Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

City of Goleta Welcomes New and Returning Commissioners

The City of Goleta is excited to welcome new and returning members to its Commissions. Three vacancies and one re-appointment were approved in December 2025 for the Historic Preservation Commission, Library Advisory Commission, and Public Engagement Commission.

Thank you to everyone who applied, and congratulations to those selected! Our Commissioners bring a wide range of professional experience, lived perspective, and a shared commitment to public service. Below is a brief introduction to each new and returning Commissioner and what inspired them to serve the Goodland.

Historic Preservation Commission

Heather McDaniel McDevitt was re-appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission for a portion of a term ending July 31, 2029. Heather has served on the Commission since February 2023 and currently serves as Chair, following her term as Vice Chair from 2023–2024.

A Registered Professional Archaeologist and Practice Director for a cultural resources and environmental planning firm, Heather brings nearly 20 years of professional experience in archaeology, architectural history, historic preservation, CEQA/NEPA compliance, and tribal consultation. Her work has included more than 2,000 cultural resources investigations across Southern California, the U.S., and internationally.

Heather says she is passionate about preserving both the tangible and intangible elements of Goleta’s history. She is committed to ethical public service, informed decision-making, and helping implement the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance while advising City staff, the Design Review Board, and City Council on projects impacting historic resources.

Arielle Goodson was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission for a portion of a term ending July 31, 2029. Arielle is currently a student at Santa Barbara City College studying political science and brings a strong interest in historic preservation, architecture, cultural geography, and community planning.

Arielle says she is deeply committed to learning and contributing meaningfully to Goleta’s preservation efforts. She values inclusive preservation practices that honor Indigenous, immigrant, and long-standing community histories, and believes preservation plays a vital role in shaping equitable and thoughtful development.

Arielle looks forward to serving as a bridge between the community, City staff, and City Council. She is eager to support public education, civic engagement, and policies informed by historical insight to help preserve Goleta’s unique character for future generations.

Library Advisory Commission

Sarah Penna was appointed to the Library Advisory Commission for a term ending July 31, 2029. Sarah is an entrepreneurial executive with extensive experience in media, technology, creator platforms, marketing, and community engagement.

Sarah is the co-owner and Head of Marketing for Flock White Doves, a Santa Barbara-based small business, and currently volunteers as the local group Co-Lead for the Santa Barbara Chapter of Moms Demand Action. Her background includes senior leadership roles at companies such as Patreon, Orca, AwesomenessTV, and Big Frame, where she helped build teams, scale platforms, and foster meaningful audience connections.

Through her professional and volunteer experience, Sarah brings an understanding of storytelling, access, and community building. She says she is excited to support the Library as a vital, inclusive resource that fosters learning, creativity, and connection for all Goleta residents.

Public Engagement Commission

Noah Guillen was appointed as a Youth Member of the Public Engagement Commission for a term ending November 30, 2027. A lifelong Goleta resident, Noah is passionate about giving back to the community that has shaped him.

Noah brings experience from serving in his school’s student government, including multiple terms as student body president. Through this work, he developed hands-on experience in outreach, collaboration, and encouraging participation from his peers.

In addition to his leadership roles, Noah has volunteered with the Bucket Brigade, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. He says he looks forward to representing youth perspectives and helping ensure community engagement efforts reflect voices from all generations as Goleta continues to grow and evolve.

Interested in getting involved? Learn more about the City’s Boards and Commissions and view available vacancies at www.CityofGoleta.org/BoardsCommissions. Your voice and experience can help make a difference in Goleta.

Children’s Area at Goleta Valley Library Receives Generous Donation

John C. Mithun Foundation Gifts $550,000 Toward Interior Design Renovations

Get ready for a beautiful children’s area when the Goleta Valley Library re-opens next year thanks to a generous donation of $550,000 donation from the John C. Mithun Foundation. Through its partnership with the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, the group graciously committed to funding the proposed layout, furnishings and associated costs necessary to bring the children’s area renovations to life.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredibly generous support of the John C. Mithun Foundation,” said City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “This gift will support generations of children and families who visit the library and will lay the groundwork for lifelong readers to thrive in our community and beyond.”

The donation will fund several new and reimagined elements of the children’s area, including: comfortable and modern seating for all ages and bodies; activity stations and interactive spaces to support early literacy skill development; a designated Teen Area with collaborative seating for reading and gathering; performance space for year-round shows that educate and inspire; upgraded technology for safe and responsible use; updated shelving to foster browsing and promote reading; and much more. The children’s area design strives to make this portion of the library a place where all feel welcome to discover the joys of reading in a safe, accessible community atmosphere.

The Library will soon be launching a capital campaign to raise the additional funds needed for improvements to the adult portion of the library, Community Room, lobby, common spaces, service desk area, and staff work spaces.

The Library is undergoing construction for infrastructure upgrades as part of the Goleta Valley Library Americans with Disabilities Act, Safety, and Building Improvement Project. A special opportunity was identified to update the interior of the Library while it is closed for construction, which will create a more modern and accessible environment while retaining the charm and warmth of this treasured space. To learn more about the interior design and infrastructure improvements planned for Goleta Valley Library, visit the project page at GoletaValleyLibrary.org/BuildingForward.

Pictured: Conceptual Rendering of GVL Children’s Area

February Library Programs

To honor Black History Month throughout the month of February, Goleta Valley Library Express will host an exhibit of photographs from African-Americans on the Central Coast: A Photo Essay (1993), collected and produced by the Black Gold System Advisory Board in cooperation with the Administrative Council of the Black Gold Cooperative Library System and System Administration.

The black-and-white photographs in this collection were borrowed from individuals within the Black communities of the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura. To view the photos, visit the library during open hours at our temporary location, 6500 Hollister Ave, Suite 105 (entrance and parking lot face Los Carneros Way). Come see the beautiful images that local families contributed, spanning the 1910s through the 1970s.

Alas, it wouldn’t be February without Blind Date with a Book, a time for staff to prevent you from judging a book by its cover. Library staff will be wrapping up some reads to take a chance on romance! We can’t wait to hear whether our matchmaking makes anyone blush.

February Programs:

Programs take place at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue), unless noted.

Senior Happy Hour- Valentine’s Day Card Workshop
Thursday, February 5, 2:00-3:30 pm
Get creative with our supplies and make a pop-up card to brighten someone’s day.

Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, February 7
12:30-2:00 pm
Share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Poetry Club
Sunday, February 15, 2:00-3:00 pm
Read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the voices of others in this welcoming space.

Film Club: Marty (1955)
Thursday, February 19, 1:30-3:30 pm
Enjoy this Best Picture winner starring Ernest Borgnine and stay for a lively discussion.

Horror Book Club: Lone Women by Victor LaValle
Saturday, February 21, 1:00-2:00 pm
Explore this supernatural horror with a Western twist, set in 1915 Montana.

Mystery Book Club: Still Life by Val McDermid
Tuesday, February 24, 5:30-6:30 pm
Join us as we discuss the investigations of Scottish Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pirie.

Goodland Yarn Works
Every Wednesday, 2:00-4:00 pm
If you know how to knit or crochet, this group is for you. Join us for fun and friendship!

Cómo utilizar los servicios de TU BIBLIOTECA/ How to use the services at YOUR LIBRARY
Every Wednesday, 4:00-6:00 pm
Goleta Valley Library Express
Bilingual library staff are available to help our community members learn how to use the free services offered at the library. 

Baby & Me Storytime
Every Friday, 10:00-10:30 am
Rotating Parks (view Calendar)
Join us for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, lap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play.

Wiggly Storytime
Every Friday, 10:30-11:00 am
Rotating Parks (view Calendar)
We’ll do stories, songs, a dance party, and bubbles. Best for ages 15 months-5 years.

See you at the library! Visit our website for more information: www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org and be sure to check out the new Bookvan schedule here.

City’s First Coffee & Community Event of 2026 Recap

Thanks to Everyone Who Turned Out to Goleta Valley Library Express

The City’s first Coffee & Community / Café y Comunidad of the year drew a lively crowd to the Goleta Valley Library Express (GVL Express) this past Saturday, January 31. About 100 people turned out throughout the morning on this beautiful sunny day for coffee, doughnuts, conversation and the opportunity to check out the City’s temporary library at 6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105, while the main location on Fairview Avenue is closed for renovations. Mayor Paula Perotte, 2nd District Councilmember James Kyriaco and the City’s new Chief of Police Services, Lt. Jarrett Morris, each welcomed those attending and were on hand to answer questions from the audience. A big thank you to Library staff for providing tours as well as Valentines Day crafts and face painting for the kids.

Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) said, “It was wonderful to bring the community together at our new Goleta Valley Library Express for good conversations and excellent questions about library services, public safety and the status of the City’s many road and infrastructure projects. It’s great to be able to serve a community that is so engaged and informed.”

The City holds Coffee and Community / Café y Comunidad events throughout the year in each district. Find out which district you live in here: https://tinyurl.com/GoletaInteractiveMap. Stay tuned for information on our next event.

We also want to take this opportunity to wish the City of Goleta a Happy 24th Birthday! We sure have come a long way together since our incorporation on February 2, 2002, and we have lot to be proud of. Cheers to Goleta!

Pictured above: Chief of Police Services Lt. Jarrett Morris, Mayor Paula Perotte and Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) at Saturday’s Coffee & Community event


Attendees gathered at Coffee & Community


City of Goleta’s Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez with donuts from SloDoCo


Face painting with Library Assistant Linda Hori


Attendee asking a question

Project Connect Update

The largest capital improvement project in the City’s history is almost two years in the making with one year still to go. What has been accomplished so far and what is still ahead for Project Connect? Let’s take a look.

There are several visible improvements already in place. Completed work includes the Hollister Avenue Bridge, drainage upgrades, the realignment of Dearborn Place, new sections of Ekwill Street, upgraded traffic signals, roundabout splitter islands at Ward Drive and Ekwill Street, improved sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, the Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping project, new parking lot wayfinding signage in Old Town, and the reconstruction of the Orange Avenue Parking Lot.

More improvements are planned for later this year. Upcoming work includes new roundabouts on Hollister Avenue and at Ekwill Street, improvements to Fowler Road (S. Kellogg Avenue), installation of street lighting, final paving and striping, realignment of the State Route 217 on- and off-ramps, improvements to the San Jose Creek channel, and landscaping and mitigation plantings. 

Safety Reminder

All construction zones remain closed to the public. For your safety and the safety of our crews, we kindly ask drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to use extra caution and share the road responsibly when traveling near these areas.

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

About Project Connect:

Project Connect is a multi-year project that will enhance pedestrian access and safety, improve road conditions, and build critical linkage throughout Goleta while increasing stormwater flow capacity in San Jose Creek under Hollister Bridge.

The large-scale construction project includes the Ekwill Street & Fowler Road Extensions, Hollister Avenue Bridge Replacement Project, two new roundabouts on Hollister Avenue at the Highway 217 interchange, the Hollister Avenue Interim Striping Project, and San Jose Creek flood control capacity improvements. Project completion is anticipated in 2027 when drivers and pedestrians will have increased east-west access across Old Town Goleta.

The City understands that projects such as this can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your patience.

For additional information or questions, please email Connect@CityofGoleta.gov, call 805-690-5116 or visit www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect.


Hollister Avenue Bridge Completed


Ekwill Street between Kellogg Way and Pine Avenue

E-Bike Safety Awareness Week Recap

Special Activities Held Throughout the Week

More Goleta residents—from teens to adults—are riding smarter and more safely following the City of Goleta’s E-Bike Safety Awareness Week 2026, held January 19–25. The annual effort brought together local partners to promote education, awareness, and shared responsibility on local roads. This is the fourth consecutive year the City has taken time out to bring attention to this important topic.

The week began with school outreach led by MOVE Santa Barbara County at Goleta Valley Junior High, Dos Pueblos High School, and San Marcos High School. Students tested their knowledge through bicycle and pedestrian safety trivia and received free bike helmets and bike lights to encourage safer riding habits.

At the January 20, 2026, Goleta City Council meeting, MOVE Santa Barbara County Executive Director Sarah Iannarone, Programs Administrator Barry Remis, and Education Coordinator Lainey Djajakusuma accepted a proclamation recognizing E-Bike Safety Awareness Week.

The activities wrapped up with an E-Bike Skills Class and Group Ride on Saturday, January 24, where participants learned pre-ride safety checks, intersection navigation, and obstacle avoidance. Riders practiced safe communication and hazard awareness during a guided ride through Goleta.

E-Bike Safety Awareness Week was made possible through a partnership between MOVE Santa Barbara County, the City of Goleta, the Goleta Police Department, Santa Barbara Cottage Health, and the California Highway Patrol.

Partial funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Pictured above: Helmet Distribution at Dos Pueblos High School. Left to Right: Cottage Health Injury Prevention Outreach & Education Coordinators Mayra Vazquez and Tyra Darke, CHP Jon Gutierrez, Community Resource Deputy Connor Worden, MOVE Education & Engagement Coordinator Lainey Djajakusuma and Martina Sexton


Cottage Health Injury Prevention Outreach & Education Coordinators Mayra Vazquez helping students fit new helmets at San Marcos High School


Community Resource Deputy Connor Worden, MOVE Education & Engagement Coordinators Hannah Rietveld and Lainey Djajakusuma handing out free safety equipment and helmets at Goleta Valley Junior High


E-Bike Skills Class and Group Ride at Goleta Valley Junior High


Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Smith presenting a proclamation to MOVE Santa Barbara County Education Coordinator Lainey Djajakusuma, Programs Administrator Barry Remis, and new Executive Director Sarah Iannarone

Text to 911 Video & Tips

While calling dispatch is the fastest and most effective way to communicate during an emergency, it is important to know that Text to 911 is also a tool available to use anytime. 

There are many situations where using Text to 911 is ideal. It is essential for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. It is critical in dangerous situations where speaking out loud could put you at risk. It can help during medical emergencies when you cannot speak. During major network disruptions, texts may go through even when calls fail.

Tips for Using Text to 911:

  • Text your exact location so help can be sent quickly.
  • Use clear, plain language.
  • Avoid emojis, slang, or abbreviations in your text.
  • Send a one-on-one message. Group texts do not reach 911.
  • Text to 911 is for emergencies only.

Watch this video from the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office to learn more.

New County Fire Chief

The City of Goleta welcomes our new County Fire Chief Garrett Huff, who brings more than two decades of experience of experience to the position. Chief Huff has worked extensively in emergency operations, emergency medical services, wildland fire response, and disaster preparedness. As the Santa Barbara County Fire Chief, he provides executive leadership for an all-hazards fire department serving diverse communities throughout Santa Barbara County, including the City of Goleta.

“I am honored to serve as the Santa Barbara County Fire Chief and to continue supporting the City of Goleta,” said Huff. “The Fire District model allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality emergency services across the region while remaining responsive to the unique needs of each community we serve. I look forward to building on the long-standing relationships that we have established with Goleta’s officials, City staff, and residents.”

Prior to his appointment as Fire Chief, Chief Huff served in several senior leadership roles within the Department, most recently as Deputy Fire Chief overseeing Emergency Medical Services, the new Regional Fire Communication Center, logistics, and support services. In these roles, he led complex, multi-agency initiatives, strengthened regional coordination, and emphasized accountability, operational readiness, and fiscal stewardship.

Chief Huff is pursuing a Master of Public Administration with planned completion this summer. He is known for his collaborative leadership style, commitment to workforce development, firefighter wellness, and focus on transparent, data-informed decision-making in the public interest.

Chief Huff grew up in Simi Valley before moving to the central coast. His favorite things about Goleta are its people, the climate and the landscape. He says, I I feel like I am on vacation every time I am here.” His motto for life is simple… “just be kind”.

Congratulations on your promotion Chief Huff and thank you for your service to Goleta.

Meet Goleta’s New Chief of Police Services

Council Welcomes Lt. Jarrett Morris and Thanks Lt. Vasquez

The City of Goleta has a new Chief of Police Services. Lt. Jarrett Morris brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to the position. In this role, Lt. Morris oversees the Goleta Police Department, which includes a Motor Traffic Unit and two Community Resource Deputies, as well as the unincorporated areas of the Goleta Valley.

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

Lt. Morris said, “I am honored to serve the Goleta community in this leadership role. With my extensive experience in patrol, investigations, and specialized units within the Sheriff’s Office—including overseeing the K9 program and managing critical incident responses—I am committed to building strong community partnerships, enhancing proactive policing, and ensuring Goleta remains one of the safest cities in the region.”

Lt. Morris began his career with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in 2005. He has held a wide variety of assignments, including custody operations, patrol, gang and narcotics investigations, coroner’s detective sergeant, K9 unit coordinator, mobile field force leader, and peer support coordinator. He has responded to multiple mass casualty incidents and played a key role in death investigations, including the 2019 Conception boat fire and Lahaina Fire in Maui. Most recently, Lt. Morris has served as the Sheriff’s Adjutant, while also overseeing the Coroner’s Bureau and agency wellness programs.

Lt. Morris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Union Institute and University.

Lt. Morris was formally introduced at the January 20th Goleta City Council meeting. At the same meeting, the City Council thanked outgoing Chief of Police Services, Lt. Frank Vasquez, who was presented with a tile thanking him for his service to Goleta. We wish Lt. Vasquez the best of luck in his new assignment overseeing the Sheriff’s Office Contract Bureau.

We look forward to working with Lt. Morris and continuing our strong partnership with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office to keep Goleta safe.

Lt. Morris in front of City Hall


Lt. Vasquez receiving his tile at the January 20 Council meeting

“Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs” Short Film Available to Watch

Have you had a chance to watch the City’s short film Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs? We are incredibly fortunate to have more than 200 acres of open space along the coast right here in our backyard. This is the powerful story behind how this land was saved from development, preserved as open space, and is being stewarded for future generations to enjoy. It also addresses the declining monarch butterfly population at the Ellwood Mesa Butterfly Grove. You are encouraged to not only watch this film yourself but share the link with others: https://youtu.be/0Y0SgUBHC00. 

The 23-minute-long film premiered on November 16, 2025, at Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta at the first Wild and Free Film Festival. Because the theatre reached capacity during the festival’s short film block and everyone who turned out was not able to see it, the City held an additional free screening last week on January 7, 2026, again at Camino Real Cinemas. Once again, the theatre was packed but thankfully there was enough room for everyone who came. Both screenings were followed by a Q and A panel.

City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “We appreciate everyone who showed up to see this inspiring film on the big screen and now we are pleased to make it available for all to enjoy! Prepare to be uplifted.”

The film was created as part of the Ellwood Mesa’s 20-year anniversary of when the land was saved from development and officially turned over to the City of Goleta to be preserved as open space. 

The City was pleased to partner with Paradigm Pictures and Ellwood Friends to put together this short film. We recognize that there are so many more historical details, stories and people not included that are a part of Ellwood Mesa’s incredible story. For a more detailed account of Ellwood Mesa’s history and stories go to ellwoodfriends.org/stories. 


Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover (left) and filmmaker Paul Westmacott of Paradigm Pictures (right) posing with “Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs” movie poster at Camino Real Cinemas before the Wild and Free Film Festival premiere


Photo of theatre at full capacity at January 7 screening


Wild and Free Film Festival on Nov. 16, 2025: Pictured left-to-right: Kelly Hoover (City of Goleta Community Relations Manager), Councilmember Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Jennifer Smith (District 3), Paul Westmacott (filmmaker with Paradigm Pictures) and Gareth Kelly (Wild and Free Film Festival Founder and Executive Director)