Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Help Write the Next Chapter at Goleta Valley Library

Capital Campaign Gift Opportunities are Available Now

The excitement is building—Goleta Valley Library’s first‑ever capital campaign is off and running! Together, we’re working to raise the remaining $835,000 to complete our $1.7 million vision for fresh, accessible, patron‑ready spaces that will welcome and delight our community for decades to come.

The main Goleta Valley Library location at 500 N. Fairview is temporarily closed for construction related to the Building Forward infrastructure improvements that will bring the facility up to current standards and regulations. The interior design team is seizing the opportunity while the library is closed and vacant to create a more modern and accessible environment while retaining the charm and warmth of this treasured space. The interior design improvements will include updated seating for all ages, private study pods for reservable use, upgraded shelving to support the library’s broad collection, an enhanced children’s area with interactive and flexible spaces, a designated teen zone, technology upgrades, refreshed common spaces, and more – take a look at the latest renderings on our capital campaign webpage.

The campaign, which is fiscally sponsored by The Santa Barbara Foundation, goes through December 2026 and launched with $764,105 of this goal already secured through two milestone gifts from the John C. Mithun Foundation and the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library. In addition to much-appreciated donations from community members, the Library also recently received a new commitment of $100,000 from a generous local organization, bringing the total raised above 50% of the goal.

There are four convenient options for library supporters to help support our campaign:

  1. Santa Barbara Foundation: The fiscal sponsorship fund at the Santa Barbara Foundation, “Goleta Valley Library: Writing the Next Chapter”, is facilitating all donations, offering various convenient methods including credit card, check, wires, stock, or other assets, as well as donor advised fund contributions. To make a tax-deductible contribution:
    • Credit Cards: Visit the project listing page at https://sbfoundation.org/gvlibrary/ to make a secure gift transaction.
    • Checks: Make payable to Santa Barbara Foundation, with “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the memo line. Mail to: Santa Barbara Foundation, 1111 Chapala St #200, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
    • Gifts of Stock or Other Assets: Contact Jessica Sanchez, Senior Director of Donor Relations, at (805) 880-9366 or jsanchez@sbfoundation.org for details.
  2. Friends of the Goleta Valley Library: The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library continue to be incredibly supportive partners during our campaign. They have agreed to collect gifts toward the capital campaign and disburse them to Goleta Valley Library. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please specify that your donation is intended for the capital campaign through one of the options below:
    • Credit Cards: Donate securely via the Friends website at friendsofthegoletavalleylibrary.org and include “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the notes field.
    • Checks: Make payable to the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, with “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the memo line. Mail to: Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, P.O. Box 635, Goleta, CA 93116-0635.
    • Other Options or Questions: Contact the Friends directly at friendsofthegvlibrary@gmail.com.
  3.  City of Goleta: Donations can be made to the Library directly. Please contact City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo at esaucedo@cityofgoleta.gov for details.
  4. In-Person at GVL Express: Donations via credit card, cash, or check can be accepted at the service desk at GVL Express (6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105). The completion of a brief donation form will be requested for tracking purposes, and anonymous donations are also welcome.

Thank you to each of the wonderfully generous donors who have already contributed gifts toward this special project! To share the campaign with others and to see the latest updates, visit us at goletavalleylibrary.org/writingthenextchapter.

The Santa Barbara Foundation is the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor of the “Goleta Valley Library: Writing the Next Chapter” capital campaign.  As such, Santa Barbara Foundation receives all donations to the program and oversees funds are distributed in the manner intended by the committee. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Pictured above: Lobby Rendering


Interior Library Rendering


Children’s Area of the Library Rendering


Exterior Rendering

LEAD Goleta Graduates 32 Community Members

Class Included Higher Number of Students than Prior Years

The City of Goleta is proud to announce the completion of its 6th LEAD Goleta Community Academy. LEAD stands for Learn, Empower, Advocate, and Discuss. For six weeks, 32 participants have met every week to learn about how the City of Goleta is run. The evening of February 19, 2026, the group completed its final class which included participants receiving a graduation certificate and a City of Goleta pin from the Mayor and City Council. The ceremony was held at the Goleta Community Center and included family and friends of the graduates. Watch a video recap of the event here and view a photo album here.

Mayor Paula Perotte applauded the group for its participation and said, “It says a lot about who you are that you took time out of your busy lives to learn about how local government works. It was really refreshing to see so many students this year in this class. We hope you will all take what you learned and continue to stay engaged.”

Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “Every class is unique and what we will remember about this one especially is the great questions they asked and that there was not one minute of the class where they looked disinterested. They all showed up every week ready to learn. We will miss seeing them every week but are so glad we had this experience together.”

There was a lot to cover over the six-week class. The program began with participants hearing from the City Manager, Mayor and City Council. Additional weeks covered the other facets that make up a city. There were presentations from the City Clerk’s Office, Finance, Economic Development Sustainability, Environmental Services, Parks & Open Space, Planning, Neighborhood Services, Homelessness, Parks and Recreation, Goleta Valley Library, Public Works, Goleta Police, Santa Barbara County Fire, Emergency Services, Community Outreach, and the Goleta Community Center.

Besides getting a behind the scenes look at each of these divisions, the participants also participated in a Mock City Council meeting and took tours of the Goleta Valley Library Express and Goleta Community Center. The last class also featured a Goleta Trivia Game where the graduates had a chance to put their knowledge to the test. There was also homework each week and a first time “Where is Mayor Paula Perotte?” game where participants had to take a photo with a cut out photo of the Mayor somewhere in City limits and guess where it was taken.

The diverse group of LEAD Goleta participants came from all different backgrounds and walks of life The group included high school and college students, retirees, business professionals, community partners and overall Goleta enthusiasts. All were drawn to participate for different reasons.

Before receiving their certificates, the graduates went around the room and expressed what they enjoyed most about the Academy. Here are just a couple of the comments:

Peichi Waite said, “LEAD Goleta Community Academy should come with a warning label: “Caution! Take this class and you will fall in love with this city!” As a Harvard-trained educator, I was impressed with the curriculum, guest speakers, presentations, organized communications, and even the visit by K9 Kaz. Every Goleta local should jump at the opportunity to participate in this top-notch academy.”

Yazmin Ramos added, “Participating in LEAD Goleta helped me understand how local government decisions are made and the processes that keep the city thriving. Meeting all the passionate people that serve our community was truly inspiring. I feel incredibly lucky to live here, and plan to stay connected and informed as a community member.

Laura Costillo said, “LEAD Goleta Community Academy made City government feel approachable and real. It showed me how accessible the process is for community members to speak up, create change, and be heard—and how committed Goleta is to supporting all residents, regardless of their living situation.”

One of the final comments was from Borbor Nagbe. He said, “Participating in the LEAD Goleta Community Academy was an eye-opening experience that gave me a real behind-the-scenes look at how our local government works. I had the opportunity to connect with so many incredible people from across our community who share a passion for making Goleta a better place. The program deepened my understanding of the many ways residents can get involved and have a meaningful impact. I leave feeling inspired and more motivated than ever to stay engaged and help shape the future of our city.”

If you are interested in signing up for a future LEAD Goleta class, please email jshaw@cityofgoleta.gov to be notified when applications are available.


LEAD Goleta 2026 graduating class with the Goleta City Council


Student graduates


Mock City Council meeting participants with the City Clerk Team


LEAD Class Tours the Goleta Valley Library Express


Where is Mayor Paula Perotte? photo cut out homework

Details Announced for Goleta’s Community State of the City on April 15

Join Us from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center

Details are being finalized for Goleta’s biggest night of the year. We hope you will mark your calendar NOW to join us on Wednesday, April 15, for the Goleta Community State of the City at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. This event, in its ninth year, will have a new format. The Mayor and the entire City Council will be presenting on the City’s accomplishments and challenges. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available and light refreshments provided.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “I am so excited for this year’s event and having all of the Councilmembers join me in presenting the State of the City address. If you love Goleta, this is a night you don’t want to miss!”

We are pleased to announce that the Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band will be returning to the gazebo in front of the Goleta Community Center (GCC) starting at 4:30 p.m. to play for you as you arrive and before the event starts. Dos Pueblos High School Student and 2025 Teen Star Finalist, Tyler McCutchen, who kicked off the event for us last year, will be singing and playing the keyboard during the mingling portion of the evening and as part of the main program.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 5:00 p.m. to check out the City information tables (or earlier to listen to the DP Jazz Band). City staff will be available to talk about upcoming projects and programs. This is also an opportunity to mingle with the City Council, City staff, stakeholders and fellow Goletans. At 6:00 p.m. the main program begins featuring the Mayor and City Councilmembers giving a State of the City Address, followed by a Financial Update from Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet. The program ends with the popular Q&A session featuring City of Goleta Department Directors.

Additional parking at the Goleta Community Center is available behind the building if there are no spots remaining in the front and side parking areas.

We hope you can join us for this important City event. Bring your family and friends!

Pictured above: Mayor Perotte speaking at 2025 Goleta Community State of the City


 

Austrian National Soccer Team Coming to Town

The Austrian National Soccer Team will be setting up its team base camp in Goleta in June and training at UC Santa Barbara’s Harder Stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament this summer.

The Goleta City Council held a special meeting on January 12, 2026, and approved a Team Base Camp Host Agreement but did not officially find out what team it would be until it was announced on Friday January 30th by the Austrain Consulate General in Los Angeles via its social media accounts. The Consulate said, “We can’t wait for June and the boys to arrive — the team of the General Consulate will be cheering them on! Geh ma’s an!”

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “The City of Goleta is thrilled to welcome Team Austria, along with its delegations, media and fans to our beautiful home. We are excited to show them all what makes our city so special and to showcase Goleta and our region on a global stage. We encourage our community to help make this a world-class experience and embrace these visitors with the hospitality that our region is known for.”

UC Santa Barbara Chancellor Dr. Dennis Assanis said, “UC Santa Barbara is honored to welcome the Austrian National Team to Harder Stadium. Their decision to train here for the upcoming World Cup is a testament to the welcoming spirit of our campus and the great City of Goleta, as well as our outstanding soccer facilities.”

Kathy Janega-Dykes, President/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, the area’s destination marketing organization, said, “Hosting an international team will deliver meaningful economic benefits, supporting local businesses, hospitality jobs and vital tax revenue for community services. Just as important, this opportunity allows our community to come together on a global stage and helps position the Santa Barbara South Coast to successfully host future high-profile national and international events with lasting community benefit.”

As part of the agreement for being a Team Base Camp Host, the City of Goleta will help provide secure transportation between where the team stays and where it trains.  

Stakeholders are hoping to work with the Austrian Football Association to provide opportunities for community involvement. 

According to the Santa Barbara Independent, “The Austrian team finished with a 6-1-1 record in World Cup qualifying matches last year, and the team punched its ticket to the World Cup with a 1-1 tie against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a match played in Vienna, Austria, on November 18. The Austrian team will arrive in early June, and train for a few days in Goleta before travelling to Santa Clara to face Jordan in the first game of the group stage on June 16. After that, the team will return to Goleta to train before its next two matches in Dallas on June 22 and Kansas City on June 27.”

The City will provide more information including opportunities for community participation as details become available.

Fitness with Rachel Receives Business Recognition Award

Owner Presented with Award Certificate at February 3 Council Meeting

The City is proud to announce that Fitness with Rachel has been selected for the City’s Business Recognition Program, which celebrates Goleta businesses for their notable achievements and unique contributions to the community. These businesses help shape Goleta’s identity, strengthen our economy, and enrich the community.

Fitness with Rachel was chosen for its success as a woman-owned business and dedication to improving the lives of seniors and residents throughout Goleta. At the February 3 City Council meeting, Mayor Perotte presented owner Rachel McDonald with an award certificate.

“Fitness with Rachel exemplifies the spirit of Goleta—innovative, caring, and committed to community health. We are proud to honor Rachel’s work and the positive impact she has on our residents,” said Mayor Paula Perotte.

Owned and operated by Rachel McDonald, Fitness with Rachel offers senior fitness programs; cancer exercise programs individually tailored to address fatigue, pain, and other cancer-related issues; strengthening classes; express fitness classes and more. Rachel holds several certifications including:

  • Primary Group Exercise Certification (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America)
  • Personal Trainer, Senior Fitness, and Fitness Nutrition Certifications (American Council on Exercise)
  • Advanced Cancer Exercise Specialist Certification (Cancer Exercise Training Institute)

Rachel is passionately dedicated to the health of her clients, saying, “After seeing cancer forever change the lives of numerous friends and family members, offering this service to our local cancer patients and survivors is particularly gratifying for me.” Her classes, including themed classes like Dancing Through the Decades, focus on both physical and mental wellbeing and are meant to foster community and connection.

The Business Recognition Program honors businesses quarterly. Learn more about eligibility requirements and nominate a business today on the Business Recognition Program webpage. Nominations are open to the public and self-nominations are accepted. Click here for the nomination form in English.  Haga clic aquí para obtener el formulario de nominación en español.


Rachel accepting the Certificate of Recognition from Mayor Perotte
Rachel accepting her Certificate of Recognition; Pictured left-to-right: Councilmember Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Paula Perotte, Rachel McDonald of Fitness with Rachel, Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1) and Mayor Pro Tempore Jennifer Smith (District 3)


Rachel in Council Chambers with her family, friends and clients

United Way Offers Free Tax Services for Qualifying County Residents

Fridays at the Goleta Community Center by Appointment

United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program returns to the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) Friday’s during tax season. The VITA program provides free tax filing services to local qualifying residents throughout Santa Barbara County. Households making $67,000 or less can visit a participating location to have their taxes prepared and filed for free.

The VITA program will operate at sites throughout the county via appointment only now through April 15, including the Goleta Community Center, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Public Library’s Eastside Branch, and United Way of Santa Barbara County. Program volunteers are IRS-certified tax preparers, and can help households prepare, and electronically file their tax returns. VITA volunteers can also assist with Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) applications and renewals.

2026 Tax Preparation Sites:

Goleta Community Center
5679 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA 93117
Fridays | 9am-12pm and 1-4pm

United Way of Santa Barbara County
320 East Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 1-4pm

Santa Barbara Public Library – Eastside Branch
1102 E Montecito St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Mondays & Fridays | 4-7pm
Saturdays | 9am-1pm

UC Santa Barbara
Location TBD
Saturdays | 10am-3pm

Please visit www.unitedwaysb.org/VITA to make an appointment, for up-to-date site information, required documentation and information to bring, and other program details. 

There will be Spanish interpretation available on limited days. When registering online you can request a Spanish speaking tax professional. If one is not available that day, the United Way will reach out to reschedule.

Groundbreaking Celebrated for Heritage Ridge

Goleta’s Largest Affordable Housing Development

The City of Goleta is sharing this information on behalf of the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara (HASBARCO).

The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara (HASBARCO), in partnership with Redtail Multifamily Land Development LLC and key public agencies, celebrated the groundbreaking of Heritage Ridge on December 19, 2025. The transformative 104-home affordable housing community is located at 6488 Camino Vista in Goleta. The event marked a major milestone in advancing the Central Hollister Corridor housing plan and addressing critical housing needs across Santa Barbara County. Watch a video clip here of the groundbreaking.

The ceremony brought together elected officials, public agency leaders, and project partners, including representatives from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the offices of Congressman Salud Carbajal and State Senator Monique Limón, Assemblymember Gregg Hart, and City of Goleta leadership.

Goleta City Councilmember James Kyriaco underscored the historic nature of the project, calling Heritage Ridge “the biggest affordable housing project in the city of Goleta’s history.” He emphasized the collaborative effort required to reach this milestone, noting, “Today, because we all worked together—our state partners, our county partners, our federal partners, and even the voters of the State of California who passed Prop 1—we’re able to be here together and make this happen for our community, so that our families have a place to live, so that our seniors have a place to live, so that everyone has their best chance to live a good life here in The Good Land.”

Peter Imhof, City of Goleta Planning and Environmental Review Director, highlighted the City’s long-term commitment to housing solutions. “This project shows how Goleta remains firmly committed to expanding housing opportunities for all members of our community. Affordable housing continues to be a top priority, and we are taking proactive steps to ensure that Goleta remains a place where families, workers, and seniors can continue to live and thrive,” Imhof said.

Representing the office of California State Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, Benjamin Peterson emphasized the urgency of the region’s housing crisis. “This is an essential need that we all feel on a daily basis, whether it’s in our commutes, or for our friends and family, or ourselves,” Peterson said.

Assemblymember Gregg Hart focused on the human impact behind the development. “It’s not just the units—it’s the families and the lives that we’re stabilizing, and the people here in our community who need a place to live to be able to contribute, to be a part of our community, and to have a future they can look forward to,” Hart said. “That’s what this is all about.”

Heritage Ridge will deliver 104 affordable homes through two integrated components:

  • Heritage Ridge Senior Housing: 41 all-electric, solar-powered units designed with senior-focused amenities.
  • Heritage Ridge Special Needs Family Housing: 63 homes, including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with Project-Based Vouchers serving homeless households and veterans, along with community amenities and CPTED-informed design features.

In addition to housing, the development will include a two-acre public park featuring a playground, cultural gathering space, walking paths, and outdoor exercise equipment, further strengthening connections with the surrounding neighborhood.

Financing for Heritage Ridge combines tax-exempt bonds, Project-Based Vouchers, County HOME funds, and multiple California Department of Housing and Community Development programs, including Homekey+, the Multifamily Housing Program (MHP), and the Housing for a Healthy California (HHC) program. The project reflects a strong partnership among HASBARCO, Redtail Multifamily Land Development LLC, and numerous public stakeholders committed to expanding affordable housing opportunities in Santa Barbara County.

Pictured above: District 2 Councilmember James Kyriaco, District 4 Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, District 1 Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín, Mayor Pro Tempore Jennifer Smith, Planning & Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof, and Assistant City Manager Jaime Valdez at the Heritage Ridge Groundbreaking Ceremony


Elected officials and public agency leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony for Heritage Ridge

 

California State Lands Commission Meeting at City Hall on Feb. 19

Platform Holly Decommissioning Project: Notice of Preparation; Public Comments Accepted Until March 6

The California State Lands Commission (Commission) has released a Notice of Preparation (NOP) (State Clearinghouse No. 2026010775) for the Platform Holly Decommissioning Project. The Commission prepared the NOP to solicit public, tribal, and agency comments, in writing or verbally at the February 19 scoping meeting, on the scope and content of the environmental analysis and mitigation measures to include in the Draft Environmental Impact Report.

Commission Staff will accept public comments until March 6, 2026. Commission Staff will host two public scoping meetings on February 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive). The meetings will be held in person and virtually through Zoom. Links to the Zoom meetings will be available on the CLSC website as soon as possible. 

The Notice of Preparation and Notice of Public Scoping Meeting | Notificación de Preparación de un Borrador de Informe de Impacto Ambiental Y Aviso de Reunión Pública para Definir El Alcance can be found at: www.slc.ca.gov/content-types/platform-holly-decommissioning-project.

If you have any questions, please contact Senior Environmental Scientist, Christine Day, at CEQA.comments@slc.ca.gov.

Pictured: Platform Holly

Goleta Beach County Park Section Closed for Beach Operations

A message from the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department:

Due to the recent storms, Santa Barbara County closed a section of the east end of Goleta Beach County Park beginning on January 28, 2026. Schedule updates with closure information and dates is available at the County Parks Department website (www.sbparks.org). Site preparation began on Wednesday, January 28, and sediment hauling started Monday, February 2. Work will continue until the storm response is complete. Operations will occur on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Operations are estimated to continue through March 2026 but may be accelerated or delayed depending on inclement weather.

On Friday, January 9, the County of Santa Barbara proclaimed a local emergency in response to the storms that occurred between December 23, 2025, and January 3, 2026.

The January – February 2026 beach operations involve sediment from the Goleta Slough watersheds only. The flood-control channels surrounding the Santa Barbara Airport, Old Town Goleta, and parts of the Eastern Goleta Valley have accumulated excess sediment due to winter storms. The channels and basins are designed to capture sediment and floodwaters to protect the community; however, the sediment must be removed to regain flood control protection. Goleta Beach is the designated transport site for the sediment to be re-purposed and placed along the shoreline to increase beach width and buffer the Park from wave impacts. 

The County follows environmental regulations to manage and protect wildlife and habitat during these beach operations. In the long term, this sand and cobble placement helps protect the Park from further sediment loss and erosion. The 2023 operation helped build up six more acres of beach to the Park’s western end. With the additional sand, the Santa Barbara County Community Services Department has installed volleyball nets on the beach for the first time since 2013. These operations are conducted through Flood Control District maintenance permits and coordination with state and federal agencies.

Sediment samples have been collected for processing. Further sediment samples and ocean water samples will be tested during operations. Weekly reports with information on sampling results are sent to regulatory agencies and will be posted on www.countyofsb.org/beachops.

All Park visitors and members of the public traveling along the Obern Trail should practice safety and yield to trucks and other heavy equipment in the area.

For questions, contact Lael Wageneck, Santa Barbara County Public Works Department Public Information Officer at lwageneck@countyofsb.org.

#TeamGoleta Job Opportunities

The City of Goleta is looking for new people to join our team! If you are looking for a fulfilling job where you can give back to your community, we encourage you to apply!

  • Human Resources Analyst – new!
  • Community Center Event Monitor / Building Attendant

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