Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Buellton Library Grand Opening

The Buellton Library has officially opened its doors at the historic Willemsen property (202 Dairyland Rd)! The Grand Opening held on Saturday, February 8th drew a lively crowd eager to explore the new space. Former Buellton Mayor and current President of the Friends of the Buellton Library, Holly Sierra, joined current Mayor David Silva and City Manager Scott Wolfe in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

On February 7th Mayor Paula Perotte and Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) attended the preview night hosted by the Friends of the Buellton Library and enjoyed exploring the beautiful new facility that will serve generations to come.

Neighborhood Services Director JoAnne Plummer and City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo were also in attendance on Friday and at the historic event on Saturday, which was filled with activities for all ages. The City of Buellton Parks & Recreation team and the Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum provided an array of games and family-friendly activities for visitors of all ages that included bounce houses, lawn games, badminton, and even a giant dinosaur puzzle! The Friends of the Buellton Library held a successful book sale to build a community of members and to support the library’s future goals. Inside the library, children enjoyed a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts stations, and catching up with the friendly Buellton Library team, who issued over 50 new library cards.

Congratulations to the Buellton community on the successful launch of the gorgeous new library! We are excited to see all the wonderful and engaging programming to come.

The Solvang and Buellton Libraries are a part of the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Library System, which is managed by the City of Goleta. The City of Goleta first took over direct management of the Goleta Valley Library on July 1, 2018, and subsequently the Santa Ynez Valley libraries—including the Solvang and Buellton Libraries—on July 1, 2019.

Photos from the Grand Opening event:


Former Buellton Mayor Holly Sierra and current Mayor David Silva cut the ribbon to officially open the newly relocated and renovated Buellton Library


Pictured left-to-right: Ethan Bertrand, City of Buellton Mayor David Silva, City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, and City of Buellton City Manager Scott Wolfe holding a Certificate of Recognition


Patrons exploring the new library location

Above: Community members gathered outside the library at the Grand Opening

March Programming at Goleta Valley Library

Programs for all ages abound each week at the library this month. Although this is our last month of service at Fairview before closing for temporary relocation during construction, there are many opportunities to engage and connect while supporting your local library. Programming will be offered while we move from April through June and at our temporary site – stay tuned for a full calendar coming soon!

Special Events

Craftapalooza Part 2
Saturday, March 15, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Crafters: go wild! The only limit is your imagination as you get to use all of the craft supplies from the Goleta Valley Library to create and imagine with limitless possibilities! All ages welcome, all supplies provided.

Friends of the Library: Big Book Sale!
Saturday, March 22nd from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 23rd from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library invite community members to their big book sale in the Community Room in preparation for the library’s upcoming move. Browse a selection of donated books, puzzles, calendars, DVDs, CDs, sheet music, and cards. Come support your local library!

Recurring Events

Writers Workshop         
Saturday, March 1, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.            
A monthly gathering for writers to share work, exchange feedback, and discuss the tools of the trade.

Senior Happy Hour       
Thursday, March 6, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.              
Make spring flowers out of felt at this month’s Senior Happy Hour.  We will create colorful felt blooms that you can use to decorate a box or package or fill a vase.  All supplies provided.

Mystery Book Club       
Tuesday, March 25, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
This month’s pick is the Agatha Christie classic, And Then There Were None.  Description from publisher: “1939. Europe teeters on the brink of war. Ten strangers are invited to Soldier Island, an isolated rock near the Devon coast. Cut off from the mainland, with their generous hosts Mr. and Mrs. U.N. Owen mysteriously absent, they are each accused of a terrible crime. When one of the party dies suddenly they realize they may be harboring a murderer among their number. The tension escalates as the survivors realize the killer is not only among them but is preparing to strike again… and again…”

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!

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. 

For a full calendar of events and to stay informed about what’s happening at Goleta Valley Library, go to www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Zip Book Program Resumes

Beloved Program Boosts Access to Titles at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries

Zip Books are back! The popular program allows patrons with a Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card in good standing to request books or audiobooks to be mailed directly to their home from Amazon. Zip Books are purchased with grant funds made available through the California State Library. For the 2024/2025 fiscal year period, the City of Goleta’s Library Services Division was awarded $15,327 in California Library Services Act funds to purchase books in print, large print, and audiobook CD formats.

Sharon Nigh, Library Assistant and Zip Books Coordinator, said, “The Zip Books program is a well-loved resource because it helps patrons access the books they want, even if they are not currently in our collection.”

To be eligible for the Zip Books Program, requests must meet these criteria:

  • Title is not already owned by the Goleta Valley Library, Solvang Library, Buellton Library, Bookvan, or other Black Gold Cooperative member libraries.
  • Title must be available from Amazon or an Amazon bookseller for less than $50 in Print or Large Print formats, or less than $75 in Book on CD format.
  • Requests are limited to two books per household per month.
  • If the requested title is already in the Black Gold system, a courtesy hold will be placed on the item.

A recent update to the program is that Zip Books now have a due date of three months from the date they are requested. When you’re finished with your Zip Books, simply return them to your home library in-person at the service desk so that they can be checked in. Please note that Zip Books returned in the book drops will not be checked in and the cost of unreturned Zip Books will be charged to borrowers’ accounts. The library welcomes returns of Zip Books from prior program years, as well.

The Zip Books Request Form is available here. You’ll surely fall in love with this great program!

Questions may be sent to zipbooks@cityofgoleta.org. Explore GoletaValleyLibrary.org for up-to-date information about our services, programs, and events.

This Project is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

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.