Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

New FoodBank Sharehouse Opens and Distribution Site Moves

The FoodBank of Santa Barbara County is holding a celebration on Saturday, March 1st from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to celebrate the Grand Opening of the FoodBank’s Sharehouse at 82 Coromar Drive in Goleta. The event will include a variety of food trucks serving delicious meals, engaging family-friendly activities, informative booths, exciting giveaways, and more. It’s also an opportunity to learn how this new chapter will strengthen local efforts to fight food insecurity.

Senator Monique Limón and Supervisor Laura Capps will join CEO Erik Talkin at 1:00 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Members of the Goleta City Council will also be in attendance. Foodbank staff will lead tours of the newly occupied warehouse portion throughout the day.

Parking will be off-site at Apeel Sciences, 71 S Los Carneros Dr., and Santa Barbara Airbus will provide a shuttle service from the parking area to the South County Sharehouse.

CEO of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, Erik Talkin, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “We now have a world class facility that will allow us to bring nutrition security through increased amounts of fresh produce and healthy food, and also disaster food security in challenging times. We look forward to greeting you on opening day and showing you around your Sharehouse. This is a resource for the entire community to share health and empowerment for decades to come.”

  • Expanding Capacity: Food storage will grow from 28,000 to 352,000 pounds, and freezer capacity from 23,000 to 192,000 pounds.
  • More Fresh Food: 40,000–80,000 pounds of additional food and fresh produce can now be accepted each week.
  • Stronger Local Support: More food can stay in the North County facility, ensuring better access for those in need.
  • Sustainability Commitment: Consolidating operations at the Sharehouse reduces fuel emissions and vehicle wear.
  • Disaster Preparedness: Space for up to 1.2 million pounds of disaster food, strengthening the ability to respond in times of crisis.

The South County Sharehouse will allow FoodBank to serve more people in need while improving food distribution, sustainability, and disaster preparedness.

In more FoodBank news, one of its food distribution sites has moved to 5425 Hollister Avenue in Goleta (located behind the Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital). The day and time it is open remains the same: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday of the month.

To enter the site, go to the intersection of Patterson Avenue and Hollister Avenue, turn onto Patterson passing the hospital. Then turn right on Ekwill Street and the traffic guards will guide you. See the map below for detailed directions.

About the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

The FoodBank of Santa Barbara County transforms hunger into health through good nutrition and food literacy. It provides nourishment and education through a network of more than 200 partner agencies, nutrition education programs, and food distribution sites. In Santa Barbara County, one in three people receives support from the Foodbank, and 38% of the individuals are children.

For more information, please visit FoodbankSBC.org or contact the Foodbank at (805) 967-5741.


New food distribution site located on 5425 Hollister Ave

Green Room: Waste Free Valentine’s Day

Let’s make this Valentine’s Day waste free in Goleta by embracing thoughtful practices that show love to both our special someone and the environment.

Gift Experiences over Material Items
Consider giving the gift of experiences rather than material items. Plan a romantic hike, a day at the beach, or a cozy movie night. These moments create lasting memories without leaving a trail of unnecessary packaging and waste.

Gift Donations
Spread love beyond your immediate circle by making a donation in your Valentine’s name. Support local charities or organizations that resonate with your partner’s values. It’s a meaningful gesture that makes a positive impact on the community.

Homemade, Plastic-Free Valentine’s Cards
Express your feelings with a personal touch. Craft homemade Valentine’s cards using recycled paper, avoiding glitter to keep it eco-friendly. This adds a unique and sentimental touch to your message while reducing environmental impact.

Bulk Candy and Useful Handouts
For those celebrating in schools or offices, opt for bulk candy to reduce packaging waste. Consider more practical handouts like pens, pencils, or erasers that are both useful and eco-friendly.

Dine Out Responsibly
Dining out to enjoy a Valentine’s day dinner does not have to be wasteful. Support your favorite  local restaurants, and bring along reusable to-go containers for any leftovers you want to save for later.

Cook a Meaningful Meal
If dining out is not your style, plan a special home-cooked meal. Be mindful of portions to minimize food waste. Be sure to save any extra food that you can use for the next day. Choose locally sourced and organic ingredients for a sustainable and delicious celebration.

Meaningful and Sentimental Gestures
Focus on gestures that reflect thoughtfulness. Write a heartfelt letter, create a personalized playlist, or compile a photo album capturing cherished moments. These gestures are meaningful, sentimental, and waste-free.

Happy Waste-Free Valentine’s Day! #WasteFreeGoleta #GoGreenGoleta

Celebrate Library Lovers’ Month at Goleta Valley Library

Throughout February, the Goleta Valley Library will be providing engaging programs that will help you discover the endless reasons to love your local library. Check out what’s coming up below.

Wiggly Wednesdays
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for storytime with Miss Nicole! We’ll do a short story, songs, a dance party, and bubbles. Best for ages 15 months-5 years old.

Goodland Yarn Works
Wednesdays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
This fun group knits and crochets useful items for local and national charities. If you know how to knit or crochet, this group is for you! No registration required. Join us for fun and friendship!

Senior Happy Hour: Valentine’s Day Cards
Thursday, February 6 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Come create a fun sharpie doodle card or pop-up card with all of the supplies provided! In this class you will experience the relaxing benefits of doodle art, create a doodle design, and turn it into a giftable card.

Homework Help
Thursdays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Kindergarten – 6th grade students can receive free, one-on-one help with their homework after school at the library. Service is provided on a drop-in basis, so no appointment is needed ahead of time. Our volunteer tutors are excited to help our local students succeed this school year.

Baby & Me Storytime
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, lap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play. This calm program has a focus on bonding with your child and building community. Best for ages 0-12 months / pre-walkers.

Tech Tutoring
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesdays from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Are you looking for more information about GVL’s online resources? Do you need assistance with your electronic or mobile device? All you have to do is fill out the form below and one of our friendly staff will reach out to meet your needs! You will be contacted by a staff member to schedule a 30-minute in-person appointment at the library. 

Friends of the Goleta Valley Library Lecture Series: From the Green Sahara to Kushite Pharaohs
Sunday, February 23 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
This presentation will discuss this changing picture of Nubian and Egyptian origins and their long history of intercultural exchange using new evidence from archaeological work at Tombos and other sites at the Third and Fourth Cataracts.

Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, February 25 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Join us as we discuss this month’s pick: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman: “A poignant, charming novel about a crime that never took place, a would-be bank robber who disappears into thin air, and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imagined.” –Goodreads

Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, March 1 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
The GVL Writers’ Workshop is open to adults and teens who write in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. The workshop meets on the first Saturday of each month to share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Free Ice Skating Admission at Ice in Paradise with Your Library Card!
Sunday, March 2, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Ice in Paradise has generously donated free skating admission on the first Sunday of every month in 2025 to patrons of the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries! Present your Goleta Valley Library or Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card at Ice in Paradise to receive free skating admission on the dates below. Skate rentals are not included. One library card per skater is required. Skaters must be ages 3+. Thank you to Ice in Paradise for this generous gift to our patrons!

To check out everything happening at Goleta Valley Library, visit the website at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Goleta Valley Library Welcomes New Supervising Librarian

Kim Crail Brings More Than a Decade of Experience to the Role

Goleta Valley Library’s new Supervising Librarian, Kim Crail, is off and running in her new role. She brings more than a decade of experience in public librarianship to the position.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim to the team,” said City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “Her passion for library service, natural leadership and teambuilding, and creative and energetic approach to providing information and resources to our patrons will enrich the lives of area residents. We are excited to work together on all that is in store for Goleta Valley Library in the years to come.”

“Joining Goleta Valley Library is a complete joy, following in the footsteps of my mentor, former Supervising Librarian Brent Field, as well as supporting patrons and staff through this upcoming renovation project. I’m especially excited to build our physical collection of books and create amazing library memories for the people we serve.”

Before working at Goleta Valley Library, Kim honed her skills in various roles at the Montecito Branch Library over the course of nine years. Starting as a Library Assistant and advancing to Branch Lead Librarian, Kim gained valuable experience along the way working with a diverse community of patrons. Some of her most memorable projects included providing storytimes and facilitating presentations, performances, and community conversations. Most recently, Kim served as a Collections and Programming Librarian at the Santa Barbara Central Library, where she managed the Adult Fiction Collection and offered engaging programming, including the treasured weekly Music & Movement classes at Shoreline Park.

Kim is no stranger to Goleta and has a personal connection to the area, having first moved here in 1998 to attend UC Santa Barbara. She recalls fond memories of bringing her children to Goleta Valley Library when they were young. “I love how the City has grown and is thriving but continues to feel welcoming and friendly.”

In her new position, Kim will be responsible for overseeing staff, programs, daily operations, and patron services at Goleta Valley Library.

Join us in welcoming Kim as she embarks on this exciting journey with us!

Meet New Parks and Recreation Manager

Long-Time Goleta Resident Justin Wilkins Brings Decades of Leadership Experience  

The City of Goleta has a new Parks and Recreation Manager! Justin Wilkins brings more than 20 years of leadership in non-profit management and program implementation to the position. In this role, Justin will be responsible for planning, developing, supervising, and coordinating all park and recreational programs, services, facilities, and special events. Justin is a familiar face to Goleta having lived, studied and worked in the area for the past 25 years.

JoAnne Plummer, Neighborhood Services Director said, “The Parks and Recreation Division is busy with exciting programs and projects and Justin’s passion for Goleta, combined with his diverse experience makes him the ideal person to lead this amazing team.”

Justin said his career path and passion for the community have prepared him for this impactful leadership role. He said, “The ability to utilize my vast programming, administrative, and recreational experience in Goleta, where we are high users of parks and open spaces, makes this opportunity all the better.”

Prior to joining the City, Wilkins served as the Executive Director for the Santa Barbara Soccer Club where he helped guide the organization the past five years through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and significant growth in recreational programming. Justin also served as the Director of Operations at Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People where he oversaw a variety of social service programs, school based mental health, and a community-based food program delivering over 30,000 pounds of food to families in need each week.

A long-time resident of Goleta, Justin moved to the area in 2000 to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and stayed in Goleta to raise his family. He said, “Most of the special memories I have are watching my kids grow up playing in our local parks. From their adventures at ‘Caterpillar Park’ to sliding down the pines at Bella Vista, to playing soccer for countless hours on any patch of green grass – Goleta raised them as much as their mom and I did.”

We wish Justin a great chapter ahead with the City of Goleta. He can be reached via email at jwilkins@cityofgoleta.org.

City Welcomes New Emergency Services Coordinator

Jason Levy Brings Years of Public Safety Experience to Goleta

Jason Levy has joined the City of Goleta as its new Emergency Services Coordinator. In this role, Jason will be responsible for the coordination and administration of all emergency management programs. As recent devastating fire events in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties have proven, this is an important position for the City in enhancing safety and resiliency for our community.

JoAnne Plummer, Neighborhood Services Director said, “We are so happy to welcome Jason to our team. He has already hit the ground running since he started on January 13th. Jason has been busy reviewing and updating plans, working on reviving the Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program, and scheduling Community Disaster Education (CDE) classes. Stay tuned for how you can participate.”

Jason said, “I am most excited about engaging with community members, collaborating with colleagues at the City of Goleta, and partnering with numerous agencies and organizations to support the community. I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to guide Goleta through the five mission areas: prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery and disaster management.”

Jason received his Master’s in Educational Leadership and Organization from the University of California, Santa Barbara and has spent his professional career in public service across the region. Jason also has a passion for helping people through his volunteer work on the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team where he serves as an Incident Commander. In this capacity he has responded to major disasters, including assisting with the largest search mission at its time in California history: the recovery efforts in Paradise, CA, following the 2018 Camp Fire.

Jason’s previous experience also includes working at the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department from 2020 to 2025 where he supported the County’s COVID-19 response. Additionally, he led a project that collaborated with numerous local public safety first-aid agencies, training personnel and procuring Narcan to ensure effective responses to opioid overdoses.

Please join us in welcoming Jason and wishing him a great chapter ahead with the City. You can reach Jason by emailing him at jlevy@cityofgoleta.org. To learn about upcoming opportunities for emergency preparedness training, please contact cert@cityofgoleta.org.

Watch Recap of First Coffee & Community of 2025

Coffee & Community / Café y Comunidad events are a great opportunity to connect with the City, fellow Goletans, and discuss topics of interest relevant to your neighborhood. On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the City held its first Coffee and Community event of the year at Armitos Park in Old Town. More than fifty people showed up on this beautiful Saturday morning, including many who have a spot at the City’s first Community Garden which recently opened at the site. Check out our short highlight video here to see how it went.

Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) said these casual community coffee gatherings are a great way to bring the City to the people. He said, “It’s so important for people to have a government that works for them, that’s responsive to them and that is willing to come into their neighborhoods to talk about the issues that are impacting them.”

There was time for mingling, coffee, juice and pastries from local Old Town vendors and several information tables including Goleta Public Works, Neighborhood Services, the Goleta Valley Library, Community Relations and the Santa Barbara Food Bank. Spanish interpretation was available.

After welcoming attendees, Councilmember Kyriaco gave a short update on projects happening in Old Town followed by a time for questions. After the Q&A period, City staff from various departments was available for one-on-one questions. Due to the devastating Los Angeles and Ventura County fires, many of the questions surrounded emergency planning and public safety.

A big thank you to Boone Graphics for opening up its parking lot for the event.

The City holds Coffee and Community / Café y Comunidad events throughout the year in each district. Find out which district you live in here: https://tinyurl.com/GoletaInteractiveMap. Stay tuned for information on our next event.

Pictured: Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) at the Community Garden at Armitos Park during the Coffee & Community event

Record Breaking Beautify Goleta Bulky Item Drop-Off Event

116 Vehicles Disposed of 17,149 Pounds of Unwanted Items

The first Beautify Goleta Bulky Item Drop-Off event of the year on Saturday, January 25, 2025, saw record-breaking attendance and collection of bulky items. A total of 116 vehicles dropped off 17,149 pounds of bulky items at the intersection of Mathilda Drive and Strehle Lane in western Goleta. The event was so popular that capacity was reached three hours into the four-hour event. The most commonly dropped-off items included old mattresses and large, damaged furniture.

Dan Rowell, City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Project Manager, was thrilled with the event’s success. He said, “Seeing the enthusiasm from our community for Beautify Goleta events is truly rewarding. Of course, we couldn’t achieve this without the support of our fantastic partners at MarBorg Industries, Big Green Cleaning, and Solid Waste Solutions.”

The Beautify Goleta team plans to conduct this event every January at this location.

If you missed it, don’t worry! There are more Beautify Goleta bulky item drop-off events and cleanup opportunities coming up. Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming dates:

  • February 2025: Beautify Goleta’s second annual Self-Guided Cleanup Month
  • March 8, 2025: “Spring Into Action”
  • April 19, 2025: “Earth Day”
  • July 19, 2025: “Plastic Free July”
  • September 20, 2025: “Coastal Cleanup Day”

We need Beautify Goleta Captains! Captains are a vital part of the program, helping to organize and guide volunteers on event days. Captains can represent clubs, businesses, community groups, or individuals. Becoming a Captain is also a great way to gain recognition for your organization, as Captains are regularly highlighted in City press releases, the Monarch Press e-newsletter, and social media campaigns.

Interested in being a Beautify Goleta Captain or hosting your own cleanup event? Email EnvironmentalServices@CityOfGoleta.org today!

For more information about Beautify Goleta, visit www.CityofGoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

Show Goleta Love During Self-Guided Cleanup Month

Report Results for a Chance to Win Eco-Friendly Prizes

Show some love to your favorite park, open space, neighborhood, creek, or beach throughout the entire month of February by participating in the City’s Beautify Goleta Self-Guided Cleanup Month! Unlike previous Beautify Goleta events that take place on Saturday mornings throughout the year, all of February is a Beautify Goleta Self-Guided Cleanup Month. 

Grab your buckets, gloves, and a good pair of walking shoes, and pick up litter where you want, when you want. Help keep our streets, neighborhoods, and parks and open spaces clean and healthy. Please do not pick up litter on private property without getting permission from the property owner first. Schedule a time to pick up trash with friends and family, go on your lunch break, or while walking your dog. Participate at your own pace – just once or as many times as you can throughout the month.

Participants are encouraged to report information about the trash they pick up to the City using this online form. You can also email your results to EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.org. Collecting data is a crucial component in helping measure the amount of litter collected throughout the City of Goleta. All participants who use the online form will be entered into a prize drawing for the categories below: 

  1. Grand Prize Drawing with All Participants (3 Winners)
  2. Prize for picking up the most trash by weight (1 Winner)
  3. Prize for the most number of cleanups throughout the month (1 Winner)

All prizes encourage waste reduction. Prizes include stainless steel bento boxes, beeswax wrap, reusable cutlery sets, and more! All prizes will be announced by the City the week of March 3rd. Visit our social media channels (@cityofgoleta) to see who won!

Before you participate in a cleanup, please review our Self-Guided Cleanup Cheat Sheet, our Cleanup Safety Guidance, and our list of Helpful Contacts.

Need Equipment? The City has trash grabbers, gloves, trash bags, and buckets that can be checked out for free. Email EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.org to schedule a pickup time.  

We hope you’ll spread the love this February by making Goleta a cleaner, healthier place to live. Learn more about Beautify Goleta at www.CityofGoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

Goleta’s E-Bike Safety Awareness Week Recap

Special Activities Held Throughout the Week at Local Schools

More Goleta teens now know more about e-bike safety following a dedicated week of outreach at local schools.  For its annual E-Bike Safety Awareness Week held January 21 to 25, 2025, the City partnered once again with MOVE Santa Barbara County to help provide education and bring an important safety topic to the forefront.

During the week, targeted outreach activities were held at Goleta Valley Junior High, Dos Pueblos High School and San Marcos High School. These activities included free helmet and safety equipment distributions and safety presentations. Thanks to representatives from MOVE Santa Barbara County, the City of Goleta, the Goleta Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital for being there to help make sure students know how to be safe while operating or sharing the road with an e-bike.

Stay tuned for more outreach about e-bike safety during CycleMAYnia in May.

Photo above above: Bike safety equipment giveaway at San Marcos High School. Pictured Left to Right: City of Goleta Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez, MOVE Education & Engagement Coordinator Eliza Howard, Cottage Health Injury Prevention Outreach & Education Coordinator Mayra Vazquez


Helmet Distribution at Dos Pueblos High School. Pictured Left to Right: School Resource Deputy George Hedricks, Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez, MOVE Education & Engagement Coordinator Gemma Jimenez, Goleta Police Deputies Connor Worden, Dylan Darga,and CHP Jon Gutierrez


Community Resource Deputy Worden at Dos Pueblos High School


Safety Presentation with MOVE Santa Barbara County and Goleta PD at Goleta Valley Junior High School