place, the new speed limit is enforceable. The City encourages motorists to be mindful and adhere to the updated speed limits.

Changes will affect portions of the following roads: Calle Real, Cambridge Drive, Cathedral Oaks Road, Covington Way, Fairview Avenue, Glen Annie Road, Hollister Avenue, Kellogg Avenue, La Patera Lane, Los Carneros Road, Pacific Oaks Road, Patterson Avenue, Phelps Road, Storke Road, and Ward Drive. For a detailed breakdown of the exact locations and updated speed limits, please view the map here. 

The new signs are a result of Assembly Bill 43 (AB 43), which came into effect in June 2024, and gives local municipalities new tools under the California Vehicle Code to lower speed limits for designated safety corridors, segments with a history of the highest number of serious and fatal injuries, and areas with high concentrations of bicyclists and pedestrians. 

As a Vision Zero City, the City of Goleta is committed to eliminating traffic-related fatal and serious injuries from our roadway network. Lowering speed limits along designated roads throughout the City is an important part of that goal as research shows lower speed limits can reduce tragedies on the road.

For more information on the City’s Vision Zero efforts, please visit our website at www.CityofGoleta.org/VisionZero or call the City at 805-562-5504.


Replacing of the speed limit sign on Calle Real between Brandon Drive and San Rossano Drive

Know Your Rights

In light of recent questions regarding immigration rights and the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the City has a new dedicated webpage to go for information and resources.

To help clear up questions regarding the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office relationship with ICE, Lt. Frank Vasquez, Goleta’s Chief of Police Services, gave a few clarifying remarks at the February 18th City Council meeting. You can view his comments to Council here.

There are also “Know Your Rights” cards available for the community at the following locations: the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue), Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue), and Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive). These cards are designed to inform residents of their rights related to immigration, preparing them for various situations they might encounter. Community members can also print out these cards at home. PDF copies are available in English here, and in Spanish here.

The City of Goleta values the input and concerns of its residents. For more information, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/mvjcdkpp.