Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Thank You Kathy Allen

Gratitude is the number one emotion that Kathy Allen feels as she retires from the City of Goleta after almost 12 years of service.  At the March 18 City Council meeting, the Supervising Planner with the Planning and Environmental Review Department was presented with a City Tile and a big hug from Mayor Paula Perotte thanking her for the positive impact she has made on Goleta during her tenure.

In her remarks, Kathy expressed her appreciation on so many levels. “I feel so grateful to have had this opportunity to work with a great team of professionals and to have had such interesting and meaningful work. I feel grateful to live and work in such a beautiful area with a community of people who also care deeply about the environment and the well-being of their neighbors. I will really miss everything about living and working in Goleta and I plan to visit as much as possible.”

Kathy joined the City of Goleta in October of 2012 initially as a planning consultant and quickly transitioned into a permanent role. Her passion for planning and commitment to community development culminated in numerous successful projects that have shaped Goleta’s landscape.

One of Kathy’s most notable achievements was her involvement in the Village at Los Carneros project. This comprehensive development initiative included 465 homes on 43 acres, featured 70 affordable housing units, a public park, a new bridge over Tecolotito Creek, and a bike path connecting community areas. “I’m most proud of the work I did on the Village at Los Carneros development project,” Kathy shared. “I spent 8 years working on this project from processing planning entitlements through final inspection of the homes and project amenities.”

“In a department full of friendly people, she was one of the friendliest” said Peter Imhof, Planning & Environmental Review Director for the City of Goleta. “Always soft-spoken and gracious with a welcoming smile to all she met, Kathy has contributed hugely to our community and our city”.

We wish Kathy the very best in her retirement as she relocates to San Diego County and we thank her for all she has done for Goleta. 

The City is always looking for outstanding people like Kathy to join our team. To find out about opportunities, please visit  www.CityofGoleta.org/Jobs.

Thank you Kathy for your exceptional service to the City of Goleta and for making a positive impact on our community. Please join us in wishing Kathy a well-earned retirement!


Kathy with her City Tile (pictured left-to-right): Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof, Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Supervising Planner Kathy Allen, Mayor Paula Perotte, and Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3)


Pictured left-to-right: Current Planning Manager Lisa Prasse, Supervising Planner Mary Chang, Senior Planner Darryl Mimick, Supervising Planner Kathy Allen, and Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof


Kathy with her family

 

Join #TeamGoleta

Are you looking for a rewarding career at a great organization? The City of Goleta is always looking for talented people to join its team. We currently have the following jobs open:

  • Community Center Event Monitor / Building Attendant
  • Department Aide (Part-Time)
  • Principal Civil Engineer
  • Supervising Planner
  • Coming soon! Intern opportunities

Learn more about each position and how to apply here. Check back regularly for new opportunities.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

In its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads, the Goleta Police Department is reminding all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and keep their hands on the wheel. Whether checking a phone, eating or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.

According to the 2024 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving, because of texting, was their biggest safety concern. In 2022, there were 148 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

The Goleta Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine, and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

Follow these simple steps to stay focused and protect everyone on the road:

  • Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can’t reach it while driving.
  • Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors and finish any tasks before you start driving.
  • Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road: Avoid eating, grooming or adjusting controls while driving.
  • Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm.
  • Speak up: If you’re a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stay focused.
  • Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop in a safe place before responding.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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

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.