Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Buena Tierra Ribbon Cutting Recap

Watch Video Recap

Community leaders, local officials, and residents gathered on August 15 to celebrate the opening of Buena Tierra, a new supportive housing development providing affordable, safe, and permanent housing for those experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The event marked a significant milestone in the County’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the region. Watch a video recap here.

Located in the heart of Old Town Goleta, Buena Tierra is designed to offer not just permanent housing, but comprehensive support services to its residents. The development features 60 units, 15 of which have been designated specifically for youth transitioning out of foster care. Units are equipped with amenities that create a comfortable and dignified living space for its residents. In addition to the residential units, Buena Tierra offers on-site case management, mental health services, job training, and community-building activities, all tailored to help residents achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

In attendance was Governor Newsom’s Senior Advisor on Homelessness, Hafsa Kaka, who emphasized the State’s commitment to providing housing options to the most vulnerable through initiatives such as Governor Newsom’s Homekey 2.0 program, which provided much of the project’s funding. “Since Homekey’s inception in 2020, Homekey has awarded $3.6 billion to support 259 projects that will include 15,850 homes to serve more than 172,000 Californians. So this is huge,” said Kaka. She included a statement on behalf of Governor Newsom, stating, “We are proud to stand with local partners who are serving their communities by providing much needed housing to alleviate homelessness. We’ll continue to support local governments who are doing the work to ensure everyone has a place to call home.”

Also in attendance were representatives from the project’s key partners, including local non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private sector contributors who played a pivotal role in bringing Buena Tierra to life.

Councilmember James Kyriaco highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the development possible. “Buena Tierra is bringing badly needed rental housing for some of our community’s most vulnerable residents. I am proud of this partnership with leaders at all different levels of government that is changing lives for the better. This project alone won’t solve homelessness, but it’s an effective and compassionate step forward,” said Kyriaco.

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps echoed the sentiment. “Buena Tierra is a commitment to new beginnings and underscores the County’s dedication to tackling the homelessness crisis head on. I could not be prouder to live and work in a place that extends compassion and care to all of our neighbors.  My heartfelt thanks to the Housing Authority, the State, and the City of Goleta for being champions to bring more safe and supportive housing to our community,” said Capps.

Representing the 3rd District, County Supervisor Joan Hartmann emphasized the hope that projects like Buena Tierra can offer communities who are seeking solutions to homelessness. “The realization of this project is a testament to what we can achieve when we stay committed to a vision of providing stable, supportive housing for those in need.  This development is more than just housing; it’s a beacon of hope for the residents who will find stability and community here,” said Hartmann.

Paula Perotte, Mayor of the City of Goleta, highlighted the physical and metaphorical transformation of the renovated structure. “This former Super 8 hotel has been physically transformed into something that presents an opportunity to truly transform people’s lives. Developing the kind of permanent housing we’re celebrating today provides our community with a real solution to help end homelessness. This project integrates permanent housing with the services needed to KEEP people housed. That is Buena Tierra’s formula for success,” said Perotte.

Chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, Steve Lavagnino, was also on hand, bringing attention to the development’s long-term vision. “Buena Tierra is another important piece of the puzzle to help break the cycle of homelessness.  By providing permanent supportive housing and comprehensive support, we are creating a foundation for long-term success,” said Lavagnino.

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of the ribbon, followed by self-guided tours of the facility, where guests had the opportunity to meet some of the development’s first residents and learn more about the services offered on-site.

Residents expressed their gratitude for the new opportunities Buena Tierra provides, with many sharing stories of how the development has already made a positive impact on their lives. “The best thing about being here is that I can go to places that have canned foods or vegetables, I can take them home and cook them, whereas before, I couldn’t take those things because I had no place to cook them,” said Buena Tierra resident Johnny Watkins, adding proudly, “Two weeks ago I sat down at my kitchen table and cooked some warm beef and cabbage,” a statement that received a thunderous round of applause from the crowd. “It sure felt good to eat a decent meal in my own place.”

Buena Tierra is expected to serve as a model for future supportive housing projects across the region.

For more information about Buena Tierra including how to apply, visit www.hasbarco.org.

 Pictured above: Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte speaking at the event


Celebratory cutting of the ribbon


HASBARCO Executive Director Bob Havlicek speaking to the crowd


Buena Tierra resident Johnny Watkins speaks to the audience


Buena Tierra resident in her unit

 

Start a Conversation this National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and this year’s theme is “Start a Conversation.” It’s a time to raise awareness about emergencies and disasters that can occur in our area. Talking to loved ones and having an emergency plan is one of the most valuable things we can do before an emergency happens. You can discuss:

  1. Who is responsible for taking care of vulnerable family members
  2. Who will pick up the kids from school if phones are not working and we can’t get in touch with one another
  3. What meeting location is best if anyone becomes separated

City of Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris said, “Most importantly, emergency plans are not perfect when they are first made. It takes time to form a good plan and it will change over time. It’s okay if an idea or plan is not perfect, what’s most important is that you have a plan.”

Should you want help in making a family plan, all Goleta residents can request a free, one-hour Community Disaster Education (CDE) course (for groups of 10 or more). A CDE introduces the basics of disaster preparedness to anyone and is available in English and Spanish. To learn more about this course watch a short promo video here. Complete an interest form at www.CityofGoleta.org/CDE.

The County of Santa Barbara also has some tips on how to take action during National Preparedness Month:

  1. Make or Update Your Disaster Plan: Creating a disaster plan is as easy as having a conversation with your household about what you will do before, during, and after an emergency. Having discussions will empower your family to take control of their safety and survival during a disaster.
  2. Build or Refresh Your Disaster Supply Kit: Tailor your disaster supply kit to your household. Be sure to include basic items your household may need as well as any items for household members with medical needs or comfort items for kids. Make it an activity with your loved ones and see how many items you can find around your home and place in a bin in five minutes.
  3. Make Sure Your Pets Are Included: Although we can’t talk through our family’s emergency plan with our pets, it is still important to include them in your planning. Remember to plan for your large animals, including transportation and sheltering in the event of an evacuation.
  4. Meet Your Neighbors: During a disaster, knowing your neighbors and any special considerations they may have can be lifesaving.   
  5. Sign Up For ReadySBC Alerts or Update Your Contact Information: To receive these emergency notifications from the County, you must sign up for alerts. If you’re already signed up, confirm or update your account information this month. Be sure to spell out your entire street address, this is a common reason that community members don’t receive alerts. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.
  6. Get Familiar With ReadySBC.org: Learn more about local hazards and how to best prepare for yourself and your loved ones.
  7. Follow the County Office of Emergency Management on social media: During National Preparedness Month, we’ll be sharing information about preparing for specific types of emergencies. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook at @SBCountyOEM.

Register to Vote!

Voter registration cards available at US Post Offices, Libraries, Elections Offices & Online

The Santa Barbara County Elections Office invites all eligible citizens to register to vote in anticipation of the upcoming Presidential General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5th.  The last day to register to vote for the November 5, 2024, General Election is October 21, 2024.

Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters Joe Holland emphasizes, “Registering to vote or verifying that your voter registration is accurate is important.”

A voter must be a citizen of the United States and be at least 18 years of age on election day to be eligible to vote.  Voters can verify the accuracy of their voter registration, including residential and mailing addresses, at the California Secretary of State’s website,  sos.ca.gov/elections/registration-status or Santa Barbara County Elections Office website at sbcvote.com. To make address and other updates to voter registration, or for eligible citizens to register to vote, go to registertovote.ca.gov.

If you prefer to register to vote with a paper registration form, voter registration cards can be found in several locations including at elections offices, at most post offices and public libraries.  The cards can be returned, postage free, to the Santa Barbara County Elections Office.

Santa Barbara County Elections Office has three locations to serve voters:

  • Santa Barbara Elections Main Office (4440-A Calle Real)
    Monday – Friday, 9AM to 5PM and on Saturday, November 2 from 9AM to 2PM.

  • Santa Maria Elections Branch Office (511 Lakeside Parkway, Ste. 134)
    Opening October 7, Monday – Friday, 8AM to Noon and 1PM to 5PM and on Saturday, November 2 from 9AM to 2PM. Prior to October 7, voter registration cards may be picked up at the County’s Clerk-Recorder’s office in Santa Maria, located right past security at 511 Lakeside Parkway.

  • Lompoc Elections Branch Office (401 E. Cypress, Suite 102)
    Opening October 29, 8AM to Noon and 1PM to 5PM and on Saturday, November 2 from 9AM to 2PM.

Santa Barbara County Elections can be reached at sbcvote.com or by calling 800-722-8683.

Pavement Rehab Work Happening Now

September 3 – 12

Road repairs are underway throughout the City as part of the Pavement Rehab Project. The following roads have pavement work coming up between Tuesday, September 3 and Friday, September 13 (dates are tentative and could change). 

  • Caroldale Lane (Camino Laguna Vista to La Patera Lane)
    Sep. 4 & Sep. 9 – 13, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Cathedral Oaks Road (Winchester Canyon Road to Evergreen Drive)
    Sep. 3 – 6 & Sep. 9 – 10, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (tentative end time)
  • Colusa Drive (Del Norte Drive to Calle Real)
    Sep. 3 – 6 & Sep. 9 – 12, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Hollister Avenue (Cathedral Oaks Road to City Right of Way towards Bacara)
    Sep. 4 – 5 & Sep. 9 – 13, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Phelps Road (Pacific Oaks Road to Storke Road)
    Sep. 5 & Sep. 9 – 13, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Storke Road (Hollister Avenue to US 101 On-Ramp)
    Sep. 3 & Sep. 9 – 13, nightwork 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.

Additional striping work will be done at a later date. Work is expected to be completed by November 2024. 

Residents and motorists can expect minor disruptions during construction, including lane closures and detours. Please plan your routes accordingly and follow all traffic signage and instructions from construction crew workers.

Interactive Pavement Map

Check out the City’s interactive map of pavement projects at www.CityofGoleta.org/Pavement. This interactive feature highlights roads that have been previously paved along with the treatments applied, as well as future roads that are proposed for repair. 

If you have any questions on the Pavement Rehabilitation Projects, please contact us at pavement@CityofGoleta.org or 805-562-5504, or visit www.CityofGoleta.org/Pavement.

Pictured: Cathedral Oaks Road – pavement work done as part of the Pavement Rehabilitation Project; additional work to still be done

Volunteer at Ellwood Mesa Saturday Mornings

This article has been updated as a series of events.

Through November 23

Volunteers are needed 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.

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.

When? Saturday mornings 8:15 a.m. to Noon from now through November 23. Meet at the gate to Ellwood at the end of Santa Barbara Shores Drive.

Tools will be provided, please bring the following:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Snacks
  • Gloves if you have them
  • Whatever else you need for your comfort

Schedules are subject to change so please check dates and times and sign up here.

Join Us for Creek Week Activities!

Watch Video with All You Can Do

It’s time to celebrate Creek Week September 21 to September 28! There are so many ways you can show your love and appreciation for our creeks, watersheds, and oceans. Watch our video available in English and Spanish and take a look at the schedule below:

Creek Week Art Contest submissions due Friday, September 6!
The Goleta Valley Library is accepting artwork for this year’s contest with the theme “Goleta the Goodland: Ocean, Creeks and Watersheds.” Community members of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate. More details available here.

Saturday, September 21, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm: Coastal Cleanup Day
Join people across the globe for this event and make an impact here at home by helping to clean up our local beaches and waterways. It’s a great way to get outside, enjoy nature, and kick off Creek Week. Hosted by Explore Ecology, Goleta locations include: Ellwood Bluffs and Beach, Haskell’s Beach, and San Jose Creek. To sign up and see the full list go to https://exploreecology.org/coastal-cleanup-day/. 

Saturday, September 21, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm: Beautify Goleta FREE Bulky Item Drop Off 
Along Phelps Road between Cannon Green Drive and Pacific Oaks Road 
Get rid of items you no longer want by disposing of them the right way. Acceptable items include but are not limited to: mattresses and box springs; wood and metal furniture; plastic tables, desks, and chairs; and wood pallets and tires. Electronics, hazardous waste, and medications will not be accepted. 

Wednesday, September 25, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm: San Pedro Creek Tour 
Meeting Location: Cathedral Oaks Road between Windsor Ave. and Carlo Drive (park on south/ocean side of road in front of Stonebridge Open Space)
Escape from the urban hustle and bustle and experience nature right in our own backyard! Join Melissa Nelson, Environmental Services Manager for the City of Goleta, and Brian Trautwein, Senior Analyst/Watershed Program Director for the Environmental Defense Center for a tour of San Pedro Creek. You will have the opportunity to learn about the Creek’s natural wonders and hear from experts about efforts to protect San Pedro Creek and its water quality. We will see tranquil pools, majestic oak and sycamore trees, and the wildlife that inhabit the Creek as well as threats to the Creek’s health. We will hear about City projects to keep pollution out of local creeks and the community’s work to rehabilitate damaged creeks and preserve species, such as the endangered steelhead. San Pedro Creek is a scenic and natural treasure. It provides important habitat and conveys stormwater to the sea. Join us and learn about San Pedro Creek’s many secrets! Reserve your spot on the tour by emailing environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org.  

Thursday, September 26, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm: Creek Week Art Contest Reception  
Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue)
Art will be displayed at the Goleta Valley Library from September 10 through September 27. To conclude the Art Contest, a reception will be held on September 26 at the Goleta Valley Library. All participants, along with community members, are invited to attend. 

Friday, September 27, 12:00 pm: Creek Week Lunch and Learn with Melissa Nelson (City of Goleta), Brian Trautwein (Environmental Defense center), and Mark Capelli (NOAA) 
Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue)
Join Goleta’s environmental experts for a Lunch and Learn at Goleta Valley Community Center. Melissa Nelson, Environmental Services Manager for the City of Goleta, will present on the City’s creek and watershed projects. Brian Trautwein, Senior Analyst/Watershed Program Director for the Environmental Defense Center, and Mark Capelli, South-Central/Southern California Coast Recovery Coordinator for NOAA’s Protected Resources Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service, will present on the status of southern steelhead, which are a federally endangered species. Lunch will be provided. Reserve your spot by emailing environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org.  

Saturday, September 28, 9AM: Devereux Creek/Ellwood Volunteer Planting 
Meeting Location: End of Santa Barbara Shores Dr. at the gate to Ellwood 
Join us at the Devereux Creek/Ellwood Mesa Habitat area for a volunteer planting. We will be planting native species to restore habitat in this special natural preserve. This unique ocean-front open space provides grassland, vernal pool, raptor habitat for a variety of threatened and endangered species. The area also provides passive and active recreational opportunities for the community, including hiking, jogging, cycling, and bird watching.  

For more information on Creek Week with the City of Goleta, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/CreekWeek. Check back as new activities may be added closer to the start of Creek Week. For a full list of Creek Week events throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast, visit www.SBCreekWeek.com. 

Goleta Train Depot Groundbreaking September 12

Join Us for the Milestone Event at 10 a.m. at 27 S. La Patera Lane

We hope you will join us for the Goleta Train Depot groundbreaking on Thursday, September 12! The event begins at 10 a.m. at 27 S. La Patera Lane where a new full-service multi-modal train station will be built next to the existing Amtrak platform. By constructing a full-service station, the City aims to increase train ridership, improve connections to bus transit, support transit services to and from the Santa Barbara Airport and UC Santa Barbara, and introduce new bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Attendees to the groundbreaking ceremony will hear from the elected officials including Goleta City Council, collaborative agencies who have played a part in the project, City staff and more. The comments will be followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking photo/video opportunity. Spanish interpretation will be available.

The Goleta Train Depot facility will encompass 8,550 square feet, providing a permanent, enclosed, and safe structure for Amtrak passengers to use while waiting to board or after disembarking from trains. The building will be located adjacent to the existing train platform and the parking lot and access driveways will be located in front of the depot building.

With substantial funding from the State of California, secured by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), the City is poised to implement transformative capital improvements that will help modernize the rail system and transit services. Ultimately, these efforts aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles operated, and congestion.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “As we begin construction on this landmark, Goleta will soon welcome train commuters and other travelers to Goleta. The Goleta Train Depot is another milestone in the multi-modal transportation hub we’ve envisioned for our community. We know that people arriving at this station will form a positive and memorable first impression of our vibrant community.” Mayor Perotte continued, “By supporting travel by train, this station will reduce congestion on our crowded highways. The great safety and comfort offered by train travel will also attract more people who will patronize our visitor services, such as hotels. We believe that better supporting train travel here will reduce some of the traffic stresses on our roads and will contribute to Goleta meeting California’s climate action goals.”

Jaime Valdez, Assistant City Manager and Train Depot Project Manager, said, “We are excited to break ground on this much-anticipated project. During the construction phase, residents and visitors can expect a commitment to minimize disruptions while keeping the community informed throughout the construction process. We look forward to celebrating the new facility as a beneficial addition to our city by the spring/summer of 2026.”

The architecture of the new facility 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.

The proposed Depot will be designed and constructed consistent with City Resolution No. 12-65 which requires City owned buildings of 2,000 square feet or greater of conditioned space to achieve United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.

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. 

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

Major Replanting Effort to Begin at Butterfly Grove

The popular Goleta Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa is undergoing a transformation to help monarch butterflies. Since late this spring, a collection of City, California state agencies, and private contractors have been removing dead trees and highly flammable vegetation to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire. That work is continuing, and the community will also begin to see thousands of young trees and native plants delivered to the site for planting later this summer and fall.

George Thomson, Goleta’s Parks and Open Space Manager, provides more detail on the efforts, “Now that permits have been issued by the California Coastal Commission, we’ve removed hundreds of dead trees and cleared acres of dead brush from the Goleta Butterfly Grove. This is the first step towards a multi-year replanting effort that will see over 1200 new eucalyptus, 800 native trees, and several thousand flowering shrubs and wetland plants installed at the site. The City is also installing irrigation, removing invasive weeds, and ensuring wetlands and nesting birds are protected throughout this effort.” 

Visitors to Ellwood Mesa will notice several major changes, with more to come in the following weeks:

  • The main butterfly view is noticeably different with fewer dead trees and much of the dead brush in the forest understory cleared out. This is the area where replanting will occur first.
  • Trail improvements will be added, including new wood chips and reroutes where old trails were too steep.
  • Temporary irrigation systems will be installed – aboveground white pipes will be noticeable as water is delivered to the new trees and native plants.
  • Onsite plant nurseries and staging areas are being set up – fenced areas securing thousands of new trees and young plants in small pots will be established. These areas are temporary and help support the replanting effort.
  • Informational signage and temporary trail closure detours will help inform visitors about volunteer opportunities.

Dr. Lisa Stratton, Director of Ecosystem Management for UC Santa Barbara Cheadle Center, is helping coordinate the planting project. She said, “As soon as the big tree work is done and the irrigation lines are established we will begin planting trees to support the sites where monarchs are known to aggregate. We will also enhance the surrounding riparian areas to improve wind protection and temperature moderation. Later in the fall we will plant flowering shrubs to provide nectar for monarchs as they prepare for their spring migration away from Ellwood. The Cheadle Center is recruiting UCSB students and community volunteers to work with us on this exciting restoration opportunity and we invite you to be part of this community effort.”

We invite you to join us!

  • UC Santa Barbara’s Cheadle Center will organize ongoing volunteer work days. For information sign up or email Ethan Anadon, ethan_anadon@ucsb.edu.
  • Your Children’s Trees will lead tree planting and tree care events Saturday mornings 8:15 a.m. to noon, August 3 through September 14. Contact Ken Knight, Certified Master Arborist at (805) 699-0088.
  • Ellwood Friends is an informal community group for those with shared interests in Ellwood, including the stewardship, conservation and celebration of Ellwood Mesa. Sign up for events and updates at ellwoodfriends.org.

Stay Informed and Keep in Touch

Funding for the implementation of the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan is provided by the California State Coastal Conservancy. The Coastal Conservancy is a California state agency, established in 1976, to protect and improve natural lands and waterways, to help people get to and enjoy the outdoors, and to sustain local economies along California’s coast. It acts with others to protect and restore, and increase public access to, California’s coast, ocean, coastal watersheds, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Its vision is of a beautiful, restored, and accessible coast for current and future generations of Californians.

Funding for fire prevention activities in and near Ellwood Mesa (Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazard Fuel Reduction) is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

Pictured above: More than 1,200 young eucalyptus trees are being grown at an offsite facility for the Goleta Butterfly Grove project.  These trees will be planted at Ellwood Mesa to help restore monarch butterfly habitat.


Over 6,500 native plants will soon be delivered to Ellwood Mesa as a massive habitat enhancement effort gets underway to increase biodiversity and provide nectar for migrating monarch butterflies.

 

Creek Week Art Contest Now Open

Goleta Valley Library Accepting Submissions from All Ages and Skill Levels through September 6

Goleta Valley Library is excited to announce the Third Annual Creek Week Art Contest! In celebration of Creek Week (September 21 – 28) the library has partnered once again with the City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Division to invite our community to submit an original work of art in this year’s theme, “Goleta the Goodland: Ocean, Creeks and Watersheds.” To be included in the contest, bring your artwork to the service desk at Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue) during regular business hours before the deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6.

Artists of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in this popular program. Read below for all the details:

Art Competition Guidelines:

  • All artwork that represents the theme “Goleta the Goodland: Ocean, Creeks and Watersheds” will be accepted.
  • Submissions will be grouped into three age categories: Adults (18+), Teens (7th-12th grade), and Children (6th grade and below).
  • Participants may only submit one piece of art. Art must be original, completed solely by the participant.
  • All mediums allowed (photography, painting, drawing, collage, etc.).
  • Artwork is not required to be framed, but must have the artist’s name and age category on the back.
  • Submissions must be no larger than 42” in any direction (including frame) and must have a way to be hung on the wall.
  • Artwork will be scored on relevance to the theme, overall appearance, and originality.
  • Artwork will be scored by Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte and a guest judge, who will award a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place award as well as an Honorable Mention for each age category.
  • A reception will be held at Goleta Valley Library on September 26 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. All participants, along with community members, are invited to attend.
  • Artwork will remain on display on the West Wall of the library for the community to enjoy through September 27.
  • Submissions must be picked up at Goleta Valley Library between October 1 – 5 during business hours.
  • All submitted artwork will become property of the City and may be used in future marketing efforts. A waiver will be provided at the time of drop-off. Artists have the option to participate without signing a waiver.

Goleta Valley Library staff look forward to seeing our community’s creativity come to life to honor Goleta the Goodland! Stay tuned for a full calendar of Creek Week events coming soon.

Creek Week is an annual celebration of our creeks, watersheds, and ocean, with many organizations hosting events to help build awareness and stewardship of the natural treasures of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria. For questions about this competition please contact Library Assistant Sharon Nigh at snigh@cityofgoleta.org.

To learn more about the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries and check out all the great things happening year-round, visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

To stay up to date on the latest City of Goleta news and information, visit www.CityofGoleta.org.

Summer Reading Ends with Stuffed Animal Sleepover

400 Stuffies Take Over Goleta Valley Library

The 2024 Summer Reading Program, Adventure Begins at Your Library, came to a close on Saturday, July 27th at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries after seven fun-filled weeks of programs, performances, and lots of great books. The program could not happen without the help of our amazing volunteers. This year’s team included 80 teen and adult volunteers, more than any other year. Volunteers were responsible for listening to youth participants report on their reading, awarding prizes, and assisting with behind-the-scenes work on a variety of library programs.

This year’s program saw excellent community participation from all ages across the library’s branches, as children, teens, and adults delighted in events and worked hard to earn prizes set at various reading milestones. Since the program’s launch in mid-June, more than 1,500 children in grades K-6 and over 160 teens in grades 7-12 signed up and received reading logs, and adults read over 700 books for a chance to be entered into weekly drawings. Grand prize drawings will take place this week for treasures such as skateboards, gift cards, book packs, and much more! The lucky winners will be notified by the first week of August.

To celebrate this fantastic reading, the much-anticipated Stuffed Animal Sleepover returned to Goleta Valley Library for a summer campout themed overnight adventure! A record-breaking 400 stuffies were dropped off by enthusiastic kids, who had been informed by Children’s Librarian Kaeley Christensen during end-of-school-year class visits that the only participation requirement was that their stuffie couldn’t be too big for them to carry into the library.

“It was truly magical to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they dropped off and picked up their stuffed animals for this event. Making a connection like this with the library will stay with them their whole lives, and I am honored to help make this happen,” said Kaeley Christensen.

Other highlights from the Summer Reading Program included the return of beloved annual performers such as magician Shawn McMaster and puppeteer Luce Puppet Company, as well as new creative events like the “Adventures in Geology” Dibblee map workshop at Solvang Library and the Camp Out Craft Day at Buellton Library. With programs for a wide range of interests as well as materials on a myriad of topics, the library aimed to offer an adventure to each and every one of its patrons this summer.

Congratulations on all your amazing reading and thank you for spending the summer with us!

To learn more about the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries and check out all the great things happening year-round, visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2024 Summer Reading Program: Albertson’s, Anna’s Bakery, Birkholms Bakery & Cafe, Blenders in the Grass, The Book Loft, Brick Barn Winery, The California Nature Art Museum, Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard, Chipotle, Chomp!, The Coffee House by Chomp, Community Clayworks, The Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, Enjoy Bagels & Sweets, The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, The Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley, Goleta Train Depot, Golf N Stuff, Habit Burger Grill, Ice in Paradise, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates, Isla Vista Food Co-op, Islands Restaurant, Kona Ice, Kyle’s Kitchen, Lighthouse Coffee, Los Arroyos, Maritime Museum, Mother Hubbard’s Restaurant, MOXI Museum, Mystic Merchant, New Frontiers Natural Marketplace & Deli, Ocean Nails & Spa, Old Town Coffee, Paragon Academy Goleta, Powell Peralta, Queen Cup Coffee, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Santa Barbara Blueberries, Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Parks-Janeway Carriage House, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Solvang Bakery, Solvang Flavors, Solvang Theaterfest, South Coast Deli, South Coast Montessori, Starbucks Coffee, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, Timbers, Vega Vineyards, and Woodstock’s Pizza.


Storytime for the stuffies at the Stuffed Animal Sleepover


Campers enjoying an on outdoor movie night


Franklin Haynes Marionettes show of “Frankie’s Toy Box”