Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Last Chance for NatureTrack Film Festival Early Bird Tickets

Early Bird Tickets on Sale through Sunday, September 8

The NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) is thrilled to announce the first round of highlights for its 6th annual event, happening at the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta, October 11-13, 2024. With the full program release just weeks away, now is the time to secure early bird tickets before they’re gone! 

Opening Night: Friday, October 11th
The festival kicks off with the Central Coast Theatrical Premiere of “Jane Goodall’s Reasons for Hope.”

“Drawing on decades of work by the world’s most famous living naturalist, “Jane Goodall’s Reasons for Hope” is an uplifting journey around the globe to highlight good news stories that will inspire people to make a difference in the world around them.” 

Opening Night will also include World Premieres of two short films: “Open Space” by local filmmaker Cody Westheimer and “Otter Space,” directed by Michael Love. To close the first official event of the 2024 NatureTrack Film Festival, VIP attendees and opening night ticketholders will enjoy a celebratory reception in the official Festival Hub, located inside the old Pier One retail space at the Camino Real Marketplace. The Festival HQ will be a place for festival attendees to connect with attending filmmakers and fellow nature advocates and meet the NatureTrack team ahead of the whirlwind weekend schedule

Saturday Night: October 12th
On Saturday, the festival will host the World Premiere of “Animal Pride,” a remarkable new PBS film exploring queer animal behavior and its history through the eyes of naturalist Connel Bradwell. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with director Rio Mitchell and Bradwell himself to learn about this new piece of storytelling showcasing an underrepresented aspect of the natural world. 

Additional film features for this evening include the World Premiere of UCSB’s Coastal Media Project short film, “Ploverize,” and the Southern California Premiere of “399: Queen of the Tetons.” Saturday will conclude with a lively party at the Festival Hub, featuring live music from the Brasscals and opportunities to meet the day’s attending filmmakers. 

Sunday Night: October 13th
The festival will close with the World Premiere of “Tagliamento—The King of Alpine Rivers,” from Austrian national public broadcaster ORF. Attending the festival for the world premiere will be director Giuseppe Bucciarelli and producer Matthias Ninaus who will introduce the film.  The 2024 Awards ceremony will follow, followed by a final party for pass holders. 

Early Bird sales will end September 8th, so this is the last chance to secure VIP passes for the full weekend at the best price. With exclusive premieres, engaging Q&As, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature in the beautiful setting of Goleta, NTFF2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience. Secure your passes now to be part of a weekend dedicated to experiencing the rich diversity of nature through the power of film.

Early Bird Passes are on sale through Sunday, September 8. Visit the NatureTrack Film Festival website to purchase.

We Need You!
As we gear up for our festival weekend we are looking for both interns and volunteers. Please contact Managing Director, Gareth Kelly for more information. 

The 6th NatureTrack Film Festival would like to thank the Natalie Orfalea Foundation & Lou Buglioli, and YARDI for their generous sponsorship of this year’s Festival. The Festival team is also grateful to Honda of Santa Barbara for their support.

Lemon Festival September 28 & 29 at Girsh Park

It is that time of year where you find something yellow in your closet and get ready to have some fun! The Lemon Festival, put on by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and presented by Rusty’s Pizza, will be held on September 28 and 29 at Girsh Park.

This Goleta tradition, which has been going on for 31 years, celebrates the region’s rich history and role lemon harvesting has played dating back to around 1875 when Sherman Patterson Stow of Goleta’s Rancho La Patera planted the first known commercial lemon orchard in California.

The Goleta Lemon Festival has grown to attract more than 40,000 residents, visitors, community leaders, nonprofits, and elected officials, celebrating the Good Land’s zest. The festival is Goleta’s largest community event of the year, hosting over 80 booths featuring local non-profit organizations, crafts, lemony foods and beverages, and lemon-themed souvenirs. Applications for vendors are now open. Visit LemonFestival.com/vendorapplications.

The Goleta Lemon Festival is a family-friendly event for kids of all ages. An all-inclusive activity wristband will get you endless rides and games.  Save $5 pre-purchasing your activity wristband at LemonFestival.com.

The festival also features the largest interactive display of Fire, Police, and Emergency Services in the County at Safety Street.  Meet the people who help keep us safe and get an up-close look at their state-of-the-art vehicles and technologies. 

On Saturday only, the festival will feature the 17th Annual Goleta Fall Classic Car Show, showcasing a variety of cool classic cars ranging from Corvettes and Camaros to trucks and pick-ups along with motorcycles and bicycles. If you have a classic you would like to enter, registration is now open. Visit LemonFestival.com/goleta-fall-classic.

The festival could not happen without the many volunteers ages 14 and up who spend time planning the festival and lending a hand over the weekend. Visit Visit LemonFestival.com/get-involved to sign up! to sign up!

The Goleta Lemon Festival is from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, September 28, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, September 29. For more information, visit LemonFestival.com.

Lace Up Your Sneakers for the Lemon Run on Sep. 22

Celebrating Elementary Education in the Goodland with the Goleta Education Foundation

Join the Goleta Education Foundation (GEF) for the return of its annual Lemon Run to be held on Sunday, September 22! This year’s race and festivities will be held at the beautiful Lake Los Carneros. Beginning at 8:00 am with the 10K Grand Prix, followed by the 5K Jr. Grand Prix at 9:30 am and the 1K Fun Run at 10:30 am, the Lemon Run is a community event for all ages and abilities. The 10K and 5K courses will wind runners through the many trails and picturesque scenery around the lake, while the 1K will take place in front of historic Stow House. With prizes from local businesses, art for all ages, food from local farms and businesses, you definitely want to lace up your shoes for this Goodland tradition.

The Goleta Education Foundation (GEF) helps all nine elementary schools in the Goleta Union School District (GUSD) by providing auxiliary funding to help ensure equity in education. GEF’s Educator Grants for Innovation and Professional Development puts money put directly into the hands of GUSD educators to help them better teach all levels and kinds of learners and promote innovation.

Youth Scholarships for the Lemon Run are available for elementary-age children. Please contact info@goletaed.org to register your child for FREE, or come by the Deckers Brand Showcase, located at 6601 Hollister Avenue, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 11 am until 2 pm where bib pickup will be happening.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have fun, see friends and make new ones, and support the Goleta Education Foundation and the children and families of the Goleta Union School District at Lemon Run 2024!

For more information and to register, go to https://goletaeducationfoundation.org/goleta-lemon-run/. Parking is at The Stow House located at 304 N. Los Carneros Rd. There will also be overflow parking adjacent to the Stow House. 

The Goleta Education Foundation engages the community to invest in and enhance an excellent educational experience for all students attending schools in the Goleta Union School District. The Goleta Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. To learn more or make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.goletaeducationfoundation.org.

Mexican Independence Day Festival

New Location at Goleta Community Center

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 14 from 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. and get ready to experience a vibrant cultural celebration at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Ave). The Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of Goleta, is proud to present this festive Block Party to commemorate Mexican Independence Day. This event aims to bring the community together to celebrate Mexican culture while supporting the local businesses that contribute to the unique charm of Old Town Goleta. 

Last year’s festivities on Pine Avenue drew hundreds of people throughout the day, and this year promises even more excitement. Attendees will enjoy a Saturday filled with live entertainment, authentic cuisine, and vibrant Mexican traditions.  

Here is what you can look forward to:  

  • Consul General of Mexico leading the traditional “El Grito” 
  • Vendor booths from Old Town Businesses 
  • Live Music  
  • Ballet Folklorico 
  • Mariachi Performance 
  • Talent Show 
  • Live • Work • Play giveaways from the City Booth 

Admission to the event is FREE! Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day of cultural immersion, festivities, and community. 

Thank you to everyone who is a part of helping organize this new Old Town tradition.   

We encourage you to walk or bike to the event. We’ll see you there! 

September Observances

This September, the City of Goleta wants to note two holidays and cultural observances that take place this month, Labor Day and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Labor Day is always the first Monday in September. It pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. We want to take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of individuals who have contributed to the well-being of our society.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. It showcases the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Hispanic and Latino families in the US.

The City is excited to once again partner with the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to host the Mexican Independence Day Festival in Old Town Goleta. This special event will take place at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) on Saturday, September 14. The celebration will feature live music, dancing and performances, delicious Latin cuisine food, and more. We hope to see you there.

The City of Goleta encourages you to learn about diverse holidays and observations year-round to help create a warm and welcoming community for all.

Join #TeamGoleta

Do you have a passion for local government? Are you looking for a career where you can give back to your community? Then check out the openings with the City of Goleta! The City is looking to fill a variety of positions:

  • Code Compliance Officer
  • Intern
  • Library Assistant – part-time (Goleta Valley Library)
  • Project Manager (Environmental Services)
  • Supervising Librarian (Goleta Valley Library)
  • Coming soon! Recreation Manager

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

Meetings at a Glance – September 2024

Stay informed with what is 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).

View the calendar on our website here: www.cityofgoleta.org/connect/events-calendar. Please note, meetings can be added and cancelled. For the most up-to-date information, check the website.

Here’s what is coming up:

 

Unique Opportunity for Goleta Teens to Serve on a City Commission

Applications due by September 9 at 5:00 p.m.

The City of Goleta has a unique opportunity for Goleta teens to get involved in local government. The Parks and Recreation and Public Engagement Commissions are both looking to fill a youth position. Teens who are residents of Goleta and between the ages of 15-18 are encouraged to apply. This is a great way to get involved with the City, learn more about local government, and have your voice heard. It also looks good on college applications!

Please help us spread the word by letting any teen in your life know about these opportunities. Those interested should apply here by the new extended deadline of Monday, September 9 at 5:00 p.m.

Serving the residents of Goleta as a Parks and Recreation Youth Commissioner is a great opportunity to be involved in meaningful projects that have a direct impact on the quality of life in our community. The Commission advises the City Council on all issues related to public parks, open spaces, beaches, and indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and operations in Goleta.

Former Parks and Recreation Youth Commissioner Grace Hu said, “I would say definitely get involved! I know it’s said often, but getting involved really can help in developing a better understanding of our local community. I loved hearing about the various ongoing projects, progress being made, and engaging with the grant process to support local organizations in the City. This is a great way to connect with your community!”

Just some of the rewarding recent projects the Parks and Recreation Commission has been a part of include the new Community Garden, upgrades at Armitos Park and Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park, and the reopening of the Goleta Community Center. Next up for the Commission is Goleta’s first inclusive playground at Stow Grove Park.

The Parks and Recreation Commission consists of seven members. The Youth Commissioner is appointed for a two-year term. Six regular meetings are held per year and additional meetings may be held as needed.

If you are interested in helping the City of Goleta find ways to engage the community to participate in local government, then apply for the Public Engagement Youth Commissioner position. This seven-member body advises the City Council and staff on matters related to public engagement in City government and governance. The Commission has provided recommendations to the City Council on moving to evening-only meetings, directly electing the Mayor, and district elections.

Jessica Avila-Ruiz, former Public Engagement Youth Commissioner, said, “Applying for a Commission with the City of Goleta is a great way to network with other active citizens and familiarize yourself with the City’s inner systems. It’s an amazing opportunity to represent both your peers and your personal identity. If you’re a great listener and love to share ideas of your own and with others, definitely consider applying!”

The Public Engagement Youth Commissioner vacancy will fill an unexpired portion of a term that ends September 2025. The Commission holds four regular meetings per year and may hold additional meetings as needed.

For both Commissions, applicants must be at least 15 years old and not more than 18 years old at the time of appointment. Compensation is $75 per meeting; the Youth Commissioner can choose to waive compensation to instead receive school or other educational or community service credit.

Applications for all open Board and Commission vacancies may be submitted online at. Applications are due by September 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. For additional information please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

Back to School Safety Tips

Watch Video Message

It’s a new school year, and the City of Goleta would like to remind parents and children of some important safety tips. Start by checking out this informative Back to School Safety Video Message from Goleta Community Resource Deputy George Hedricks that includes information on establishing routes to school, avoiding strangers, and teaching children about safely using social media and the internet. A full list of “25 Ways to Make Kids Safer” is available here.

Below are some additional tips to help keep everyone safe during the new school year:

Walking to School

  • Leave early enough to arrive at school at least 10 minutes prior to the start of school.
  • Always use public sidewalks and streets when walking to school. If there is no sidewalk, walk as far to the edge of the road as possible, facing traffic.
  • We all learned as kids to “look both ways before crossing the street.” This remains important advice, for both children and adults.
  • When crossing, make eye contact with drivers and always cross the street at intersections or in crosswalks.
  • Teach your child to recognize and obey traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.

Biking to School

  • ALWAYS wear a properly fitted helmet.
  • Obey the rules of the road; the rules are the same for all vehicles, including bicycles.
  • Always stay on the right-hand side of the road and ride in the same direction as traffic.
  • Be sure your child knows and uses all of the appropriate hand signals.
  • Ride single file on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic. Stop at all stop signs and walk bikes across the street.

Driving to School

  • When driving your child to school, stay alert and never drive while distracted.
  • Always obey school zone speed limits and watch for children crossing the street. Remember, the area 10 feet around a school bus is most dangerous for children.
  • NEVER pass a bus loading or unloading children. It is also important to learn and follow your school’s drop-off and pick-up procedures.
  • Washing your car can be an easily overlooked task, but driving toward the morning sun with a dirty windshield can be blinding. To make certain you can see children walking and riding to school, make sure your windshield is clean, especially during morning school drop-off hours.

We wish everyone a safe and happy school year!

Great Turnout at Goleta’s Dam Dinner

Check Out Video Recap and Photo Album

More than 400 people enjoyed the #BestDamDinner they ever had at beautiful Lake Los Carneros in Goleta on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The sun was shining bright, and the lake was full and beautiful. The dinner went from 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. allowing people to come and go, or for many, to stay and enjoy the event the entire time. 

As always, people had fun capturing the moment by taking a photo with a Dam Dinner frame. Put a smile on your face by watching our video recap of the event and checking out the photo album.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “It was a wonderful and well attended event. It was so great to see everyone smiling and laughing and enjoying the beautiful setting and live music.”

Whether they brought their own picnic dinner or purchased food, attendees found a spot at the long community table decorated with yellow and blue checkered tablecloths. It was a warm evening, and over 300 attendees enjoyed shaved ice courtesy of Kona Ice. For the second year, the City placed reusable cutlery sets at each seat at the table to promote the City’s Plastic Free ordinance. Another highlight this year was moving the live music to a decorative shaded structure down by the lake where everyone could see. A big thanks to long-time musician Nate Latta who entertained the Dam Dinner guests during the event and did a great job!

Thanks to everyone who took time to attend the event, including our Goleta City Council, Assemblymember Gregg Hart and Santa Barbara County Supervisors Joan Hartmann and Laura Capps who shared lemon bars with guests.

Despite the simplicity of this event, it would not have been possible without the collaboration of some key partners. A big thanks to the Goleta Valley Historical Society for partnering with the City of Goleta again to put on the event. A special thanks to Pete Wolf with Big Hammer Lures for helping to plan, set up and clean-up the event, and for creating the yearly Dam Dinner t-shirts once again.

We also want to express our appreciation to Fuel Depot for donating succulents for the tables and to the Devereux Greenhouse Group for creating and delivering the arrangements to the event for all to enjoy and for some to take home as well. Thanks to Creekside Restaurant and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce for sharing their tablecloths and to the Water Store for donating water to keep everyone hydrated. As always, thanks to MarBorg for donating the bathrooms, handwashing stations, and trash and recycle bins.

We appreciate everyone who is a part of making this event so memorable each year. We are already looking forward to the 2025 Dam Dinner and hope to see you there.

Event photos by Rob Hoffman
Pictured above: Elected officials [Pictured left-to-right: Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín (1st District), Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann (3rd District), Councilmember James Kyriaco (2nd District) and Mayor Paula Perotte]


Group photo of event


Attendees with Dam Dinner photo frames


Musician Nate Latta performing


Face painting (photo courtesy of Kelly Hoover)