Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Summer Reading Ends with Stuffed Animal Sleepover

400 Stuffies Take Over Goleta Valley Library

The 2024 Summer Reading Program, Adventure Begins at Your Library, came to a close on Saturday, July 27th at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries after seven fun-filled weeks of programs, performances, and lots of great books. The program could not happen without the help of our amazing volunteers. This year’s team included 80 teen and adult volunteers, more than any other year. Volunteers were responsible for listening to youth participants report on their reading, awarding prizes, and assisting with behind-the-scenes work on a variety of library programs.

This year’s program saw excellent community participation from all ages across the library’s branches, as children, teens, and adults delighted in events and worked hard to earn prizes set at various reading milestones. Since the program’s launch in mid-June, more than 1,500 children in grades K-6 and over 160 teens in grades 7-12 signed up and received reading logs, and adults read over 700 books for a chance to be entered into weekly drawings. Grand prize drawings will take place this week for treasures such as skateboards, gift cards, book packs, and much more! The lucky winners will be notified by the first week of August.

To celebrate this fantastic reading, the much-anticipated Stuffed Animal Sleepover returned to Goleta Valley Library for a summer campout themed overnight adventure! A record-breaking 400 stuffies were dropped off by enthusiastic kids, who had been informed by Children’s Librarian Kaeley Christensen during end-of-school-year class visits that the only participation requirement was that their stuffie couldn’t be too big for them to carry into the library.

“It was truly magical to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they dropped off and picked up their stuffed animals for this event. Making a connection like this with the library will stay with them their whole lives, and I am honored to help make this happen,” said Kaeley Christensen.

Other highlights from the Summer Reading Program included the return of beloved annual performers such as magician Shawn McMaster and puppeteer Luce Puppet Company, as well as new creative events like the “Adventures in Geology” Dibblee map workshop at Solvang Library and the Camp Out Craft Day at Buellton Library. With programs for a wide range of interests as well as materials on a myriad of topics, the library aimed to offer an adventure to each and every one of its patrons this summer.

Congratulations on all your amazing reading and thank you for spending the summer with us!

To learn more about the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries and check out all the great things happening year-round, visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2024 Summer Reading Program: 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 Goleta Valley Library, 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.


Storytime for the stuffies at the Stuffed Animal Sleepover


Campers enjoying an on outdoor movie night


Franklin Haynes Marionettes show of “Frankie’s Toy Box”

 

 

 

Buena Tierra Ribbon Cutting August 15

The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara is thrilled to commemorate the opening of its newest supportive housing development, Buena Tierra, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at 6021 Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta. Buena Tierra, formerly the Super 8 Hotel, consists of 60 permanent supportive housing units for homeless and chronically homeless individuals, including 15 units designated specifically for youth transitioning out of foster care.

Select areas of the property will be available to tour beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by the 2:00 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony which will feature remarks from local and state dignitaries as well as light refreshments. Additional opportunities to tour the property will be available after the ceremony. Come celebrate and learn more about how Buena Tierra is making a positive impact in our community.

“Buena Tierra is more than just a place to live; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for those in need,” said Bob Havlicek, HASBARCO Executive Director. “Designed with the well-being of its residents in mind, Buena Tierra represents our unwavering commitment to providing safe, affordable housing and comprehensive support services that empower residents to thrive.”

Much of the project’s cost was awarded through the State of California Homekey 2.0 Program. The funding is part of $70 million in State awards for six new Homekey projects throughout California. When fully operational, the projects will have provided 232 housing units for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. Generous contributions from the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Goleta are also responsible for bringing this project to life.

For more on Buena Tierra including information on how to apply, visit www.hasbarco.org.

Senior Coffee with a Cop

August 20 at the Goleta Community Center

The Goleta Community Center is excited to announce a special “Coffee with a Cop” for seniors, taking place on Tuesday, August 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This engaging and informal gathering will provide an excellent opportunity for community members to connect with local law enforcement officers over coffee and conversation.

The event aims to foster a strong sense of community and open dialogue between seniors and the police department. Attendees will have the chance to discuss safety concerns, ask questions, and share their thoughts in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. All seniors are encouraged to join and take part in this unique chance to connect with their local law enforcement.

Event Details:

  • Date: August 20, 2024
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue

This is one of many events put on the by the Goleta Community Center Senior Program. The Senior Program offers a variety of activities and resources designed to support and engage local seniors. From fitness classes and social events to educational workshops and volunteer opportunities, the program aims to enrich the lives of older adults in the community. We encourage all seniors to get involved! Visit the GCC in-person or check out the website at www.CityofGoleta.org/GCC to see a program schedule, then sign up at the front office. 

For more information, please contact the Goleta Community Center at 805-967-1237 or communitycenter@cityofgoleta.org.

Pictured: Community Resource Deputy Connor Worden in front of the Goleta Community Center

Old Town Open for Business

The City’s Old Town Open for Business campaign continues. Every day on our social media platforms (Facebook, X [formerly Twitter], and Instagram) we are highlighting a business in Old Town. We encourage you to look daily and see if we are featuring one of your favorites, or maybe you will discover an awesome business you have never heard of before! If you know of an Old Town business that you recommend we highlight, please let us know by sending an e-mail to PIO@cityofgoleta.org. Thank for supporting our wonderful Old Town businesses during Project Connect construction. They are open and ready to serve you!  Watch our Old Town Open for Business video promo here in English and here in Spanish.

Don’t let the construction discourage you from coming down to Old Town. Public parking is available for free at three designated public parking lots: Community West Bank (corner of Pine Avenue and Hollister Avenue), Orange Avenue Lot, and Carson Street (between Orange Avenue and Fairview Avenue).  

Project Connect is the largest capital improvement project in the history of the City. The multi-year project 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.

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.

Thanks for doing your part to keep Old Town thriving while we work to build a better future for Goleta.

Meet Me in Old Town August 15

Join us for the third and final “Meet Me in Old Town” summer event series! Taking place on Thursday, August 15 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., this event gets better each time. Grab some food from an Old Town eatery and come on down to Magnolia Avenue between Hollister Avenue and Gaviota Street for live music, games, refreshments, and commemorative merchandise. This month’s event will be lemon-themed in advance of the Goleta Lemon Festival on September 28 & 29 at Girsh Park.

Here are the details:

  • Entertainment: Tequila Mockingbird
  • Activities: Live music, local business specials, food trucks, refreshments, games, merchandise, and community vendors
  • Vendor Booths: City of Goleta, Community Environmental Council, Special Olympics – Santa Barbara Region, Megan’s Organic Market, CrossFit Santa Barbara, Children’s Resources and Referral of Santa Barbara County

Community members are invited to join their neighbors in interactive and family-friendly activities and visitors from neighboring areas can explore the distinctive attractions that Old Town Goleta has to offer. Local businesses will showcase specials and unique offerings through tastings and promotions.

Previous events were held May 16 and July 18 (view photos here). The events are put on by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Goleta as a way to boost local business visibility and showcase Old Town Goleta’s charm.

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: Goleta City Council at the July 18 “Meet Me in Old Town” event

Parks & Rec Month Recap

Parks and Recreation Month just wrapped up! Thank you to everyone who participated in our free clinics which included pickleball, disc golf and tennis. There are so many great parks and open spaces here in Goleta – we hope to see you outside!

Parks and Recreation Month is made possible by our Parks and Recreation and Parks and Open Space Divisions. Our Parks team works together to deliver high-quality experiences and keep our parks and open spaces clean, safe, welcoming, inclusive, and ready to use. We want to show our appreciation for all they do, and July 19, Parks and Recreation Professionals Day, was the perfect occasion. Parks and Recreation Professionals Day is a nationwide celebration to recognize and thank all the dedicated professionals who build strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. 

Please join us in thanking them for the great benefit they provide to our community all year long!


Parks & Rec and Parks & Open Space staff with their Parks & Rec Month Proclamation at the June 18, 2024, City Council meeting

Save-the-Date 2024 Lemon Festival

The Goleta Lemon Festival is set for September 28 & 29 at Girsh Park, proudly sponsored by Rusty’s Pizza. This eagerly awaited annual event attracts 40,000 regional visitors, residents, community leaders, non-profits, and elected officials, embodying the essence of Goleta.

You’ll find wonderful food, a fantastic family atmosphere, and a variety of entertainment and activities that have made this the most anticipated event on the Goleta coast. This weekend also includes the Goleta Fall Classic Car and the ever-popular ‘Safety Street.’ Don’t miss our pie-eating contests, and the arts and crafts vendors.

Food vendors, vendor booth applications, and car show registrations are now open! For food and vendor booths go to lemonfestival.com/vendorapplications, and for the Classic Car Show go to lemonfestival.com/goleta-fall-classic.

The Lemon Festival is put on by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce. Learn more here: lemonfestival.com.

NatureTrack Film Festival & Poster Reveal

This year’s NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) poster, revealed at a special event on July 11 at the Camino Real Cinemas, will feature artwork by the late renowned local artist Chris Potter with a portrait of ‘Potters Point’, the bluffs recently renamed in Potter’s honor by the City of Goleta. The poster was revealed by Potter’s wife, Julie Beaumont Potter alongside NTFF Managing Director Gareth Kelly and notable VIPs from the Goleta Community. 

“Chris and I have always loved to support local non-profits,” said Beaumont Potter. “When the NatureTrack Film Festival reached out to me, it was an honor to have them use the portrait by Chris of his favorite spot for their poster. What Chris cherished the most was Nature!”

“We couldn’t think of a better image for this year’s poster than Potter’s point,” Kelly added. “We know Chris meant so much to the local community and we’re thrilled to honor his life and his work in this way”.

The 6th edition of the NatureTrack Film Festival takes place October 11 – 13th at the Camino Real Cinemas and promises to be the biggest and best yet with a record number of film submissions received from over 30 countries including World, US & California premieres. The full film program will be announced in late August. Early Bird All-Access VIP Passes are on sale now here.

Notable sponsors for this year’s festival include the Natalie Orfalea Foundation, Yardi, UCLA Health, El Rancho Marketplace, the City of Goleta, Go Goleta, Visit SB, Cox Communications, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and Mechanics Bank. 

With the goal 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, special guests, and more! 

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


Pictured left-to-right: Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, NTFF Managing Director Gareth Kelly, Julie Beaumont Potter, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) and Councilmember Kyle Richards


Group photo at poster reveal on July 11

 

Job Opportunities with #TeamGoleta

The City of Goleta is hiring! We are looking for passionate, hardworking people to join our team. Current open positions include:

  • Director of Public Works
  • Project Manager (Environmental Services)
  • Project Manager (Public Works)
  • Recreation Technician (part-time)

Learn more about each position and how to apply here. Check back regularly for new opportunities.

Meet Goleta’s New Police Chief

Lt. Frank Vasquez Brings Wealth of Experience to Assignment

The City of Goleta is pleased to introduce its new Chief of Police Services. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Frank Vasquez has taken on the new assignment and brings more than 27 years of law enforcement experience to the position. In this role, Lt. Vasquez will oversee the Goleta Police Department which includes a Motor Traffic Unit and two Community Resource Deputies, as well as the unincorporated areas of the Goleta Valley.

Goleta’s City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “This is an important position for the City and we are pleased to have such a seasoned and dedicated law enforcement professional to help maintain a safe community and continue to provide the high level of service our residents expect.”

Lt. Vasquez said, “I am excited to be here and to embark on this important new assignment. I know public safety is of upmost importance to the community and it is my honor to serve Goleta in this incredible leadership position.”

Lt. Vasquez was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Southern California. He started his career in the U.S. Air Force where he spent eight years rising to the rank of a Sergeant. Through this experience he was able to travel the world and work as a canine handler. He has served the past 19 years at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office where he has held a variety of assignments, most recently as the Bureau Lieutenant for Northern Stations Patrol. His previous assignments included patrol in Goleta, Central Stations and in Santa Maria. He has also supervised the county-wide Criminal Investigations and Special Investigations Bureaus and has been a member of a variety of collateral and specialty duties within the Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Vasquez possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from the University of La Verne and is close to finishing his graduate degree.

If you would like to meet Lt. Vasquez in person or watch virtually, he will be formally introduced at the August 20th Goleta City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. It will also be an opportunity to thank Lt. Rich Brittingham who served as our Chief for four years and is now the Chief of Police Services in Carpinteria.

We hope to see you on August 20th to help us give Lt. Vasquez a warm welcome and show our appreciation to Lt. Brittingham.