Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Banking App Scam Alert

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office is alerting the public about a scam tactic that has recently been reported in our area.

Scammers are contacting individuals and instructing them to download a banking app, often from a bank the person does not use, and to access an account. The fraudsters then direct victims to deposit cash into an ATM using the tap/mobile feature on their phone.

If you are contacted by someone asking you to:

  • Download a banking app from a bank you do not use
  • Deposit cash into an ATM using a mobile banking app for any reason
  • Transfer funds to “protect” your money

This is a scam.

Legitimate banks and government agencies will never ask you to access accounts for someone else, deposit cash into an account that is not yours, or move your money to protect it. Once cash is deposited, it can be quickly transferred out, making it extremely difficult to recover.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Do not download apps at the direction of someone you do not know and
  • Never deposit cash or transfer funds for someone
  • Do not share banking information, verification codes, or login
  • If you are unsure, pause and verify directly with your financial institution using a trusted phone

If you believe you have been targeted or have questions about this or other scams, please contact the Scam Hotline at 805-568-2442.

The DA’s Office wants to encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to share this information with family and friends, especially seniors and vulnerable community members.

Women’s History Month: Senator Monique Limón Focus

Celebrating a Historic First

For Women’s History Month, it only seems appropriate that we highlight a woman close to Goleta who is making history!

State Senator Monique Limón was recently sworn in as the President pro Tempore of the California State Senate — becoming the first Latina, the first woman of color, and the first mother to lead the State Senate.

Before leading the Senate, she served on the Santa Barbara Unified School Board, represented the Central Coast in the State Assembly, and has represented the Central Coast in the State Senate since 2020. Along the way, she has championed working families, women’s economic equity, environmental protections, and support for small businesses.

Monique Limón represents the 21st Senate District, which includes Santa Barbara, Ventura, Goleta, Buellton, Carpinteria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Solvang, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Port Hueneme, Blacklake, Callender, Grover Beach, Los Berros, Nipomo, Oceano, Woodlands. She currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, Vice Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and Vice Chair of the Central Coast Caucus.

Thanks to Senator Limón for being a great example for young women of what it means to lead with confidence and with your heart.

A Message About Mosquitos and Other Vectors

Mosquitoes are well-known to spread disease. So are rats and other pests in and around Goleta. The  Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County provides services and information to reduce the risk of diseases being spread from vectors to humans. See below for some Frequently Asked Questions about MVMD and how you can be part of the local effort to “Fight the Bite.”

What’s a vector?

Vectors are animals or insects such as rats, mice, mosquitoes, ticks, bees, wasps, and flies that can transmit diseases or cause illness or discomfort to humans. 

What’s a mosquito and vector management district?

The Mosquito and Vector Management District (MVMD) of Santa Barbara County is an independent special district that serves the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria and unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. MVMD controls and monitors disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents, tests for vectored diseases and educates the public on how to reduce the probability of contracting such diseases. The focus is on mosquito control to help protect the public from issues that can arise from these insects. 

When should I contact the MVMD?

When you are bothered by mosquitoes, flies, bees, wasps, mice, or rats, a trained vector control technician will assist you in locating the problem and help you decide what is the best and safest way to solve it. 

Contact MVMD to learn more about controlling pests: (805) 969-5050 or info@mvmdistrict.org or visit our website at www.mvmdistrict.org. 

Sign up for the MVMD newsletter and follow Instagram (@mosquitosantabarbara) to stay up to date on current events. 

Green Room: Illicit Discharge

The City of Goleta Environmental Services Division would like to share some tips to help protect our watersheds. This month we are discussing the topic of illicit discharge (pollution), how to report pollution, and how to help protect our local waterbodies.

What is Illicit Discharge?

Any discharge to the storm drain sewer that is not composed entirely of stormwater is considered an illicit discharge. Pollutants that enter the street and reach the storm drain system will quickly flow into creeks and the ocean untreated. These discharges can often be detected when a storm drain has flow during dry weather. Remember, only rain down the drain!

Signs of an Illicit Discharge

Visible sewage waste, foul odor, suds, or other evidence of contamination are indicators of pollution. Here are some examples of illicit discharge:

  • Laundry wastewater / detergent
  • Septic tank seepage / illegal sanitary conditions
  • Improper waste oil disposal / auto fluids flushing
  • Home improvement waste (e.g., concrete and paint)
  • Pesticides and fertilizers
  • Pool / spa discharge
  • Cooking grease / household waste
  • Improper disposal of commercial and industrial hazardous waste

Reporting Water Pollution

If you witness someone actively dumping or discharging hazardous materials down a storm drain, onto a street, in a creek, or on the beach, call 911 immediately.

Report pollution within the City of Goleta to environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.gov.

Sanitary sewer (wastewater) spills should be reported to the Goleta Sanitary District (805-967-4519) or Goleta West Sanitary District (805-968-2617) immediately.

Things You Can Do to Protect Water Quality

Here are some great everyday tips to help prevent water pollution:

  • Don’t overwater: Overwatering leads to runoff which leads to water pollution (e.g., fertilizers and pesticides). Utilize irrigation scheduling and technology.
  • Sweep up, don’t hose down: Sweep up yard waste and either compost or dispose of it in a green waste bin. Utilize compost for soil improvements.
  • Pet waste: pick up after your pet and dispose of properly.
  • Vehicle repair: repair vehicle leaks; cover spilled fluids with kitty litter and then sweep into household waste.
  • Car Wash: use a commercial car wash or wash your vehicle on the grass instead of the driveway.
  • Pools: discharge de-chlorinated pool water to a landscaped area, or sanitary sewer (permit required).
  • Never dump anything down the storm drain.

For more great tips to help prevent storm drain pollution and protect creeks and the ocean, check out our Homeowner’s Guide in English and Spanish. 

TechTopia 2026 Summit on March 18th

Wednesday, March 18th from 2:30 – 6:00 p.m. at OASIS

The TechTopia 2026 Summit is almost here. The event which takes place on March 18th from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. at UC Santa Barbara’s OASIS brings the region’s innovative ecosystem to life through an immersive, half-day experience, The Summit showcases the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the future of the Santa Barbara South Coast.

Attendees will explore cutting-edge facilities through guided tours, dive deeper into emerging trends through curated breakout sessions, and hear from leading voices during a keynote address and panel discussion focused on the region’s growing tech economy. Hands-on tech demonstrations will spotlight local innovation in action, offering a close-up look at advanced tools, prototypes, and real-world applications developed right here on the South Coast.

The day concludes with a networking reception designed to foster meaningful connections among business leaders, innovators, educators, and community partners. TechTopia 2026 Summit is a celebration of collaboration and a platform for shaping what’s next for one of the most dynamic technology regions…This is TechTopia!

Learn more about TechTopia and register at https://sbscchamber.com/techtopia/. 

County Launches Hazard Awareness Map

Map Brings Together Trusted, Multi-Jurisdictional Data to Support Resilience and Informed Preparedness

There is a new Community Hazard Awareness Map now available to help you better understand and prepare for natural and human-caused hazards affecting Santa Barbara County.

Built primarily from information in the countywide 2022 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, this map helps users explore hazard risks in their area, such as flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other potential threats.

“This map empowers our community with actionable knowledge,” said Kelly Hubbard, Director for the Office of Emergency Management. “Anyone can now visually expand their familiarity with local hazards and make informed decisions that protect lives, homes, and our shared future.”

Rising Hazard Risks

At a time when communities are facing more frequent and severe climate-related events, a new map highlighting local hazards provides an essential, place-based snapshot of risks facing the region. In 2021, the County completed a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA) that analyzes how climate‑related hazards may impact people, infrastructure, ecosystems, and community services. This assessment found that sea levels are projected to rise by 6.6 ft and there will be 8 times more extreme heat days all by 2100, just a few of the findings that further highlight the need for action.

“The Community Hazard Awareness Map offers residents a clearer picture of what climate-related challenges mean close to home. Now is the time to tap into this informative resource and take steps to prepare,” added Director Hubbard.

A Tool for Awareness, Planning, and Resilience

The Community Hazard Awareness Map is designed to benefit a wide range of users, including residents, business owners, planners, emergency managers, and educators. Key benefits include:

  • Improved public awareness: Residents can see which hazards may affect their home and neighborhoods.
  • Better-informed decision-making: Local officials can use consistent, reliable data to support land-use planning, infrastructure investment, and emergency preparedness efforts.  Residents can gain insights to enhance personal preparedness and make their homes more resilient to local hazards and threats.
  • Stronger coordination across jurisdictions: By aligning information from multiple jurisdictions, the map promotes regional collaboration and a shared understanding of risk.

Built on Trusted Data

In addition to the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan data, the map incorporates information from other authoritative sources, including the California Department of Conservation, the California Geological Survey, and FEMA. Map data will be updated as it becomes available.

Learn More

The Community Hazard Awareness Map is available to the public at ReadySBC.org in the Maps section. You are encouraged to explore the map, learn about local hazards, and take steps to prepare yourselfand your family.

Last summer the County Office of Emergency Management, along with various public safety partners, launched the Emergency Zones Map to help people during real-time emergencies  access information on evacuations, shelter in place orders, and other protective actions. With the new Community Hazard Awareness Map, the community now has a comprehensive tool to identify potential hazards and get prepared ahead of emergencies.

Last Chance to Sponsor 4th of July Drone Show

We are putting together our final sponsor list for the return of Goleta’s Fourth of July Drone Light Show. Join the generous list of community sponsors who are pitching in to make this patriotic event happen again at Dos Pueblos High School (7266 Alameda Avenue, Goleta) from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. We are still in need of sponsors to make this year’s even better than the first!

Save the date and stay tuned for more details! For questions email DroneLightShow@CityofGoleta.gov.

3CE Announces Lower Electricity Rates

Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) announced that it will reduce electricity rates in 2026, passing savings on to customers while continuing to invest in reliable, clean energy for the Central Coast.

As of February 15, 3CE customers will see an average generation rate decrease of 24%, lowering the cost per kilowatt hour from $0.13 to $0.10, to reflect lower costs in the energy market, as well as disciplined financial management and a commitment to return savings directly to customers.

3CE’s Policy Board of Directors, made up of 19 members of the city councils and boards of supervisors in the communities served by 3CE, approved the rate reduction at a special public meeting held today, following a comprehensive presentation on 3CE’s cost of energy and operations expenses. 

In addition to responsible and competitive electricity rates, 3CE continues to invest in the region through its energy programs, which incentivize electrification and can help customers to use energy more efficiently. Through programs such as Electrify Your Ride, Electrify Your Home, and the Ag Electrification program, 3CE supports the transition to cleaner technologies, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants across the Central Coast. For more information visit: https://3cenergy.org/rebates-incentives.  

Electricity customers on the Central Coast served by 3CE pay one bill to cover both the cost for their generation service, which is remitted to 3CE – and the cost for the transmission and distribution of that energy, a service provided by PG&E, and in portions of Santa Barbara County, by SCE. Both PG&E and SCE implemented new rates on January 1, 2026. Generation charges typically account for about one-third of a customer’s total energy bill. Customers of 3CE may be eligible for state and federal utility bill assistance programs. Eligibility is based on income. For more information visit: https://3cenergy.org/billing/financial-assistance.

Maria Ygnacio Bike Path Closed at US HWY 101

The City of Goleta is sharing this information from the County of Santa Barbara.

Due to recent storm damage, Santa Barbara County Public Works is closing the Maria Ygnacio Bike Path at the U.S. 101 undercrossing (from Calle Real to Lassen Drive). County engineers are working on a plan to stabilize an undermined section of the path. However, they are unable to work during the rainy season due to environmental factors and regulatory restrictions. While it is difficult to provide an estimate on how long the closure will last, this section of the path is expected to be closed through the summer.  

While the Maria Ygnacio Bike Path is critical to residents, students, and those who commute via active modes of transportation, travelers should not evade path closure signs in this area. The situation is dynamic and the undermining of the path increases as the high flowing creek below is actively scouring dirt below the structure. Travelers should use Turnpike Avenue or Patterson Avenue to connect with the bike path. 

Questions about the path closure can be emailed to PWMobility@countyofsb.org.

Goleta Valley Library March Programming

Tech Tutors Return

Be sure to stop by the Goleta Valley Library Express this month to explore fun and engaging programs for all ages. GVL Express is located at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105 (across from Goleta Valley Athletic Club), but most of the programs are being held at Goleta Community Center (GCC) located at 5679 Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta, unless otherwise specified.

You can also once again make an appointment with a volunteer tech tutor! This includes one-on-one, 30-minute sessions, three days a week. Call the library at 805-964-7878 to make an appointment.

March Programming:

Senior Happy Hour
Thursday, March 5, 2:00-3:30 pm, GCC
The first Thursday of every month, we get together to relax, laugh, socialize and create something beautiful.

Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, March 7, 12:30-2:00 pm, GCC
Share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Poetry Club
Sunday, March 15, 2:00-3:00 pm, GCC
Read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the voices of others in this welcoming space.

Film Club: Intruder in the Dust (1949)
Thursday, March 19, 1:30-3:30 pm, GCC
Join us for an unflinching look at racial injustice in the Jim Crow South, starring David Brain, Claude Jarman Jr., and Juano Hernandez.

Mystery Book Club: The Hidden City by Charles Finch
Tuesday, March 24, 5:30-6:30 pm, GCC
Discuss amateur sleuth Charles Lennox investigating a cold case in Victorian England. 

Goodland Yarn Works
Every Wednesday, 2:00-4:00 pm, GCC
If you know how to knit or crochet, this group is for you. Join us for fun and friendship!

Cómo utilizar los servicios de TU BIBLIOTECA/ How to use the services at YOUR LIBRAR
Every Wednesday, 4:00-6:00 pm, Goleta Valley Library Express
Bilingual library staff will be available Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm to help our community members learn how to use the free services offered at the library.

Baby & Me Storytime
Every Friday, 10:00-10:30 am, Rotating Parks
Join us for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, lap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play.

Wiggly Storytime
Every Friday, 10:30-11:00 am, Rotating Parks
We’ll do stories, songs, a dance party, and bubbles. Best for ages 15 months-5 years.

Tech Tutoring
Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 2:00-4:00 pm by appointment at Goleta Valley Library Express

Library staff look forward to welcoming you to our programming this month! For all programming and events, visit the Calendar of Events at www.goletavalleylibrary.org/calendar.

See you at the library!