September 23 – 29

As the cost of living continues to rise, an increasing number of families are facing an unexpected challenge: the inability to afford enough diapers for their babies. This basic necessity, often taken for granted, has become a source of stress and hardship for many parents. According to the National Diaper Bank Network’s 2023 Diaper Check survey, 1 in 2 families in the U.S. struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean and healthy.

Fortunately, LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner., a prominent child care agency that has been supporting Goleta families for over 50 years, is helping to meet diaper need in our community. 

“Since launching our Diaper Bank in 2021, we’ve provided nearly 200,000 diapers to babies in need,” said Lori Goodman, LEAP Executive Director. “This wouldn’t be possible without our incredible partners, like the City of Goleta, who help us continue this vital work.”

Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “LEAP’s Diaper Bank is a great asset for our community. I am proud to support a service that strives to make things easier for families, especially as costs for basic items continues to rise.”

Diapers are one of the most requested services at LEAP, and they continue to run the only registered Diaper Bank in Santa Barbara County.

You can keep babies healthy and dry by making a gift to LEAP’s Diaper Bank! For only $25 dollars you can cover the cost of one week of diapers and wipes for a local child! All gifts, regardless of size will make a huge difference.

Or donate unopened diapers and wipes! This year LEAD has several partners collecting diapers for the community!

• Old Town Coffee, Goleta September 23-29
• Beit HaYeladim Preschool at Congregation B’nai B’rith September 1-30
• Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Lompoc September 23-29

You can also sign up to be monthly diaper bank donors here: https://leapcentralcoast.org/diaper-bank/.

LEAP’s Diaper Bank remains a crucial resource for the community, supported by generous donors and partners. With your help, we can continue to provide relief to families in need and ensure every baby in our community is cared for.

Public Review Period is Open Now through September 23

Every year, the City of Goleta looks forward to supporting those in need within our community through funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. This past year, over 10,000 people were assisted with CDBG funding. The City is required to submit a year-end report on its accomplishments called the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER provides an assessment of the City’s performance in meeting housing and community development goals in the adopted 2023-2024 CDBG Action Plan. The draft CAPER can be viewed at www.cityofgoleta.org/grants.

Comments on the draft CAPER are being accepted during a 15-day public review period beginning September 5, 2024, and ending September 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Comments should be submitted to: City of Goleta, Neighborhood Services Department, Attn: Cassidy Le Air, 130 Cremona Drive, Goleta, CA 93117 or emailed to cleair@cityofgoleta.org.

The City Council will hold a public hearing on these matters on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at its regular Council meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m. An agenda will be available ahead of time at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.

About the Community Development Block Grant

The City receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis for the CDBG Program, which is intended to assist low-income citizens, people experiencing homelessness, youth, and seniors with essential services such as medical and dental care, food security, counseling, homelessness prevention, case management, and other needs.

The City also uses the majority of its CDBG allocation on capital projects that will benefit low—to moderate-income people and the disabled. Projects have included renovating City facilities and parks to meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) access standards, installing sidewalks in areas where they are lacking, and adding crosswalks.

A group of talented local baseball players is starting high school with a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Goleta. The Dos Pueblos Little League (DPLL) Junior Division All-Star Team was honored at the City Council meeting on August 20 for advancing further than any other team in the organization’s 50-year history!

During its historic run, the team became District Champions, Section Champions, and Southern California State Champions before moving on to the Western Regionals in Bend, Oregon, the last stop before the Little League All-Star tournament.

Mayor Pro-Tempore Luz Reyes-Martin, a DPLL mom herself, had the honors of reading the name of each player and handing them their certificate followed by a handshake from Mayor Paula Perotte.

DPLL League President Jeff Palmer thanked the community for its support during the team’s historic season. He also addressed his players and said, “I congratulate them for staying focused, trusting the process, teamwork, and for surpassing their goals and expectations.”

A big round of applause goes out to the players, coaches, volunteers, and everyone who played a role in the team’s accomplishment.

The All Stars became Southern California State Champions with a record of 13-1 before advancing to the Western Regionals. At the Western Regionals, they represented the Southern California Region in games against teams from Nevada, Idaho, and Hawaii.

The team is managed by Jacob Pepper with coaches Dan Brennan, Jeff Palmer and Dave Robertson.

The DPLL Junior Division All-Stars consist of: Matt Brennan, Holden Brey, Max Cruse, Charlie Douglas, Gabe Estrella, Grady Felix, Oliver Gesswein, Isaac Guttierez, Adan Macias, Seth Orozco, Kian Palmer and Jonah Pepper.

What a way to end their last year of little league before starting high school! Best of luck in the future and thanks for making us proud!

Dos Pueblos Little League All-Star Team receiving recognition from Goleta City Council