Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Coffee & Community and Beautify Goleta at Berkeley Park on July 20

Join Us for an Action-Packed Saturday Morning from 9:00 a.m. – Noon

We have your Saturday morning planned on July 20, 2024! Come to Berkeley Park (behind Kellogg School) at 9:00 a.m. for Coffee & Community / Café y Communidad with Mayor Paula Perotte and Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1). Then stick around for our Beautify Goleta event beginning at 10:00 a.m. There are two entrances to Berkeley Park – one on Berkeley Road and another on Arundel Road. Spanish interpretation will be provided.  

This is a great opportunity to connect with other people who love Goleta. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry, learn about what is going on in your neighborhood, ask questions and get to know each other. You can hang out till the end of the coffee event or join the Beautify Goleta volunteer team and help pick up litter in the area. Bring your friends and family. There will be sidewalk chalk painting, a playground, and activities in the grassy field to keep the kids occupied.

Mayor Perotte said, “I’m grateful for the chance to join Goleta’s First District Mayor Pro Tempore, Luz Reyes-Martín, in meeting with both long-time and new friends. I look forward to the opportunity to listen and learn from residents about their ideas and issues”.

Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín said, “Community is what makes Goleta a special place to live, work, and play. I invite neighbors to walk, bike, or drive over to Berkeley Park for some coffee and conversation. Neighbors will hear about some important work and projects happening in Goleta, chat with the Mayor and City staff, and share your feedback with us.”

Here is a timeline of events and what you need to know before you go:

Coffee & Community – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Opening remarks 9:15 a.m. Please bring a reusable cup to enjoy the hot or cold brew coffee. For the food, the City will provide reusable utensils.

Beautify Goleta – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The Beautify Goleta theme this month is Plastic Free July. Thanks to Mission Refill for being the Spotlight Captain and the Kellogg School Ocean Guardians for helping to pick up trash – sign up here to participate. Bring an empty container to the event and Mission Refill will fill it up with unscented hand soap. Available while supplies last, limit 16 oz per person.

Bulky Item Drop Off – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

As part of Beautify Goleta, residents are encouraged to get rid of unwanted bulky items at our free Bulky Item Drop-Off event at Good Shephard Lutheran Church and Preschool Parking Lot (380 N Fairview Avenue). Drop-offs before or after the event will not be accepted. You are encouraged to arrive early; the event will close early if capacity is reached before 1:00 p.m. As a reminder, electronics, medicine, and hazardous waste will NOT be accepted.

We can’t wait to see you on Saturday, July 20th!

Grinding and Paving Work to Begin in Old Town

Grinding and paving work on Hollister Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Kinman Avenue is expected to start in the next few weeks as part of the Hollister Avenue Old Town Striping Project. Construction began in May and is anticipated to be complete by late summer 2024.

During construction, expect traffic delays, reduced lanes, and limited street parking. Please follow posted signs and plan for additional travel time. Pedestrians and vehicles will be sharing the road, drive with caution.

For project updates, please visit www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect.

Once complete, Hollister Avenue will feature:

  • One vehicle lane in each direction
  • Painted median
  • Dedicated bike lanes in each direction
  • Back-in, angled 90-minute parking along the north side of Hollister Ave.
  • Improved pavement
  • New traffic signals

The Striping 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. 

Once completed, 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 City understands that long-term projects such as this one can be inconvenient for those who 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 a result of this project.

Questions? Looking for more details?
www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect
805-690-5116
Connect@CityofGoleta.org

City Lowers Business License Fees

New Fee Schedule begins July 1, 2024

Starting next month, the cost of doing business in Goleta will become more affordable. The City of Goleta is pleased to announce it is lowering the cost to purchase a general business license beginning on July 1, 2024.

Streamlined Process Leads to Lower Fees

This fee reduction is a direct result of streamlining our business license application review process and should lead to quicker turnaround times for issuing a general business license. It’s important to clarify that the City of Goleta operates a regulatory business license program. This means our fees are not a business tax intended for revenue generation. Instead, they are cost-recovery user fees for regulatory reviews such as for local zoning and code compliance reviews. Depending on the type of business activity there may be other types of permits required by other agencies. If improvements are needed, there may be building permits or other types of permits required by the city or other agencies.

New Fee Structure

Here is how it will work:

The City’s General Business License will now be split into two license fee types, one for businesses within city limits and another for businesses outside of city limits.

  • Inside City Limits: This license applies to businesses with a fixed physical location within the city limits or subject to local zoning and code compliance review. Examples include retail stores, restaurants, auto shops, and offices. Food trucks and sidewalk vendors are also included as their primary business activity would be conducted inside the city limits and subject to local zoning and code compliance review. New fee effective July 1: $137. This is down from $241.

  • Outside City Limits: This license applies to businesses that conduct work inside the city but do not maintain a fixed physical location within city limits and may not be subject to local zoning and code compliance review. Examples may include building contractors, plumbers, or electricians who have their business physically located outside the city but come into the city to do a job. Other historical examples would include film companies and party services. New fee effective July 1: $57. This is down from $241.

Benefits for Businesses Within City Limits

Businesses within city limits and that have a current business license, receive a complimentary listing on the City’s online business directory, GoodLandGoodShopping.com, and are able to customize their listing at any time.

Specialty Business Licenses Unaffected

The new fees do not apply for specialty business licenses, which include Tobacco, Taxicab, Massage Establishment, Massage Technician, Cannabis and Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR).

More Information and Application

For more information and to apply online for a business license, go to www.cityofgoleta.org/BusinessLicense. For question or assistance, please contact our Business License Specialist Esmeralda Zermeno at BusinessLicense@cityofgoleta.org.

Wildfire Reduction Work at Ellwood Mesa

Fuel reduction work on Ellwood Mesa is in progress. Years of drought combined with recent winter storms have created extremely hazardous fire conditions at Ellwood Mesa Open Space in the City of Goleta. These conditions threaten surrounding neighborhoods and important habitat for monarch butterflies and other wildlife. Managing the hazardous fuel load is critical to reduce the risk of fire in Ellwood. The primary fuels of concern are dead trees, understory vegetation, and ‘ladder fuels’ such as grasses, brush, and lower branches that can spread fire into the forest canopy.

The City developed a detailed approach to balance fire risk reduction and resource protection. Fuel reduction strategies were prepared in consultation with fire, tree, butterfly, and wildlife specialists. The permit was issued by the California Coastal Commission on May 10 and work began on May 20. Active and upcoming work areas are posted weekly at CityofGoleta.org/Ellwood-now.

The Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project will create a defensible space buffer around residences and address the excessive buildup of dead eucalyptus trees. These measures will help protect over 3,500 homes and sensitive wildlife species from uncontrollable wildfire. Funding for this project comes from a CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grant of $1.7 million.  Largescale wildfire

George Thomson, City of Goleta’s Parks and Open Space Manager, said “Heavy winter storms this year and last year really exacerbated the hazardous conditions within the eucalyptus groves at Ellwood. The massive quantity of dead wood poses a great risk to the community, the butterfly habitat, and all the wildlife that calls Ellwood home. The City of Goleta is excited to move this major project forward to reduce the risk of wildfire while also protecting monarch butterflies and wildlife habitat.”

Work on City of Goleta public property includes:

  • Mowing grasses
  • Clearing flammable materials from the ground
  • Reducing shrub height to 2 feet
  • Trimming and thinning unhealthy trees
  • Pruning lower branches 6 ft up, or lower 1/3 of tree height on smaller trees
  • Removing fire prone landscaped non-native vegetation.

Certified arborists and biologists will ensure sensitive natural resources are protected. Work within sensitive habitat areas will be modified according to the needs of the resource and will include:

  • Preconstruction surveys to identify important flora and fauna
  • Butterfly specialists to monitor key trees within and around the monarch aggregation sites
  • Certified arborists to evaluate and inform tree removal methods
  • Archeological and cultural resources monitor to detect and avoid impacts to historic resources
  • Special crews and equipment to minimize impacts.

In addition to reducing fire risk, the tree and vegetation work is an important first step toward enhancing monarch butterfly habitat in Ellwood Mesa and complements the large-scale habitat enhancement work starting later this summer.

For information contact:
George Thomson, Parks and Open Space Manager
gthomson@cityofgoleta.org
805.961.7578

The Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project was prepared according to the City’s adopted Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP 2012) and Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (MBHMP 2019).

Funding for fire prevention activities in and near Ellwood Mesa (Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazard Fuel Reduction Project) is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

Pride Flag Raised in Goleta

The Pride Flag is up at City Hall, the Goleta Community Center, and the Goleta Valley Library in honor or LGBTQ+ Month.

Before the June 4th Council meeting, Councilmember Kyle Richards raised the Pride flag at City Hall. He was joined by Mayor Paula Perotte and fellow councilmembers. During the Council meeting, Councilmember Richards also presented a proclamation to Tyson Halseth, Chief Advancement Office from the Pacific Pride Foundation.

Councilmember Richards said, “While much progress has been made, our LGBTQ+ community– in particular our youth– continue to deal with harassment and belittling messages on a regular basis. By recognizing June as Pride Month, we celebrate our LGBTQ+ population and acknowledge that they are valued and integral members of our Goleta community.”

The LGBTQ+ community in the United States has a long history of resilience, strength, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite facing discrimination and marginalization, LGBTQ+ individuals have continued to push for equal treatment and recognition of their identities.

The raising of the Pride Flag is an example of the City of Goleta’s ongoing commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone.

View the proclamation here: https://tinyurl.com/53ahbtwj.

Pictured above: Councilmember Kyle Richards raising the Pride Flag at City Hall


Council with the Pride flag at City Hall, pictured left-to-right: Councilmember Kyle Richards, Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro-Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín (1st District) and Councilmember James Kyriaco (2nd District)


City Council presenting a proclamation to Tyson Halseth, Chief Advancement Office from the Pacific Pride Foundation

 

Coastal Commission Approves Monarch Habitat Plan

Permit Approval Marks Major Milestone for the Habitat Restoration Project

The City of Goleta is excited to share that the California Coastal Commission (CCC) unanimously approved a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the City’s Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Phase 1 Implementation Plan at its May 10, 2024, meeting. The Phase 1 Implementation Plan builds on years of community input and scientific research to address habitat enhancement, fire prevention, public safety and access, and community participation. This decision marks a milestone for the habitat restoration project and collaborative effort between the CCC and the City.

At the meeting, Coastal Commission District Director Steve Hudson said, “As a result of climate change and recurring drought conditions, substantial portions of the 60-acre woodland have been subject to die off over recent years and we see the need for some sort of comprehensive management program. I just want to take the opportunity to thank the City for developing the plan and for working with our staff over the years. We’re really looking forward to having this one happen.”

George Thomson, City of Goleta Parks and Open Space Manager, expressed his gratitude to Coastal Commission staff, Goleta City Council, the team of scientists who invested their time and talent in the development of this Plan, and the local community that cares about the future of Ellwood. He said, “

This permit didn’t come easy or quickly. We’ve worked hard to get here, and I speak for the whole team when I say we can’t wait to get started.”

Here is what the project entails.

  • Replanting more than 1,200 eucalyptus and native trees in monarch butterfly habitat areas.
  • Installation of over 100,000 native plants to increase nectar sources for butterflies and other wildlife.
  • A new irrigation system to ensure plant establishment and future emergency tree watering.
  • Felling and chipping several thousand dead eucalyptus trees to reduce the risk of devastating wildfire.
  • A new wooden footbridge to allow all-weather and accessible access across Devereux Creek.
  • Recreational trail improvements and a signage program to reduce site impacts and increase educational opportunities.
  • Rehabilitation of two butterfly viewing areas to facilitate learning and nature appreciation.
  • Reconstruction of emergency and maintenance vehicle access to Ellwood Mesa.
  • Wildlife and nesting bird management plans to ensure the protection of sensitive environmental resources during construction.

The Coastal Development Permit includes conditions, including another review of final public access, pest management, and signage plans; and allows maintenance of trails and infrastructure for a period of ten years.

The City of Goleta invites the public to stay informed and get involved in the stewardship of Ellwood Mesa:

For more information, contact the City’s Parks and Open Space Manager George Thomson at gthomson@cityofgoleta.org or 805.961.7578.

Funding for the implementation of the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan is provided by the California State Coastal Conservancy. The Coastal Conservancy is a California state agency, established in 1976, to protect and improve natural lands and waterways, to help people get to and enjoy the outdoors, and to sustain local economies along California’s coast. It acts with others to protect and restore, and increase public access to, California’s coast, ocean, coastal watersheds, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Its vision is of a beautiful, restored, and accessible coast for current and future generations of Californians.

Pictured: Rendering of Improvements to butterfly habitat areas include new trees and native plants. Viewing areas will include natural log benches and educational signage.

 

 

Free Community Disaster Education Course

Did you know that the City of Goleta offers a free course on how to prepare you and your family for a disaster situation? This is especially relevant as the National Weather Service forecasts a likely transition from El Niño to La Niña within the coming months. The weather will become drier and warmer and wildfire conditions are coming back.

Let Goleta help you, your family, and your workplace prepare!  Request a free Community Disaster Education (CDE) course offered by the City of Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator. Just go to www.CityofGoleta.org/CDE to learn more and complete an interest form. Courses are also available in Spanish. Watch this video in English or Spanish for more information about the course.

A CDE is a free, one-hour introductory course for groups of 10 or more that teaches residents how to become more prepared in the event of a disaster. A CDE course can be held anywhere and during most hours, such as a lunch break or after hours at a Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting.

Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris said, “I encourage anyone who wants to be prepared for the next emergency to join me in this class. This course is great for beginners who don’t know where to start as well as an important refresher for those that may have a go-bag but haven’t checked it in awhile.”

As an attendee, you will learn about what is expected following a disaster, what you can do to prepare your home and workplace, how to build an emergency go-bag, and more. Almost 200 community members have already taken the course, will you be next?

The City also encourages you to sign up for emergency alerts from Santa Barbara County at ReadySBC.org and for emergency notifications from the City of Goleta at http://tinyurl.com/goletaemergency.

Pictured: Michael Baris, Emergency Services Coordinator, with items from a go-bag

Potter’s Point at Ellwood Bluffs

Renowned local artist Chris Potter will forever be remembered and honored at a place he loved so dearly. On May 7, the Goleta City Council voted unanimously to name a special spot along the scenic Elwood Bluffs “Potter’s Point” in honor of the legendary local artist Chris Potter who passed away on February 3 at the age of 49.  Chris had been battling a rare form of cancer but was reportedly cancer free at the time of his passing.

The “Potter’s Point” location holds special significance to the late artist, as it was a place he often frequented for inspiration and artistic expression. Even during his darkest moments, thinking of that spot brought him joy as referenced by a social media post read at the Council meeting by his friend Penny Owens.

“I’d close my eyes on the radiation table and attempt to let joy in,” wrote Potter. “It came in the form of me standing and painting on the bluffs at Ellwood at ‘my spot.’ Then I was a redtail hawk taking off from that spot and gliding along the cliffs. Then flying out over the ocean in a big loop, drifting up to hover, and then looking down at myself painting. Joy came to me and I accepted that no matter what happens I was here and I made my mark. I’m proud of myself and the life I’ve led. I might have cried a little while making this, but they were tears of joy.”

Dozens of friends and fans wearing light blue Chris Potter shirts packed the Council meeting to show their support of naming Potter’s Point and to share what the famous artist meant to them. 

In addition to the outpouring of support shown at the council meeting, more than 1,900 community members signed a petition in favor of Potter’s Point.  The process is underway to determine what commemorative object will be placed at Potter’s Point in his memory. 

Chris has strong ties to Goleta.  He was born at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital on January 29, 1975. He attended Ellwood Elementary, Goleta Valley Junior High, Dos Pueblos High, and studied art at UC Santa Barbara.

For more info on Chris Potter read this Independent article. To view his beautiful art, go to www.chrispotterart.com.

Pictured above: painting of Ellwood Mesa by Chris Potter

Supporters at the May 7, 2024, City Council meeting (photo credit: Matt Kettmann)

Meet Goleta’s New Supervising Librarian

Lyric Nicolini Hopes to Make Meaningful Impact in New Role

Goleta Valley Library has a new Supervising Librarian. With a wealth of experience and a passion for promoting the power of libraries, Lyric Nicolini is eager to make a meaningful impact in the community.

“I’m so excited to meet everyone here!” said Lyric. “It’s my goal to always spread ‘library joy’ – a term I learned from a respected former colleague of mine, Mychal Threets.”

City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo said, “It is my honor to introduce to our community Goleta Valley Library’s new Supervising Librarian, Lyric Nicolini. Lyric brings to this role an enthusiasm for connecting patrons with the many traditional and innovative resources that our library is proud to offer. Their dedication and creativity will be invaluable in building connections within our community and supporting staff in our commitment to providing high-quality library service to all.”

Originally from Bakersfield, Lyric is no stranger to the Santa Barbara area, where they attended Westmont College for their undergraduate studies before transferring to Northwest University in Seattle. With a Master of Science in Information Studies degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Lyric’s academic journey has equipped them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of library service.

Lyric’s work experience further reflects their passion for community engagement. Before joining the City of Goleta team, Lyric previously held positions as a teacher for the Eglin Independent School District in Texas, a Library Assistant at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, an author, and their most recent role as a Library Technician in the Youth Services Department at Santa Barbara Public Library.

Lyric describes their love of books as transformative, with the childhood discovery of the novel Tuck Everlasting opening their eyes to the captivating world of literature. This led Lyric down a path of academic success that has inspired a career dedicated to advocating for the role of libraries in both student achievement and community engagement.

As the new Supervising Librarian, Lyric is eager to establish roots in the area and serve as an advocate for the library. A self-described “library cheerleader,” Lyric is enthusiastic about working in Goleta, a community that values the library as much as they do. Accompanied by their service dog Azul, a German Shepherd/Labrador mix trained at the Doggie Do Good program in Arroyo Grande, Lyric is passionate about ensuring that the library is a welcoming and inclusive space for every member of the community.

Please join us in welcoming Lyric to Goleta Valley Library!

Pictured: Lyric Nicolini and their service dog Azul in front of Goleta Valley Library

Goleta Solid Waste Rate Increase

Beginning July 1, all Goleta customers will see an increase to their MarBorg solid waste rate collection charges as part of an annual adjustment. At last night’s June 4 City Council meeting, the Council approved an increase of 4.97%. 

The annual increase is due to:

  • Increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
  • County of Santa Barbara’s tipping fees at the Tajiguas landfill and ReSource Center

Rate increases due to CPI and Santa Barbara County tipping fees are allowed as part of the City’s franchise agreement with MarBorg.

The annual rate adjustment ensures the continued quality and reliability of our waste management services. As the costs associated with waste collection, disposal, and recyclable material processing rise, it becomes necessary to adjust rates accordingly. This adjustment will allow us to maintain the high standards of environmental stewardship that our community values.

MarBorg provides the following services to the City: solid waste collection, collection of green waste, recyclables, and commercial food waste, free residential household hazardous waste drop off, free bulky items pickups, textiles recycling, unlimited free electronics pickups and recycling, and many other programs. The revenue generated by the rate increase will help MarBorg to cover the increasing costs of collection, transport, processing, recycling, and disposal of materials.

The new rates are listed below and become effective on July 1, 2024. For the full rate sheet go to https://tinyurl.com/2edjffwf. 

 

Monthly Maximum Solid Waste Collection Rates for July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025

Service Level

Current Rates:
July 1, 2023 –
June 30, 2024

Approved Rates:
4.97% Increase

$ Change

35-gallon Single Family Residential Cart Service

$37.39

$39.29

$1.90

65-gallon Single Family Residential Cart Service

$41.88

$43.97

$2.09

95-gallon Single Family Residential Cart Service

$48.39

$50.79

$2.40

35-gallon Multi Family Residential Cart Service

$31.73

$33.31

$1.58

65-gallon Multi Family Residential Cart Service

$35.38

$37.14

$1.76

95-gallon Multi Family Residential Cart Service

$41.07

$43.11

$2.04

Learn more about the variety of solid waste and recycling programs and services available to residential and commercial customers at www.cityofgoleta.org/WasteFreeGoleta.

All other questions or feedback can be emailed to EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.org.