Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Volunteer for the Western Monarch Butterfly Count

The Western Monarch Count (WMC) is an annual effort of volunteer community scientists and conservation organizations who work together to collect data on the migratory western monarch population along the Pacific coast from Mendocino County, California, to Northern Baja, Mexico. The count occurs during the monarch overwintering season which extends from approximately October through February/March each year. 

The Western Monarch Count is an intensive community science project geared for participants who can commit 15+ hours each fall-winter, attend virtual and field training workshops, follow survey protocol, and submit data electronically. We kindly ask that you evaluate your capacity prior to signing up. For more information, please visit https://westernmonarchcount.org/volunteer.

You can also learn more about the efforts at Ellwood Mesa and previous years’ monarch butterfly population numbers on the City website at www.CityofGoleta.org/ButterflyGrove.

Three Film Festivals Coming to Goleta

Movie lovers get ready – there are three film festival coming to Goleta this fall!

The 2025 NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) will take place on October 9 – 10 at Camino Real Cinemas (7040 Marketplace Drive) and the Riviera Theatre in Santa Barbara as an exciting two-day event showcasing world-class films that celebrate nature and outdoor adventure. Following this flagship event, there will be two additional one-day festivals in Santa Barbara and Los Olivos and NTFF will continue the celebration with “On Tour” events throughout the West Coast, bringing inspiring films to even more communities.

NTFF is a celebration of nature and outdoor adventure through film, featuring outstanding works from national and international filmmakers that captivate and inspire audiences. All proceeds from NTFF support NatureTrack and its mission to foster a lifelong fascination with nature and inspire respectful stewardship of our natural world. Celebrate the power of film to inspire, educate, and connect people with nature—both in Santa Barbara and beyond! Learn more at www.naturetrackfilmfestival.org.

The Ceylon International Film Festival (CEYIFF) is taking place October 13 – 17 at Direct Relief Hatch Hall (6100 Wallace Becknell Road). CEYIFF celebrates the vibrant world of South Asian cinema while embracing the creativity of independent filmmakers from around the globe. The festival is dedicated to the art of storytelling, bringing meaningful films to communities and connecting filmmakers with diverse audiences.

CEYIFF is the first-ever Sri Lankan Film Festival Organized outside of Sri Lanka and is dedicated to presenting South Asian and International Independent films to cinema lovers. For more information go to https://ceyiff.com.

The inaugural Wild and Free Film Festival (WAFFF) is a weekend-long event November 14 – 16 at Camino Real Cinemas featuring the screening of over 25 new and original films. It is a bold, independent film festival celebrating adventurous, diverse, and environmentally conscious storytelling from around the world. The festival aims to become a cultural destination event, inspiring audiences through thought-provoking films and community experiences.

The official launch party is happening Saturday, October 18 at Elings Park with an outdoor screening of “The Goonies.” Learn more about the Wild and Free Film Festival and buy tickets to the launch party at www.wildandfreefilm.org. 

New Data Tool to Track Housing Trends and Challenges

Interactive dashboard offers one-stop access to housing, workforce, and demographic data

Housing, workforce, and demographic trends remain top concerns in Santa Barbara County. A new public Housing Data Dashboard gives residents and community leaders a clearer way to track them.

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) developed the dashboard to bring complex information into one place. It shows where housing is being built, how affordable it is, who lives in the region, and how people commute to work. It also provides information on homelessness trends and workforce characteristics.

“Instead of searching through multiple state and federal reports, the dashboard makes annual housing and demographic data easy to access in one place,” said Mia Lewis, transportation planner for SBCAG. “The transparency of the information is helpful for residents and decision-makers working on housing solutions.”

The Housing Data Dashboard originated as a project of the League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara. SBCAG expanded it to a countywide scale and will oversee its long-term maintenance.

Accessible on SBCAG’s website, the dashboard offers interactive charts, maps, and downloadable workbooks that allow users to filter by city, unincorporated community, or by North and South County. It covers nine main areas called “sections:”

  1. Housing, Supply Production & Type – shows how many homes are approved, permitted, and completed.
  2. Regional Targets for Housing Growth/Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) – tracks how much housing each city and community has planned and built, with progress shown for the 5th cycle (2014–2022) and 6th cycle (2023–2031) by income level.
  3. Housing Affordability – provides data on rents, mortgage costs, and how much of their income households spend on housing.
  4. Housing Availability & Tenure – shows whether homes are owner- or renter-occupied, vacant, or overcrowded.
  5. General Demographics – tracks population changes, age and gender breakdowns, and urban versus rural growth.
  6. Reference Map – provides a map of cities and unincorporated communities to help navigate the dashboard.
  7. Regional Economy & Workforce – shows where people work, industry types, and labor force details.
  8. Commuting – provides information on how people travel to work within the county, vehicle access, and remote work trends.
  9. Homelessness – tracks annual Point-in-Time counts and information on housing programs and interventions.

A User Guide and Glossary are also provided to support use of the dashboard. A recorded “how-to” video is also available on SBCAG’s YouTube channel to guide users through the dashboard’s features.

“The dashboard is designed for anyone to use, not just data experts,” Lewis said. “We wanted to make it easy to navigate while still providing the depth of information that agencies and community partners need.”

The data comes from trusted sources including the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and local homelessness counts. SBCAG also conducted its own calculations to align data with local planning needs.

The dashboard is updated twice a year. By the end of each calendar year, SBCAG incorporates the prior year’s housing and affordability data released by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. In the spring, the tool is refreshed with the latest demographic and workforce data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The State Department of Finance designates SBCAG to serve as the affiliate U.S. Census center for Santa Barbara County. As such, SBCAG serves as a conduit for government and public access to U.S. Census data. 

The public can explore the Housing Data Dashboard by visiting the Demographics & RHNA page under Planning & Programming at www.sbcag.org or request a link by emailing info@sbcag.org or calling (805) 600-4477.

Rail Safety Month

As California continues to have the highest number of rail-related fatalities in the United States due to highway-rail grade crossing and trespassing incidents*, Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® is recognizing Rail Safety Month in September as a time to support safety in rail-adjacent communities.

In this effort, the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service, is partnering with California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL), a non-profit entity that works year-round to spread awareness about the importance of safety around train tracks.

“Keeping people safe is an important priority for the Pacific Surfliner,” said Fred Jung, Chair of the LOSSAN Agency Board of Directors. “We are proud to partner with California Operation Lifesaver to raise awareness and provide information on staying safe near train tracks for our Southern California community.”

As the LOSSAN Corridor is the second busiest intercity rail corridor in the United States, supporting commuter, regional and intercity rail service collectively to 41 stations and nearly 4.5 million annual passengers (Amtrak, Coaster and Metrolink), the LOSSAN Agency continues to explore ways to inform riders and the public on how to stay safe.

Follow simple safety rules whenever around train tracks, including:

  • Never walk on or along train tracks; it’s illegal and trespassing is highly dangerous.
  • Cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings and obey all warning signs and signals.
  • Stay alert around tracks. Don’t do anything that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train, such as listening to headphones or talking on the phone.
  • When boarding, remember to stay behind the marked safety line on the station platform and use handholds as you board.
  • Report suspicious items, persons or activity immediately to the Amtrak Police Department by approaching a uniformed officer, calling (800) 331-0008, sending a text to APD11 (27311) or calling 911.

The partnership between the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency and CAOL will deliver rail safety advertisements across social media, websites and connected television platforms to people who live and travel near the corridor. Using location-based targeting informed by recent data on trespasser fatalities and near misses, the month-long campaign will run from September 1–30 and provide safety tips tailored to local audiences.

Additionally, the LOSSAN Agency is collaborating with officials in the Tri Counties (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura) to post safety signage in high traffic areas and schools adjacent to the train tracks.

Digital tools are available at PacificSurfliner.com/RailSafety, including activities for kids, lesson plans for teachers and parents and downloadable presentations developed by Operation Lifesaver and CAOL, two non-profit entities that work year-round to promote rail safety.

For more information on Rail Safety Month:

*According to CAOL and the Federal Railroad Administration.

Creek Week 2025 in Goleta

Celebrate Our Creeks, Watersheds & Ocean

The City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Division is thrilled to kick off another year of Creek Week festivities! This year’s celebration runs Saturday, September 20, through Saturday, September 27, with activities for all ages to connect with, learn about, and care for our local waterways.

From art and cleanups to guided tours and restoration projects, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few Goleta highlights:

Saturday, September 20

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Coastal Cleanup Day
Join millions worldwide for this annual event. Locally, help clean up Ellwood Bluffs & Beach and Haskell’s Beach (hosted by Explore Ecology). Register & view all sites: exploreecology.org/coastal-cleanup-day

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – San Pedro/Las Vegas Creeks Cleanup
Help the Environmental Defense Center and the City of Goleta restore healthy waterways. Meet at Covington Footbridge (6200 block of Covington Way). RSVP: btrautwein@environmentaldefensecenter.org. 

9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. – Beautify Goleta: Free Bulky Item Drop-Off
Safely dispose of unwanted items at Phelps Road between Cannon Green Dr. & Pacific Oaks Rd. Accepted items include: mattresses, box springs, furniture, wood pallets, tires. Please do not bring electronics, hazardous waste, or medications – these items will not be accepted.

Wednesday, September 24

4:00–5:30 p.m. – North San Jose Creek Walking Tour 
Meeting Point: southeast corner of Cathedral Oaks Road and North Kellogg Avenue (note new location)

Step away from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of San Jose Creek. Join City of Goleta Environmental Services Project Manager, Dan Rowell, Andrew Raaf, Santa Barbara County Flood Control Environmental Manager, and Brian Trautwein, Senior Analyst/Watershed Program Director for the Environmental Defense Center, for an afternoon exploring shaded oak and cottonwood groves, tranquil pools, and the wildlife that call this creek home.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the challenges facing creek health and the collaborative local efforts to protect and restore this important waterway—particularly for the endangered steelhead trout. San Jose Creek flows to the Goleta Slough and into the Pacific Ocean at Goleta Beach County Park, connecting our community’s uplands to the coast.

This year’s tour also highlights the County’s Beach Sediment Management and Resilience Tactics (BeachSMART) project, led by the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District with support from the State Coastal Conservancy. BeachSMART focuses on watershed processes and nature-based solutions to build long-term resiliency for our beaches, creeks, and coastal communities. Learn more: www.beachsmart.org.  Get involved: Visit the “Get Involved” tab to sign up for updates and take the community survey.

Reserve your spot: environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org

Thursday, September 25

5:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Creek Week Art Contest Reception
Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue)

The Goleta Valley Library partnered with the City’s Environmental Services Division and Goleta Community Center on the 4th Annual Creek Week Art Contest this year. The community is invited to come check out the submissions from local artists at this event. The artwork will be on display at the GCC from September 12 through October 10. More info here.

Stay Updated

For a full list of South Coast Creek Week events, visit SBCreekWeek.com.

Let’s come together to celebrate and protect the creeks, watersheds, and ocean that make Goleta such a special place!

Give Input on CDBG Year-End Report

Public Review Period Open through September 22

Every year, the City of Goleta looks forward to supporting those in need within our community through funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This past year, more than 10,000 people were assisted with CDBG funding. The City is required to submit a year-end report on its accomplishments called the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER provides an assessment of the City’s performance in meeting housing and community development goals in the adopted 2024-2025 CDBG Action Plan. The draft CAPER can be viewed on the City’s website at www.CityofGoleta.org/Grants.

Comments on the draft CAPER are being accepted during a public review period ending September 22, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Comments should be submitted to: City of Goleta, Neighborhood Services Department, Attn: Cassidy Le Air, 130 Cremona Drive, Goleta, CA 93117 or emailed to CityGrants@cityofgoleta.gov.

The City Council will hold a public hearing on this item during its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. An agenda will be available ahead of time at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.

About the Community Development Block Grant

The City receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis for the CDBG program, which is intended to assist low-income citizens, people experiencing homelessness, youth, and seniors with essential services such as medical and dental care, food security, counseling, homelessness prevention, case management, and other needs.

The City also uses the majority of its CDBG allocation on capital projects that will benefit low-to moderate-income people and the disabled. Projects have included renovating City facilities and parks to meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) access standards, installing sidewalks in areas where they are lacking, and adding crosswalks.

LEAP Diaper Drive

National Diaper Need Awareness Week is September 15–21, but local nonprofit LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. is teaming up with local businesses to raise awareness and diapers for babies in need all month long.

According to the National Diaper Bank Network’s Diaper Check, one in two families in the United States struggles to afford diapers for their children. In addition, there is currently no government investment in providing diapers to families. LEAP’s Diaper Bank is crucial to filling this gap, helping local families access free diapers and wipes for their children. Since launching its diaper bank in 2021, LEAP remains the only registered diaper bank in Santa Barbara County and has distributed over 260,000 diapers and wipes to local families.

“Every donation helps us put diapers in the hands of parents who need them most,” said Lori Goodman, CEO of LEAP. “Together, we can relieve some of the daily stress families face and make sure babies across our county have the healthy start they deserve.”

“Deckers is proud to partner with LEAP in supporting local families through a diaper drive. It’s a simple yet essential way to make a real difference. We hope you’ll join us!” said Michelle Apodaca, Director of Deckers Gives at Deckers Brands.

This will mark the 3rd year that LEAP has participated in National Diaper Need Awareness Week, raising awareness and partnering with local organizations to hold diaper drives. Community members are invited to donate unopened boxes of diapers at one of LEAP’s Diaper Drive Partners:

  • Old Town Coffee, Goleta
    5877 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
  • Deckers Brand Showcase
    6601 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
  • RiseUp Fitness (September 13-21)
    7127 Hollister Ave Suite 110, Goleta, CA 93117
    2273 Las Positas Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
  • Trinity Church of the Nazarene
    500 E North Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436

LEAP will be collecting donations at these sites throughout September, with diapers distributed directly to families through the LEAP Diaper Bank. For more information about LEAP’s Diaper Bank, hosting a diaper drive, or supporting the program, email info@leapcentralcoast.org.

Free Car Seat & Booster Safety Check Sep. 19

Did you know that up to 80% of car seats are installed incorrectly? Ensuring the safety of our children while traveling should always be a top priority, and Cottage Health is here to help with a great free opportunity for our community.

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Trauma Services has partnered with local safety organizations to provide expert assistance at a drive-up car seat inspection. Head on over to the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Ave) on Friday, September 19, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. for a FREE car seat and booster safety check.

  • Vehicle, child and car seat must be present
  • No registration required
  • First-come, first-served
  • No citations issued; no driver’s license or vehicle registration required

For more information, call Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Trauma Services at 805-569-7478 or visit cottagehealth.org/seatcheck.

2025 Out of the Darkness Community Walk

Powerful Community Event Taking Place October 4 at Goleta Beach

The County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness invites the community to come together for the 2025 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Community Walk, happening Saturday, October 4 at Goleta Beach Park.

The Out of the Darkness Walk is a powerful and unifying event where friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors join in the fight against suicide. Participants walk to honor loved ones lost, support those who struggle, and raise awareness that hope and help are always available.

Suicide remains a critical public health issue, claiming more than 47,000 lives annually in the United States—including over 4,000 in California and 37 in Santa Barbara County in 2024. National Suicide Prevention Month reminds us that while prevention is a year-round effort, this is a time to connect, raise awareness, and reinforce the message that no one is alone.

The walk provides a safe and inspiring space for individuals to share their stories, connect with others, and build a network of support and resilience.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
  • Location: Goleta Beach Park
  • Check-in: 9:00 a.m. (community resources & information available)
  • Walk begins: 10:00 a.m.

Registration is free and open to all. Whether you walk individually, with a friend, or form a team, your presence makes a difference. Sign up today and be part of bringing mental health out of the darkness and into the light of hope.

Register here today!

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, help is available:

  • The Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access Line is available at 888-868-1649.
  • Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255
  • Text TALK to 741741
  • Visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org

To learn more about County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, visit countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.

Photos below of local Out of the Darkness Walk (credit: courtesy)

“Get Your Small Business Online” Free Course

Wednesdays September 10 – November 12

Attention Small Businesses! Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is offering a “Get Your Small Business Online” FREE course for Santa Barbara County small business owners. This class is geared towards anyone who is looking for comprehensive knowledge and tools to establish an online presence including a website, e-commerce, and digital marketing to grow and stay competitive.

The class meets for nine weeks on Wednesdays September 10 – November 12, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

This course is taught via Zoom, with some in-person classes held at WEV’s downtown Santa Barbara office.

Learn more and submit an Interest Form here.

For more information on WEV, go to www.wevonline.org.

This program is offered for free through a generous donation from the Mosher Foundation.