Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Rescued Barn Owl Takes Flight

A happy update to a story we had in the March edition of the Monarch Press. A beautiful barn owl that had been caught in a tree and entangled by fishing wire has been successfully released back into the wild.

The barn owl was found dangling 60ft in the air from a palm tree branch after being trapped in fishing wire. Goleta Public Works staff members Jorge Flores and Joel Rubio, with the City’s recently acquired Boom Lift, were able to aid Santa Barbara County in safely rescuing and untangling the owl.

Unfortunately, the bird was suffering from capture myopathy and its condition did not look good. However, thanks to the diligent care of staff at the Ojai Raptor Center the owl’s health improved to the point where it was ready to be set free.

On Saturday, March 9, Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martin, Mayor Perotte, and a few other lucky witnesses were able to view the exciting moment as the barn owl took flight once more into the beautiful Goleta sky.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this successful rescue and release. The return of the Barn Owl to its natural habitat would not have been possible without you.

Please let this heartwarming ending serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.

Photo credit: The Independent

Job Openings with Team Goleta

The City of Goleta is always looking for awesome people to join our team. If you are looking for a great place to work, we are hiring. The following positions are currently open or coming soon:

  • Public Works Supervisor
  • Recreation Technician (part-time)
  • Senior Engineer – coming soon

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

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Throughout April, the Goleta Police Department will be focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sergeant Noel Rivas said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach. Also, remember that using your cell phone while stopped at a red light is not allowed.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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

Remembering Jean Blois

Goleta lost a local legend. Former Mayor and Councilmember Jean Blois passed away at the age of 96 on March 22, 2024. She was a true trailblazer for the City and an important part of our history. Jean was one of four women on Goleta’s first five-member City Council and served as Mayor in 2005 and 2007 before leaving the Council in December 2008.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “I appreciate all that Jean did as a part of that intrepid new Council to help this new city face and overcome many challenges that come with being a ‘start up’.”

The City is grateful to have interviewed her as part of the 20 Year Reflections video and will forever cherish her memories of how Goleta got its start 22 years ago. Watch a short clip here.

Among Jean’s many passionate pursuits, she fought to protect the pristine Ellwood Mesa from development.

Before being elected to the new Goleta City Council, Jean was very active in our city in other ways. She served on the Goleta School District Board from 1970-1983 and the Goleta Water District from 1990-2002. She was a part of numerous other organizations, and most recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce in 2022.

Jean was a proud graduate of the University of California at Berkeley (Cal) where she graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration. She met her husband Bob Blois while at Cal. They married and eventually made their way to Goleta where they founded Blois Construction and raised their five sons. They were married for almost 55 years before Bob passed away in 2004.

To learn more about her story and her many accomplishments, read her obituary in Noozhawk: https://www.noozhawk.com/jean-w-blois-of-goleta-1927-2024/.

Jean will be forever remembered for her love and commitment to Goleta.

Textile Recycling Workshop on April 9

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center

What do leading textile manufacturers, plastic pollution researchers, and alpacas have in common? They will all be at the Santa Barbara Textile Recycling Workshop! You are invited to attend on Tuesday, April 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a day filled with learning and exploration on all things TEXTILES! The event will take place at the Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue. Please contact info@calpsc.org to RSVP.

The Santa Barbara Textile Recycling Workshop is hosted by the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) and the Santa Barbara Regional Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ), funded by CalRecycle. Industry leaders stepped up to co-fund, including UC Santa Barbara Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, Toad & Co, Mission Linen, Looptworks, Viavi Solutions, and other clothing brands who want guests to get a full experience from the workshop.

You are welcome to join at your convenience and stay as long as you can. The workshop will include keynote speakers, demonstrations, and endless opportunities to learn about the world of textiles and why reducing textile waste is so critical. The workshop aims to expand responsible textile recovery in Santa Barbara County by exploring partnerships, feedstocks, and local service opportunities for textile reuse, repair, recycling, and green design.

Speakers and exhibits will include the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation, Southern California Fibershed, Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, Toad and Co., and well known upcyclers and recyclers.

Santa Barbara County is unique in the fact that it is home to some of the biggest fashion brands, wool producers, environmental researchers, and a community that really cares about their waste. This workshop will highlight all of these great facets and more. Santa Barbara County is in a key position to garner the momentum needed to tackle the textile waste crisis.

MTD to Solicit Input on Proposed Service Changes

Santa Barbara MTD is hosting a set of public outreach meetings this April, and is inviting the public to take a brief survey giving feedback on proposed service changes to local bus service. These meetings are held annually in the spring to receive input on the proposed changes that would go into effect on August 19, 2024.

The first meeting will be held on Thursday, April 11th at 6:00 p.m. in Goleta City Hall Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive). Spanish/English interpretation will be provided at this and future meetings.

Proposed changes include:

  • Service extended until 9:00 p.m. on Line 15x (SBCC/UCSB Express)
  • Increased frequency on Line 27 (Isla Vista Shuttle)

In addition to these proposed changes, MTD will be launching temporary summer service for a new Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle circulator in Santa Barbara. Members of the public can learn more about this service at the outreach meetings.

MTD invites the public to learn more and to give feedback via an online survey that explains all the proposed changes at www.sbmtd.gov/servicechanges. The survey is available in English and Spanish.

In addition to the April 11th meeting in Goleta, community meetings will be held at the following locations and times:

  • Tuesday, April 16th at 6:00 p.m.
    Carpinteria Library (5141 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria)
  • Thursday, April 18th at 12:00 p.m.
    Santa Barbara City College, Room A161 (721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara)
  • Wednesday, April 24th at 6:00 p.m.
    Virtual Meeting Zoom Webinar – click here to register

A presentation on the proposed changes will also be given at the April 23rd meeting of the Isla Vista Community Services District Board of Directors. The meeting begins at 6:00pm.

For questions on proposed service changes, the public may contact Santa Barbara MTD at 805-963-3364 or email info@sbmtd.gov.

April Observances

April is full of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) observances, and while we cannot draw attention to them all, here are a few that we are highlighting for the month.

Celebrate Diversity Month: Takes place in April every year and was first started in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity of the world around us. It is a great opportunity to remind us to increase diversity in the workplace and various academic fields. The month aims to get people to foster a deeper understanding of others.

Autism Acceptance Month: Previously named Autism Awareness Month, aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition that occurs in one in every 54 children as of 2020 in the United States – calling for more than just ‘awareness’ but for public acceptance and celebration.

Passover, April 22 – 30, 2024: The festival of Passover is one of great joy, primarily celebrated in the home. Passover celebrates the freedom of the Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt. Passover 2024 begins at sundown on Monday, April 22nd and ends the evening of Tuesday, April 30th.

As we celebrate these observances, it is important to remember that we are all part of a global community. There are many other special holidays, celebrations, and observances that are happening, and we encourage everyone to recognize our differences and learn from one another. Take a moment this April to appreciate the rich diversity of our community and to learn something new about the people and cultures around us.

Public Works Inspector Retires After 19 Years of Service

Longtime Goleta Public Works Inspector Jerry Lopez is enjoying retirement after 19 years of service.

As a token of gratitude for his outstanding service to the City of Goleta, Mayor Paula Perotte and the City Council presented Jerry on March 10 with a City tile, with the Public Works Department in attendance to show its support.

Jerry first started working with the City of Goleta in 2005. He said, “I remember my first day like it was yesterday. There were three guys in our department in a small corner office down by the garage.” Throughout his tenure, Jerry has worked with hundreds of people on pavement, sidewalks, and other projects.

A Goleta resident of 24 years, Jerry looks back fondly at his career. “It has been a great experience working here,” said Jerry. “If I ever needed help or advice, no one hesitated for a moment to jump forward and help. Everyone was always willing to go above and beyond. The teamwork here is like no other. Lots of hard work but always lots of good laughs.”

Jerry is taking a well-deserved break over the next few months to relax and spend time with his family and grandchildren. Afterward, he and his wife plan to travel to exciting destinations and enjoy all the adventures that retirement has to offer.

Thank you Jerry, for all you have done for the City of Goleta and our community. We wish Jerry all the best in his retirement and look forward to seeing him around the community in the future!


Jerry Lopez receiving his City Tile at the March 10th meeting; pictured with his wife and the City Council


Jerry with the Goleta Public Works Department

Meet Goleta’s New Community Resource Deputy

CRD Worden Met Many New Faces at Coffee with a Cop on March 27

The City of Goleta is pleased to introduce its new Community Resource Deputy (CRD) Connor Worden, who began his new assignment on March 11, 2024. With an impressive background and a passion for community involvement, the City is looking forward to the positive impact CRD Worden will make in Goleta.

On March 27 the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office held a Coffee with a Cop event at Old Town Coffee for the community to get to know CRD Worden. Attendees included Sheriff Bill Brown, Chief of Police Services Lt. Brittingham, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco, and other local leaders.

Born and raised in Auburn, California, CRD Worden graduated from UC Santa Barbara and loved the area so much he always intended on coming back. He went on to attend the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento where he graduated with his Juris Doctorate. Following law school, he served as a Judge Advocate in the Marine Corps. CRD Worden’s desire to be on the front end of community work led him to pursue and get hired as a Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputy in 2021. During the past three years, he has worked patrol in the City of Goleta which drew him to the CRD position.

CRD Worden said, “What I am most looking forward to in this new role is the prospect of immersing myself in the community. I want to foster relationships that will serve as the foundation for developing creative and lasting solutions to community issues.”

CRD Worden has a variety of interests outside of work. He enjoys hiking, cooking, playing rugby, and taking his dog to the beach.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Community Resource Deputy Ehren Rauch for his time, service, and dedication to Goleta the past two years. “I have truly enjoyed working first-hand with the citizens and businesses to address the unique and challenging issues that faced our community. Burglary prevention, e-bike safety, traffic education, and homeless outreach were just some of the items I was proud to be a part of in the Good Land,” said Deputy Rauch. “Goleta is my hometown, and it has been an honor to serve as your CRD.”

Senior Deputy Rauch is now on Special Duty as a Tactical Flight Officer/Crew Chief for the Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit.

Please join us in wishing Senior Deputy Rauch and Community Resource Deputy Worden great success in their new assignments and thank them in advance for protecting and serving our community.


Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Paula Perotte, and Goleta Chief of Police Lt. Rich Brittingham


CRD Connor Worden and Deputy Ehren Rauch

 

Our Water Our World: Controlling Moles, Voles, and Gophers 

Learn how to control moles, voles, and gophers with these tips from the City of Goleta Environmental Services Division. 

Moles, voles, and gophers are small, mouse-like animals that are found outdoors in your backyard. These mammals look similar, live underground, and move quickly, so it can be difficult to distinguish them. One way to know if you have moles, voles, or gophers is to look at the soil mounds or holes in your backyard.  

Do You Have Moles, Voles or Gophers? 

  • Moles travel through a network of raised tunnels and create cone-shaped soil mounds entrance holes 
  • Moles have oversized front claws, sensitive snouts, and poor eyesight 
  • Voles travel through a network of closed or partly exposed tunnels and create clean, golf-ball sized entrance holes 
  • Voles look the most like mice and have short tails and round bodies 
  • Gophers create a crescent-shaped soil mound with a plugged opening 
  • Gophers are larger than moles or voles and have yellow-orange teeth 

Did You Know? 

  • Moles usually do not eat plants and can usually be found after a rain event 
  • Vole populations can quickly reach up to thousands per acre 
  • Gophers carry food and nesting material in their cheek pouches 

What Can You Do?  

Different methods can be used to remove moles, voles, and gophers such as creating barriers or using traps. The most effective and less toxic method to control moles, voles, and gophers is to create barriers. To prevent these animals temporarily, purchase castor oil-based repellents. It is not recommended to use any poisons, fumigants, or devices that cause fire (incendiary devices). 

  • Build in barriers. Use wire baskets when planting fruit trees or other plants. For planter beds, lay wire mesh or hardware cloth across the entire bottom. 
  • Use the correct measurements. Certain measurements should be used when installing barriers. If you have voles, bury ¼-inch wire mesh 6 to 10 inches below the surface and leave 12 inches above the surface. For gophers, bury at least 24 inches below the surface. 
  • Use a wire basket. For delicate plants, use wire baskets, also known as “gopher baskets.” 
  • Remove weeds. Remove weeds or other unwanted plants, which can attract these animals.  
  • Avoid and remove dense foliage. Voles use dense foliage to hide from predators, such as owls and hawks. 
  • Call in professionals. If you want to trap and remove these animals, it is recommended to call a professional because trapping can be dangerous.  

Find more information on controlling moles, voles, and gophers with eco-friendly products in our OWOW OWOW brochure.  

The City of Goleta along with the Cities of Buellton, Carpinteria, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara have partnered with the OWOW organization to promote the use of less-toxic products in an effort to reduce pesticide pollution in our communities. By reducing pesticide use and the use of less-toxic products around the home, you can help reduce pesticides and other pollutants such as herbicides and fertilizers from being picked up while watering or when it rains and transported to the nearest storm drain inlet and into our waterways. The OWOW website is a great resource for finding less-toxic products to use around your home or garden.