Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Breaks Ground

Watch Video Recap

Construction continues on the long-awaited San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Project. Community members, staff, and regional partners gathered at Armitos Park and Community Garden on April 9, 2026, to celebrate the groundbreaking of this important connectivity project.  

Speakers at the event included City Manager Robert Nisbet, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmembers James Kyriaco (District 2) and Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Public Works Director Luz “Nina” Buelna, and Marjie KIRN Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments. Councilmember Luz Reyes- Martín stated, “[This project is] not just investing on a path but investing in long-term health for our city.”

Watch this highlight video of the ceremony and learn why the start of construction is especially rewarding and what you can expect when the path is finished. 

The project will create a welcoming and accessible three miles of new Class I bike and pedestrian pathway, improving connectivity between neighborhoods, Old Town Goleta, and key destinations including the beach, University of California, Santa Barbara, and the City of Santa Barbara.

Construction is now underway on the project, which will provide a safer, more direct route for walking and biking across both sides of Highway 101. The City encourages the public to follow posted signage, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling near construction zones.

The City of Goleta appreciates the community’s continued support as construction moves forward.

For more information about the project, visit: www.CityofGoleta.org/SJPath. For questions, email SJPath@CityofGoleta.gov or call/text 805-699-5392.

Pictured above: City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte speaks at San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path groundbreaking event held at Armitos Park and Community Garden


The Goleta City Council pose with gold shovels at the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Groundbreaking (pictured left-to-right: Councilmember Stuart Kasdin [District 4], Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín [District 1], Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco [District 2], and Mayor Pro Tempore [District 3])


Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet speaks at San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path groundbreaking


San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path groundbreaking attendees share celebratory moment

2026 Community State of the City Recap

Watch Highlight Video and Full Recording

For the first time in the history of the Goleta Community State of the City, the entire Goleta City Council joined the Mayor in presenting the 2026 State of the City Address on April 15, 2026. The presentations were a part of the City’s biggest night of the year held at the Goleta Community Center beginning with an hour of mingling and visiting information tables showcasing City departments. Attendees then gathered in the auditorium for the program which included presentations followed by a live Question and Answer section.

Two moving videos kicked off the ceremony, one featuring 6th graders at La Patera Elementary sharing what they love about Goleta, what issues they see as important, and what they would do as Councilmember for a day – watch it here. The second video showcases Another Great Year in the Good Land. You can also watch a highlight video of the event and the full recording.

Each presenter walked across the stage to walk up music played by keyboardist Tyler McCutchen, a junior at Dos Pueblos High School. Mayor Perotte chose “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye as her song and explained the new format for this year. She said, “Good government is not a monologue, it is a dialogue. Tonight, relying on my colleagues and City Manager to deliver our State of the City illustrates another reason I confidently say our city is strong. Goleta’s successes result from far more than who exercises the duties of Mayor. It depends on all of us.”

The presenters went in order of the Districts represented beginning with Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín of the first district, who chose the song “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder. She discussed public safety, emergency preparedness, and the environment. Councilmember Reyes- Martín said, “Goleta is investing wisely, planning responsibly, and putting our residents first. We’re building a city that is safe, resilient, and environmentally responsible not just for today, but for future generations.”

2nd District Councilmember James Kyriaco chose the song, “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers and took on the topic of transportation and circulation. He began by saying, “If I had to describe the state of our city in just a few words, I would say this: Goleta is under construction and making progress, as promised. To our residents, visitors and local businesses, I say thank you for your patience. Across our community, you can see the results of a city that is investing seriously in its future. We are repairing the infrastructure we inherited, improving safety, and expanding transportation options so residents have real choices in how they move around our city.”

Mayor Pro Tempore and 3rd District Councilmember Jennifer Smith walked up to the song “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper and addressed services, parks, recreation, and community spaces. She concluded her presentation by saying, “All of these efforts reflect our shared commitment to maintaining the quality of life that makes Goleta such a special place to live, work and play. None of this would be possible without the dedication of our City staff, our community partners and residents like you who stay engaged and involved.”

Walking up to the Ragtime song “The Entertainer”, 4th District Councilmember Stuart Kasdin tackled the hot topic of housing and homelessness. He said, “To have an impact, we need to both continue to provide affordable housing opportunities as well as to devise ways to halt the addition of new homelessness through prevention strategies.”

City Manager Robert Nisbet, walking up to the song “Money” by Pink Floyd, gave an update on the City’s finances including economic development indicators and an eye-opening trend we are seeing in Goleta. He said, “Goleta is emerging as a statewide leader in quantum technology, anchored by major assets like the Google Quantum AI campus and UCSB’s OASIS innovation hub, which together position the city at the center of California’s quantum ecosystem. Goleta hosts a unique concentration of quantum talent and infrastructure, unmatched by any other city of similar size in California.”

The night ended with the popular Q and A segment. Questions from the audience submitted on index cards included questions about pavement, projects, public safety, upcoming events and more.

You can view a photo album here of the 2026 Goleta Community State of the City.

A special thanks to the Dos Pueblos Jazz Band for performing once again in the gazebo to welcome guests to the event. 

Thanks to everyone who was a part of making this informative night happen and to all who took time out of their busy schedule to attend.


Watch highlight video


Goleta City Council at the 2026 State of the City (pictured left-to-right: District 4 Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, District 1 Councilmember Luz Reyes- Martín, Mayor Paula Perotte, District 2 Councilmember James Kyriaco, and Mayor Pro Tempore and District 3 Councilmember Jennifer Smith)


Mayor Perotte speaking at the 2026 Goleta Community State of the City


City Manager Robert Nisbet presenting at the 2026 Goleta Community State of the City


Popular Q and A Session


City Staff at Event


Attendees Mingling and Visiting City Information Tables

Pictured at top: Audience at the Community State of the City

CycleMAYnia is Happening Now – Check Out Goleta Activities

May is CycleMAYnia month and this year includes more than 30 community led biking activities across Santa Barbara County, offering residents of all ages opportunities to ride, learn, and connect during National Bike Month 2026.

Organized by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), this year’s CycleMAYnia theme, “Pedal Forward,” celebrates how biking creates moments of shared joy that bring people together across ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

Check out these events happening in Goleta:

  • May 6: National Bike to School Day
  • May 6, 7:15 – 8:00 a.m.: North to South Goleta Bike to Work Ride at Lighthouse Coffee (5696 Calle Real, Goleta)
  • May 8, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Mayor’s Ride featuring Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte; Meet at the corner of the Obern Trail/Modoc and the west entrance to Encore Drive (4289 Modoc Rd, Santa Barbara)
  • May 14 à National Bike to Work Day
  • May 31, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.: CycleMAYnia Finale at Goleta Beach (5986 Sandspit Road); A final celebratory bike ride to close out CycleMAYnia 2026 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. followed by final ceremonies, food, and awards.

A full calendar of events is available at CycleMAYnia.org, where you can explore activities happening throughout the county and find rides and events near where you work and live. Participants can also learn how to enter to win an AIMA Big Sur e-bike, sponsored by E Bikery, by attending any featured activity.

HISTORY OF CYCLEMAYNIA

Founded in 2009, CycleMAYnia began as a community brainstorming effort to spark a stronger bike culture in Santa Barbara County. Inspired by events and programs in communities outside of Santa Barbara County, SBCAG engaged community organizations and the cycling community as partners to build and co-manage a dynamic calendar of activities celebrating National Bike Month each May. Since then, CycleMAYnia has expanded access to cycling, reaching new riders and more diverse communities countywide, and connecting people to the joy and benefits of biking.


CycleMAYnia 2025 Mayor’s Ride in Old Town Goleta

Celebrate Public Works Week at May 20 Event

Come to Camino Real Marketplace from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 

You are invited to celebrate National Public Works Week (May 17 – 23) with the City of Goleta! Join us on Wednesday, May 20, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for a free family-friendly event at the Camino Real Marketplace (7004 Market Place Drive). The kids will love the interactive Touch-A-Truck and other activities we have planned. This is a great opportunity to get to know the Public Works professionals who are working in your neighborhoods, learn about upcoming projects, and ask questions. 

The event includes: 

  • Interactive activities 
  • Equipment show-and-tell including Touch-A-Truck 
  • Information tables for the City and our partner agencies 
  • Giveaways 

Stop by the Public Works table to pick up a Live • Work • Play sticker and use it to get a free cup of coffee at Anna’s Bakery or a free soda from Los Agaves. Thank you to our local businesses for partnering with us! #GoodLandGoodShopping 

National Public Works Week, sponsored by the American Public Works Association (APWA), is a way to energize and educate the public on the importance of public works to their daily lives: planning, building, managing, and operating at the heart of their local communities to improve everyday quality of life.  

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works. Some work in Goleta —like building bridges, paving roads, improving traffic flow, bettering pedestrian corridors, enhancing bike paths, and maintaining beautiful parks —is highly visible, while other public works contributions—like overseeing storm drain systems—are sometimes hidden from view. Together, these efforts form the foundation of thriving communities, reminding us that every project, seen or unseen, powers the connection between service and the people it supports. 

We want to thank our Public Works team for always being prepared to respond to natural disasters and emergencies. Their dedication, hard work, and readiness—often under challenging conditions—play a vital role in keeping our community safe and running smoothly. We truly appreciate everything they do, both seen and unseen. Learn more about our Public Works Department here: www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/public-works. 

The Public Works team will also be acknowledged with a proclamation at the May 19, 2026, City Council meeting. Please join us in thanking them for all they do by coming to the meeting and joining us for the May 20th event. There’s so much happening in the Goleta Public Works Department. We hope to see you later this month! 

Coffee & Community on Saturday, May 16

Join us at Lighthouse Coffee on Calle Real in Goleta from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

We hope you can attend the City of Goleta’s next Coffee & Community / Café y Comunidad event on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Lighthouse Coffee (5696 Calle Real). Join District 1 Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín and Mayor Paula Perotte for a relaxed morning of conversation and community connection. Spanish interpretation will be available.

First District Councilmember Reyes-Martín said, “Coffee & Community is all about bringing City Hall and the City Council to your neighborhood. I am looking forward to connecting with my neighbors in District 1 to hear directly about the issues that matter most to them. These informal gatherings are a wonderful way to build community and ensure our local government remains accessible and responsive to every resident.”

Thank you to Lighthouse Coffee for hosting the event and providing complimentary coffee for attendees. Free coffee and pastries will be available throughout the morning making this a great opportunity to connect directly with elected leaders and neighbors in a friendly, informal setting. Whether you want to ask a question, share an idea, or simply learn more about what’s happening in Goleta, Coffee & Community offers an approachable space to engage.

Coffee & Community events are hosted throughout the year in each of Goleta’s four districts to bring local government to the community. These gatherings encourage open dialogue about neighborhood priorities, City projects, and the future of Goleta in a welcoming, accessible format.

To find your district, please visit the City’s interactive “Know Your District” map: https://tinyurl.com/534yt7ub. Community members are welcome to attend any Coffee & Community event, regardless of district.

We hope to see you at Lighthouse Coffee on May 16!

Thank You Goleta City Clerks Team

Group to Receive Proclamation at May 5 Council Meeting

The City Clerk’s Office is generally in the background of local government making sure a city runs smoothly. For Professional Municipal Clerks Week, taking place May 3 – 9, 2026, the City of Goleta wants to shine a light on its outstanding City Clerks Team and make sure the group is recognized for its hard work. There are many ways you can show your appreciation. Join us for the May 5th Goleta City Council meeting when the Mayor will present the group with a Proclamation recognizing Municipal Clerks Week. You can also take a moment and send an email of thanks to cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.gov or comment on our Facebook page (facebook.com/cityofgoleta).

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Goleta’s City Clerk’s Division is vital in making sure the city functions at a high-level. The team is the professional link between our community members and the City Council. I thank each of them for the dependability, dedication, and flexibility they bring to work each day.”

Goleta’s City Clerk Division is comprised of 23-year veteran City Clerk Deborah Lopez, Senior Deputy City Clerk David Cutaia, and Deputy City Clerk Nicholas Norman.

City Clerk Deborah Lopez said, “The City Clerk’s office is dedicated to keeping local government efficient and transparent. As the vital link between our residents and the state, we take pride in serving the community with unwavering integrity and a commitment to professional excellence.”  

Here are just some of the City Clerk’s Division responsibilities:                                                                                                

  • The group serves as a liaison to the general public and within the municipal government.
  • The Division is also the Historian of the Records, taking care of the recorded history of the City. This includes maintaining a complete and accurate record of City Council proceedings and official City files as well as overseeing all ordinances, resolutions, proclamations, written contracts, official bonds and public records requests.
  • The Division is also responsible for overseeing the City’s seven Council-appointed Boards and Commissions. The Division also oversees 11 Committees.
  • The Division serves as the election official for the City of Goleta and oversaw the process for the City’s historic move to District Elections in 2022.

Goleta thanks our City Clerks Team. Learn more about the Division and all they do at www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/city-clerk.

Pictured left-to-right: Senior Deputy City Clerk David Cutaia, City Clerk Deborah Lopez, and Deputy City Clerk Nicholas Norman

Join Our Team

Are you looking for a change in jobs? Consider an opportunity with the City of Goleta. The following positions are currently open:

  • Custodian – Community Center – part-time
  • Lead Maintenance Worker
  • Program Technician (Emergency Services) – part-time

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

Meet the City’s New Commissioners

The City of Goleta is pleased to welcome our newest Commissioners. Below is a brief introduction to the three appointments to the Public Engagement Commission and one appointment to the Library Advisory Commission.

Public Engagement Commission

Ryan Mitchell was appointed to the Public Engagement Commission for a term ending November 2029. A longtime Goleta resident of more than 20 years, Ryan moved to the area after serving in the Army and graduating from UCLA.

After recently completing the City’s LEAD Goleta program, Ryan was inspired to take a more active role in local government. He is passionate about increasing public awareness of City programs and services and hopes to help make it even easier for residents to connect with and learn about all that Goleta has to offer. In his free time, he enjoys umpiring Little League and high school baseball and staying active in the community.

Lizzie Rodriguez was appointed to the Public Engagement Commission for a term ending November 2029. A new Goleta resident and longtime Santa Barbara County community member, Lizzie brings extensive public service and community leadership experience.

She previously served nearly seven years on the City of Santa Barbara’s Fire & Police Commission, including terms as Chair and Vice Chair. Lizzie is deeply committed to fostering inclusive and meaningful civic engagement. She is particularly passionate about ensuring that all community members, especially those who have been historically underrepresented, feel heard and valued.

Adam Schaffer was appointed to the Public Engagement Commission for a term ending November 2029. Adam has called Goleta home since 2018 and was drawn by its welcoming, small-town feel. He currently oversees the publishing division of a large energy data company and brings extensive experience in audience development, product strategy, and communications.

An avid traveler, private pilot, and SCUBA diver, Adam is motivated by the opportunity to apply his professional expertise to strengthen the community. He hopes to support more robust engagement across neighborhoods, schools, and businesses, with a focus on enhancing dialogue between residents and City staff. Adam also brings a strong background in community service, having contributed to numerous boards and committees across education, nonprofit, and civic organizations.

Library Advisory Commission

Spencer J. Brandt was appointed to the Library Advisory Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2029. A Goleta Valley resident for over a decade, Spencer currently serves as a Community Relations Manager for Central Coast Community Energy, where he works with local governments, elected officials, and community partners across the region. He also brings nearly ten years of experience as an elected member of the Isla Vista Community Services District Board of Directors.

Spencer is passionate about the role libraries play in providing equitable access to information, fostering community, and supporting youth engagement. He looks forward to contributing to efforts that strengthen library services, expand awareness of resources, and support the Library as a welcoming space for all.

Get Involved

Interested in getting involved? The City is also accepting applications for its new Public Art Review Board (PARB). Three Goleta residents with arts experience are needed to serve three-year terms and help review public art projects. Meetings are held as needed and members receive $75 per meeting. Apply by April 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Learn more about the City’s Boards and Commissions and view available vacancies at www.CityofGoleta.org/BoardsCommissions.

Goleta Student Earns Statewide Recognition in Poster Contest

Congratulations to 13-year-old Tobyn Richter from Goleta Valley Junior High School for earning statewide recognition in the 2025 Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Tobyn advanced to the State level, received an Honorable Mention, and set a new milestone as the farthest anyone from the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club has reached.

Every year, Lions clubs worldwide sponsor this contest to encourage young people to share their visions of peace. For 25 years, more than eight million children from nearly 100 countries have participated. This year’s theme, “Together as One,” invited students to reflect on unity, connection, and shared humanity.

For his submission, Tobyn’s artwork shows countries coming together like roots forming one strong, unified tree, illustrating how we are all connected. He encourages others to “keep pursuing the things you love doing and don’t give up on your passions.”

Tobyn has lifelong passion for art and a record of accomplishments in local projects:

  • Redesigned the entry sign for Santa Barbara Charter School in 6th grade
  • Participated in the Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors Showcase
  • Earned 2nd in the 2025 Lions Club at the Santa Barbara level

Tobyn lives in Goleta with his mom, dad, older brother Kelby, Grandma Ruth, and two orange tabby cats. Tobyn looks forward to developing his art further at Dos Pueblos High School next year.

Congratulations on this achievement, Tobyn! We look forward to seeing where his creativity takes him next.

For information about year-round programs from the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club, including volunteer opportunities, donations, and membership, please visit goletasantabarbaralions.org.

Green Room: How to Dispose of Swimming Pool & Spa Water

Owning a swimming pool or spa can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but draining or maintaining them improperly can harm our creeks, watersheds, and ocean. Pool and spa water often contain chlorine, bromine, copper, silver, algaecides, and other chemicals that are extremely toxic to aquatic life. For perspective, chlorine levels about 0.01 ppm can harm fish and wildlife, yet most pools are maintained at 2-4 ppm, hundreds of times higher. With a few simple steps, you can help protect the fish, insects, and other critters that depend on clean water.

Where should pool and spa water go?

The preferred method is to discharge dechlorinated water onto a landscaped area. Plants and soil act as natural filters and help prevent from reaching storm drains and creeks. This option works well as long as:

  • The water is fully dechlorinated or debrominated (use extra caution with bromine as it is extremely persistent)
  • The pH is between 6.5 and 8.5
  • The land area is large enough to prevent erosion or runoff into gutters or storm drains

If landscaping isn’t an option, the next best choice is the sanitary sewer system. Contact your local sanitary district first to make sure the discharge won’t cause problems downstream.

Discharging to the storm drain should only happen when all other options are not possible, and only when:

  • The water is completely dechlorinated/debrominated
  • Copper and silver concentrations are safe for aquatic life
  • The pH is between 6.5 and 8.5
  • The water is free of unusual color, dirt, suds, or algae
  • No filter media or acid cleaning waste is discharged
  • The water has cooled to ambient temperature

How to Dechlorinate Pool Water

Dechlorination takes time, so plan ahead.

  • Natural dechlorination:

Sunlight will gradually reduce chlorine levels as long as no new chlorine is added. Remove chlorine sources from the pool and filtration systems and allow about four days of sunshine before testing and draining.

  • Chemical dechlorination:

Check with your pool supply store or maintenance professional for options such as sodium thiosulfate. Read instructions carefully. Determine your pool’s volume and current chlorine level to calculate the correct dose. For example, a 20,000-gallon pool with 2 ppm chlorine requires 450 grams of dechlorinator. Mix the product in a bucket of warm water and distribute it evenly throughout the pool. Allow the water to cycle through the filtration system twice before re-testing and draining.

Disposing of Filter Rinsewater and Backwash

Filter rinsewater and backwash contain concentrated pollutants and must never be discharged to streets, storm drains, or creeks.

  • Rinse cartridge filters onto a dirt area and mix the residue into the soil
  • Backwash sand and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters onto a dirt or rocked area
  • Keep all backwash discharges out of the street and storm drain
  • Temporary wash areas must fully contain all washwater. If washwater reaches gutters, creeks, or storm drains, the area is inadequate.
  • If you do not have a suitable dirt area, contact your wastewater treatment authority on discharging to the sanitary sewer (Pretreatment may be required to remove DE and prevent sewer blockages). A permit is required.

General Pool and Spa Maintenance Tips

  • Clean your pool or spa regularly and maintain proper chlorine levels, filtration, and circulation
  • Manage pH and water hardness to reduce copper pipe corrosion, which can stain your pool and harm creeks
  • Try less-toxic alternatives before using cooper algaecides. Only use copper if other methods fail
  • Dispose of unwanted pool chemicals properly. Many are considered hazardous waste! Visit the Less is More website for hazardous waste disposal information.

For more great tips to help prevent storm drain pollution and protect creeks and the ocean, check out our Homeowner’s Guide in English and Spanish.