Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

World Homeless Day Recap

If you missed the webinar for World Homeless Day, held annually on October 10, a recording of  “Homelessness: It’s Not What You Think,” is available to view. Locally, a coalition of providers hosted the webinar to educate community members on actionable ways to address homelessness and equip community members with facts and information to debunk myths about homelessness. The coalition includes SBACT, Santa Barbara Foundation, PATH Santa Barbara, City Net, Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, and the City of Goleta.  

You can also watch a series of “Everyone Has a Story” videos created for World Homeless Day that includes interviews from nine South Santa Barbara County locals, two from Goleta, who have lived with the experience of homelessness. Here are links to the two stories from Goleta:

For more information, and to watch all nine interviews, please visit www.sbact.org/whd.

The aim of World Homeless Day is to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience homelessness and promote work in local communities to address this crisis.

California is largely considered the epicenter of homelessness in the United States, with over a quarter of the county’s unhoused population residing in the Golden State. Currently, over 181,000 people in California are experiencing homelessness (source).

Santa Barbara County’s 2024 Point-in-Time Count shows that 2,119 people are experiencing homelessness across the county. Although the Point in Time Count has limitations in providing an accurate census, this does represent a 12% increase over the 2023 count of 1,887 (source).

To learn more about World Homeless Day, click here.

City Receives CAPIO Star Award

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce it received a STAR Award from the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) for its “Good Times in the Good Land” video. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/osSXESYRtVY.

This video played at the 2024 Goleta Community State of the City and highlights the wonderful community engagement we experience throughout the year in this tight-knit, vibrant community. The STAR Awards recognize excellence in government video programming in California and Nevada. The City of Goleta took first place in the category of Promotion of a City or County. The City wants to thank our Community Relations Division (Kelly Hoover, Jaime Shaw and Marcos Martinez) and Video Specialist Paul Westmacott (Paradigm Pictures) for putting together this video and many others throughout the year to showcase all the great things happening in Goleta.

You can view all of the City’s videos on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@CityofGoleta1.

 

Good Times in the GoodLand video

Pictured left-to-right: Community Relations Assistant Jaime Shaw,  Community Relations Manager/PIO Kelly Hoover, and Media Specialist Paul Westmacott of Paradigm Pictures

 

Green Room: Rainy Season

We are approaching the rainy season which is a good reminder to stop water pollution and keep our storm drains and creeks clean. Rain produces stormwater runoff which is rain that does not soak into the ground and flows over land and other surfaces. Stormwater runoff can carry trash and pollutants into storm drains, which flow directly to creeks, rivers, and the ocean without any treatment. The trash and chemicals in the runoff pose a threat to wildlife and water quality. 

Remember “only rain down the drain.” 

If you observe stormwater concerns such as trash, illegal dumping, or any fluid with a visible sheen, odor, or color entering the storm drain within the City of Goleta, please report it. Water pollution should be reported to the City at environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org. Hazardous Materials Spills should be reported to 911. Sanitary sewer (wastewater) spills should be reported to the Goleta Sanitary District (805-967-4519) or Goleta West Sanitary District (805-968-2617) immediately. 

Here are some great ways to keep storm drains clear of trash and pollutants: 

  • Keep trash and recycling cans tightly covered to prevent litter from being blown away during storms. storms. 
  • Take your car to a commercial car wash prior to the first rains. 
  • Do not drain or pour any automotive fluid onto the street or into a storm drain. 
  • Sweep dirt out of curbs and into landscaping to prevent it from entering storm drains. 
  • Adjust your sprinklers to prevent over-watering and prevent water from draining onto paved surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks. 
  • Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers before a rain event or within:
    • 5 feet of pavement 
    • 25 feet of a storm drain 
    • 50 feet of a water body 
  • Compost leaves and yard clippings. 
  • Always pick up after your pet. 

For more information on how you can help protect our watersheds, check out our Homeowner’s Guide in English and Spanish.  

Photo by Mike Eliason

Green Room: Have a Waste Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and express gratitude for the good things in life. However, with this holiday often comes food waste and leftover decorations. Here are some tips from the City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Division on how to make your Thanksgiving more eco-friendly.

Food Waste: Composting and Donations
Once your Thanksgiving feast is over, the first thing to consider is food waste. Composting is a fantastic way to manage this. Learn more about backyard composting here.

Consider donating unopened and unexpired non-perishable foods or canned goods to local food banks or shelters to help those in our community who do not have enough to eat. Sharing your abundance can help those less fortunate enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Disposable Tableware: Reduce and Recycle
Thanksgiving often involves disposable plates, cups, and utensils for large gatherings. This year, make a conscious choice to reduce waste by using durable, reusable dinnerware instead. If you must use disposables, opt for compostable or recyclable options.

Decorations: Reuse and Recycle
Instead of buying new decorations each year, reuse what you have. Your table can look beautiful with cloth napkins, placemats, and dishes you already own. By doing so, you’ll reduce the demand for new items and cut down on waste. You can also get the family involved in creating homemade decorations using materials you have around the house or can easily recycle.

E-Waste: Recycle Old Electronics
Do you plan on upgrading your electronics during Black Friday sales? If so, consider recycling your old devices properly. In Goleta, various e-waste recycling programs allow you to dispose of old phones, computers, or other electronics in an environmentally friendly way. Don’t forget to erase your personal data before recycling these items. You can find more information at www.cityofgoleta.org/wastefreegoleta.

Textiles: Reuse and Recycle
If you’re planning to replace old linens or clothing, look for ways to reuse or recycle them. Thrift stores are a great option for both donating and buying secondhand textiles. Your old Thanksgiving tablecloths and festive outfits could find a new home while reducing textile waste.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have and to share with others. By reducing waste, reusing items, and recycling responsibly, we can celebrate the holiday season in an environmentally friendly way. Goleta offers various waste and recycling programs to help residents dispose of items properly and minimize their environmental impact. Remember that a little effort can go a long way in reducing waste and conserving resources, which is a reason to be thankful.

This Thanksgiving, we encourage everyone to #GoGreenGoleta.

Nominate a Local Business!

City’s Business Recognition Program Looking for Next Winner

Do you know of an exceptional business in Goleta? Then we want to hear from YOU! Nominate them for the City’s Business Recognition Program. The Program is designed to highlight Goleta businesses throughout the year for special achievements or other unique contributions to the City such as economic development, prosperity, sustainability or resilience, or other activities fostering continuous community enrichment.

Nominations are open to the community and self-nominations are accepted. Complete the short online form to nominate a local business The form is also available in Spanish here. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis and awards will be given out on a quarterly basis. Awardees will be 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.

Santa Cruz Market received the City’s first Business Recognition Program award for Longevity in the City and for serving the community for over 40 years. Read more here.

To be nominated, business must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Located in Goleta city limits.
  2. Hold a valid City Business License (if applicable). Don’t have one? Apply here!
  3. In good standing with the City (i.e. no outstanding taxes or fees).

Businesses can only receive the award once.

A nominee must demonstrate accomplishments relating to one or more of the following areas:

  • Longevity in the City
  • Business Growth
  • Environmental Sustainability Leadership
  • Community Enrichment/Supporter
  • Industry Innovator
  • Minority-or Women-Owned

Selected businesses will be recognized at a future City Council meeting, included in the City’s monthly e-newsletter The Monarch Press, and featured on the City’s social media channels (@cityofgoleta).

Businesses that are within City limits and have a Goleta business license are also eligible to be listed in the City’s online business directory, GoodLandGoodShopping.com. View a short tutorial on how to edit your business or add your business. For questions or assistance please email PIO@cityofgoleta.org.

To learn more about the City’s Business Recognition Program, and to nominate a local business, click here.

Goleta Valley Library to Close During Improvements Project

Options for Temporary Offsite Library Services Under Consideration

The Goleta Valley Library, located at 500 N. Fairview Avenue in Goleta, is scheduled to temporarily close in April 2025 to undergo much-needed infrastructure improvements to make the 53-year-old facility safer and more accessible. The $5.3M upgrades are funded by a $4.2 million dollar grant from the California State Library, a generous donation of $250,000 from the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, and City matching funds. The project must be completed by June 2027, per grant requirements. The anticipated two-year closure is needed to accommodate construction activities and to relocate collection materials and equipment pre- and post- construction.

The Goleta City Council is determining the best temporary home to continue providing library services to the community during the closure, including continued access to the collection and some programming.  Several options are currently being considered and were presented to the Goleta City Council at its October 1, 2024 meeting. 

The top recommended options include:

  • Provide Library services by using classrooms at the City-owned Goleta Community Center (which would ensure continuity of Library services, but would postpone the GCC’s own Americans with Disabilities Act Project.) Several temporary ADA improvements would be made to the GCC parking lot, restrooms, and classrooms until the ADA Project was completed following Library construction.
  • Provide Library services from a new modular classroom(s) at the Goleta Community Center campus (the City would purchase the modular classrooms and after project is complete, use them to replace existing outdated modular classrooms leased by Rainbow School.)
  • Rent or lease local commercial or institutional space (no site has been identified and the extent and cost of improvements needed to make the site ready for use are unknown at this time.)

The Council will continue discussing the options and determine the best path forward at its upcoming November 19, 2024, City Council meeting.

The City understands the value that the Goleta Valley Library brings to the community and the disappointment and inconvenience that its closure will have on patrons who use the facility each day. The City is committed to establishing high-quality temporary service while the improvements are completed to ensure continued enjoyment of this beloved community hub for many years to come.

The improvements to the Goleta Valley Library will include:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act Path of Travel and Restroom Upgrades
  • HVAC Modernization
  • Life Safety and Security Upgrades
  • LED Lighting Retrofits
  • Door/Window Replacements and Upgrades
  • Fascia Repair and Exterior Paint

For more information on the project and the temporary offsite library services being considered, view the staff report here https://tinyurl.com/5n83xv49 and video of the October 1st City Council meeting here https://tinyurl.com/y2vfu4hu. For questions, email General Services Director Matt Fore at MFore@CityofGoleta.org or Neighborhood Services Director JoAnne Plummer at JPlummer@CityofGoleta.org.

November Happenings at Goleta Valley Library

Welcome to November at Goleta Valley Library! We have programs, events, and activities for every member of our community to enjoy.

Saturday, November 2, 12:30-2:00pm
Writer’s Workshop (Adults & Teens)
The Writers’ Workshop is a monthly gathering of writers where we share works-in-progress, exchange constructive feedback, and discuss the tools of the trade. Writers of all genres and all levels of expertise are welcomed.

Thursday, November 7, 2:00-3:30pm
Senior Happy Hour: Fall Leaves
Come join us for a fun and easy craft on Thursday November 7th at 2:00. You don’t have to sign up or bring anything, but you may want to wear your play clothes!

Through Saturday, November 16
In-N-Out Cover-to Cover Reading Challenge (Ages 4 to 12)     
Continuing from October, children have a couple more weeks to receive an award of one free hamburger or cheeseburger for every five books or 300 minutes they read, up to three awards, while supplies last. Visit us to register and learn all the details.

Tuesday, November 19 – Wednesday, November 27
Picture Book Month Scavenger Hunt (Ages 12 and under)
Find your favorite Picture Book Characters at Goleta Valley Library!  Participate in the library’s scavenger hunt and enter to win a fabulous picture book bundle of your own! The Scavenger Hunt will change weekly, giving kids a new chance to win each week (three prizes will be drawn at the end of the month).

Tuesday, November 26, 5:30 – 6:30pm
Mystery Book Club (Adults)
In our final meeting of 2024, the Mystery Book Club will discuss Kate Morton’s Homecoming.

There’s always so much going on at Goleta Valley Library. View the full calendar of events here.

For more information on the library, go to www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Earthquake Safety Tips

The Great ShakeOut may be over, but it’s always a good idea to make sure you are prepared for the next earthquake, including securing spaces, practicing “drop, cover, and hold on”, and creating an emergency plan.

The Earthquake Country Alliance recommends four steps that everyone should take before an earthquake:

  • Secure your home and workspace by identifying hazards and securing moveable items
  • Create your emergency plan including how you will communicate with your loved ones
  • Organize emergency supplies in a convenient location that would be accessible following an earthquake
  • Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance coverage

If you feel shaking or get an alert, it is critical to Drop, Cover, and Hold On or Lock (wheels), Cover, and Hold On.

The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management highly recommend local residents utilize advanced warning technologies. Timely warnings, even in instances where shaking does not occur, are vital for taking protective measures to ensure the safety of our community.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for and share the following warning systems with friends, family, and community groups:

  • California uses the Earthquake Early Warning System, to notify the public seconds to tens of seconds before the shaking starts allowing users the opportunity to take life-saving actions.
  • MyShake App: A free app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, allowing users to set a “HomeBase” location to receive earthquake warnings without activating location services. You must download this app in order to receive notifications.
  • Android Earthquake Alerts: Integrated in new or updated Android devices, utilizing the same technology as the MyShake App.
  • iPhone Earthquake Alerts: To turn this feature on, go to Settings and click on Notifications, and scroll down to the bottom section for Government Alerts and make sure Emergency Alerts are clicked “On”.
  • ReadySBC Alerts: Sign up for local alerts at ReadySBC.org. These alerts may be issued following an earthquake if other threats are imminent.

Learn more about earthquake warning systems and available apps at California Earthquake Early Warning | California Earthquake Early Warning Information. Sign up for local alerts and find earthquake preparedness information at ReadySBC | Santa Barbara County, CA – Official Website. 

 

New Traffic Pattern at Storke Road by Hollister Avenue

Restripe to Enhance Safety and Improve Traffic Flow

There is a new traffic pattern on Storke Road by Hollister Avenue in western Goleta incorporating Vision Zero principles to prioritize safety while improving traffic flow. Storke Road between Hollister Avenue and the US 101 freeway has been newly repaved as part of the City’s Pavement Rehabilitation Project. This gave the City the opportunity to restripe the area.

The new striping configuration creates a dedicated right-turn lane northbound on Storke Road to Hollister Avenue. Click here to view the new striping map. Having two through lanes and a dedicated right turn lane configuration will:

  • Maintain traffic flow.
  • Reduce conflicts associated with lane change maneuvers around blocked third northbound lane.
  • Give buses the necessary space to stop and pick up riders.
  • Prioritize cyclists and transit with dedicated lanes.

Several years ago, a northbound through lane was added to accommodate anticipated traffic growth from nearby developments. However, the expected benefits were only partially realized due to lower-than-anticipated traffic volumes and the impact of bus stops and pedestrian crossings on traffic flow. This updated traffic pattern aims to address these challenges, enhancing safety and efficiency for all road users. 

The striping changes occurred earlier this week on October 15 during the overnight hours in order to minimize impacts to the public. This striping matches the planned layout for the Storke Road All Road Users Improvement Project, tentatively scheduled for construction next year. Further details about the project can be found here.

Vision Zero is a system-wide approach to traffic safety, gaining momentum in American cities, that focuses on reducing the number of traffic related fatalities and severe injuries to zero. Since adopting a resolution in support of Vision Zero strategies in Goleta earlier this year, the Council has also approved an ordinance that will lower speed limits on roadways in Goleta based on new State law.

Learn more about the City’s Pavement Management Program on our website at www.CityofGoleta.org/Pavement.

Pictured above: New right turn only lane on Storke Road by Hollister Avenue


New striping pattern on Storke Road

 

Goleta Announces New Public Works Director

Nina Buelna Promoted from Interim to Permanent Position

The City of Goleta has a new Public Works Director. Luz “Nina” Buelna began her new position on October 14, 2024. Ms. Buelna started with the City in August 2022 as the Assistant Public Works Director and has served as the Interim Public Works Director since April 2024.

City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “Ms. Buelna will continue to guide Goleta’s Public Works Department as we implement the largest public works project in our City’s history. Under her direction, the Public Works Department is poised to deliver over $100,000,000 in projects in the next three years. I look forward to having Ms. Buelna lead the City’s largest department and promote a culture of collaboration, hard work, and success.”

“I began my journey with Goleta in 2022 and instantly fell in love with the community and its dedicated Public Works team,” said Ms. Buelna. “I’m inspired to represent Goleta, advocate for its community members, and work tirelessly to build the best Public Works Department!”

Ms. Buelna has almost 20 years of public service and infrastructure experience, performing design, construction, project management and maintenance of multiple Public Works and Department of Utilities facilities. Prior to arriving in Goleta, she worked for the City of Sacramento and the City of Roseville. She has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento and is a registered Professional Engineer. Fun fact, she comes from a family of civil engineers with her father, brother and sister all being civil engineers.

After arriving in Goleta, Ms. Buelna quickly became the champion for the City’s largest infrastructure project, Project Connect, and successfully moved the project from perpetually in the design phase, to construction. The Public Works Director position is an important leadership role at the City of Goleta, especially during this time in the City’s history where projects many years in the works are coming to fruition.

To learn more about the City’s Public Works Department and Capital Improvement Program that creates needed infrastructure within our community, please visit: https://www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/public-works.

Join us in congratulating Ms. Buelna on her new role with the City of Goleta.