Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Red, White & You! Help Sponsor Goleta’s 4th of July Celebration

Free Community Event with Drone Light Show

The City of Goleta’s Fourth of July Celebration will be here before we know it! We are still in need of sponsors to put on this free community event. The event will again take place at Dos Pueblos High School (7266 Alameda Avenue, Goleta) from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. In addition to a very cool drone light show, the night includes music, entertainment, carnival games, food trucks and more. This free event cannot happen without support from businesses, organizations and families.

Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “The magic of the July 4th celebration and drone light show is that it’s an event for the community put on by the community which is why we need your timely and generous support. By partnering with us, you’ll be a part of something special—a patriotic evening of entertainment, family fun, and community spirit.”

We truly appreciate those that have stepped up as sponsors this year:

  • Platinum: Yardi
  • Gold: Ergomotion, Inc., Santa Barbara Airbus, Santa Barbara Airport, and Santa Barbara Honda, Acura & Toyota
  • Silver: Deckers, Goleta Valley Historical Society, MarBorg, Teledyne FLIR, and UCSB Athletics
  • Bronze: Camino Real Marketplace, Community West Bank, Eng-Denbaars Family, Fuel Depot & Point Market, and True North Wealth Management
  • Community Partner: Air Pollution Control District, American Riviera Bank, Best, Best & Krieger, Cederlof Family, Cottage Health, KeyPoint Credit Union, Leonardo DRS, SEE International, and Southern California Edison

Who will step up next? Anyone interested can learn more at cityofgoleta.org/July4Sponsor or email PIO@cityofgoleta.gov.

We are also recruiting volunteers to help put on the event on July 4, 2026. Sign up to volunteer here.

To help get you excited for this year’s event, watch our video recap of the 2025 celebration here.

Save the date and stay tuned for more details, including information about new reserved seating. For questions about the event email DroneLightShow@CityofGoleta.gov.

Photos below from 2025 event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Austrian National Soccer Team Reps Come to Goleta

Score one for Goleta! The City was proud to welcome representatives from Austria’s National Football Team (ÖFB) and the Austrian Consulate to City Hall on Friday, March 6. The Austrian delegation met with City leadership and staff, kicking off preparations for the team’s arrival. Goleta is excited to serve as ÖFB’s host city and to be collaborating with our partners at UCSB where the team will train ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM.

The City Council approved the agreement designating Goleta as a Team Base Camp Host City at a special meeting on January 12, 2026. The Austrian Consulate General in Los Angeles officially announced Team Austria would be coming to town on January 30. Read more here.

We wish Team Austria a great stay training and staying in our area and wish them all the best in the tournament! Stay tuned for ways you can cheer the team on and show your support.

Pictured above: Mayor Perotte (center) with Bernhard Neuhold, CEO – ÖFB (left) and Christine Moser, Consul General (right) inside Council Chambers.

Representatives of Austria’s National Football Team (ÖFB) and the Austrian Consulate in Goleta Council Chambers with City staff. 

City staff, representatives of Austria’s National Football Team (ÖFB), and the Austrian Consulate gather outside Goleta City Hall.

Senior Expo April 23

A Celebration of Connection, Resources, and Community

The City of Goleta invites the community to attend its 4th Annual Senior Expo on Thursday, April 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). This free event is designed to connect older adults, families, caregivers, and community members with valuable resources, services, and opportunities that support healthy, engaged, and independent living.

The Senior Expo has become a cornerstone community event—bringing together local organizations, service providers, and wellness experts all under one roof. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of informational booths, participate in interactive activities, and engage directly with professionals dedicated to improving quality of life for older adults.

“This event is all about empowering our senior community with knowledge, connection, and access,” said Leonel Mendoza-Diaz, Recreation Supervisor. “Whether you’re looking for health resources, social programs, or simply a fun and welcoming place to connect with others, the Senior Expo offers something for everyone.”

The Senior Expo offers meaningful benefits for attendees and the broader community, including:

  • Access to Essential Resources: Discover local programs and services related to health care, wellness, housing, recreation, transportation, and more.
  • Promoting Healthy Aging: Learn practical tips and tools to support physical, mental, and social well-being.
  • Building Community Connections: Meet new people, strengthen social networks, and engage with organizations that serve Goleta’s senior population.
  • Supporting Caregivers and Families: Gain valuable information and support for those caring for older adults.
  • Celebrating Active Lifestyles: Enjoy a lively, welcoming environment that highlights the importance of staying active, engaged, and connected.

In addition to resource booths, attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with opportunities to learn, engage, and be inspired. The event reflects the City of Goleta’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, age-friendly community where residents of all ages can thrive.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate community.

Visit www.CityofGoleta.org/SeniorProgram for more information. For questions, please email seniorprogram@cityofgoleta.gov. 

Beautify Goleta Earth Day April 18

Community Cleanup Features Zero-Waste Prizes, Interactive Educational Activities and a Bulky Item Drop-Off

The 4th Annual Beautify Goleta Earth Day event is taking place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This year’s community-wide cleanup and educational event will be centralized at Stow Canyon Open Space (on Valdez Avenue). The Free Bulky Item Drop-Off will be located along Cathedral Oaks Road between Windsor Avenue and Carlo Drive from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

With an ongoing commitment to fostering a Waste Free Goleta lifestyle and preserving local environments, the City is calling on volunteers to help build on the massive success of the 2025 Beautify Goleta Earth Day event. Last year, 115 dedicated volunteers removed 317 pounds of trash, while 36 vehicles safely disposed of 6,000 pounds of bulky items.

Local nonprofit Tidy Seas is the official Captain of this event. They will be joined by essential community partners, including the Goleta Valley Library, MarBorg Industries, Santa Barbara County Less Is More, and Mission Refill.

Community Clean-Up

Come be a part of Beautify Goleta Earth Day! Volunteers will be fully equipped for success on the day of the event. The City will provide safety equipment and cleanup gear, including hats, long-sleeve t-shirts, safety vests, gloves, trash bags, buckets, and trash grabbers.

All litter collected during the event will be sorted on-site into specific Recycling Material Categories by event staff and volunteers, providing a unique, hands-on educational effort. This eye-opening activity provides a stark visual of our community’s waste footprint and highlights the importance of conscious disposal.

Family-Friendly Activities and Education

The Beautify Goleta Earth Day event is designed for all ages. Highlights include:

  • Library Services: The Goleta Valley Library Team will be setup to help you register for your own library card, learn more about the Seed Library, or check out some of the curated materials they picked for the event.
  • Touch-A-Truck Experience: Hosted by MarBorg Industries, kids and families can get up close and personal with the impressive vehicles that keep our city running.
  • Sustainable Kids Craft Activity: Mission Refill will have a sustainable craft activity for kids using recycled and natural materials.
  • Waste Reduction Education: Experts from Santa Barbara County Less Is More will be on-site to discuss critical solid waste programs, heavily featuring the highly successful new Textile Recycling Program, which is currently achieving over 95% diversion from landfill disposal.

Volunteer Prize Drawing

To thank the community for their hard work, participating volunteers will be entered into a prize drawing featuring highly sought-after sustainability items. Prizes include an Earth Machine Backyard Composting Bin, a professional Trash Grabber, and Waste Free Goleta-themed items such as paperless paper towels and wool dryer balls.

Keep showing up, Goleta! Let’s continue to grow this incredible movement and set new records for our city. Stay tuned for additional announcements leading up to the big day.

For all event inquiries or to learn more about how to participate, please email EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.gov or visit www.cityofgoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Groundbreaking April 9

Ceremony Begins at 1:30 p.m. at Armitos Park Community Garden

Celebrate the start of construction on the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path – three miles of pathway linking northern Goleta neighborhoods and key destinations such as Old Town, the Coast Route and the beach. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Armitos Park Community Garden (Armitos Avenue and S. Kellogg Avenue) in Old Town.

Join City Council, City staff, and community members at the celebration. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

The San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path will connect to the existing path between Armitos Avenue and Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta, which links Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park, the Community Garden, and Armitos Park. The project will create a direct route for bicyclists and pedestrians across both sides of Highway 101—from Calle Real to residential and commercial areas in Old Town Goleta—and connect to the Atascadero Creek Bikeway, providing access to Goleta Beach Park, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and the City of Santa Barbara. By removing this long-standing barrier, the project will provide residents with easier access to schools, jobs, housing, grocery stores, health care services, parks, and recreational opportunities.

The new facility will feature a Class I bicycle and pedestrian path and other amenities designed to improve safety and accessibility for people walking and biking, particularly near high-volume roadways and freeway underpasses where infrastructure is currently limited.

Construction is organized into two segments: the Northern Segment from Calle Real near Kellogg to the portion of the path between Armitos Park and Jonny D Wallis Park and the Southern Segment from South Kellogg Way to the Atascadero Bikeway. View the project map here.

Funding for this project includes approximately $17.9 million in Active Transportation Grant funding from the California Transportation Commission, $11.16 million in funding from the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and approximately $1 million in grant funding from Measure A Safe Routes to School Program. As a condition of the funding, the City will provide up to 20 percent of the overall construction costs through a combination of sources including various development impact fees and future bond proceeds. A press conference with Congressman Salud Carbajal was held in January 2025 – watch it here.

For more information, visit our webpage at www.CityofGoleta.org/SJPath, email SJPath@cityofgoleta.gov, or call/text 805-699-5392.

We hope to see you there!

Watch Project Connect Video Update

Includes Roundabout Tutorial and Two-Year Construction Update

The City of Goleta has released an informative video providing a two-year update on Project Connect, including tips on how to navigate two newly opened roundabouts in Old Town. The video features Goleta Public Works Director Luz “Nina” Buelna and Project Connect Project Manager Melissa Angeles providing a rundown of what has been accomplished the past two years of construction and what work still needs to be done. The video also includes a tutorial with Goleta Police Sgt. Noel Rivas on how to navigate roundabouts. Watch the video here in English; it is also available to view in Spanish here.

Project Connect, the largest capital improvement project in the history of the City, broke ground in March of 2024 and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2027.

Roundabout Update

A construction milestone occurred on March 1, 2026, when two roundabouts opened on Hollister Avenue at Highway 217.

These roundabouts are designed to improve safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, providing more continuous, low speed movement through this busy corridor. Roundabouts reduce stop-and-go traffic while allowing all users to share the roadway more safely. 

In the video Sgt. Rivas provides the following tips:

  • First step, as you approach the roundabout, slow down and look for the yield sign.
  • Remember both vehicles and bicycles already in the roundabout have the right of way.
  • Once there’s a safe gap, enter the roundabout and follow the curve to your right until you reach your exit. This is true for bicycles and vehicles – we all share roundabouts.
  • Before exiting, be sure that pedestrians and bicycles are free from the exit you want to use.
  • No need to break hard or speed through the roundabout, go with the flow and keep speeds slow.
  • Bottom line – slow down, follow the signs and pavement markings.
  • Allow a little extra time as everyone gets used to the new traffic pattern.

Project Connect Construction Update

Here is what has been completed in the first two years of construction.

The new Hollister Avenue Bridge, drainage improvements, Dearborn Place realignment, new sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps, and traffic signal upgrades. The Ekwill Street extension connecting Kellogg Avenue to Fairview Avenue, improvements in Old Town including the interim striping project, new wayfinding signage, and reconstruction of the Orange Avenue parking lot.

There is still work to be done. You’ll see crews working along the roundabouts in the coming months. They’re also continuing to work on the Fowler Road improvements, street lighting, additional sidewalks and curb ramps, roadway surface treatments, improvements to San Jose Creek, and landscaping and mitigation plantings.

To learn more about Project Connect, visit the City’s webpage at Watch the video here in English. For questions, please email Connect@CityofGoleta.gov or call 805-690-5116.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we build a better, more connected community.

Pictured above: Public Works Director Luz “Nina” Buelna, Goleta Police Sgt. Noel Rivas, and Project Connect Project Manager Melissa Angeles

Street Talk Open House April 22

Watch Video Invite

We hope to see you at the City’s first Street Talk Community Open House on Wednesday, April 22. Join Goleta Public Works from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). This is a great opportunity to share your feedback about transportation and roads in Goleta. Watch this video invite from Public Works Director Luz “Nina” Buelna. The video is also available in Spanish with Public Works Project Manager Melissa Angeles.

Ms. Buelna added, “Street Talk allows for meaningful engagement and provides direct feedback from our community about how we can continuously improve the experience they have with Public Works, especially in the area of transportation.”

Come meet Goleta’s Public Works staff and provide input so that the City can better understand the community’s transportation preferences and priorities. Spanish interpretation will be available.

In addition to the Community Open House, you can also attend a virtual community meeting on April 23 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. RSVP to pavement@cityofgoleta.gov to receive a link. There is also a community survey available to share your feedback. Take the survey now at www.CityofGoleta.org/PW or pick up a hard copy at select locations.

We look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you at the event on April 22.

Top Ten Reasons to Attend Goleta’s Community State of the City

April 15 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center

Goleta’s biggest night of the year is coming up and we have so many reasons why you should join us on Wednesday, April 15, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). Here is a list of top ten reasons why you need to be there!

  1. Celebrate having your taxes done.
  2. Mingle with the Mayor and City Councilmembers, community leaders and fellow Goletans.
  3. Hear the State of the City Address in a new format featuring the Mayor and entire City Council.
  4. Receive an update on the City’s finances from City Manager Robert Nisbet.
  5. Submit a question for the popular Q&A session with the Mayor and Department Directors.
  6. Check out more than 15 City tables to learn about all that is happening in Goleta and meet City staff across all departments.
  7. Watch the Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band perform in the gazebo before the doors open at 4:30 p.m. and listen to talented musician and Dos High Pueblos High School student Tyler McCutchen play inside during the event.
  8. Enjoy charcuterie cups and cookies.
  9. Take photos with the City of Goleta backdrop and be forever a part of the 2026 event memories.
  10. Last, but not least, because you LOVE Goleta and care about what is happening now and in the future.

Timeline of Events

  • 4:30 p.m. – The Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band will be performing until 5:30 p.m.
  • 5:00 p.m. – Doors open to visit our City information tables and the mingling begins.
  • 6:00 p.m. – The main event starts with presentations from the Mayor, Council and City Manager.

This event is free to the public. Spanish interpretation will be available. Watch the Mayor’s video invite with details on what to expect. The video is also available in Spanish Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (1st District).

If you don’t see a spot in the front or side parking areas, there is additional parking behind the building.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Goleta Community State of the City! Make sure to bring your family and friends.

Beautify Goleta Self-Guided Cleanup Month is a Wrap

Mark Your Calendar for Beautify Goleta Earth Day Event on April 18

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 3rd Annual Beautify Goleta Self-Guided Cleanup Month! For February 2026, there were an impressive 156 volunteers who picked up an estimated 304 pounds of trash from our neighborhood streets, beaches, parks, and open spaces.

The total number of volunteers was a huge increase from where we were in the middle of the month with just 7 volunteers! The community truly rose to the call for action. It just goes to show what we can all do each and every day in our normal routines as lifestyle choices for Go Green Goleta and helping keep Goleta beautiful.

Special Community Shoutouts

A massive thank you to the dedicated groups who stepped up to show our city some serious affection:

  • Tidy Seas: 120 volunteers
  • Freedom 4 Youth Advocates UCSB: 22 volunteers
  • Boys Team Charity: 15 volunteers

Prize Giveaways

Keep a close eye on your inbox because winners will receive emails this week with instructions to pick up their prizes directly from City Hall. Winners will also be announced at a later date on the City’s social media accounts (@cityofgoleta).

  • Grand Prize Drawing: Open to all participants (3 winners chosen at random!)
  • The Heavy Lifter: Prize for picking up the most trash by weight (1 winner)
  • The Frequent Cleaner: Prize for the most individual cleanups reported throughout the month (1 winner)

Coming Soon

Mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled. The 3rd Annual Beautify Goleta Earth Day Event is happening on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Stay tuned for more details.

Pictured above: Beautify Goleta family of volunteers at Ellwood Mesa and Devereux Creek


Boys Team Charity  volunteers at Haskell’s Beach


Freedom 4 Youth UCSB volunteers at Devereux Beach


Tidy Seas volunteer at Haskell’s Beach

San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Groundbreaking April 9

You are invited to celebrate the start of construction on the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path – three continuous miles of pathway linking northern Goleta neighborhoods and key destinations such as Old Town, the Coast Route and the beach. Join us for a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Armitos Park and Community Garden (Armitos Avenue and S. Kellogg Avenue) in Old Town.

The San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path will provide a direct and continuous route which connects bicyclists and pedestrians on both sides of HWY 101 from Calle Real to commercial and residential areas within Goleta Old Town and to the existing Atascadero Creek Bikeway providing access to Goleta Beach Park, the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and to the City of Santa Barbara.

The multipurpose path will enhance Goleta’s active transportation network, making walking and biking easier, safer and more connected throughout our community.

For more information, visit our webpage at www.CityofGoleta.org/SJPath, email SJPath@cityofgoleta.gov, or call/text 805-699-5392.