Come work at a great place! The City of Goleta is always looking for talented people to join our team. Below are our available positions:
For more information and to apply, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/Jobs. Check back regularly for new listings.
After more than 35 years of public service in local government, Goleta’s first Parks and Recreation Manager, JoAnne Plummer, has taken on a new leadership role at the City. She began her next career chapter as the City’s Neighborhood Services Director on June 17th. She was selected following a competitive hiring process and three decades spent serving in various positions of local government, including the last eight years working at the City of Goleta.
Goleta’s Assistant City Manager and former Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez said she is well prepared and deserving of this new opportunity. He added, “Ms. Plummer brings a unique blend of polished skills and high energy to the role as well as a “Happy to Help” attitude. In addition to her extensive knowledge in Parks and Recreation operations, she also has an expertise and focus on forward-facing programing and projects making her a perfect fit to lead the varying functional areas in the Neighborhood Services Department.”
Ms. Plummer said, “I am so honored and excited to step into this new position to lead a team of talented and dedicated professionals. Together, we will continue to support and enhance our community through the vital services the Neighborhood Services Department provides.”
Ms. Plummer started her career in public service at the City of Santa Maria where she spent 11 years in various positions. She began as a part time swimming pool clerk, advancing to lifeguard and swim instructor. She was promoted to Assistant Pool Manager before working her way up to Cultural Arts Program Coordinator, Special Events Program Coordinator, and then Aquatic Facility Specialist. Next, she took on the roles of Recreation Supervisor and Recreation Manager at the City of Lompoc where she spent 19 years. Her move to become the first Parks and Recreation Manager for the City of Goleta occurred in November 2016.
In her eight years as Goleta’s Parks and Recreation Manager, Ms. Plummer has accomplished several important projects for our community:
As the Neighborhood Services Director, Ms. Plummer oversees the following divisions: City and Community Development Block Grants, Emergency Services, Homelessness Services, Library, and Parks and Recreation which includes overseeing the Goleta Community Center.
Join the City in congratulating Ms. Plummer on becoming Goleta’s next Neighborhood Services Director.
The City of Goleta has new opportunities for community members to get involved, including two specifically for teens ages 15 – 18. The Parks and Recreation Commission and Public Engagement Commission are both looking to fill a youth position. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how local government works, have your voice heard, and give back to your community. The City is also looking for applicants for an opening on the Design Review Board. Interested community members can apply here by August 9.
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. Eligible applicants must live in the City of 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; members are compensated $75 per meeting. A youth member may choose to waive compensation in order to receive school or other educational or community service credit.
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. Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission holds four regular meetings per year and may hold additional meetings as needed. 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 (City-Resident) 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 https://www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. Applications are due by August 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.
Have you or someone you know fallen victim to a scam? Join Senator Monique Limón for a Senior Scam Prevention Seminar at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) on Tuesday, July 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Gain valuable information on how to detect scams and protect yourself from fraud as you learn from a panel of experts on the latest scam tactics.
The seminar is presented by the California Department of Insurance, Department of Financial Protection & Innovation, Department of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Justice.
Please RVSP online for this event or call Senator Monique Limón’s Office at (805) 965 -0862.
For questions, please email Senator.Limon@senate.ca.gov or call the Santa Barbara District Office at (805) 965 -0862.
Work has begun to repair City infrastructure damaged in the February 2024 storm. The atmospheric river storm that occurred on February 4, 2024, caused significant damage in Goleta, including flooding on public streets, open spaces, and other property in the City; damage to public rights-of-way, including storm drain infrastructure; downed trees blocking sidewalks and streets; road closures; and disruption of public services.
Five public infrastructure repair projects will take place between the end of June and August.
The Ellwood Mesa Emergency Access Road project (pictured) started the week of June 24th and will take approximately one month to complete. The project is located along the trail to Ellwood Mesa off Santa Barbara Shores Drive and will involve replacing the culvert and access road across Devereux Creek. Ellwood Mesa Open Space will remain open with detour signs posted to avoid the construction area. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Project Manager Michael Winnewisser at (805) 690-5120 or mwinnewisser@cityofgoleta.org.
The Newport Drive Culvert Repair project is anticipated to start in early July and take approximately one month to complete. Located between the 7500 and 7600 blocks of Newport Drive at a small creek, the project will involve rep-airing the southern end of a box culvert with new piles, foundation and wingwalls and replacing the adjacent sidewalk that has been undermined by storm flows. The work will mostly occur within the creek with minor traffic and pedestrian impacts expected on Newport Drive. Questions or comments can be directed to Project Manager Michael Winnewisser at (805) 690-5120 or mwinnewisser@cityofgoleta.org.
The Evergreen Park Drainage Repair project is expected to start in early July and will take approximately one month to complete. The project is located along Padova Drive near the southern entrance of Evergreen Park. The project will involve replacing a catch basin, storm drain pipe, and installing a new junction and outlet structure. The eroded bank will also be repaired. The work will occur on the south end of Evergreen Park. The park will remain open with detour signs posted to avoid the construction area. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Kent Yankee, Contract Project Manager, at kyankee@cityofgoleta.org.
The San Pedro Creek Storm Drain Repair project is planned to start in late July and take approximately one month to complete. The project, located along Westmorland Place near San Pedro Creek, will involve installing a new concrete collar, headwall, and footing over a 48” storm drainpipe. The work will mostly occur on the San Pedro creek bank with minor traffic and pedestrian impacts expected on Westmorland Place. For questions or comments, contact Contract Project Manager Kent Yankee at kyankee@cityofgoleta.org.
The Covington Way and Camino Venturoso Drain Debris Removal project is expected to start in August and take approximately one week to complete. The project is located at the intersection of Covington Way and Camino Venturoso and will involve dewatering and removing debris from an adjacent storm drain outlet structure, flushing out upstream storm drain pipe, and CCTV pipe inspections. Traffic control will be in place to guide vehicles and pedestrians around the work area. For questions or comments, contact Project Manager Daniel Virgen Jr. at (805) 961-7564 or dvirgen@cityofgoleta.org.
All projects have approved permits and biologists will be performing pre-work surveys for sensitive wildlife species to avoid any impacts. The City thanks you in advance for your patience.
The City of Goleta will begin an estimated $7 million dollars of pavement rehabilitation construction in mid-July. The road segments included were approved for the 2023 Pavement Rehabilitation Project. The Project is part of the City’s ongoing effort to maintain and improve the City’s road network by restoring and resurfacing the existing pavement to prevent further damage and extend its lifespan. The work will also include installing new striping and markings to improve visibility for drivers and accessibility compliant curb ramp upgrades.
While they are not in any particular order and an exact schedule has not yet been determined, the following road segments are scheduled for rehabilitation:
The construction phase will require temporary lane closures and traffic detours. Once a schedule of construction is announced, you are advised to plan your routes accordingly and follow all traffic signage and instructions from construction crew workers.
The City constructs an Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Project as part of its Pavement Management Program (PMP). The PMP uses a critical point management approach to select and prioritize which streets will be considered for treatment. The critical point approach incorporates pavements from all parts of the deterioration curve, not just the best or worst. This approach optimizes every budget dollar by seeking to apply the right treatment to the right pavement at the right time. Pavement treatments ranges from pothole repair and crack sealing to slurry seals, overlays, and reconstructions.
To stay updated on the project’s progress, please visit our pavement webpage at www.CityofGoleta.org/Pavement.
If you have any questions on the Pavement Rehabilitation Projects, please contact us at pavement@CityofGoleta.org or 805-562-5504.
Pictured: Paving on N. Los Carneros Road (February 2023)
The “Meet Me in Old Town Goleta” free summer event series returns Thursday, July 18 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Grab your favorite fare from an Old Town eatery and head to Magnolia Avenue between Hollister Avenue and Gaviota Street for live music, performances, games, and refreshments, including beer and wine. Community organizations and local vendors will be on-site and Goleta shirts and sweatshirts along with commemorative merchandise will be available for purchase.
Here are the details for July 18:
Entertainment: Mezcal Martini, Fiesta Spirit and Junior Spirit will be dancing
Activities: Live music, local business specials, food trucks, refreshments, games, merchandise, community vendors.
Food Trucks: Dave’s Dogs and McConnell’s Ice Cream
Vendor Booths: City of Goleta, Megan’s Organic Market, CrossFit Santa Barbara, Wright & Feusier Orthodontics and Children’s Resources and Referral of Santa Barbara County
There are only three Meet Me in Old Town events total and the first one in May was a blast! Check out photos here. The last one is on August 18th.
Designed to enhance community engagement, boost local business visibility, and showcase the unique charm of Old Town Goleta, these events celebrate the lively atmosphere of an evening block party, featuring games, entertainment, and a variety of food and beverage options. Local businesses will host specials and participate in ways that highlight their unique offerings, from tastings to promotions. This initiative not only promotes visiting local businesses but also encourages them to engage directly with the community and their neighbors in the heart of Old Town.
Residents are invited to join their neighbors in interactive and family-friendly activities. Visitors from neighboring areas can explore the distinctive attractions that Old Town Goleta has to offer and enjoy a lineup of performers such as Mezcal Martini and performances by the Fiesta Spirit and Junior Spirit in July and Tequila Mockingbird in August.
The event is put on by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Goleta. For more information go to SBSCChamber.com.
Public parking for the event is available in the Yardi parking lot at 430 S. Fairview Avenue or the public parking lot next to Community West Bank at 5827 Hollister Avenue.
We hope to see you there!
Pictured: City of Goleta staff at the May 16 Meet Me in Old Town Event
The City of Goleta has released an informative video on Project Connect, the largest capital improvement project in the history of the City. The project broke ground in March of 2024 and will take several years to complete. Currently, the Hollister Avenue Interim Striping portion of the project is underway in Old Town. When Project Connect is complete, you can expect a better transportation network for all modes of travel in Goleta. Watch the video in English (https://youtu.be/8L2qojOkIEY) and Spanish (https://youtu.be/mOHgHnFKwNs) to see what to expect and what to look forward to.
The video is narrated by Interim Goleta Public Works Director Nina Buelna in English and the Project Connect Manager Melissa Angeles in Spanish. Both hope you will take time to watch and understand the purpose of this multi-year project and how it will mean a better future for Goleta.
Nina Buelna says in the video, “We know Project Connect is an impactful project and it’s important you know that we are here for you during construction. Our website is continually updated and we have a dedicated project outreach team that is ready to answer your questions and address concerns.”
Ultimately, Project Connect will enhance pedestrian access and safety, improve road conditions and build critical linkage throughout Goleta while increasing stormwater flow capacity in San Jose Creek under Hollister Bridge. The Hollister Avenue Interim Striping portion of the project will feature one vehicle lane and dedicated bike lanes in each direction, a painted median, back-in angled 90-minute parking along the north side of Hollister Avenue and other improvements.
During construction, lane closures and detours will be in place.
As a reminder, Old Town is Open for Business during construction. There are two free public parking lots at Community West Bank (corner of Hollister Avenue and Pine Avenue) and on Orange Avenue. Thank you for showing your support.
The City understands that long-term projects such as this one can be inconvenient for those that live in, visit, or have businesses in the area. We appreciate your patience in advance and look forward to the positive impact that will be felt for years to come as the result of this project.
To stay updated on project milestones, traffic impacts, and other important Project Connect information, go to the City’s website: www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect.
For additional information or questions, please contact: Connect@CityofGoleta.org or 805-690-5116.
Interim Public Works Director Nina Buelna narrating the English video.
Project Manager Melissa Angeles narrating the Spanish video.
The Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping project is well underway with work scheduled to be completed in late July, ahead of the original schedule.
The grinding and paving work on Hollister Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Kinman Avenue is done and now the next step is the striping of one lane in each direction. The night work is tentatively planned for July 10th and 11th but is subject to change.
Also this month, crews will remove additional vegetation in accordance with permitting requirements. A comprehensive plant mitigation program is an important component of Project Connect. More information about this mitigation work, which will be completed by the end of the project, can be viewed on the project webpage (scroll to the bottom of the page to view).
For project updates, please visit www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect.
Once complete, Hollister Avenue will feature:
The Old Town Hollister Avenue improvements are part of the multi-year Project Connect, the largest capital improvement project in the City’s history, which kicked off construction in March. Since then, work has been done to remove trees and clear vegetation, relocate utilities, and install temporary traffic signals.
The City understands that long-term projects can be inconvenient for those who live in, visit, or have businesses in the area. We appreciate your patience and look forward to the project’s positive impact.
Questions? Looking for more details?
www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect
805-690-5116
Connect@CityofGoleta.org
Pictured: Hollister Ave paving work on June 26, 2024
Get ready for Parks and Recreation Month with the City of Goleta throughout July! Goleta is home to a number of amazing parks, breathtaking open spaces and a variety of both active and passive recreational opportunities. To get you started, the City has created a calendar full of recreational activities for all 31 days in July. Download the calendar in English or Spanish to jump into the celebration. Activities and events on this calendar are meant as suggestions or ideas, feel free to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month in your own way.
As part of Parks and Recreation Month, the City wants you to learn something new. Take advantage of the free clinics being offered:
We hope you will join us for one of these free clinics! Space is limited, so register today! To sign up, please visit the July is Parks and Recreation Month webpage and click on “Clinic Registrations.” Please write your name, age, email, phone number and the clinic you are registering for. If you have any questions, feel free to email lmendoza-diaz@cityofgoleta.org or call 805-961-7558.
This year’s Park & Recreation Month theme – “Where You Belong” – celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.
July has been recognized as Parks and Recreation Month in the United States since 1985 as a way to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. The Goleta City Council’s adopted Strategic Plan highlights the City’s on-going commitment to Parks and Recreation in multiple citywide initiatives. The Council recognized Parks and Recreation Month with a proclamation at its June 18, 2024, meeting.
Thanks for helping us appreciate our parks, recreation and open spaces and the important role they play in the quality of life we enjoy in Goleta. Keep up-to-date on Parks and Recreation Month by visiting our webpage.
Pictured above: Pickleball clinic during last year’s Parks and Recreation Month
City of Goleta Parks and Recreation staff receiving the proclamation at Council
