Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Save-the-Date for Goleta Community State of the City

April 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center

Mark your calendar for the City’s biggest night of the year! The Goleta Community State of the City is taking place on Tuesday, April 8 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). This event, in its eighth year, is your chance to hear about the City’s accomplishments and challenges, learn about the City’s finances, and ask questions. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available and light refreshments provided.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 5:00 p.m. to check out the City information tables. At the tables, City staff are available to talk about upcoming projects and programs. This is also an opportunity to mingle with the City Council, City staff, stakeholders and fellow Goletans. Enjoy light refreshments, music, and take photos to remember the night. At 6:00 p.m. the main program begins. Mayor Perotte will give her State of the City Address followed by a Financial Update from Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet. The program ends with the popular Q&A session featuring City of Goleta Department Directors.

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

San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Project Receives Federal Funding

Funding Will Allow City to Move Forward with Construction of Long-Awaited Project

The City of Goleta is the recipient of $11.16 million dollars in funding via the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. A press conference was held by Congressman Salud Carbajal in January – watch it here. This grant funding allows Goleta to move forward with the construction of the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Project which when completed will connect the community in a way that did not exist previously.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “We are overjoyed that the City of Goleta was awarded this significant grant which allows us to carry out the long-awaited vision of connecting the northern Goleta neighborhoods to Old Town and the beach. Thank you to the Goleta staff who never gave up on this project, who took the initiative to apply and secure this grant and to the U.S. Department of Transportation for seeing the value of this impactful project.”

The $11.16 million in federal dollars in addition to the $15.29 million already received from the Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant will help to close the funding gap needed for project construction and will lighten the burden on local funding. However, as a condition of the grant the City will provide up to 20 percent of the overall construction cost through a combination of sources including various development impact fees and future bond proceeds.

This project will build a separated and dedicated multipurpose underpass through US 101, the Union Pacific railroad tracks, and State Route 217 to eliminate a barrier and connect residents located in Old Town Goleta to education, employment, housing, services, and amenities in the north and south. The project will create a new Class I bicycle path and pedestrian amenities and improve pedestrian and cyclist safety along adjacent high-volume arterials and freeway underpasses with inconsistent infrastructure. The project will also create a new connection for the surrounding street network, offering residents, for the first time, direct access to the grocery stores, health care services, green spaces, schools, employment, and recreational opportunities located in the north of the city, directly across the highway.

Congressman Salud Carbajal said, “I’m proud to see the Reconnecting Communities program, created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, delivering this substantial award to Goleta for this multipurpose path project – part of more than $1 billion this landmark law has invested so far in our region. This award will improve Goleta’s sense of community and connectivity – while keeping Central Coast pedestrians safe.” 

The City of Goleta is one of 25 California cities to receive a combined total of $258 million for transportation infrastructure upgrades from three programs that were part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the RCP grant. The RCP focuses on improving access to daily needs such as jobs, education, health care, food, nature, and recreation.

Learn more about the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program at https://www.transportation.gov/reconnecting.  

For more information on the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Project click here.

Pictured above: Congressman Carbajal and Goleta City Council Walking on the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park


Congressman Carbajal Speaking at Press Conference


Congressman Carbajal with Goleta City Council and staff 

MTD Proposed Rate Change

Take Survey to Provide Input

Santa Barbara MTD is in the middle of a  public outreach process seeking input from the public on a proposed adjustment to MTD’s bus fare structure. MTD’s fares have been unchanged for the past 16 years, but rising operational costs have necessitated an update to keep bus service sustainable and dependable in the future.

MTD hosted several open house style public meetings in January, including one in Goleta, to discuss details and take input from community members.

The outreach and survey period will run through mid-February, and the public is invited to visit https://sbmtd.gov/farechange to review the proposed alternatives and to complete a short survey. The survey is available in English and Spanish, and is also available in paper form at the Transit Center and onboard MTD buses.

According to MTD:

Operating costs have increased by more than 10 percent since Fiscal Year 2019, and fares only account for roughly 20 percent of MTD’s annual operating budget. The District’s major revenue sources are fares, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) operating assistance, and sales tax. With the FTA classifying Santa Barbara as a large, urbanized area (UZA) due to the population growth confirmed by the 2020 Census, MTD is no longer eligible for FTA Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) funding of approximately $3.0 million per year, thus eliminating that funding source. In the absence of sufficient funding, MTD would be forced to make cuts to bus service.

In order to generate additional revenue of approximately $1.5 million to help fill that gap, MTD has put together two proposed alternative scenarios, shown in the table below. Alternative 1 consists of a $2.25 cash fare with moderately discounted passes, while Alternative 2 consists of a $2.50 cash fare with a greater discount on passes.

Any fare change would go into effect with MTD’s annual service changes on August 18, 2025.

 

New FoodBank Sharehouse Opens and Distribution Site Moves

The FoodBank of Santa Barbara County is holding a celebration on Saturday, March 1st from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to celebrate the Grand Opening of the FoodBank’s Sharehouse at 82 Coromar Drive in Goleta. The event will include a variety of food trucks serving delicious meals, engaging family-friendly activities, informative booths, exciting giveaways, and more. It’s also an opportunity to learn how this new chapter will strengthen local efforts to fight food insecurity.

Senator Monique Limón and Supervisor Laura Capps will join CEO Erik Talkin at 1:00 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Members of the Goleta City Council will also be in attendance. Foodbank staff will lead tours of the newly occupied warehouse portion throughout the day.

Parking will be off-site at Apeel Sciences, 71 S Los Carneros Dr., and Santa Barbara Airbus will provide a shuttle service from the parking area to the South County Sharehouse.

CEO of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, Erik Talkin, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “We now have a world class facility that will allow us to bring nutrition security through increased amounts of fresh produce and healthy food, and also disaster food security in challenging times. We look forward to greeting you on opening day and showing you around your Sharehouse. This is a resource for the entire community to share health and empowerment for decades to come.”

  • Expanding Capacity: Food storage will grow from 28,000 to 352,000 pounds, and freezer capacity from 23,000 to 192,000 pounds.
  • More Fresh Food: 40,000–80,000 pounds of additional food and fresh produce can now be accepted each week.
  • Stronger Local Support: More food can stay in the North County facility, ensuring better access for those in need.
  • Sustainability Commitment: Consolidating operations at the Sharehouse reduces fuel emissions and vehicle wear.
  • Disaster Preparedness: Space for up to 1.2 million pounds of disaster food, strengthening the ability to respond in times of crisis.

The South County Sharehouse will allow FoodBank to serve more people in need while improving food distribution, sustainability, and disaster preparedness.

In more FoodBank news, one of its food distribution sites has moved to 5425 Hollister Avenue in Goleta (located behind the Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital). The day and time it is open remains the same: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday of the month.

To enter the site, go to the intersection of Patterson Avenue and Hollister Avenue, turn onto Patterson passing the hospital. Then turn right on Ekwill Street and the traffic guards will guide you. See the map below for detailed directions.

About the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

The FoodBank of Santa Barbara County transforms hunger into health through good nutrition and food literacy. It provides nourishment and education through a network of more than 200 partner agencies, nutrition education programs, and food distribution sites. In Santa Barbara County, one in three people receives support from the Foodbank, and 38% of the individuals are children.

For more information, please visit FoodbankSBC.org or contact the Foodbank at (805) 967-5741.


New food distribution site located on 5425 Hollister Ave

Green Room: Waste Free Valentine’s Day

Let’s make this Valentine’s Day waste free in Goleta by embracing thoughtful practices that show love to both our special someone and the environment.

Gift Experiences over Material Items
Consider giving the gift of experiences rather than material items. Plan a romantic hike, a day at the beach, or a cozy movie night. These moments create lasting memories without leaving a trail of unnecessary packaging and waste.

Gift Donations
Spread love beyond your immediate circle by making a donation in your Valentine’s name. Support local charities or organizations that resonate with your partner’s values. It’s a meaningful gesture that makes a positive impact on the community.

Homemade, Plastic-Free Valentine’s Cards
Express your feelings with a personal touch. Craft homemade Valentine’s cards using recycled paper, avoiding glitter to keep it eco-friendly. This adds a unique and sentimental touch to your message while reducing environmental impact.

Bulk Candy and Useful Handouts
For those celebrating in schools or offices, opt for bulk candy to reduce packaging waste. Consider more practical handouts like pens, pencils, or erasers that are both useful and eco-friendly.

Dine Out Responsibly
Dining out to enjoy a Valentine’s day dinner does not have to be wasteful. Support your favorite  local restaurants, and bring along reusable to-go containers for any leftovers you want to save for later.

Cook a Meaningful Meal
If dining out is not your style, plan a special home-cooked meal. Be mindful of portions to minimize food waste. Be sure to save any extra food that you can use for the next day. Choose locally sourced and organic ingredients for a sustainable and delicious celebration.

Meaningful and Sentimental Gestures
Focus on gestures that reflect thoughtfulness. Write a heartfelt letter, create a personalized playlist, or compile a photo album capturing cherished moments. These gestures are meaningful, sentimental, and waste-free.

Happy Waste-Free Valentine’s Day! #WasteFreeGoleta #GoGreenGoleta

Celebrate Library Lovers’ Month at Goleta Valley Library

Throughout February, the Goleta Valley Library will be providing engaging programs that will help you discover the endless reasons to love your local library. Check out what’s coming up below.

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!

Senior Happy Hour: Valentine’s Day Cards
Thursday, February 6 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Come create a fun sharpie doodle card or pop-up card with all of the supplies provided! In this class you will experience the relaxing benefits of doodle art, create a doodle design, and turn it into a giftable card.

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. 

Friends of the Goleta Valley Library Lecture Series: From the Green Sahara to Kushite Pharaohs
Sunday, February 23 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
This presentation will discuss this changing picture of Nubian and Egyptian origins and their long history of intercultural exchange using new evidence from archaeological work at Tombos and other sites at the Third and Fourth Cataracts.

Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, February 25 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Join us as we discuss this month’s pick: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman: “A poignant, charming novel about a crime that never took place, a would-be bank robber who disappears into thin air, and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imagined.” –Goodreads

Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, March 1 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
The GVL Writers’ Workshop is open to adults and teens who write in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. The workshop meets on the first Saturday of each month to share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Free Ice Skating Admission at Ice in Paradise with Your Library Card!
Sunday, March 2, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Ice in Paradise has generously donated free skating admission on the first Sunday of every month in 2025 to patrons of the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries! Present your Goleta Valley Library or Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card at Ice in Paradise to receive free skating admission on the dates below. Skate rentals are not included. One library card per skater is required. Skaters must be ages 3+. Thank you to Ice in Paradise for this generous gift to our patrons!

To check out everything happening at Goleta Valley Library, visit the website at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Goleta Valley Library Welcomes New Supervising Librarian

Kim Crail Brings More Than a Decade of Experience to the Role

Goleta Valley Library’s new Supervising Librarian, Kim Crail, is off and running in her new role. She brings more than a decade of experience in public librarianship to the position.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim to the team,” said City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “Her passion for library service, natural leadership and teambuilding, and creative and energetic approach to providing information and resources to our patrons will enrich the lives of area residents. We are excited to work together on all that is in store for Goleta Valley Library in the years to come.”

“Joining Goleta Valley Library is a complete joy, following in the footsteps of my mentor, former Supervising Librarian Brent Field, as well as supporting patrons and staff through this upcoming renovation project. I’m especially excited to build our physical collection of books and create amazing library memories for the people we serve.”

Before working at Goleta Valley Library, Kim honed her skills in various roles at the Montecito Branch Library over the course of nine years. Starting as a Library Assistant and advancing to Branch Lead Librarian, Kim gained valuable experience along the way working with a diverse community of patrons. Some of her most memorable projects included providing storytimes and facilitating presentations, performances, and community conversations. Most recently, Kim served as a Collections and Programming Librarian at the Santa Barbara Central Library, where she managed the Adult Fiction Collection and offered engaging programming, including the treasured weekly Music & Movement classes at Shoreline Park.

Kim is no stranger to Goleta and has a personal connection to the area, having first moved here in 1998 to attend UC Santa Barbara. She recalls fond memories of bringing her children to Goleta Valley Library when they were young. “I love how the City has grown and is thriving but continues to feel welcoming and friendly.”

In her new position, Kim will be responsible for overseeing staff, programs, daily operations, and patron services at Goleta Valley Library.

Join us in welcoming Kim as she embarks on this exciting journey with us!

Meet New Parks and Recreation Manager

Long-Time Goleta Resident Justin Wilkins Brings Decades of Leadership Experience  

The City of Goleta has a new Parks and Recreation Manager! Justin Wilkins brings more than 20 years of leadership in non-profit management and program implementation to the position. In this role, Justin will be responsible for planning, developing, supervising, and coordinating all park and recreational programs, services, facilities, and special events. Justin is a familiar face to Goleta having lived, studied and worked in the area for the past 25 years.

JoAnne Plummer, Neighborhood Services Director said, “The Parks and Recreation Division is busy with exciting programs and projects and Justin’s passion for Goleta, combined with his diverse experience makes him the ideal person to lead this amazing team.”

Justin said his career path and passion for the community have prepared him for this impactful leadership role. He said, “The ability to utilize my vast programming, administrative, and recreational experience in Goleta, where we are high users of parks and open spaces, makes this opportunity all the better.”

Prior to joining the City, Wilkins served as the Executive Director for the Santa Barbara Soccer Club where he helped guide the organization the past five years through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and significant growth in recreational programming. Justin also served as the Director of Operations at Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People where he oversaw a variety of social service programs, school based mental health, and a community-based food program delivering over 30,000 pounds of food to families in need each week.

A long-time resident of Goleta, Justin moved to the area in 2000 to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and stayed in Goleta to raise his family. He said, “Most of the special memories I have are watching my kids grow up playing in our local parks. From their adventures at ‘Caterpillar Park’ to sliding down the pines at Bella Vista, to playing soccer for countless hours on any patch of green grass – Goleta raised them as much as their mom and I did.”

We wish Justin a great chapter ahead with the City of Goleta. He can be reached via email at jwilkins@cityofgoleta.org.

City Welcomes New Emergency Services Coordinator

Jason Levy Brings Years of Public Safety Experience to Goleta

Jason Levy has joined the City of Goleta as its new Emergency Services Coordinator. In this role, Jason will be responsible for the coordination and administration of all emergency management programs. As recent devastating fire events in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties have proven, this is an important position for the City in enhancing safety and resiliency for our community.

JoAnne Plummer, Neighborhood Services Director said, “We are so happy to welcome Jason to our team. He has already hit the ground running since he started on January 13th. Jason has been busy reviewing and updating plans, working on reviving the Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program, and scheduling Community Disaster Education (CDE) classes. Stay tuned for how you can participate.”

Jason said, “I am most excited about engaging with community members, collaborating with colleagues at the City of Goleta, and partnering with numerous agencies and organizations to support the community. I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to guide Goleta through the five mission areas: prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery and disaster management.”

Jason received his Master’s in Educational Leadership and Organization from the University of California, Santa Barbara and has spent his professional career in public service across the region. Jason also has a passion for helping people through his volunteer work on the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team where he serves as an Incident Commander. In this capacity he has responded to major disasters, including assisting with the largest search mission at its time in California history: the recovery efforts in Paradise, CA, following the 2018 Camp Fire.

Jason’s previous experience also includes working at the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department from 2020 to 2025 where he supported the County’s COVID-19 response. Additionally, he led a project that collaborated with numerous local public safety first-aid agencies, training personnel and procuring Narcan to ensure effective responses to opioid overdoses.

Please join us in welcoming Jason and wishing him a great chapter ahead with the City. You can reach Jason by emailing him at jlevy@cityofgoleta.org. To learn about upcoming opportunities for emergency preparedness training, please contact cert@cityofgoleta.org.

Watch Recap of First Coffee & Community of 2025

Coffee & Community / Café y Comunidad events are a great opportunity to connect with the City, fellow Goletans, and discuss topics of interest relevant to your neighborhood. On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the City held its first Coffee and Community event of the year at Armitos Park in Old Town. More than fifty people showed up on this beautiful Saturday morning, including many who have a spot at the City’s first Community Garden which recently opened at the site. Check out our short highlight video here to see how it went.

Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) said these casual community coffee gatherings are a great way to bring the City to the people. He said, “It’s so important for people to have a government that works for them, that’s responsive to them and that is willing to come into their neighborhoods to talk about the issues that are impacting them.”

There was time for mingling, coffee, juice and pastries from local Old Town vendors and several information tables including Goleta Public Works, Neighborhood Services, the Goleta Valley Library, Community Relations and the Santa Barbara Food Bank. Spanish interpretation was available.

After welcoming attendees, Councilmember Kyriaco gave a short update on projects happening in Old Town followed by a time for questions. After the Q&A period, City staff from various departments was available for one-on-one questions. Due to the devastating Los Angeles and Ventura County fires, many of the questions surrounded emergency planning and public safety.

A big thank you to Boone Graphics for opening up its parking lot for the event.

The City holds Coffee and Community / Café y Comunidad events throughout the year in each district. Find out which district you live in here: https://tinyurl.com/GoletaInteractiveMap. Stay tuned for information on our next event.

Pictured: Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) at the Community Garden at Armitos Park during the Coffee & Community event