Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

NatureTrack Film Festival Returns

July 6 Summer Screening Announced

The NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) is returning to Goleta October 11-13, 2024, at a new location, the Camino Real Cinemas at Camino Real Marketplace. Over three days, festival attendees will be wowed with adventure films, visually arresting documentaries, animated films, and films that defy conventional perceptions of nature-centered cinema. The full program of films will be announced in September.

Early Bird VIP passes for the 6th NatureTrack Film Festival are on sale now here.

Gareth Kelly, Managing Director for this year’s festival, said, “We’re excited to stage our biggest festival yet! We look forward to welcoming the community with a program of incredible films and events that will inspire people to connect with the natural world.”

With the mission to Ignite Passion for Nature Through Film, the 2024 festival will showcase over 50 films from around the world that focus on nature, share a passion for environmental stewardship, and celebrate outdoor adventure. The festival will feature an opening night party, filmmaker panels, tributes, and more!

Founded in Los Olivos, CA, in 2018, the NatureTrack Film Festival has become a yearly highlight for filmmakers, conservationists, and nature lovers from California and worldwide. Past NTFF films have won prestigious awards across the film festival circuit, including last year’s Oscar shortlisted Between Earth & Sky, and Range Rider – now a Patagonia Film.

New this year, the NatureTrack Foundation will present a family-friendly outdoor Summer Screening Series at El Capitan campground, in partnership with California State Parks, starting on Saturday, July 6th at 7:30 pm with a screening of The Beaver Believers (2020 NTFF Audience Award Winner). This screening series will be free, open to the public, and will feature films from past editions of NTFF. Also don’t miss the big reveal of this year’s special festival poster featuring art by a prominent local artist on July 11th at 4:00 p.m. in front of the Camino Real Cinemas.

Proceeds from the film festival directly support NatureTrack’s mission of providing outdoor experiences to children and wheelchair users, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access, appreciate, and learn from nature’s wonders.

For more information about the festival, including film submissions, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales, please visit the newly revamped website: www.naturetrackfilmfestival.org.

Fourth of July Events in Goleta

50th Annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July at Stow House

Join the Goleta Valley Historical Society for a spectacular event – the 50th Annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July celebration! This annual event takes place at Rancho La Patera & Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road) from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy fun family-friendly activities including tractor rides and face painting, listen to live music by The Cliffhangers and The Down Yonder Collective, browse the wares of local vendors, and dine on delicious eats and drinks from Mony’s Santa Barbara, AR Catering, and Considered Curbside Coffee!

The Central Coast Vintage Machinery Association, the Model A Club of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society will also be returning this year. And don’t forget to stop by Granny’s Attic, where you’ll find all the vintage items and antiques of your dreams! All sales proceeds benefit the Goleta Valley Historical Society.

Tickets cost $5 for children and $10 for adults and can be purchased in advance. For more info and to purchase tickets go to https://goletahistory.org/old-fashioned-4th-july/. 

See you on the 4th for an old-fashioned extravaganza!

Goleta Depot Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate the 4th of July at the Goleta Depot (300 N. Los Carneros Road) from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. with a variety of activities planned to keep guests of all ages entertained. Children will have a blast bouncing in the bounce house, playing lawn games, and taking tours of the Museum, which includes the Freight Office and Depot Master quarters. Train rides and hand car rides will be offered, as well as miniature steam engine rides, taking families on a nostalgic journey through Goleta’s rich history. There will also be a craft station and unclaimed freight market, filled with miniature trains and tracks for sale.

Pack a picnic lunch, enjoy the designated picnic areas, and make it a perfect day trip for the whole family. Wristbands are $4 for kids of all ages 0-100!

Ribbon Cutting for Latest Solar Project in Goleta

The solar photovoltaics project built and serviced by First Edison is now operating at Cox Communications’ corporate office in Goleta, reducing utility costs and improving sustainability at the 22 S. Fairview Ave location.  

The roof-top solar system is 185 kW DC with a total of 388 panels. The system is projected to produce more than 270,000 kWh of power annually, which is equivalent to the electricity use of 37 homes per year or 207,000lbs of coal burned per year. This annual production is estimated to cover 90% of the electrical load of the building. 

Kirsten McLaughlin, Santa Barbara market vice president for Cox Communications and Colin Lucas, renewable energy engineer for Cox Enterprises hosted the City of Goleta City Council Members including Mayor Paula Perotte to flip the switch on for the new conservation system. They were joined by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kristen Miller. Watch a short video clip of the ribbon cutting on June 12 here: https://youtu.be/zecsGqqEdFQ.

“Cox Communications’ new solar system installation is a perfect example of the transition to our clean energy future. I look forward to seeing more of these systems installed to help meet our climate goals,” said Mayor Paula Perotte.  

“Sustainability and driving positive environmental change are core to the way Cox does business. We’re excited our primary facility serving Goleta, is using solar power to reduce our carbon footprint throughout the entire Santa Barbara region,” said McLaughlin. “This solar project will move us closer to our company’s sustainability goals which include becoming carbon neutral by 2034.”  

Cox has long been committed to renewables, as this project is just one of more than 60 on-site solar generation projects Cox implemented across the country. In April, Cox announced the achievement of its ambitious goal to send Zero Waste to Landfill by 2024. Cox is the first U.S.-based, enterprise-wide service company to be verified by GreenCircle Certified as achieving a 92% waste diversion rate. This achievement meets Zero Waste USA’s definition of a zero-waste business. 

The company is still focused on its goal of becoming carbon and water neutral by 2034. So far, Cox has invested nearly $165 million in more than 500 projects to get there.

Pictured above: Solar panels at Cox Communications’ corporate office in Goleta


Ceremonial cutting of the ribbon and flipping the switch – click here to watch video clip


Mayor Paula Perotte speaking at the event


Goleta City Council and Staff pictured with Cox Communications Staff

Habitat Home Repair for Low-Income Homeowners

Habitat Santa Barbara’s Home Repair program provides free critical repairs, modifications, and maintenance for qualified low-income homeowners in Southern Santa Barbara County including Goleta. Repairs under this program address health, safety, and security issues as well as accessibility improvements and projects that support aging in place. We work in all home types, with the majority of our repair projects taking place in Mobile Home Parks, ensuring that Mobile Home Parks can continue to provide a significant source of naturally affordable ownership housing. Learn more here and apply today.

View the application in English here and in Spanish here.

More information on the program is available at www.sbhabitat.org/programs/home-repair. To contact someone at Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County, email repairs@sbhabitat.org or call (805) 692-2226.

July Observances

This July, the City of Goleta wants to note a couple of the holidays and cultural observances that take place this month.

4th of July: Independence Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which declared the United States as a free and independent nation. Celebrate the 4th of July at the Goleta Valley Library with a red, white and blue crafternoon! Children can visit the Library on July 3rd to make patriotic crafts, decor and more! And on July 4th, head over to the Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road) for Goleta Valley Historical Society’s 50th Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration or to the Goleta Train Depot’s Independence Day Celebration (300 N. Los Carneros Road).

Disability Independence Day: National Disability Independence Day is celebrated annually on July 26th to recognize the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and public accommodations. This day recognizes the importance of inclusion for all individuals with both seen, and unseen, disabilities.

The City of Goleta invites you to join us in learning, embracing, and celebrating diverse holidays and observations that contribute to the fabric of our community throughout the year.

Your Summer Reading Adventure Awaits!

Read Books, Earn Prizes and Attend Special Events at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries are the place to be this summer! This year’s Summer Reading Program, Adventure Begins at Your Library, kicked off in mid-June with over 1,600 visits across all libraries during opening weekend (June 15 & 16). At Goleta Valley Library, nearly 250 patrons participated in a themed Scavenger Hunt and over 50 earnest teen volunteers earned community service hours while distributing Reading Logs and answering questions about the program, as excited families looked forward to a story-filled summer. Together, the Buellton and Solvang libraries had 70 people sign up for the Summer Reading Program the first weekend.

Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian Kaeley Christensen said, “I am thrilled at the turnout for our Summer Reading Program so far. It is wonderful to see the kids come in so excited about reading books and sharing stories with our teen volunteers this summer. The enthusiasm is catching, as our adult participation has increased this year as well!”

If you haven’t picked up your Reading Log yet, don’t worry! The program runs through July 27th and Reading Logs are available at Goleta Valley Library, Solvang Library, Buellton Library, and the Bookvan.

How It Works: All ages are encouraged to participate in this annual celebration of literacy and lifelong learning. Children in grades K-6 earn prizes for every five books or 300 minutes they read, and teen participants (grades 7-12) earn prizes for every book they read. Similarly, adults 18+ receive one prize drawing ticket for each book they read, which they can enter in the library’s weekly prize drawings. Reading in all formats is welcome, including print books, graphic novels, eBooks, and audiobooks. Click here to access digital content for free with your library card through the e-Library.

Fun-filled special events are also an exciting part of the Summer Reading Program. Each week, programs, activities and performances are provided for free at the Goleta, Solvang and Buellton Libraries. Don’t miss these upcoming special events at Goleta Valley Library:

4th of July Craft for Kids
Wednesday, July 3rd from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Summer Craft for Adults
Saturday, July 6th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Camping-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Tuesday, July 9th – Sunday, July 14th All Day

Hula Show with “Hula Anyone”
Saturday, July 13th from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Teen Craft: Morse Code & Friendship Bracelets
Thursday, July 18th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Storyteller Alan Salazar
Saturday, July 20th from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Franklin Haynes Marionettes: Frankie’s Toy Box!
Wednesday, July 24th from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Drop-Off: Thursday, July 25th from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Pick-Up: Saturday, July 27th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

View the full Calendar of Events here. We look forward to seeing you at the library this summer!

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries wish to extend our sincerest gratitude to the generous local businesses and organizations who have provided amazing prizes that inspire readers to reach and exceed their reading goals: 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 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.

Pictured: Puppet Show at Goleta Valley Library June 22, 2024

Goleta Receives 12th Tree City Designation

The City of Goleta has reaffirmed its commitment to urban forestry and the preservation of green spaces by once again earning the prestigious designation of a “Tree City” from the Arbor Day Foundation. This marks the 12th year that Goleta has been named a “Tree City”.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program, established in 1976, serves as a vital platform for promoting the significance of trees in urban settings. To become a “Tree City” four overarching standards set by the Arbor Day Foundation must be met:

  • Establishment of a Tree Board or Department: Designating individuals or groups responsible for the care of all trees in city-owned properties, facilitating better decision-making, and promoting public awareness about the significance of trees in the community.
  • Implementation of a Community Tree Ordinance: Enacting a public tree care ordinance or law to govern the maintenance, planting, and removal of trees in public spaces, ensuring the protection and sustained management of the urban tree canopy.
  • Allocation of Budget for Urban Forestry: Investing a minimum of $2 per capita in urban forestry, showcasing the city’s commitment to the growth and maintenance of valuable public trees.
  • Celebrating Arbor Day: Marking this occasion with activities that raise awareness about the significance of trees and encourage their continued preservation by involving members of the community.

Through this program, communities are empowered to cultivate and trees in old town sustain their tree cover, thereby contributing to improved air quality, reduced energy costs, and a heightened quality of life for residents. Goleta’s recognition as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation is a testament to our commitment to a greener future.

Let’s keep planting and growing together!

Trees in Old Town

The 25 trees along Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta are flourishing! These trees were planted last year as part of the Arbor Week celebrations in 2023. The City received approval from the Public Tree Advisory Commission to plant three species of trees: Ginkgo Biloba, Arbutus Marina “Madrone”, and the Chinese Pistache.

These trees were planted along Hollister Avenue, stretching from Fairview Avenue down to the Highway 217 overpass. Goleta Public Works is responsible for watering the trees, managing weeds, and maintaining planters, while West Coast Arborist is responsible for tree pruning care.

As these 25 new trees continue to grow, they will become an integral part of the landscape, and their presence will serve as a reminder of the community’s commitment to environmental sustainability. They are a part of the 14,000 publicly owned trees that line our streets and parks managed by the Goleta Public Works team.

With the launch of the City’s new Old Town Open For Business campaign, this is the perfect time to take a stroll down Hollister Avenue and support your favorite local shop while checking out the new trees.

Right-Size Your Waste Service

A Sustainable Solution for Goleta Residents

Amidst a solid waste rate increase, now is the perfect time for Goleta residents to reevaluate their waste management services and explore opportunities for waste reduction. With sustainability at the forefront, it’s essential to optimize waste services to meet actual needs while minimizing environmental impact and saving money.

One common mistake many residents make is sizing their waste service for bulky items and one-off loads, resulting in unnecessary expenses, and wasted resources. Fortunately, Goleta offers a solution for single family residents with four free bulky item pickups annually, allowing residents to dispose of large items without the need for oversized waste containers. Multi-family residents now have access to one free bulky item pickup per dwelling unit on the property per year.

By downsizing waste containers, residents can reap several benefits. Not only does it save money on monthly bills, but it also encourages waste reduction and minimizes the footprint of waste storage on their property. Smaller containers are more efficient, taking up less space and promoting responsible waste management practices.

To assist residents in right-sizing their waste service, here are some simple instructions:

  • Visual Assessments: Take a moment to assess your waste container regularly. Is it consistently empty, full, or overflowing? Adjust your service accordingly based on your actual waste volume.
  • Multiple Assessments: Waste generation can fluctuate over time, so don’t make changes based on a single observation. Monitor your waste output for a few weeks before making significant service adjustments.

Need Help? If you’re unsure about the right waste service for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to the City of Goleta for assistance. Our dedicated team is here to help you make informed decisions, call 805-961-7575 or email EnvironmentalServices@CityofGoleta.org.

Need to Update Services? Contact MarBorg Industries at 805-963-1852, our trusted waste management partner, to update your waste service and ensure it aligns with your needs and preferences.

By following these simple steps, Goleta residents can play a vital role in promoting waste reduction, saving money, and creating a more sustainable community. Let’s work together to make a positive impact on our environment and future generations.

Remember, when it comes to waste management, the key is to right-size your service for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Let’s make every effort to reduce waste and build a greener, more sustainable Goleta.

Learn more at www.cityofgoleta.org/WasteFreeGoleta or email us today at EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.org.

Embrace Plastic Free July

Goleta’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future

During Plastic Free July, the City of Goleta is excited to highlight various events and initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable living. Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals to reduce their single-use plastic consumption for a month, with the goal of adopting these habits long-term.

One of the key events this month is the 2nd Annual Plastic Free July Expo, which took place on June 27 in Santa Barbara. This event, hosted by local nonprofits Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Santa Barbara Channel Keeper (SBCK), was an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about practical ways to reduce plastic usage and discover innovative products and services that support a plastic-free lifestyle. There were a variety of exhibits at the Expo showcasing eco- friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. Attendees also had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations passionate about environmental sustainability.

Don’t worry if you missed the expo, you can sign up for a “The Plastic Crisis: Science and Solutions” Zoom webinar on July 16 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The webinar, featuring CEC and Plastic Free Future founders Alejandra Warren (CEC’s 2024 Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival Environmental Hero) and Dr. Matt Warren, will share the science behind the plastic crisis and discuss solutions that can lead us to a healthier, cleaner, and plastic-free future. Learn more and register: https://cec.pub/plasticfreefuture. 

Another exciting event is the Beautify Goleta Plastic Free July event coming up on July 20, 2024, at Berkeley Park, featuring Mission Refill as the Spotlight Captain and the Kellogg Elementary Ocean Guardians as our Spotlight Volunteers. These young environmental stewards from Kellogg Elementary have been leading the way in promoting reusable utensils and other sustainable practices, setting an inspiring example for us all.

The City of Goleta is committed to reducing single-use plastics through its Plastic Free Goleta initiative. This program offers valuable content and resources for residents, including practical tips on how to minimize plastic use. By visiting the City’s Plastic Free Goleta page at www.CityofGoleta.org/PlasticFreeGoleta, you can learn about the local efforts to combat plastic pollution and find out how you can contribute to a more sustainable community.

The City’s own plastic policy has been in effect just over one year – it went into effect on June 1, 2023. The policy requires single-use items like utensils and straws to be made from non-plastic materials to reduce the presence of plastic in our community and keep plastic out of our environment. Reusable food ware for dining onsite is required to further prevent the use of single-use plastic. It also prohibits polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) products, which frequently make their way into marine habitats and cause harm to wildlife. Balloon releases are also regulated for similar reasons – latex balloons and plastic ribbons can entangle wildlife, while Mylar balloons are completely banned in Goleta to prevent environmental harm and damage to power lines.

There are numerous simple yet effective ways to reduce plastic usage in our daily lives. For instance, consider carrying a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, opting for reusable shopping bags, and avoiding products with excessive plastic packaging. If you need more ideas, check out Plastic Free July’s website for a comprehensive list of actions you can take. Plastic Free July – Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution

By participating in Plastic Free July, you’re not just making a difference for one month— you’re contributing to a lasting change that benefits our environment and future generations. Together, we can reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and move towards a more sustainable and resilient Goleta.