Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Free Homework Help Available at Goleta Valley Library

Students in grades K-6 can stop by the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue) every Thursday afternoon from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for free, one-on-one help with their homework! Knowledgeable and encouraging teen volunteer tutors meet with students to provide assistance with assignments in a variety of subjects. All tutoring sessions are provided on a drop-in basis, so there’s no need to call ahead to make an appointment.

For academic support around the clock, visit the Online Learning & Resources page of the library website to access Brainfuse HelpNow, an online resource that provides many tools to support student success.

HelpNow’s features include:

  • Homework Help: Interact with live tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests.
  • Skills-Building: Choose your topic to receive real-time help.
  • Personalized eLearning Tools: My File Sharing, My Session Replay, My Tutoring Archive, My Tests Archive, and more!
  • 24-Hour Writing Lab: Submit essays and other forms of writing for constructive feedback.
  • Homework Send Question: Submit homework questions for expert guidance.
  • Adult Learning Center: Access a library of rich adult learning content (GED) and live, professional assistance in resume/cover letter writing, U.S. citizenship prep, MS Office Essential Skills Series, and more!
  • Foreign Language Lab/Spanish-Speaking Support

Goleta Valley Library is here to help our local students finish the school year with success!

Community Garden Plots Still Available

Now is the time to put in your application for a plot in the City’s new Community Garden at Armitos Park. There are only a handful of plots remaining so don’t hesitate if you want to secure a spot. A lottery was held for those who turned in their application before the February 15, 2024, deadline. The garden has space for 50 plots (40 small and 10 large). Community members can still apply for the remaining plots on a first come first served basis. After all plots are accounted for, a waiting list will be started (capped at 25).

The Community Garden is located in the undeveloped area of Armitos park, south of the playground. In addition to the 50 garden plots, there will be a picnic area with a pizza oven, a gathering/education area, tool sheds and more. Construction is expected to be completed in early spring.

The project includes a new playground for 5–12 year-olds, with the addition of swings, sand features and music elements. Once open, the San Jose Creek Multi-Purpose Path adjacent to Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park will extend to Armitos Avenue, connecting the two parks and providing more connectivity throughout Goleta. A Splash Pad is currently under construction at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park with hopes of opening in time for summer.

The cost for a garden plot is $120/year with a $25 refundable security deposit. The annual rate can be paid in one lump sum, quarterly or monthly installments. Fees are due at the time of application.

Learn more and apply at www.CityofGoleta.org/ArmitosPark. For questions related to the project or the application process, please email communitygarden@cityofgoleta.org.

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Saucedo Promoted to City Librarian

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce that a familiar face is now the new City Librarian for the Goleta Library Zone System which includes the Goleta Valley Library, Solvang and Buellton branches, and the Book Van, and represents Goleta in the Black Gold Cooperative Library System. After a comprehensive hiring search, the City promoted Supervising Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo to this top leadership position.

City of Goleta’s Neighborhood Services Director, Jaime Valdez, said “Elizabeth is the perfect choice for this position. She possesses a unique combination of expertise and experience with our treasured library, is highly respected by our wonderful staff, and has a deep commitment to providing excellent customer service to our patrons.” 

Elizabeth Saucedo said she is honored to have been selected. She said, “Libraries play an essential role in their communities by bringing people together and connecting them with important resources that enrich their lives. The opportunity to lead the fantastic team at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries in providing these programs and services to our valued patrons is an incredible honor. I look forward to this exciting next chapter!”

Elizabeth has been with the Goleta Valley Library for over five years. She began as the Children’s Librarian in 2018, leading many of the library’s popular programs including the annual Summer Reading Program, storytimes for early learners, and classroom field trips for local schools. In early 2022 she assumed the role of Interim Supervising Librarian before taking over the position full time in May 2023, where she has overseen the daily operations, staffing, and collection needs of the library.

The City Librarian role is the new classification for the former Library Director title that was last held by Allison Gray, who retired in March 2023 after 15 years of service to the Goleta Valley Library.  Interim Library Director Diane Satchwell has assumed the position during the transition and will continue to stay on as Executive Extra Help—Retired Annuitant to assist with the transition.

Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth on this exciting promotion!

Goleta’s Housing Element 2023-2031 Receives State Certification

The City of Goleta has a Housing Element for the next eight years. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (State HCD) determined the City of Goleta’s Housing Element 2023-2031 meets all statutory requirements and substantially complies with State housing element law. Following notification from the State by letter on February 5, 2024, Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet publicly announced the State’s certification at the Goleta City Council meeting last night, February 6, 2024. A link to the letter from the State is here: http://tinyurl.com/5n6mbw7c.

City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “I want to thank our staff, the Council and the community for putting us in a place to have a certified Housing Element.”

Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín said, “We extend our appreciation to staff, who have worked countless hours over a long period of time to get us here and we rightfully acknowledge the participation of our community in this process. This is a planning document and we needed the state certification. While this in many ways only the beginning of the process, it’s an important milestone.”

The Goleta City Council adopted the City’s Housing Element 2023-2031 on December 5, 2023, as recommended by the Planning Commission. It included the rezoning of eleven sites to accommodate Goleta’s share of the regional housing need, as mandated by the State. The City subsequently submitted it to the State HCD for a 60-day review period.

The City is now in the process of implementing the state-certified Housing Element to maintain and improve existing housing supply and expand housing-related resources for the benefit of the community.

For more information on the City’s Housing Element Update project, go to https://CityofGoleta.org/HousingElement. If you have any questions about the project, please email City staff at HousingElement@cityofgoleta.org. For inquiries in Spanish, please contact Marcos Martinez, Spanish Engagement Specialist, at (805) 562-5500 or mmartinez@cityofgoleta.org.

February Storms Recap

City of Goleta Thanks Public Works Team and First Responders

Considering the recent storms we have experienced, let’s take a moment to express our gratitude to the Goleta Public Works Team, Caltrans, first responders, and everyone who was a part of keeping our community safe before, during and after the storm.

The City of Goleta was in constant communication with Santa Barbara County’s public safety officials. Goleta Public Works worked rotating schedules to work around the clock and have reserves available for any emergencies. Additional support came from General Services, Neighborhood Services, Finance, Planning, City Manager’s Office, and the City Attorney.

This is a good reminder to sign up for information from both Santa Barbara County and the City of Goleta. Register for County emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org. This is how you will be notified during an emergency. If the emergency impacts Goleta, the City of Goleta will send emergency notifications through its email/text message notification system – sign up to receive our City emergency info here. 

Learn more about winter storm preparedness, including sandbag locations in Goleta, knowing your flood risk, and more, on the City website here.

Pictured: Tree down on Storke Road, February 4, 2024

 

Green Room: Are You Ready for the Rainy Season? 

The City of Goleta Environmental Services Division would like to share some tips to help protect our watersheds during the rainy season. As storms approach, 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, Report water pollution within the City of Goleta to 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.   

New Date for BioBlitz

The City of Goleta’s BioBlitz has been postponed from March 9 due to impacts from the February storms. Stay tuned for a new date.

What is a BioBlitz? It’s a fun and educational event to explore and document the incredible biodiversity around us. The goal is to identify and record as many plants, animals, fungi, and other species as possible in a single day.

The BioBlitz is a great opportunity to participate in a point-in-time inventory of biodiversity at the Butterfly Grove, hosted by the City of Goleta’s Parks and Open Space Division and UC Santa Barbara’s Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration. This hands-on experience promises an engaging and educational opportunity for community members of all ages to connect with nature and foster a deeper understanding of environmental conservation. The public is encouraged to participate in the long-term stewardship at Ellwood Mesa. The BioBlitz is a chance for people who care about the natural world to get connected and give back.

Stay connected to learn about the new date.

Coffee with Co-Response March 6

Meet Crisis Intervention Co-Response Teams from 9am – 11am at Camino Real Marketplace

Community members in Goleta are in for a treat as the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Behavioral Wellness, has organized a special edition of Coffee with a Cop. This FREE event on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Goleta Marketplace Starbucks, aims to shed light on the innovative Mental Health Co-Response Teams.

The role of law enforcement in mental health crises has evolved over the years, recognizing the need for a compassionate and specialized response. Mental Health Co-Response Teams bridge the gap between law enforcement and mental health services, facilitating a more effective and empathetic approach to crisis situations. The creation of these Co-Response Teams is a significant step forward in providing comprehensive care for individuals in crisis situations. 

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet the members of these Co-Response Teams and learn more about their work. This event serves as a platform for community members to gain insight into the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and mental health professionals when responding to mental health crises.

Make sure you mark your calendars for THIS Wednesday, March 6, 2024, and make your way on over to the Goleta Marketplace Starbucks between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Join the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Behavioral Wellness, and fellow community members for a cup of coffee and an enriching conversation about the innovative work of the Mental Health Co-Response Teams.

Goleta Neighbors Connect at Coffee & Community Event

Close to 40 Residents Gathered at Brandon School

Getting time to connect in an informal setting and ask questions is what our Coffee and Community events are all about. The last one was held on February 3, 2024, at Brandon School. It was also a great opportunity to celebrate the City’s 22nd birthday (February 2, 2024).  

This was the fourth Coffee and Community event. The gatherings are held in different parts of the City in hopes of reaching different neighborhoods to address their particular questions and concerns. The attendees enjoyed coffee and birthday cake. Children who attended with their parents participated in the celebration by making birthday cards for the City. Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Kyle Richards, City Manager Robert Nisbet and a group of City staff from a variety of departments were in attendance as were Santa Barbara County Supervisors Laura Capps and Joan Hartmann. Spanish interpretation was provided.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Our staff and I were so pleased for this opportunity to learn from and respond to Goleta residents’ comments and questions regarding our city’s operations and strategies.” 

Councilmember Kyle Richards said, “I am always glad to hear from our residents regarding their concerns about the City and their neighborhoods. Saturday’s ‘Coffee & Community’ at Brandon School was a great opportunity to engage with neighbors and share information about how our Council and staff are working on their behalf.”

During the event, City staff answered questions about housing, road conditions, parks and open space, upcoming projects and other topics of interest to the neighborhood.

A big thanks to Brandon Principal Sheryl Miller for helping set up the event and make sure it ran smoothly, and to Anna’s Bakery in Goleta for making delicious birthday cake for all to enjoy. 

Thanks to everyone who attended and participated.

Pictured above: Mayor Perotte and Councilmember Kyle Richards with City Staff


Child drawing a birthday card for the City


Mayor Paula Perotte speaking to the audience

E-Bike Safety Awareness

The use of e-bikes is skyrocketing and so is the need for riders to understand how to operate them safely. That’s why the City expanded its first E-bike Safety Awareness Day in January 2023 to a week-long event this past January 2024. The goal is to bring an important topic of concern to the forefront, provide education and ultimately prevent accidents and injuries from occurring. Every E-bike rider should watch this important newly released E-bike safety video with our Community Resource Deputy Ehren Rauch who rides an e-bike at work and in his personal life. Watch the video here.

Deputy Rauch said, “Every day we have interactions that involve e-bikes and we often find that riders are not familiar with the laws that pertain to e-bikes. It’s important that anyone operating an e-bike understand they must follow the same traffic rules as vehicles.”

At the reading of the proclamation at the Goleta City Council Meeting on January 16, Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Electric bicycles are heavier and faster than standard bicycles and, without the proper safety education and training, e-bike riders have a higher risk of becoming severely injured or killed in a crash.”

The State of California has e-bike safety laws in place that regulate who and where each type of e-bike can lawfully be ridden and that riders 17 years of age and under must always wear a helmet. Of course, it is strongly recommended that e-bike riders of all ages wear a helmet.

“Practicing bike safety precautions, especially wearing a helmet, is essential to preventing or minimizing injury, regardless of age,” said Lauren Sutherlin, Trauma Nurse Coordinator at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. “Given the higher speeds associated with e-bikes, a properly fitting helmet significantly reduces the risk of serious head and brain injuries in the case of a fall or collision.”

According to the California Highway Patrol, there were more than 9,600 bicycle-involved crashes in California in 2022, 225 of which involved an e-bike (an increase over 80 the prior year) and four of which resulted in fatal injuries.

CHP has an on-line safety course available online at www.chp.ca.gov/Programs-Services/Services-Information/Bike-and-Ped-Safety.

The City partnered with MOVE Santa Barbara County, Goleta Police, CHP and Cottage Hospital to hand out more than 100 helmets to e-bike riders at Dos Pueblos High School, Goleta Valley Junior High (at lunch and after school) and at a Community E-bike Skills Class and Ride held on January 27. 

Mayor Perotte enjoyed being at the event and handing out free helmets, bike lights, wheel reflectors, and many other bike safety items.

Thanks to everyone who was a part of making E-bike Safety Awareness Week in the City of Goleta a big success. 


Mayor Paula Perotte presenting the proclamation to Kim Stanley-Zimmerman with MOVE Santa Barbara County at the January 16, 2024, City Council Meeting


Representatives from the City of Goleta, MOVE Santa Barbara County, Goleta Police, CHP and Cottage Hospital passing out helmets and lights at Dos Pueblos High School on January 17, 2024


DP students checking out the free helmet distribution


Kim Stanley-Zimmerman making sure a student’s helmet fits properly at the Goleta Valley Junior High School distribution on January 18, 2024


Smiling participants after completing the Community E-Bike Skills Class & Ride on January 27 at Goleta Valley Junior High School

Pictured above: Mayor Perotte with two participants from the Community E-Bike Skills Class & Ride