Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Meetings at a Glance – October 2024

Know what’s happening at the City of Goleta by attending or watching our Council, Board, Commission and/or Standing Committee meetings. All meetings are held at Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive) and many can also be participated in via Zoom. Many of the meetings are also available to watch on Goleta TV Channel 19 and the City’s website.

View the calendar on our website.

Please note, meetings can be added and cancelled. For the most up-to-date information, check the website.

Here’s what is coming up:

*The Environmental Justice Policies Open House is at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue).

#TeamGoleta is Hiring

The City of Goleta has some great employment opportunities and is looking to add talented people to its team. Check out the below positions to see if this would be a good career step for you or someone you know.

  • Parks and Recreation Manager
  • Project Manager (General Services)
  • Management Analyst (Parks & Open Space) – coming soon!
  • Management Analyst (City Manager’s Office) – coming soon!
  • Emergency Services Coordinator – coming soon!

Learn more about the positions and apply here. Check back regularly for new postings.

Nominations Open for 2024 Goleta’s Finest!

Community Awards Gala to be held on December 6 at 5:30 PM at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, from Goleta to Carpinteria, will honor Goleta’s Finest at the annual community awards gala on December 6, 2024.

Nominations are now open! If you know someone deserving of special recognition for their community activities, now is the time to nominate them for these prestigious awards. Award categories include Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Innovator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Educator of the Year, and Student of the Year.

To nominate someone, visit SBSCChamber.com, click on the link to the appropriate category, and fill out the nomination form. Remember, you may nominate more than one person, but we ask for only one nomination per category. To ensure that your recommendations are considered, please submit a completed nomination form by 12 PM on October 11, 2024. To read about last year’s recipients, click here.

Goleta’s Finest Community Awards Gala, presented by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 5:30 PM at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara. Tickets are available at SBSCChamber.com. 

Have questions about nominations or the event, please contact Chelsea Weininger, Events Manager at Chelsea@sbscchamber.com. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, please contact Michele Schneider – Director of Business Development at Michele@sbscchamber.com or (805) 965-3023.

Remembering Jim Farr

Former City of Goleta Mayor and Councilmember, James Baker Farr passed away on September 21, 2024, just days after his 79th birthday.  Jim is an important part of the City’s history having been supportive of the effort to get the City incorporated in 2002 and then serving on the Council for four years from 2012-2016, the last year as mayor.

While you can read a full account of Jim Farr’s life in this obituary.  Jim’s relationship with Goleta first began in 1977 when he was accepted into the Ph.D. program in American History at UCSB.  He moved to Goleta with his former wife Doreen who later became a Santa Barbara County

Supervisor (2009-2016). Upon completing his Doctorate and graduating with his Ph.D from UCSB, he took on an adjunct teaching position at San Jose State.  However, due to declining health issues stemming from polycystic kidney disease (PKD), Jim had to step away from his career for dialysis treatment and eventually a kidney transplant.

Following his transplant, he and Doreen moved back to the area.  While he got involved in many different efforts, a pivotal one for the City’s history was the purchase of the “Goleta Valley Voice” a newspaper that provided an important communication resource to the area. The “Goleta Valley Voice” strongly endorsed the passage of Goleta cityhood on the November 2001 ballot as well as City Council candidates who all went on to be elected.

In 2012 Jim decided to run for his own seat on the Goleta City Council.  He ran unopposed and served for four years, the last year as Goleta’s mayor in 2016.  That same year he was also honored by the then Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce as Goleta’s “Man of the Year” for his many contributions and years of service to the Goleta Valley community.

In 2015, Jim suffered a stroke and due to health impacts did not run for re-election, however his passion for Goleta lived on.

We had the fortune of interviewing Jim Farr for the City’s 20-Year Reflections Video in 2022.  Here is a video clip of what he said: https://youtu.be/B7hB_dQLhZ0.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Jim’s contributions to Goleta are many, from his support of Goleta Now! and the successful drive for cityhood, to his providing Goletans a voice, literally so, with his ownership and running of the Goleta Valley Voice. I also want to honor his many contributions not only on Goleta’s City Council, but also personally for his mentorship of me when I joined the City Council. He will be missed.”

Former Goleta City Manager Michelle Greene said, “Jim Farr was truly a pleasure to work with during his time in office as a councilmember and later as mayor. Jim cared deeply about Goleta and its residents, and always kept the community’s welfare in the forefront of the policy making process. He was a kind and considerate leader, who warmly encouraged residents and City staff to voice their thoughts on the issues facing the City. I learned a lot about Goleta from Jim, who readily shared his wealth of knowledge about the community’s rich history. He was a talented storyteller who never failed draw an audience with a twinkle in his eye, a warm smile, and his wry wit. I feel honored to have known and worked with him.”

Former Mayor and City Councilmember Roger Aceves worked closely with Jim Farr during those years and said, “I enjoyed working with him on Council. He always saw the big picture when making council decisions, he was always looking out for the unfortunate and those impacted the most.”

A service is being held for Jim Farr on Friday, October 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Welch-Ryce-Haider Chapel at 450 Ward Drive in Goleta.

We want to express our condolences to Jim’s family and friends as well as our heartfelt appreciation to Jim for all he has done for Goleta.

Photo above: Jim Farr by Paul Wellman


Goleta City Council in 2015 (left-to-right): Michael Bennett, Tony Vallejo, Paula Perotte, Roger Aceves and Jim Farr


Jim (center) at the dias in Goleta City Council Chambers

Mexican Independence Day Festival Comes to Old Town

Festive Block Party Included Live Music, Performances, and Much More

Close to 1,000 people attended a Mexican Independence Day block party on September 14. It was held for the third year in Goleta, but first time at the Goleta Community Center. The festive cultural event, organized by the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the City of Goleta, brought not only locals to the celebration but residents from across Santa Barbara County.

From start to finish, the Festival was filled with live entertainment, delicious food, children’s activities, and Mexican traditions. To see for yourself how fun it was, check out this photo album with video clips here.

A special highlight of the event was when Ambassador Ricardo Santana from the Mexican Consulate visited the Festival to deliver the traditional “El Grito,” also known as “The Cry of Dolores,” and flag presentation to the hundreds in attendance.

“I want to thank the City of Goleta for being a shining example of the community outreach and engagement that cities should strive for,” said Ambassador Santana. “Goleta is a place that values its community.”

Musical group Heart & Soul kicked off the entertainment by playing covers of Tex-Mex legend Selena Quintanilla. The day also included traditional folk-dance performances from Danza Folklorica Quetzalcoatl, live Mariachi with Fiesta Mexicana, a stunning bilingual song performance from local artist Adriana Reyna, and La Dosis Perfecta capped off the night with Cumbia music as attendees hit the dance floor.

“I just want to say thank you for hosting an event like this in Old Town” said Joshua Mejia, resident of Goleta, who attended the Festival. “We don’t often get to see our culture represented, so to hear our music and culture celebrated at the Goleta Community Center means a lot to us.”

The Festival also featured a wide array of authentic Latin cuisine all from local Old Town Goleta restaurants, giving festival-goers a chance to experience the flavors of the Good Land.

“I am truly grateful to all of the residents of Goleta, the businesses, and the community that attended,” said Miguel Avila, President of the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful to the City of Goleta and everyone at the Goleta Community Center who helped make this event a reality.”

Thanks to everyone who attended. We look forward to continuing the tradition next year!

Pictured above: piñata breaking at the Mexican Independence Day Festival


Group photo at Mexican Independence Day Festival


Pictured from left-to-right: Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, District Director for State Senator Monique Limon Stephanie Ramírez Zárate, Juliet Herrera (wife of Mexican Ambassador), Mexican Ambassador Ricardo Santana Velázquez, District Representative for Congressman Salud Carbajal Blanca Figueroa, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2)


“El Grito” Flag Presentation: Adriana Reyna presenting the Mexican Flag to the Mexican Ambassador Ricardo Santana Velázquez at the Goleta Community Center


Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana


Danza Folklorica Quetzalcoatl


City of Goleta Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez at the City booth at the Festival

Goleta Train Depot Groundbreaking Ceremony Kicks Off Construction

Ceremonial Digging Held at Site of Future Full-Service Station

Demolition is underway following the September 12, 2024, groundbreaking ceremony of the long-awaited Goleta Train Depot. The milestone event marked the beginning of construction of a new full-service multi-modal train station at 27 S. La Patera Lane to be built next to the existing Amtrak® platform.

The event drew several Goleta residents, state and local elected and transportation officials as well as many contributors throughout the project’s development. An Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® train passed by to kick off the ceremony, prompting cheers from the attendees.  

Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet emceed the event, with notable speakers including: Assistant City Manager Jaime Valdez, Mayor Paula Perotte, 2nd District Councilmember James Kyriaco, Senator Monique Limón, SBCAG Director and LOSSAN Board Representative Das Williams, Chief Deputy Secretary for Rail and Transit Chad Edison and Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Executive Director Marjie KIRN. 

In her remarks, City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Without a doubt, this project has the potential to transform the transportation landscape in Goleta by establishing a full-service transit hub that will serve as a cornerstone of our community’s connectivity. Supporting alternative transportation opportunities is a fundamental value of our city, aligning with our commitment to reduce traffic congestion on our roads while diligently pursuing our climate action goals in line with the objectives of the state of California.

2nd District Goleta City Councilmember James Kyriaco said, “Today marks a significant step forward as we tackle some of the transportation challenges that have long plagued our community. Many residents have faced difficulties in easily accessing their jobs, educational institutions, and homes, often without feeling safe to use this facility. I am particularly proud to announce that the depot will be constructed to meet the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification standards.”

Senator Monique Limón said, “The Goleta Train Depot will provide greater access to our community and commuter transit. I was proud to work with many to champion funding for the Goleta Train Depot and see $18.6 million of state funding invested into our community through this project.”

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Executive Director Marjie KIRN said, “Ten, fifteen, twenty years from now someone is going to say, ‘thank goodness someone thought about this and did something about it.’ Leaders in this region excel at working together and partnering with colleagues across the state to accomplish major projects. SBCAG is proud to be a part of this momentous occasion for the City of Goleta. Congratulations to everyone involved!”

Following the remarks, KIRN blew a train whistle to begin the ceremonial moving of dirt with shovels on the construction site. 

A highlight of the event was a recognition of former Goleta Mayor and City Councilmember Michael Bennett and retired State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson for their unwavering passion for trains and efforts to make the Depot a reality.

Another highlight was the ability of attendees to see renderings of the landmark building. The new 8,550 square foot landmark facility will provide a permanent, enclosed, and safe structure for Amtrak® passengers to use while waiting to board or after disembarking from trains.

The architecture draws inspiration from the traditional historic Southern Pacific Railroad depot design while incorporating modern elements. The Depot will feature large windows and columns to support covered walkway areas, which will create protected outdoor areas around the building. A new turnaround area will be located off S. La Patera Lane at the site entrance, designed to facilitate an easy drop-off and pick-up for buses and shuttles. Several electric vehicle charging stations will be available on-site, and approximately half of the roof will consist of state-of-the-art roofing panels to capture solar energy.

Besides being a welcoming landmark facility to locals and visitors alike, the Goleta Train Depot will also play a key role in helping to increase rail ridership, modernize the rail system and transit services, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles operated, and congestion. It will enhance connections to bus transit, accommodate transit service to and from the Santa Barbara Airport and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), add new bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and allow for future train storage to meet increased commuter rail needs.

The $32 million dollar project is located along the LOSSAN corridor (San Diego to San Luis Obispo) within the City of Goleta. Design and construction are mostly funded by a total of $18.6 million from the state Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, which was awarded to SBCAG in 2018 and 2023, along with a $1 million contribution from the city. The City has recently authorized a $17.3 million construction contract with Quincon, Inc. to begin this project. The City has provided $6.5 million in other City funds towards the design and construction and $6.7 million for acquisition for the former Direct Relief property at 27 S. La Patera Lane.

Train service will not be impacted by construction. The project is expected to be completed by summer of 2026.

For more information on the Goleta Train Depot project, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/TrainDepot.


Members of the Goleta City Council left to right: Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Kyle Richards, and Councilmember Stuart Kasdin  


Goleta Train Depot Ceremonial turning of the dirt to begin construction left to right: City Manager Robert Nisbet, SBCAG Executive Director Marjie KIRN, Chief Deputy Secretary for Rail and Transit at California State Transportation Agency Chad Edison, Assemblymember Gregg Hart (Gunnar Langenhuizen), County Supervisor and SBCAG’s Representative on LOSSAN Board of Directors Das Williams, Senator Monique Limón, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco, Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes- Martín, County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Councilmember Kyle Richards, and Councilmember Stuart Kasdin


Senator Monique Limón speaks at Goleta Train Depot Groundbreaking event


Rendering of the Goleta Train Depot Exterior


Rendering of the Goleta Train Depot Interior

Get Ready to ShakeOut on October 17

This year’s International ShakeOut Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home.

At 10:17 a.m. (local time) on 10/17, you can join millions of people across the world practicing earthquake safety, including staff at Goleta City Hall!

During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”.  Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake is to:  

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down by shaking and reduces your chance of being hit by falling or flying objects.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

  • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter
  • If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall
  • Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

  • Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
  • No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Or Adapt to Your Situation:

If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations:

  • If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
  • If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
  • If you use a walker or wheelchair: LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

We hope you all join Goleta City Hall in practicing the Great Shakeout! Remember 10/17 at 10:17 a.m.

For more information, and to sign up to participate, go to https://www.shakeout.org/.

 

Fall Into Festive Programming at Goleta Valley Library

Welcome to October at the Goleta Valley Library, where there is plenty of seasonal festivities, spooky reads, and crafty fun to be enjoyed by all. From Star Wars to paperback pumpkins to In-N-Out Burgers, this month’s lineup of programs and services is scary good!

Thursday, October 3, 2:00 – 3:30pm
Senior Happy Hour: Pumpkin Paperback Book              
Seniors
Get ready for another fun and easy project! We will be transforming recycled paperback books into colorful pumpkin decorations perfect for your home, table, or gathering. All supplies provided.

Saturday, October 5, 12:30 – 2:00pm
Writers’ 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.

Saturday, October 5 – Saturday, November 16
In-N-Out Cover-to Cover Reading Challenge   
Ages 4 to 12     
Children will receive an award of one free hamburger or cheeseburger for every five books or 300 minutes they read, up to three awards! Visit us to register and learn all the details.

Saturday, October 12, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Star Wars Day 
All ages
Goleta Valley Library is celebrating Star Wars this month! Join us for a special meet-and-greet with Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion. Plus, young padawans can complete activities and crafts, and Jedi of all ages can check out Star Wars themed books! Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

Tuesday, October 15 – Thursday, October 31
Creepy Carrot Themed Guessing Jar
Ages 12 and under
Come and make your best guess at our jar of Creepy Crayons and you might be the lucky winner of your own collection of Creepy Carrots, Creepy Pair of Underwear, and Creepy Crayon picture books by Aaron Reynolds! Drawing will be held first week of November. Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

Tuesday, October 22, 5:30 – 6:30pm
Mystery Book Club
Adults 
This month’s Mystery Book Club pick is The Consequences of Fear by Jacqueline Winspear. Join us to share your thoughts!

For all programming at Goleta Valley Library, check out the Calendar of Events here.

Creek Week Art Contest Winners Announced

We have some talented artists in our community and the Goleta Creek Week Art Contest is proof.  More than 100 people gathered in the Goleta Valley Library’s Community Room on September 26 for a Reception to find out the winners of the 3rd Annual Creek Week Art Contest. An impressive 114 people participated in the contest, submitting a piece of art using this year’s theme “Goleta the Goodland: Ocean, Creeks and Watersheds.” The submissions included a wide array of different mediums including paint, watercolor, photography, collages, mixed media, fabric, and more.  

Mayor Paula Perotte and guest judge Kelly Hildner with the Goleta Valley Art Association had the difficult job of selecting the winners.

Mayor Perotte said, “I had such a wonderful time looking at all the submissions. We have some incredible artists right here in Goleta!”

Kelly Hildner said, “It was a true honor to serve as a juror for the Creek Week Art Contest. The creativity and quality of the artwork were exceptional, and there were so many deserving pieces that I wished I could have given more awards. Every artist should feel proud to have their work showcased in this impressive exhibition highlighting Goleta the Goodland.” 

The judging was based on relevance to the theme, overall appearance, and originality.  

Here are the 2024 Creek Week Art Contest Winners: 

Children (6th grade and below) 

  • 1st Place – Aishani Mishra 
  • 2nd Place – Josephine Johnson 
  • 3rd Place – Anaya Rana Springer 
  • Honorable Mention – Jacob Teich 

Teens (7th -12th grade) 

  • 1st Place – April Harper 
  • 2nd Place – Andy Brennan 
  • 3rd Place – June McCrary 
  • Honorable Mention – Silbur Irwin 

Adults (18+) 

  • 1st Place – Carol Dixon 
  • 2nd Place – Heather Frazier 
  • 3rd Place – Kristine Kelly 
  • Honorable Mention – Analise McCully 

Out of the 114 submissions, 5th grade Isla Vista Elementary School student Ronnie Gloo won the People’s Choice Award. Her art piece was a customized LED-backlit shadow box holding three unique epoxy resin designs. She created this one-of-a-kind piece by combining what she learned about epoxy resin in Laguna Blanca’s Ocean Potion summer camp and about copper wire battery-powered LED lights in her 4th grade STEAM class with countless visits to Goleta beaches and UCSB’s REEF interactive aquarium. Everything you see is inspired by something you can find at our beaches, including seashells, sea glass, sand, and Monarch Butterflies.

Congrats to all the winners and thank you to everyone who participated.

Learn more about Goleta Valley Library and its programs by visiting www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Above: People’s Choice award winner Ronnie Gloo with her submission


Close-up of the People’s Choice Award Winner’s (Ronnie Gloo) submission


Children’s category 1stt place winner Aishani Misha with her submission


Teen category 1st place artwork by April Harper


Adult category 1st place artwork by Carol Dixon


Reception attendees


Part of the team behind the Art Contest and Reception: City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Manager Melissa Nelson, Library Assistant Sharon Nigh, and Guest Judge Kelly Hildner

Team Up for Good: Bring Your Group to Plant Trees at Ellwood!

Groups of volunteers are needed to help prepare, plant, and care for the trees and plants that will secure the future of the Goleta Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa. 1200 new eucalyptus, 800 native trees, and several thousand flowering shrubs and wetland plants will be planted.

We are seeking groups to sign up to volunteer, such as service clubs, faith groups, or schools. Tools will be provided. We just need volunteers! Yes, we can provide community service hours for high school students. 

Ellwood Mesa is one of the West’s most important winter sites for migrating monarch butterflies. In recent decades, drought and storms have damaged the forests where monarchs seek shelter, and their populations have declined. Join the City of Goleta as we undertake a nationally significant conservation project to restore and improve the monarch butterfly habitat for generations to come.

To bring a group, please contact melissa@legacyworksgroup.com.

For individuals, sign up here.

Learn more at www.cityofgoleta.org/ellwood-now.