Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

City Successfully Issues Bonds

Strong Market Demand and High Credit Ratings

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce the successful issuance of its recently approved bonds, securing favorable financing terms that will support critical local projects. The bond pricing, which took place on February 25, 2025, generated strong investor demand, demonstrating confidence in the City’s financial strength, creditworthiness, and responsible fiscal management.

Market conditions on the day of pricing were favorable, with declining consumer confidence leading investors to seek safe-haven assets such as municipal bonds. As a result, Goleta’s Local Measure A Transportation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds and Lease Revenue Bonds attracted significant investor interest, achieving better-than-expected pricing outcomes.

“The successful bond sales and very strong credit rating of the City are a testament to how well managed the City is by its governing body and staff as well as fortunate market timing,” said Wing-See Fox, Municipal Advisor for the City.

Bond Pricing Highlights:

  • Lease Revenue Bonds: Oversubscribed by more than 4 times, securing a true interest cost of 3.97% with final maturity in 2055.
  • Measure A Transportation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds: Oversubscribed by more than 2 times, securing a true interest cost of 3.32% with final maturity in 2040.
  • Total Project Proceeds: $35.7 million across both bond issuances, exceeding initial estimates.

Strong Credit Ratings Boost Investor Confidence

Investor interest was further bolstered by the strong credit ratings assigned to the bonds by S&P Global Ratings on February 12, 2025:

  • Lease Revenue Bonds received an “AA” rating (Stable Outlook), reflecting Goleta’s strong financial management, stable economy, and solid revenue-generating capacity. This implies an Issuer Credit Rating of “AA+”, signaling low credit risk and high confidence in the City’s ability to meet its debt obligations.
  • Measure A Transportation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds were assigned an “A+” rating, aligning with staff expectations and consistent with similar local transportation sales tax revenue bond transactions with comparable debt service coverage.

Finance Director Luke Rioux said, “These strong credit ratings helped reduce borrowing costs for the City, ensuring that we are maximizing the value of every taxpayer dollar. We are proud that Goleta continues to be recognized for its sound fiscal management and strong financial position.”

Investing in Goleta’s Future

The proceeds from these bonds will fund important community improvements, including transportation infrastructure projects such as Cathedral Oaks Crib Wall Repair and San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path. These investments will enhance connectivity, safety, and long-term infrastructure resilience in Goleta.

The City remains committed to maintaining strong financial health while delivering essential services and strategic investments that support its growing community and improve the quality of life for residents.

New Speed Limit Signs Around Town

Installation of Signs to Take a Few Weeks and Enforcement to Begin Right Away

The installation of about one hundred new speed limit signs on designated roads throughout Goleta is underway, having begun on February 24. Orange flags are being installed on the new signs to alert drivers of the new speed limit. The project is anticipated to take a few weeks to complete, but once a sign is in place, the new speed limit is enforceable. The City encourages motorists to be mindful and adhere to the updated speed limits.

Changes will affect portions of the following roads: Calle Real, Cambridge Drive, Cathedral Oaks Road, Covington Way, Fairview Avenue, Glen Annie Road, Hollister Avenue, Kellogg Avenue, La Patera Lane, Los Carneros Road, Pacific Oaks Road, Patterson Avenue, Phelps Road, Storke Road, and Ward Drive. For a detailed breakdown of the exact locations and updated speed limits, please view the map here. 

The new signs are a result of Assembly Bill 43 (AB 43), which came into effect in June 2024, and gives local municipalities new tools under the California Vehicle Code to lower speed limits for designated safety corridors, segments with a history of the highest number of serious and fatal injuries, and areas with high concentrations of bicyclists and pedestrians. 

As a Vision Zero City, the City of Goleta is committed to eliminating traffic-related fatal and serious injuries from our roadway network. Lowering speed limits along designated roads throughout the City is an important part of that goal as research shows lower speed limits can reduce tragedies on the road.

For more information on the City’s Vision Zero efforts, please visit our website at www.CityofGoleta.org/VisionZero or call the City at 805-562-5504.


Replacing of the speed limit sign on Calle Real between Brandon Drive and San Rossano Drive

Know Your Rights

In light of recent questions regarding immigration rights and the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the City has a new dedicated webpage to go for information and resources.

To help clear up questions regarding the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office relationship with ICE, Lt. Frank Vasquez, Goleta’s Chief of Police Services, gave a few clarifying remarks at the February 18th City Council meeting. You can view his comments to Council here.

There are also “Know Your Rights” cards available for the community at the following locations: the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue), Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue), and Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive). These cards are designed to inform residents of their rights related to immigration, preparing them for various situations they might encounter. Community members can also print out these cards at home. PDF copies are available in English here, and in Spanish here.

The City of Goleta values the input and concerns of its residents. For more information, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/mvjcdkpp.

Goleta Valley Library to Close for Relocation April 1st

Sharing of Collection Materials will Pause Friday, March 7th

The City of Goleta would like to remind the community that the Goleta Valley Library will close its location at 500 N. Fairview Avenue beginning April 1st in order to start the process of moving to its temporary site. It’s a big job to move a library, and the relocation period will occur throughout April and May with an anticipated opening at our temporary home in early June. During this time, staff will be packing the essential supplies, materials, and more that will enable operations and services to continue offsite while the 500 N. Fairview facility is under construction for 18-24 months as part of the Goleta Valley Library Building, Safety, and ADA Improvement Project.

To support the library in its packing process, measures will be put into place to get as many materials home as possible prior to the library’s last day of service at 500 N. Fairview Avenue on Sunday, March 30th. Patrons will notice changes beginning on Friday, March 7th. To get ready for this transition, check out the FAQs below:

Will I still be able to place holds through the online catalog?

Yes. Although Goleta Valley Library’s collection will not be visible in the catalog after March 7th, holds can still be placed on titles owned by any of the other Black Gold libraries.

Where can I pick up my holds?

If you placed a hold before March 7th for pickup at Goleta Valley Library, you can pick it up there as soon as you receive a notice that it is ready.

If you place a hold on March 7th or after, you will not have the option to pick it up at Goleta Valley Library. You will need to select another Black Gold library as a pickup location, including the Bookvan.

Where can I find out where the Bookvan is?

The schedule of stops is available on the library website: www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org/Services/Bookvan. Please check the schedule to plan your visit, as the schedule rotates and parking access varies by location.

Will the Bookvan be adding any Goleta stops to its route?

To provide a nearby holds pickup option during the transition and closure, we are in the process of establishing stops twice a week across the street from Goleta Valley Library at the Goleta Union School District Office located at 401 N. Fairview Avenue. This schedule will be shared as soon as it is available.

Can I still check out materials in person?

Yes, library hours of operation will remain the same through Sunday, March 30th. Patrons can visit the library in person to check out materials through that date.

What should I do with my checkouts in April after the library closes?

Book drops will remain open until further notice. At some point in the moving process, the book drops will be relocated, and we will provide as much notice as possible when this occurs.

Will my items be due while the library is moving?

Due dates will be extended until the library is open at its temporary location for all Goleta Valley Library patrons, Goleta Valley Library materials, and Black Gold materials checked out from Goleta Valley Library prior to the closure.

Will the e-Library still be available?

Absolutely. The e-Library will remain available 24/7 and new titles will be added regularly.

Will the Zip Books program continue during this time?

Yes, we are excited to continue running the Zip Books program through June, or for as long as the grant funds last. Learn more and place your request at GoletaValleyLibrary.org/ZipBooks.

Will there be programming while the library is moving?

Yes! A variety of offsite programs for all ages will be provided during the transition period. A calendar of events will be shared later this month so that the community can continue to gather and engage as Goleta Valley Library relocates to its temporary home.

Where is the library moving?

The City is finalizing negotiations for a lease agreement at 6500 Hollister Avenue. Once the lease is complete, the library will move forward with plans to open for service from this location in early June prior to the start of the Summer Reading Program.

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!

Ellwood Mesa Sperling Preserve Celebrates 20 Years – Join the Volunteer Effort!

Special Community Event May 17; Saturday Morning Volunteer Opportunities

The Ellwood Mesa Sperling Preserve celebrates a significant milestone this year—its 20th anniversary! This is a time to honor the community members who came together to protect Ellwood Mesa and ensure its preservation for future generations. To celebrate, we invite the community to reconnect with this beloved open space and take an active role in its care. Join us for a series of Volunteer Service Days led by the Bucket Brigade, where our community can help restore trails, support habitat conservation, and shape the future of Ellwood Mesa through hands-on stewardship.

This is also your chance to help the western monarch butterfly, whose populations have declined so drastically that they are likely to be listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. The City of Goleta’s Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan proactively identifies actions to restore and protect our iconic monarch butterfly, and you can help bring that vision to life. Spend a day outdoors, meet great people in your community, and make a real difference for the monarchs and the beautiful landscape of Ellwood Mesa.

Volunteer days are underway. This is a fantastic opportunity for community members to contribute to the care and enhancement of Ellwood while enjoying a day of teamwork and civic pride. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to our community, your hands and hearts are welcome. No experience necessary. Sign up to volunteer here.

Later this spring, join us in celebrating the Ellwood Mesa Sperling Preserve’s 20th Anniversary with a special community event on May 17, co-sponsored by the City of Goleta. This exciting day will bring together neighbors, nature lovers, and longtime stewards of Ellwood Mesa to honor its past and shape its future.

The celebration kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with a special honoring ceremony recognizing the dedicated individuals who helped save Ellwood from development. From 12:00–4:00 p.m. enjoy a variety of activities, including guided nature walks, a scenic fun run, a bike ride, a guided bird walk, and kid-friendly activities — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ellwood Mesa’s coastal bluffs.

Stay tuned for more details on the 20th Anniversary—it’s free! RSVP to let us know you are coming at ellwoodfriends.org.

Whether you’re reconnecting with this cherished open space or experiencing it for the first time, there’s something for everyone.

Sign up today and join us in celebrating Ellwood’s legacy and bright future. Let’s work together to keep Ellwood vibrant and thriving for many years to come.

Goleta Community State of the City Countdown

Join us April 8 at the Goleta Community Center

Details are being finalized for Goleta’s biggest night of the year. We hope you will put it on your calendar NOW and join us on Tuesday, April 8, for the Goleta Community State of the City at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The the Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band and musician Andrew Manos will be returning to perform at the event. The Jazz Band will be in the gazebo in front of the Goleta Community Center starting at 4:30 p.m. to play for you as you arrive and before the event starts. Andrew Manos will sing and play the keyboard during the mingling portion of the evening and as part of the main program. In addition, Teen Star Finalist and Goleta resident Tyler McCutchen will be performing to kick off the main program which begins at 6:00 p.m.

There are many reasons why Goleta’s Community State of the City is a must attend event. If you love Goleta, here is your chance to learn about our achievements, challenges and have your questions answered in the popular Q&A session at the end of the event. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available and light refreshments provided. Watch this video invite with Mayor Paula Perotte or this invite in Spanish with Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martin (District 2).

The schedule for the evening includes:

  • 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band performs in the gazebo outside of the Goleta Community Center.
  • 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Come check out our City information tables to learn about current and upcoming projects and programs. Mingle informally with the Goleta City Council, stakeholders, City staff, and fellow Goletans. Submit a question to be answered during the Q&A portion of the program, take photos, and enjoy light refreshments.
  • Program begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.:
    • Teen Star Finalist Tyler McCutchen performs
    • Mayor Perotte gives the 2025 State of the City Address
    • City Manager Robert Nisbet provides an update on the City’s Finances
    • Q&A session with Mayor Perotte and Department Directors – come with questions!

Additional parking at the Goleta Community Center is available behind the building if there are no spots remaining in the front and side parking areas.

We hope you can join us for this important City event. Bring your family and friends!


Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band performing at the 2024 Community State of the City


Musician Andrew Manos playing at a previous Community State of the City


Teen Star Finalist Tyler McCutchen

Black History Month

Join the City of Goleta in recognizing Black History Month. This is a time set aside to honor the contributions and legacy of Black Americans across U.S. history and society — from activists and civil rights pioneers to leaders in industry, politics, science, and culture.

On Tuesday, February 4th, the Goleta City Council issued a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month in the City of Goleta. The 2025 national theme is “African Americans and Labor.” With this proclamation, the City Council honors the legacy of African Americans, acknowledges the integral role of Black labor in building our nation, and commits to a future of inclusivity, justice, and shared prosperity. View the proclamation at https://tinyurl.com/u7phedd7.

To learn more about the contributions Black Americans have made throughout our history, make sure you check out the Goleta Valley Library in-person book display at 500 N. Fairview or the online catalog throughout the month of February.

Community organizations are also hosting events across Santa Barbara County in February to recognize Black History Month.  Check out a list of activities here.


Council presenting the Black History Month Proclamation at the February 4, 2025, Council meeting. Pictured left-to-right: Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Mayor Paula Perotte, CommUnify Director of Community Services Kemba Lawrence, National Low Income Housing Coalition Board Member Loraine Brown, Santa Barbara Travel Bureau Travel Advisor Dianne Travis-Teague, Juneteenth SB Co-Founder Jordan Killebrew, Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3) and Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2)

 

SEE Vision Care Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to SEE Vision Care for its new clinic in the heart of Old Town Goleta (295 Pine Avenue)! Mayor Paula Perotte attended the ribbon cutting ceremony organized by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber on January 29. SEE Vision Care is a part of SEE International, a non-profit humanitarian organization originally founded in Santa Barbara in 1974, that has now expanded to over 54 countries.

SEE International provides free sight-restoring surgeries and essential eye care to people who would otherwise not have access to these services. The organization also offers youth screenings at schools with the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club, eyecare screenings, comprehensive eye exams, and prescription glasses at no cost to the patient. Any necessary follow-up care, including surgeries, is based on eligibility requirements.

For more information about the services SEE offers and to find out if you qualify, please visit: https://www.seeintl.org/see-vision-care/ or call (805) 770-1376.

Welcome SEE Vision Care to Goleta and thank you for helping create visibly brighter futures for people in our community.

 

 

Opportunity to Serve on Design Review Board

Application Deadline Extended to February 20, 2025

Do you have an eye for design and a desire to help shape the future of Goleta? If so, you are encouraged to apply to fill one of three vacancies on the City of Goleta’s Design Review Board.

The City is specifically looking for:

  • Two At-Large Members (must be a Goleta resident)
  • One Licensed Landscape Professional (landscape architect); qualified applicants are not required to reside within City limits for this vacancy

The Design Review Board is a seven-member body that encourages development using the best professional design practices to enhance the visual aesthetics of the community and prevent poor quality of design. The Design Review Board (DRB) advises the City Council, Planning Commission, and staff.  

Members are appointed to a three-year term. The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Apply online by February 20 at 5:00 p.m. at www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

New State Daylighting Law

The City of Goleta would like to help educate the community about California’s new Daylighting law, Assembly Bill 413, which went into effect January 1, 2025.

The new law says that (please refer to graphic below):

  • Drivers cannot park along the right side of the road, within 20 feet of a crosswalk, whether it’s marked or unmarked.
  • Drivers cannot park along the right side of the road, within 15 feet of a crosswalk with a curb extension.
  • The law only applies to stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or within 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension.
  • Applies only to vehicles parked along the right side of the roadway as you approach intersections.

This law is intended to:

  • Improve visibility at intersections.
  • Make it easier for drivers to see pedestrians, skateboarders and other road users.
  • Reduce accidents and save lives.

The law allows for violators to be issued a parking citation for violating the Daylighting Law. The Goleta Police Department is aware street parking in local neighborhoods can be difficult, and parking is limited.

This law was written to address incidents where pedestrians were struck and seriously injured or killed while crossing the street.  According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, California’s pedestrian fatality rate was 25% higher than the national average. Pedestrian fatalities increased from 1,013 in 2020 to 1,108 in 2021. There are 43 other states that have implemented similar laws that have resulted in successfully reducing traffic collisions involving pedestrians. 

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