Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Two Opportunities to Serve on Board or Commission

Historic Preservation Commission and Mosquito and Vector Management District Openings

Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? Here is your chance – apply to serve on a City of Goleta Board or Commission. The City has vacancies on the Historic Preservation Commission and the Mosquito and Vector Management District Board of Santa Barbara County. Serving on a Board or Commission is a great way to use your talent and time to make a difference and help shape the future of Goleta. Here is what the positions entail:

The City’s newest Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, is a seven-member body that acts as an advisory group to City staff, the Design Review Board, and City Council on all matters pertaining to historic preservation. The Historic Preservation Commission shall meet six times per year or as needed. There is one (1) vacancy to fill an unexpired portion of a term ending June 2026 and is compensated $75.00 per meeting.

The Mosquito and Vector Management District Board of Santa Barbara County is a local government agency whose mission is to protect the public’s health and safety from vectors and vector-borne diseases. The District is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees. The District’s Board of Trustees meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Barbara City College Wake Center Campus (300 N. Turnpike Road, Room 118, Santa Barbara). Each person appointed by a city council to be a member of the board of trustees shall be a voter and resident of that city that is within the district (Health and Safety Code 2022 (b)). There is one (1) vacancy. The Board of Trustees shall be reimbursed at the rate of $100.00 per month.

Applications for all open Board and Commission vacancies may be submitted online at www.CityofGoleta.org/BoardsCommissions.

For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org. Applications are due by Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

Our Water Our World: Pesticide Use & Disposal

Pesticides can cause problems for our health and the environment even when applied according to label directions. Pesticides sprayed outdoors to kill insect pests or control weeds make their way into our waterways. Very small amounts of pesticides can be lethal to marine life, birds, and other life forms.

If You Must Use Pesticides

Choose wisely

  • Identify the pest and the afflicted plant, and then choose a product labeled for use on that pest and plant. Not all pesticides are effective against all pests.
  • Choose the least toxic product available. Enclosed baits and traps are safer options.
  • Buy ready-to-use products instead of concentrates. In addition to being less toxic because they are diluted, ready-to-use products avoid spills because you don’t need to measure or mix the product.
  • Avoid sprays. Aerosol sprays in particular increase the risk of exposure to beneficial insects, birds, pets, you, and your family.

Use wisely

  • Use only the amount recommended on the label to do the job. More is not better.
  • Spot-treat whenever possible.
  • Don’t use pesticides outdoors when rain is predicted, or just before you water your lawn or garden.
  • Pesticides, whether tracked in from outdoors or used inside, can contaminate carpets and floors where children play. If you apply pesticides outside, you can carry chemicals inside on your clothing and shoes. Pets can also be carriers.

Storing Pesticides & Application Equipment

  • Store pesticides in their original containers and keep the label on and be sure to follow all storage instructions on the label. If the label gets wet or starts to come off, protect it with plastic tape.
  • Never transfer pesticides to soft drink bottles or other containers.
  • Store pesticides where children and pets cannot reach Close containers tightly and remember that “child-resistant” packaging does not mean “child-proof.”
  • Do not store pesticides where flooding is possible or in places where they might spill or leak onto the ground or into water. Clearly mark containers, applicators and utensils used for mixing or applying pesticides and store them with the pesticides. Do not use them for any other purpose.

Safe & Legal Pesticide Disposal

  • Take pesticides you won’t be using to a local household hazardous waste collection facility or event. Learn how to dispose of pesticides on our Waste Reduction webpage. In California, it’s illegal to dispose of any amount of unused pesticide (or any hazardous waste) in the trash, in spite of what the label may say.
  • You may dispose of empty pesticide containers in the trash if they are 5 gallons or less in capacity. When you have used up the pesticide, rinse the container three times, each time pouring the rinse water on the plant you bought the pesticide for. Then put the rinsed container in the trash.
  • Never dispose of pesticide rinse water in any indoor or outdoor drain. Water used to rinse out a sprayer or applicator should be applied like the pesticide.
  • If you have a pesticide that is no longer available in stores—such as chlordane, DDT, chlorpyrifos (Dursban), or diazinon, do not use it. Take it to a household hazardous waste collection.

Find more information on Pesticide Use and Disposal in our OWOW brochures in English and Spanish. 

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.

Green Room: Are You Ready for the Rainy Season? 

As winter approaches, let’s stop water pollution and keep our storm drains and creeks clean! Winter rains produce stormwater runoff which is rain that does not soak into the ground and flows over land and other surfaces. Stormwater runoff can carry trash and pollutants into storm drains, which flow directly to creeks, rivers, and the ocean without any treatment. The trash and chemicals in the runoff pose a threat to wildlife and water quality. 

Remember “only rain down the drain.” 

If you observe stormwater concerns such as trash, illegal dumping, or any fluid with a visible sheen, odor, or color entering the storm drain within the City of Goleta, please report it. Water pollution should be reported to the City at environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org. Hazardous Materials Spills should be reported to 911. Sanitary sewer (wastewater) spills should be reported to the Goleta Sanitary District (805-967-4519) or Goleta West Sanitary District (805-968-2617) immediately. 

Here are some great ways to keep storm drains clear of trash and pollutants: 

  • Keep trash and recycling cans tightly covered to prevent litter from being blown away during storms. 
  • Take your car to a commercial car wash prior to the first rains. 
  • Do not drain or pour any automotive fluid onto the street or into a storm drain. 
  • Sweep dirt out of curbs and into landscaping to prevent it from entering storm drains. 
  • Adjust your sprinklers to prevent over-watering and prevent water from draining onto paved surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks. 
  • Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers before a rain event or within:
    • 5 feet of pavement 
    • 25 feet of a storm drain 
    • 50 feet of a water body 
  • Compost leaves and yard clippings. 
  • Always pick up after your pet. 

For more information on how you can help protect our watersheds, check out our Homeowner’s Guide in English and Spanish.  

Green Room: Waste Free Thanksgiving

Sustainable Food and Decoration Disposal

Thanksgiving is a time for families in Goleta to come together, enjoy a hearty meal, and express gratitude for all the good things in life. However, with this festive occasion often comes a lot of food waste and leftover decorations. This year let’s celebrate in an eco-friendly manner by ensuring that we dispose of our Thanksgiving items responsibly.

Food Waste: Composting and Donations
Once your Thanksgiving feast is over, the first thing to consider is food waste. Composting is a fantastic way to manage this. Learn more about backyard composting at https://lessismore.org/materials/70-home-composting/.

Remember, there are many people in our community who may not have enough to eat. Consider donating unopened and unexpired non-perishable foods or canned goods to local food banks or shelters. Sharing your abundance can help those less fortunate enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Disposable Tableware: Reduce and Recycle
Thanksgiving often involves disposable plates, cups, and utensils for large gatherings. This year, make a conscious choice to reduce waste by using durable, reusable dinnerware instead. If you must use disposables, opt for compostable or recyclable options.

Decorations: Reuse and Recycle
Instead of buying new decorations each year, reuse what you have. Your table can look beautiful with cloth napkins, placemats, and dishes you already own. By doing so, you’ll reduce the demand for new items and cut down on waste. You can also get the family involved in creating homemade decorations using materials you have around the house or can easily recycle.

E-Waste: Recycle Old Electronics
Do you plan on upgrading your electronics during Black Friday sales? If so, consider recycling your old devices properly. In Goleta, various e-waste recycling programs allow you to dispose of old phones, computers, or other electronics in an environmentally friendly way. Don’t forget to erase your personal data before recycling these items. You can find more information at: www.cityofgoleta.org/wastefreegoleta.

Textiles: Reuse and Recycle
If you’re planning to replace old linens or clothing, look for ways to reuse or recycle them. Thrift stores are a great option for both donating and buying secondhand textiles. Your old Thanksgiving tablecloths and festive outfits could find a new home while reducing textile waste.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have and to share with others. By reducing waste, reusing items, and recycling responsibly, we can celebrate the holiday season in an environmentally friendly way. Goleta offers various waste and recycling programs to help residents dispose of items properly and minimize their environmental impact. Remember that a little effort can go a long way in reducing waste and conserving resources, which is a reason to be thankful.

West Goleta Neighbors Connect at Coffee & Community Event

More than 30 Residents Gathered at Ellwood School

The City’s most recent Coffee and Community (Café y Comunidad) event brought a great turnout of neighbors in western Goleta. More than thirty residents gathered at Ellwood School on October 7, 2023, for coffee and conversation. The attendees enjoyed coffee, pastries and conversation with Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin and a group of City staff from a variety of departments. Gina Fischer from Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann’s office was in attendance as well. Spanish translation was provided.

This was the third Coffee and Community event which are held throughout the year in different parts of the city. Councilmember Kasdin said, “We have long wanted to do more out in the neighborhoods beyond the usual City Council meetings. Coffee & Community is a chance for a better community conversation. It was a great opportunity for all of us.”

Mayor Perotte thanked those in attendance for taking time out of their Saturday to attend and encouraged them to stay connected with the City. She said, “This is a very well-informed and engaged group, and as always, I learned a lot by hearing their questions, comments, and ideas.”

During the event, City staff discussed airport noise, Ellwood Mesa trails and butterflies, homelessness, abandoned items and shopping carts. Attendees were also able to ask questions about their areas of interest and receive answers from the staff present. Residents came up with more questions on additional important topics for our community, including street paving, recycling practices, pop-up food vendors, E-bikes, housing, fire preparedness, the proposed fire station and pedestrian safety.

A big thanks to Ellwood School Principal Ned Schoenwetter for helping set up the event and make sure it ran smoothly, and to Kozy Coffee in Isla Vista for donating the delicious coffee.

The City plans to hold another Coffee and Community event in the New Year. Stay tuned for details. For questions, call or email the City’s Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez at (805) 562-5500 or mmartinez@cityofgoleta.org.


Group photo of everyone at the event


Councilmember Stuart Kasdin speaking with a community member


Mayor Paula Perotte (right) and Gina Fischer, Chief of Staff for Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann


Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Ellwood School Principal Ned Schoenwetter, and Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez

Library Programming this November

This month the Goleta Valley Library has some festive, seasonal programming planned for all ages to enjoy. Read below for details on our crafts, reading programs, and more. Plus, visit our online events calendar for information on recurring favorites, such as the Mystery Book Club, children’s storytimes, live online author talks, tech tutoring sessions, and more. We hope to see you soon at Goleta Valley Library!

In-N-Out Cover to Cover Reading Program
Now through November 8th
Children will receive an award of one free hamburger or cheeseburger for reading five books or 300 minutes, up to three awards! See your local branch for details.

Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop for Adults & Teens
Saturday, November 4th, 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a pumpkin centerpiece workshop at Goleta Valley Library! In this fun class you will create a fall centerpiece that will last all month long. Bring a pumpkin for yourself and several succulent cuttings to use and share with others. Reserve your space for this beautiful holiday centerpiece class by calling (805) 964-7878 or register in-person at the circulation desk.

Picture Book Month: Scavenger Hunt & Activity Station
Wednesday, November 1st – Thursday, November 30th
Find your favorite Picture Book Characters at Goleta Valley Library! Participate in the library’s scavenger hunt, get an awesome bookmark with your favorite character, and receive a prize drawing ticket for a chance to win lots of picture book bundles, stuffed animals, mugs, posters, and more! The Scavenger Hunt will change every week, giving kids four chances to enter the prize drawing. (Prizes will be drawn at the end of the month and winners will be contacted soon after.) While you’re here, check out the Picture Book Activity Station to make your own picture books and bookmarks, complete crossword puzzles and word searches, and enjoy themed coloring pages! Sponsored by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

Children’s Thanksgiving Craft
Saturday, November 18th, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Happy Crafts-giving! Stop by Goleta Valley Library for a delightful afternoon making Thanksgiving cards, décor, and more!

Holiday Cards for the Elderly
November 28th – December 20th
Children and teens are invited to make holiday cards for local nursing home patients and light up their holidays!

November Holiday Closures
The Goleta Valley Library, located at 500 N. Fairview Avenue, is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This month, the library will be closed on Saturday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day and Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 for Thanksgiving.

1,200 Star Wars Fans Enter a Galaxy Far, Far, Away

Goleta Valley Library Holds 2nd Annual Star Wars Day Event

Goleta Valley Library’s 2nd Annual Star Wars Day saw more than 1,200 community members, younglings and padawans pass through the library’s doors to attend the family friendly event last Saturday, October 14, 2023. Just like last year, this was an intergalactic success of epic proportions.

“It was fantastic to see fans of all ages stop by, from children to grandparents,” said Library Assistant Linda Hori, who coordinates the annual celebration. “We are especially grateful to the amazing members of the 501st Legion who graciously volunteered their time and made this event come to life with their authentic costumes.”

Star Wars memorabilia, posters and full-size character cutouts decorated many areas of the library, transporting attendees to a different galaxy. Young Jedis in training enjoyed an afternoon of fun Star Wars-themed games including Feed the Jabba, Lightsaber Ring Toss, and a Scavenger Hunt for an opportunity to win Star Wars books, Baby Yoda plushies, mugs, keychains and more. The Children’s Area and Community Room were packed with fun activities to make Yoda Headbands, C3P0 and R2D2 costumes, and Star Wars Puppets. Attendees were also able to meet and take photos with real-life Clone Troopers, an X-Wing Pilot, and a Jawa!

This out-of-this world event would not have been possible without the teen volunteers, energetic squadron of library staff, and the indispensable support from the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

There is also something fun happening at Goleta Valley Library! Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org for a calendar of events.

May the books be with you!

Pictured above: A trooper tried out being a librarian at the circulation desk


Young patrons arrived in costume to take photos with volunteers from the 501st Legion


Families and fans of all ages enjoyed meeting characters from the Star Wars galaxy

Meet Goleta Valley Library’s New Children’s Librarian

Kaeley Christensen has strong ties to Goleta as Librarian and Resident

The Goleta Valley Library has a new Children’s Librarian. Kaeley Christensen is a familiar face to the Goleta community having worked the past five years as the Library Media Specialist for Mountain View Elementary School in the Goleta Union School District.  She has a Master of Library and Information Science degree from San Jose State and brings a wealth of experience to the position. As an added bonus, Kaeley is a longtime patron of Goleta Valley Library herself and understands the importance of creating a nurturing and welcoming environment for children and families at this cherished community hub.

City of Goleta’s Neighborhood Services Director said, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Kaeley Christensen join our team as the new Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian. Kaeley has a wonderful background with elementary school-aged children and parents during her time at Mountain View school. She will be responsible for overseeing youth services at Goleta Valley Library, including programming, collection development, and outreach.”

Kaeley said “As a longtime member of the community, the Goleta Valley Library holds a special place in my heart, and I am incredibly honored to be in this role, serving our young patrons. I look forward to planning new events, as well as supporting all the well-loved programming already in place. I can’t wait to meet everyone and help you find your next favorite book!”

As the Children’s Librarian, Kaeley also does story times and hosts field trips.

When Kaeley isn’t busy at the library, she enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones.

Please join us in giving Kaeley a warm welcome as she brings her creative storytelling skills and passion for education to our community. Be sure to say hello next time you’re at the Goleta Valley Library!

The Goleta Valley Library, located at 500 N. Fairview Avenue, provides essential library services to the City of Goleta as well as the unincorporated County areas of the greater Goleta Valley, Isla Vista, Hope Ranch, and Gaviota

City Receives $4.2 Million Library Grant

Grant Funding to be Used to Improve Goleta Valley Library Facility

The California State Library has awarded the City of Goleta a $4.278 million dollar grant to be used for improvements to the Goleta Valley Library’s (GVL) facility. The GVL recently celebrated fifty years at its location at 500 N. Fairview and provides essential library services to the City of Goleta as well as the unincorporated County areas of the greater Goleta Valley, Isla Vista, Hope Ranch, and Gaviota. The funding is earmarked exclusively for Library-related infrastructure, supporting critical maintenance needs, safety improvements, energy-efficiency, and physical access.

Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “We are grateful for this grant funding from the California State Library to ensure that this well-loved community hub that serves an average of 260,000 patrons a year is structurally sound, safe, and accessible to everyone who comes through its doors for years to come.” 

The Round Two of Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program funding is a $5.348 million project (including a City match of $1.069 million) and includes the following improvements to the Goleta Valley Library:  

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Restrooms Upgrade
  • Modernizing and Replacement of HVAC Systems
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Path of Travel
  • Life Safety and Security Installation and Upgrades
  • LED Lighting Retrofits
  • Doors/Windows Replacements and Upgrades
  • Fascia Repair and Exterior Paint

The project would be completed by mid-2027.

The Goleta City Council is expected to consider approval of the grant funding agreement at its December 5, 2023, Council meeting.

PoweredUp Goleta: Solar + Battery Storage with No Up-Front Costs

Watch Lunch N’ Learn Webinar Recording  

As part of the City’s launch of the PoweredUp Goleta program with Electriq Power Holdings, Inc., the City hosted a virtual Lunch ‘N Learn October 11th, where nearly 50 participants learned about a new program for increased access to residential solar + battery storage for Goleta homeowners.

PoweredUp Goleta is a City-approved program that allows homeowners to have a turnkey solar + battery storage system installed in their home. The program provides everything needed for energy independence, including solar panels, batteries, software, project management, financing, installation, maintenance, and grid services at zero up-front costs. There are no income, credit score or property lien requirements to participate.

If you missed the Lunch ‘N Learn but are interested in learning more about the PoweredUp Goleta program, you are invited to watch a recording of the program. The recorded session includes a 10-minute presentation and a Q&A session with answers to over 40 questions from participants about the program, including how city residents can acquire a complete solar + storage system at no upfront cost. Residents interested in learning more about the program, the process of participation, and enrollment can watch the recorded webinar by visiting www.CityofGoleta.org/PoweredUp.

By installing a complete solar + battery storage system through PoweredUp Goleta, residents can lower their electric bills, be prepared for power outages and reduce their carbon footprint, creating a healthier and safer environment. Solar panels allow homeowners to power their homes using clean energy from the sun. When coupled with a battery storage system, excess energy can be stored and used to power the home when utility costs are high to save money, or during a utility power outage to ensure families stay safe and comfortable.

To learn more about PoweredUp Goleta, visit www.PoweredUpNetwork.com.