Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

There is No Earthquake Season

Summer is a time for relaxation, but in the event of an unexpected earthquake emergency, will you be prepared? Whether you are relaxing on the coast, camping in the woods, or enjoying the latest thrill ride at an amusement park, Cal OES encourages Californians and visitors alike to take the time now to update their emergency plans, including having a plan for when you are on vacation. Take a moment to get familiar with the local evacuation routes and emergency shelters.

Stay informed about earthquake risks at your vacation destination and be mindful of local regulations, share emergency preparedness lists with friends and family, and activate advanced warnings on your devices to know when to take protective life-saving actions. Download the free MyShake app now for your smart phone. If you experience an earthquake, drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Follow any instructions from local authorities and be ready to evacuate if necessary. By taking proactive steps to prepare for earthquakes while on vacation, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones, turning a potential disaster into a manageable situation. Many things in life may catch us off guard, but earthquakes don’t have to!

Get more tips and resources from Earthquake Warning California at https://earthquake.ca.gov/.

Prepare for Heat and Wildfire Threat

By Southern California Edison

Summer Heat Preparation

Summer is in full swing and so is the heat. Southern California Edison (SCE) is poised and ready. SCE crews have installed or upgraded critical electrical equipment and are prepared to quickly respond to possible power outages in all weather conditions.

SCE’s weather team recently warned of potentially dangerous fire conditions associated with the early season heatwave. Although it takes much more than high heat to spark a fire, the combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and gusty winds can raise the fire danger.

 To further mitigate wildfire risk, SCE’s crews are also:

  • Conducting additional inspections of electrical equipment, prioritizing the highest-risk structures in targeted areas based on emergent fire conditions. These include both ground inspections by field crews and aerial inspections using drones and helicopters.
  • Implementing new technology. One example is adding remote-controlled reclosers on power poles. A recloser can detect when a foreign object (e.g., palm fronds, metallic balloons, or wildlife) contacts a power line and disconnect the line to reduce the risk of a more hazardous condition.

Wildfire Mitigation

SCE updated its Wildfire Mitigation Plan in April. The 2023-25 plan focuses on grid hardening primarily through installing covered conductor (or coated wire), enhanced vegetation management, and advanced monitoring/alert systems. Through proactive practices like these, SCE has reduced the probability of wildfires associated with utility equipment by 85%-88% since 2018.

The plan also focuses on reducing the effects of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) on customers. It continues SCE’s partnership with county fire agencies to provide year-round aerial fire suppression from the Quick Reaction Force of helitankers.

To learn more about SCE’s wildfire efforts, PSPS and customer resources, visit www.sce.com/wildfire. For stories and videos about SCE’s wildfire efforts, visit energized.edison.com/wildfire-safety.

Customer Preparation

Customers are also encouraged to be fire ready. They can:

  • Clear brush from around their properties, which helps protect their homes during a fire. Best practices call for clearances up to 100 feet of defensible space, increasing beyond 100 feet in more hazardous areas.
  • Install fire-resistant doors, double-paned windows, and ember-resistant screens and vents.
  • Call 800-655-4555 or email safetrees@sce.com if vegetation is growing near or around power lines. SCE will conduct an inspection at no cost to the customer.

To report outages, customers can call 800-611-1911 or email sce.com/outage.

August Observances

This August, the City of Goleta wants to note two holidays and cultural observances that take place this month.

Celebrated annually on August 9th, International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is a day to honor the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of indigenous communities worldwide. It’s a time for reflection on the challenges that indigenous people face and to renew our commitment to supporting and upholding their rights across the globe.

Observed August 26th, Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. This day provides a platform to celebrate the achievements of women and to advocate for gender equality. It is a reminder of the ongoing efforts to eliminate barriers and discrimination that women face in various aspects of their lives.

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.

Goleta’s Front Desk Receptionist Retires

City of Goleta’s beloved Front Desk receptionist Francie Townes is heading into retirement. Her last day at the City was August 1st. She received a City Tile at the July 16 Council meeting recognizing her outstanding service to the City as well as an outpouring of gratitude from Assistant City Manager Jaime Valdez, the Mayor, and Councilmembers. They thanked her for the important role she has played at the City. Staff were in attendance to show their support and cheer Francie on in this special moment.

Jaime Valdez said, “Francie is an amazing person, the first person we see when we walk through the doors. Always kind, always has a smile, a warm gesture, a nice sentiment.”

Mayor Perotte said “Anybody knows that the first person you meet in any business or organization is critical to that organization. And you are the heart of Goleta.”

Francie was moved by all the kind words. “It has been very touching to see the City grow and work with so many amazing and talented people” she said. “It’s been a great privilege to be able to watch the City open its doors and embrace the diversity and include all of the citizens of Goleta.”

Francie first started working with the City of Goleta in 2012 after moving to California from the East Coast to be closer to family. Her background includes different fields ranging from administrative work, education, banking, public relations, administrative work, non-profit organizations, and for the past decade, local government. She began her work with the City of Goleta as a temp before becoming the front desk receptionist.

“My favorite thing about working here” says Francie, “is being able to help someone who has walked in completely lost and having them leave with the knowledge and confidence of where they need to go.”

Francie plans to enjoy her retirement by taking art classes and volunteer as a hospice worker in her free time.

“I want my co-workers to remember one thing,” says Francie, “always take a moment to stop and smile”.

Thank you, Francie, for all you have done for the City of Goleta and our community! We wish you the best of luck as you begin this new chapter.


Francie with Mayor Perotte after receiving her City Tile


Francie with the City Council and her City Tile

 

Application Deadline Extended for Commission Vacancies

Apply by September 6 at 5:00 p.m.

The City of Goleta has extended the deadline to apply to serve on a Board or Commission to September 6, 2024. The Parks and Recreation Commission and Public Engagement Commission are both looking to fill a youth position. If you are a teen ages 15 – 18, we encourage you to apply. This is a great way to get involved with the City, learn more about local government, and have your voice heard. Please help us spread the word by letting any teen in your life know about these opportunities. The City is also looking for applicants for an opening on the Design Review Board. If you are interested in serving, apply here.

Learn more about each opportunity:

The Parks and Recreation Commission is a seven-member body with an opening for a Youth Commissioner (at least 15 years old and not more than 18 years old at the time of appointment). The Commission advises the City Council on all issues related to public parks, open spaces, beaches, and indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and opportunities in Goleta. The Youth Commissioner is for a two-year term.

The Commission holds six regular meetings per year and may hold additional meetings as needed.

The Public Engagement Commission is also looking for a Youth Commissioner. 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.

The 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, compensation is $75 per meeting. The Youth Commissioner can choose to waive compensation to instead receive school or other educational or community service credit.

The Design Review Board (DRB) encourages development that uses the best professional design practices to enhance the visual aesthetics of the community and prevent poor quality of design. The DRB advises the City Council, Planning Commission, and staff. There is one vacancy for a Design Professional position to fill an unexpired portion of a term ending February 1, 2026.

The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m., and members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Applications for all open Board and Commission vacancies may be submitted online at www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. Applications are due by September 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Academy

Apply by August 30

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its upcoming Citizen’s Academy. The Citizen’s Academy is an engaging and informational behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement in Santa Barbara, hosted by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. Participants will engage in various topics including the history of law enforcement, criminal law, patrol tactics, and de-escalation communication. They will also participate in hands-on learning such as firearms instruction and active shooter scenarios. This is a great opportunity for people who are interested in law enforcement to learn more about our agency and this rewarding career.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Applications must be received no later than Friday, August 30, 2024. You can scan and email your application to citizensacademy@sbsheriff.org.

The first class begins Thursday, September 12, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Sheriff’s Headquarters (4434 Calle Real, Santa Barbara 93110). There will be a session every Thursday at 6:00 p.m., except for October 31 (Halloween), with a final meeting on Saturday, November 16, 2024, which will include a graduation ceremony.  Sessions will be at various locations including Sheriff’s Headquarters, the North Branch Jail, and County Air Support at the Santa Ynez Airport.

You can read more about the Citizen’s Academy and find the application form on the Sheriff’s Office website, SBSheriff.org.

Learn about Goleta’s Code Compliance Division

Goleta residents and property owners are entitled to live in an orderly, safe, and beautiful community. The purpose of the Code Compliance function is to facilitate a safe and desirable environment by applying applicable zoning and building laws and regulations as suspected violations are reported.  These adopted regulations include, but are not limited to, the Goleta Municipal Code (GMC), the California Building Code, the International Property Maintenance Code, and other adopted codes. Code Compliance addresses a wide range of neighborhood issues from property maintenance issues to unpermitted construction activities.

There are three ways to report a code violation:

  1. City Assist – Submit a Request
  2. Public Portal for Permit Tracking
  3. Calling 805-961-7556 or emailing codecompliance@cityofgoleta.org

Reports are investigated by Code Compliance Officers who determine if a violation exists based on visual observation from the public right of way.  If a violation is identified, then the Property Owner and tenant (if applicable) are sent a written letter (Notice of Violation or NOV) outlining the violation(s) and given a deadline to comply.  Typically, multiple NOVs are sent before additional Code Compliance actions are undertaken including the issuance of administrative fines/citations.  

Recently, the City of Goleta has contracted with a third-party vendor (Citation Processing Center or CPC) to accept and process administrative fines/citations associated with Code Compliance cases. If a Property Owner/tenant receives an administrative citation, the payment methods available include online payments at www.CitationProcessingCenter.com or with mail in payments to: City of Goleta, c/o Citation Processing Center, PO Box 7275, Newport Beach, CA 92658 -7275. CPC has a bilingual Customer Service Department available Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm (800-989-2058) to serve the residents/property owners who receive an administrative citation.

Please do your part to create and preserve an orderly, safe, and beautiful community by maintaining your property and/or by checking with the Current Planning Division (805-961-7543 or planningcounter@cityofgoleta.org) or the Building Division (805-961-7552 or buildinggroup@cityofgoleta.org) before undertaking construction.

Get Ready for Creek Week

SB Creek Week (September 21 – 28) is an annual celebration of our creeks, watersheds, and the ocean, with many organizations hosting events to help build awareness and stewardship of the natural treasures of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria. 

Creek Week begins with Coastal Cleanup Day on September 21, an international effort to clean up beaches on a global scale. There are multiple opportunities to get involved with Creek Week in Goleta, through participation in Coastal Cleanup Day, FREE Bulky Items Collections, Creek Week Art Contest with the Goleta Valley Library (September 6 – 26), a Goleta Creeks and Watersheds Lunch and Learn on September 27th, volunteer plantings at Ellwood bluffs on September 28th, a creek tour, and more! Additionally, many exciting events are happening County-wide. Stay tuned for county-wide details at SB Creek Week, and for Goleta-specific details on the City’s events calendar and social media (@cityofgoleta).

Combined Coffee & Community and Beautify Goleta Recap

The City’s first combined Coffee & Community and Beautify Goleta event drew approximately 100 community members to Berkeley Park located behind Kellogg School on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Thanks to everyone who took time out of their morning to come have coffee and conversation with us and those who stayed and helped clean up the area as Beautify Goleta volunteers. Want to see for yourself how memorable this event was? Check out our photo gallery here https://bit.ly/3LxKclp and go to our social media pages on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @cityofgoleta to watch a reel.

The morning started with a welcome from Mayor Pro-Tempore Luz Reyes-Martin (District 1) who said, “These coffee and community events which are held throughout the year throughout the city are a great opportunity for neighbors to get to know the Councilmember from their district, Mayor and staff at the City. Thank you so much for being here.” 

Mayor Paula Perotte introduced City staff from different departments who were in attendance and available for one-on-one time with attendees, some who came to the event with specific questions. She said, “It was a relaxed atmosphere where people felt comfortable asking questions. Whether they lived in the Berkeley Park neighborhood or were from other areas of Goleta, it was a wonderful opportunity to be together in a casual setting.”

A highlight of the event was when the Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tempore recognized the Kellogg Ocean Guardians who were the first school in the Goleta Union School District, and the one of first in the state, to replace single-use plastic utensils with reusable metal sporks for its students. The students present received Certificates of Recognition for their “commitment to the protection and conservation of local watersheds, the world’s ocean, and national marine sanctuaries.”

Twenty-two volunteers stayed afterwards for Beautify Goleta and collected over 50 pounds of trash. A Bulky Item Drop Off took place nearby at Good Shephard Lutheran Church and Preschool and saw 39 vehicle drop-offs, totaling over 6,600 pounds.

A special thanks to Valerie Voorhees and Karina Trejo from Mission Refill who, in the spirit of Plastic Free July and Plastic Free Goleta, filled empty glass containers with a total of almost three gallons of unscented hand soap. 

Thanks also to the Goleta Valley Library who brought sidewalk chalk for the kids, signed people up for free library cards and provided some great summertime reading books.

As always, thanks to our wonderful community for showing up and supporting our events. 

Pictured above: City staff at event


Mayor Pro-Tempore Luz Reyes-Martin and Mayor Paula Perotte at Berkeley Park


Kellogg Ocean Guardians Recognized


Mission Refill Free Hand soap Distribution


Father and son Beautify Goleta volunteers


Sidewalk Chalk Artist 

Ellwood Mesa Access Road Reopens

The Ellwood Mesa Emergency Access Road is back open. It had been closed since February 4, 2024, due to impacts from a severe winter storm which washed out the existing 72-inch diameter pipe culvert and severely damaged the emergency access road.

The Ellwood Mesa Emergency Access Road provides trail and beach access to City staff for maintenance, emergency vehicles and pedestrians at the end of Santa Barbara Shores Drive. The access road is an important part of the overall trail system for the Ellwood Mesa.

The repair work began on June 26, 2024. The City-hired contractors successfully installed a 72-inch diameter reinforced concrete culvert, bank erosion control, and a concrete roadway to reconnect the trail across Devereux Creek. The work was completed on July 15, 2024.

Other storm repairs throughout the City are ongoing or anticipated to begin in the next few weeks.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Project Manager Michael Winnewisser at (805) 690-5120 or mwinnewisser@cityofgoleta.org. 

Pictured above: Newly Opened Ellwood Mesa Emergency Access Road


Work being done on the Ellwood Mesa Emergency Access Road