Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Meet Me in Old Town Goleta Returns in June

The City of Goleta, in partnership with the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, is excited to bring back the Meet Me in Old Town Goleta block party series for its third year—now with an all‑new location and a World CupTM twist!

This year, the event moves to the heart of Old Town on Pine Avenue, creating a classic block‑party atmosphere with expanded space, more activities, and two Wednesday block parties in a row, timed to coincide with FIFA World CupTM matches.

Event Dates:

  • Wednesday, June 17, 2026, starting at 5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 24, 2026, starting at 5:00 p.m.

Location: Pine Avenue between Hollister Ave. and Gaviota St. (near the Community West bank parking lot)

Event Highlights:

  • World Cup soccer match watch party
  • Live music and entertainment
  • Local business specials and promotions
  • Food trucks and refreshments
  • Games, community vendors, and merchandise
  • A festive block‑party vibe for all ages

More details coming soon—mark your calendar!

Save the Date: Coffee & Community on May 16

Join us at Lighthouse Coffee from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Mark your calendars for the next Coffee & Community / Café y Comunidad event of the year! The City of Goleta invites community members to join District 1 Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín and Mayor Paula Perotte on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Lighthouse Coffee (5696 Calle Real).

This event is a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxed morning while connecting with neighbors, City staff, and your elected representative. Whether you have a question, an idea, or simply want to stay informed about what’s happening in your community, Coffee & Community provides an open and welcoming space for conversation.

Coffee & Community events are hosted throughout the year in each of the City’s four districts and are designed to make it easy for residents to engage directly with City leadership. This informal setting encourages meaningful dialogue about local issues, neighborhood priorities, and the future of Goleta—all over a cup of coffee.

Additional event details will be shared as the date approaches. Spanish interpretation will be available.

We encourage you to bring a friend, meet someone new, and enjoy a morning focused on community connection in the Good Land.

To find out what district you are in, visit the City’s Know Your District interactive map. Community members are welcome to attend any Coffee & Community event, regardless of district.

We look forward to seeing you at Lighthouse Coffee on May 16!

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Drivers are Urged to Keep their Eyes Forward and Hands on the Wheel

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Goleta Police Department wants to remind drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and hands on the wheel. Distractions like checking a phone, using the in-dash touchscreen or car phone app, adjusting the radio, or eating can have devastating consequences.

According to the 2025 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 71.4% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving, caused by texting or checking a phone, was their biggest safety concern. In 2023, there were 158 people killed in distracted driving crashes in California, a 6.8 percent increase from the previous year. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to determine if distraction was a factor in a crash.

The Goleta Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or other electronic device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving can result in a fine, and if a driver violates the hands-free law a second time within 36 months of a previous conviction for the same offense, an additional point will be added to their record.

Follow these simple steps to stay focused and protect everyone on the road:

  • Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can’t reach it while driving.
  • Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors and finish any tasks before you start driving.
  • Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road: Avoid eating, grooming or adjusting controls while driving.
  • Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm.
  • Speak up: If you’re a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stay focused.
  • Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop and park in a safe place before responding.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department provides police services for the City of Goleta.

Assisting Households Experiencing Homelessness

Success Stories Include Family Who Moved from Vehicle Living to Stable Housing

The City of Goleta’s partnership with Partners in Housing Solutions (PHS) is delivering results for people experiencing homelessness in the City of Goleta. Recognizing the severe shortage of affordable housing in the region, the City partnered with PHS last year to assist 25 households experiencing homelessness. Together, the two agencies committed to combining local resources, coordinated case management, and landlord partnerships to create pathways to stability for Goleta residents.

One such success story is Katie, a working mother of two young children who was living in her car in Goleta in fall 2025. Despite maintaining full-time employment, she faced repeated rental denials due to credit challenges and prior rental history. She earned too much to qualify for many public assistance programs but not enough to meet traditional rental screening requirements — a reality many working families encounter in today’s housing market.

PHS provided both immediate and longer-term support, helping Katie secure safe short-term arrangements while searching for permanent housing. When local rents proved unattainable, PHS worked creatively to identify more affordable options in mid-county communities, ensuring Katie remained connected to her children’s school and essential support networks.

By layering City of Goleta and partner resources, PHS was able to cover upfront costs and provide short-term financial stability. Katie was also enrolled in PHS’ Mariposa Family Housing Program to strengthen her transition into permanent housing.

Through PHS’s trusted property manager network, a unit became available and Katie was approved. Within a week, Katie and her children moved into their new home.

“This is exactly why partnerships matter,” said Chuck Flacks, Homelessness Services Coordinator for the City of Goleta. “Katie was working hard and doing everything she could for her children. What she needed wasn’t motivation — it was a system willing to work with her. Through the relationship with Partners in Housing Solutions and their expertise in property owner relationships, we were able to remove the barriers that kept her from housing. This is how we turn opportunity into lasting stability for local families.”

Through thoughtful investment in prevention, rapid rehousing, and trusted partnerships, the City is helping neighbors move from uncertainty to stability — one family at a time.

For those interested in getting more information or supporting the work, please contact Chuck Flacks, City of Goleta Homelessness Services Coordinator, at cflacks@cityofgoleta.gov.

400 Air Purifiers Distributed to Old Town Residents

Eligible Old Town Goleta Residents Who Missed Event Can Now Sign Up Online

More than 400 residents in Old Town now have a way to keep indoor air clean in the event of a wildfire. On Saturday, March 14th the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) distributed 400 air purifiers at the Goleta Community Center as part of its Clean Air Rooms Program. The air purifiers were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one per household, and proof of address was required to participate. Air purifiers help keep create a “clean air room” — keeping indoor air clean when wildfire smoke is affecting air quality.

For a limited time and only while supplies last, Old Town Goleta residents — as defined by this State of California map — can fill out an online application to have a free air purifier shipped directly to their home. Those who submit an online application will also have to provide proof of address, and the devices remain limited to one per address, including addresses that participated in the March 14 event. The air purifiers available via the online application process will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and quantities are very limited. That online application is available here. 

At the event, more than 50 community members also test-drove electric cars from local dealerships. Organized by the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) and co-sponsored by the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (a program administered by APCD) and the Community Environmental Council, it was also a great opportunity to learn about DCAP incentives. DCAP provides up to $12,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new or used electric- or plug-in hybrid vehicle for income-qualified participants, with priority given to residents of low-income or disadvantaged communities.

Thanks to everyone who turned out to the APCD event including City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte and 3rd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann.

Resources & Information about Air Purifiers & “Clean Air Rooms”

Air purifiers can be purchased at local stores or online retailers, and come in various makes and models, suitable for different room sizes. An air purifier for a small bedroom typically costs approximately $100.

If you are considering purchasing an air purifier, here are some features to look for:

  • Certified by California Air Resources Board for sale in the State of California: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/list-carb-certified-air-cleaning-devices
  • HEPA-rated
  • Energy-Star-rated
  • A light indicator for filter replacement
  • Effective for the size of the room where you intend to use the device
  • Quiet operation—approximately 45 decibels or less

APCD has a webpage dedicated to information about setting up your own “clean air room,” with bilingual infographics and videos that focus on 1) how to choose and use an air purifier; 2) how to create a do-it-yourself (DIY) air filtration device that works similarly at a lesser cost; and 3) how to minimize common sources of indoor air pollution during wildfires.

APCD provides many resources on its website for checking and understanding Santa Barbara County air quality conditions. APCD also provides a rolling 24 hours’ worth of air quality readings for every monitoring station in the county, as well as daily forecasts: www.OurAir.org/todays-air-quality.


APCD Executive Director Aeron Arlin Genet, City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, and APCD staff with a community member at the GCC air purifier distribution event.

Additional photos from the event below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Poetry Month

Special Collaboration with UCSB Reads and Goleta Valley Library

The Goleta Valley Library has partnered with UCSB Reads for a special Community Poetry Reading as part of National Poetry Month. Taking place on Wednesday, April 22 from 4:00 – 5:15 p.m. at UCSB Library, the event will kick off with a reading by current Santa Barbara Poet Laureate George Yatchisin and UCSB Professor Emerita Shirley Geok-Lin Lim. Afterward, other participants will read their selected poems to the audience.

If you are interested in sharing a poem, register and submit your poem by April 13th with this form that includes your name and the title and author of the published poem you’d like to read. All genres and styles are welcome. You are also welcome to submit original work. Participants will be confirmed and notified by April 15th. Whether you’re sharing a published work or something you’ve written yourself, we encourage a diverse range of voices and styles.

Inspired by UCSB Reads and this year’s selection, Crying in H Mart, the event highlights poetry as a creative practice that, like memoir, allows personal stories to take form through creative expression and be shared with others.

This event is free and open to all students, staff, faculty, and community members. The event may be photographed or recorded.

UCSB Reads, a program of the UCSB Library, brings the campus and Santa Barbara communities together each year for dialogue about important topical issues while reading a common book.

We hope to see you at UCSB Library on April 22!

National Library Week April 19 – 25

April Programming at Goleta Valley Library

Celebrate National Library Week, April 19-25 with your library staff at Goleta Valley Library Express! The 2026 theme is “Find Your Joy” and we will be handing out some commemorative National Library Week swag to our beloved library patrons. 

Be sure to stop by throughout the month of April to explore our 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 the Goleta Community Center (GCC) located at 5679 Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta, unless otherwise specified.

We have a special event planned with UCSB Library as well in honor of National Poetry Month. Goleta Valley Library staff also offer a monthly Poetry Club on the third Sunday of every month so you can always gather with your local library poetry community year-round to discover new poets and enjoy the company of fellow poetry enthusiasts. Read more below.

There is lots to enjoy this month:

Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, April 4, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Film Club: Dead Ringer (1964)
Thursday, April 16, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Bette Davis at her scheming and conniving best in this twisted thriller about twin sisters.

Horror Book Club: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Saturday, April 18, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Join us for the Goleta Valley Library’s bi-monthly Horror Book Club.

Poetry Club Sunday
April 19, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the voices of others in this welcoming space.

Community Poetry Readings with UCSB Reads & Goleta Valley Library Wednesday, April 22, 4:00 – 5:15 p.m., UCSB Library, Instruction & Training 1312
Join UCSB Reads and Goleta Valley Library for an afternoon of poetry readings in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Mystery Book Club: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
A richly textured drama, both emotionally nuanced and propelled by a double-barreled mystery.

Goodland Yarn Works
Every Wednesday, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
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 LIBRARY
Every Wednesday, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., 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 a.m., 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 a.m., 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 p.m., 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!

Learn About Goleta’s Code Compliance Division

It’s a challenging role but an important one for a City. Goleta’s Code Compliance Division addresses a wide range of neighborhood issues, from property maintenance concerns to unpermitted construction activities. Staff is responsible for ensuring that businesses and residents maintain the safety and quality of life in Goleta by adhering to codes relating to building, zoning, advertising and property maintenance, among others.

We rely on our residents to help identify possible code violations. Some commonly identified violations include:

  • Property maintenance issues
  • Zoning and occupancy issues
  • Unpermitted construction activities
  • Prohibited dumping
  • Graffiti on public and private properties
  • Inoperative vehicles on private property
  • Overgrown vegetation obstructing public rights-of-way and vision clearance
  • Fences, walls, and hedges affecting vision clearance standards at driveways and intersections
  • Prohibited and unpermitted signs on public and private properties
  • Encroachments in the public right-of-way (sports equipment, building materials, containers)

Reports are investigated by Code Compliance Officers, who determine whether a violation exists based on visual observation from the public right-of-way. If a violation is identified, the property owner and tenant (if applicable) are sent a written Notice of Violation (NOV) outlining the violation(s) and providing a deadline for compliance.

There are three ways to report a code violation:

Thanks to our Code Compliance Officers who ensure compliance with the City’s various land use codes and municipal code regulations. This involves the prevention, detection, and investigation of violations of statutes or ordinances regulating public health and safety, public works, business activities, building standards, and land use adopted by and applicable within the City of Goleta. 

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

For more information on the Code Compliance Division, click here.

Help Shape the Future of Art in Goleta

Apply for the New City of Goleta Public Art Review Board by April 23

The City of Goleta is looking for three residents to serve on the newly formed Public Art Review Board. Your contribution as one of the first members of this Board will help make sure public art is a lasting and meaningful part of the City of Goleta.

This past fall, the City Council adopted a City public art policy. For the first time in Goleta’s history, the policy has established the City’s vision for public art in the community. The policy also creates a brand-new reviewing body, the Public Art Review Board, and guides the review and approval process for public art projects in the City. Read the full policy here.

To serve on the Public Art Review Board, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a resident of the City of Goleta
  2. Have training, knowledge, or experience in the arts.

The Board has no regular meetings and will meet as needed to review projects. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Apply today to help shape the future of public art in Goleta! The application can be found online at www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. Applications are due by April 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. For more information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.gov.

Goleta Celebrates Successful CERT Training

Twenty-Six Community Members Gain Hands-On Emergency Preparedness Skills

Congratulations to the graduates of Goleta’s most recent Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class! This was the largest CERT class in the South County in the past several years. Twenty-six community members received their Basic CERT completion certificate on March 21 at the Goleta Community Center. The participants spent 20 hours over the past three Saturdays learning essential skills of how to prepare and respond to a disaster. This is the second basic CERT course offered in Goleta this year and the 25th in the City’s history. 

Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Jason Levy is pleased with how the class turned out, he said, “This cohort consisted of highly engaged community members who demonstrated enthusiasm for learning and a strong commitment to supporting one another and their neighbors. These graduates are now part of Goleta’s growing network of trained residents who can support preparedness efforts, participate in volunteer opportunities, and step up during emergencies if needed.”

Participants learned hands-on skills across all CERT modules, including:

  • Disaster preparedness and local hazard awareness
  • Fire extinguisher use and utility safety
  • Basic medical operations and triage
  • Light search and rescue
  • CERT team organization and communication
  • Disaster psychology
  • A final hands-on simulation to put their skills into practice

During the final simulated drill, participants worked together to locate victims, perform rescues, and conduct disaster medical operations. It was an eye-opening experience.

CERT graduate Jana Pierce said, “The exercise at the end of the class really brought home for me what really matters is how we all came together as individuals to put into practice building a team to help our community.”

The City extends heartfelt appreciation to our CERT instructors from the American Red Cross, Fire Safety Training Institute, Santa Barbara Food Bank, City of Santa Barbara, City of Carpinteria, and the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District. Their expertise, passion, and commitment to community safety made this training a meaningful and empowering experience for everyone involved.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts from Santa Barbara County at ReadySBC.org and check for upcoming CERT trainings scheduled for fall 2026 classes by visiting the City’s webpage at www.CityofGoleta.org/Preparedness.

Pictured above: participant recording number of victims during an exercise


Group photo at the end of the final exercise of all victim actors, participants, and instructors


Participants simulating carry out of a disaster victim


CERT participants hearing from County Fire outside of City Hall at class #2


CERT graduates with their certificates