Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Community Disaster Education Course July 26

Courses Available for Groups of Ten or More in English or Spanish

Preparing for an emergency can be difficult and where do you start? You can create a go-bag for your car, but what do you put in that bag? You are invited to find out answers to these questions and more by attending the City of Goleta’s upcoming free Community Disaster Education (CDE) course at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26th at Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive). In addition, groups of ten or more can request their own CDE class in English or Spanish. Attendees will learn how to prepare their homes and workplace for a disaster and what to expect when an emergency occurs.

The City began offering the one-hour course to groups this past November and since then more than 200 people have participated. Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris credits the successful launch of the program to its simplicity. He said, “The best part is that a CDE can be held anywhere and during most hours: during a lunch break, after hours at a Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting, or at a weekend community gathering.”

A limited number of CDE courses are available each month, are scheduled on a first-come, first serve basis and cannot be held in single family homes. If you want to request a CDE course for your group, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/CDE and submit the short form in English or Spanish, then wait for a City representative to return your message and schedule a time for the CDE. For any additional questions regarding CDEs, please send an email to CERT@cityofgoleta.org.

We hope to see you on July 26th at Goleta City Hall. Thanks for helping us spread the word about this informative course.

Don’t Let the Heat Get to You

The hottest season of the year is approaching and there could be excessive heat warnings in the future. These hot temperatures can lead to multiple different impacts, ranging from heat-related illnesses to sundowner winds that can spark fires. Here’s a little information about both.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two heat-related illnesses that can happen to anyone. The symptoms of both illnesses are similar, and can include dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, and hot skin. Sounds uncomfortable, right? You can avoid these illnesses by simply taking it easy, finding a place out of the sun, drinking cool non-alcoholic liquids, and taking frequent breaks. Listen to your body and stay hydrated!

It’s also important to watch out for anything that could spark a fire. When it’s hot, it’s usually dry too. Sounds obvious, right? But this is exactly the time to be extra careful with anything that carries a flame. Be mindful of candles, grills, cigarettes or other smokables that could be tossed onto the ground (ahem, please don’t litter). Don’t be the person who started a fire due to carelessness.

It’s also important to remember about sundowners. Sundowner winds are common with the high heat, and those winds can feed any spark and start a fire that runs out of control.

Take care with the incoming heat and remember to enjoy the sunshine (when it comes out)!

High Fire Season Declared

It’s officially High Fire Season. That means Santa Barbara County Fire has suspended all burn permits issued for residential burning and hazard reduction, while simultaneously increasing the deployment of vital resources to combat vegetation fires.

During the High Fire Season, it is crucial for residents, workers, and visitors in Santa Barbara County to exercise heightened awareness and prioritize fire safety. SBC Fire underscores the following key measures to ensure public safety:

  • Maintain Vegetation Clearance: Individuals are advised to maintain proper vegetation clearance around structures to minimize fire risks.
  • Review and become acquainted with the “Ready! Set! Go!” wildfire action plan, which outlines crucial steps for preparedness and response in the event of a wildfire. For more details, please visit www.sbcfire.com.
  • Wildfire smoke and ash contain very small particles called particulate matter, which harm the lungs and heart. The best protection against wildfire smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible, ideally in a well-sealed “clean air room” with an air purifier. The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) provides instructions to create a “clean air room” on their website. APCD’s website also provides countywide hourly air quality conditions. People are also encouraged to sign up for Air Quality Alerts issued during wildfires.

SBC Fire urges all community members to remain proactive and diligent in implementing fire safety practices during this High Fire Season. By working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of Santa Barbara County and its residents.

The public is also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org.

Celebrate the Fourth Without Illegal Fireworks

July 4th is almost here , and the City of Goleta is reminding the community to celebrate safely without illegal fireworks. Watch our video message in English or Spanish.

To report illegal fireworks, call the non-emergency dispatch line at 805-683-2724.

Besides being dangerous, fireworks can also cause a great deal of stress for people who are noise sensitive, andcan be terrifying for pets. 

The Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) wants pet owners to plan ahead. Crates are available for loan for free from now through July 4 at any SBCAS shelter location, including the one at Overpass Road in Goleta. Since more pets are reported missing during this period than any other time of year, SBCAS is partnering with CARE4Paws, ASAP, BUNS, SB Humane, and others, to offer 30-days of free microchips across the County. Pet owners can take advantage of this initiative through the end of June by visiting any SBCAS shelter, BUNS or ASAP Cats during regular business hours, or taking advantage of one of the 44 mobile clinics near you. For more information, go to www.sbcanimalservices.org/july4.

If you are looking for something fun to do in Goleta on the 4th, head over to the Goleta Valley Historical Society’s Annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July at the Stow House from 11am – 4pm. For more information visit https://goletahistory.org/old-fashioned-4th-july/.

Thank you in advance for being a considerate neighbor this Independence Day and always.

Pictured left-to-right: Goleta Chief of Police Services Lt. Rich Brittingham, City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, and Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig

DRB to Consider Proposed Changes to SB Humane Campus

Attend or Watch Conceptual Design Review on June 13 at 3:00 p.m.

Santa Barbara (SB) Humane, located at 5399 Overpass Road in Goleta, is requesting potential changes to its facilities on the 3.98-acre site. The Design Review Board (DRB) will conduct a Conceptual Design Review of the proposed project on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. to get feedback on building design and site changes. The DRB Agenda and staff report will be available on or before June 8th at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.

The property owner is considering demolishing and replacing all existing buildings (10 buildings and 1 barn) except the existing education building (renovation only) and relocating the historic Beck House on-site with the removal of the non-historic addition. The applicant is requesting a parking space reduction from 79 required spaces to 65 spaces. The anticipated grading includes 3,700 cubic yards of cut, 280 cubic yards of fill, and 3,420 cubic yards of export. Of the 55 existing trees, 38 trees are proposed for removal, one is proposed to be relocated, and 16 will be protected in place. The site will be landscaped with 57,087 square feet of new landscaping as well.

To be a part of the DRB meeting, you can attend in person in City Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive) or watch the meeting live on the City’s website or on Goleta TV Channel 19. DRB meetings can be viewed live or recorded on our website at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas. Sign up here to have DRB Agendas sent to your inbox. Written submittals concerning agenda items may be sent to the Design Review Board Secretary email: mchang@cityofgoleta.org. In order for public comments to be disseminated to the DRB for consideration during the DRB meeting, written information must be submitted to the DRB no later than 24 hours prior to the DRB meeting if not attending in person or virtually. Communication received after this time may not be reviewed by the DRB prior to the meeting.

Please direct questions and/or comments regarding this project and the DRB Conceptual Review hearing to Associate Planner Travis Lee at tlee@cityofgoleta.org.


Rendering of Proposed SB Humane Campus

City Conducts Annual Tree Maintenance Operations

The City of Goleta conducts year-round maintenance on public trees along streets and in parks and open spaces. In urban areas, trees require regular care to encourage healthy growth, reduce pest infestations, and limit impacts to private property and public infrastructure. With over 14,000 public trees, annual maintenance cannot be completed entirely outside of the bird-nesting season (typically February through August). In addition, a backlog of deferred maintenance and winter storm damage also require tree work to occur during bird nesting season. It’s important to note that prior to beginning any tree maintenance operation, the City takes necessary precautions to reduce impacts to wildlife, including checking for active bird nests. If an active nest is found, the tree will not be pruned and no work will occur in the vicinity of the tree until the bird(s) have matured and left the nest. For more information about Goleta’s Urban Forest, please visit: https://www.cityofgoleta.org/play/parks-recreation-open-spaces/habitat-stewardship-programs/urban-forest.

Pride Flag Up at Three City Locations

In honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Pride flags are up at three city locations: Goleta City Hall, the Goleta Community Center and the Goleta Valley Library. On June 1, Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, and Pacific Pride Foundation Executive Director Kristen Flickinger were among those that had the honor of being present at the raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall. All three said it was a meaningful moment to be a part of.

Mayor Perotte said, “I am proud to be here today to celebrate and to send a message to our residents and everyone who visits Goleta that we are an inclusive city. We are a city that loves and values the LGBTQ+ community, and we are a city that knows we are stronger when we stand together and when we celebrate together.”

Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards said, “The City of Goleta is proud to recognize and celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month with our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer Community. And as a gay man who represents this City, I am especially proud to be standing with you today to raise this flag at City Hall. As you know there are renewed efforts to: ban books displaying positive depictions of LGBTQ+ individuals; to eliminate and control our healthcare choices; to undermine and erode rights grounded in privacy, including the right of same-sex couples to marry and engage in consensual same-sex relationships; and to denigrate drag performances and other Constitutionally-protected actions. Here locally in Santa Barbara County there have been recent protests at private establishments against drag queens reading to children and hateful attacks such as the burning of Pride flags. More than ever we need to speak up against assaults on our community, and it is important that the City take a stand in support of our LGBTQ residents and against hate. By raising this Pride flag we are letting our community know that Goleta is a City where LGBTQ people are welcomed and treated with dignity and respect.”

Flickinger said, “At this moment, when elected officials are being asked to take a stand for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, the City of Goleta is renewing its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, not only during Pride season, but every day. Pacific Pride Foundation is proud to be a partner in this work.”

We hope you will join us at the June 6 City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. for the reading of the official proclamation recognizing June 2023 LGBTQ and Pride Month in the City of Goleta.

LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States have fought for equal treatment, dignity, and respect, and remain determined to pursue full equality, respect, and inclusion for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Despite being marginalized throughout the history of the United States, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to celebrate their identities, love, and contributions in various expressions of Pride. The City Council encourages the Goleta community to join in celebration and appreciation of the LGBTQ+ community.


Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, City Manager Robert Nisbet, Assistant City Manager Kristy Schmidt, Pacific Pride Foundation Executive Director Kristen Flickinger, City Board and Commission members and staff at Goleta City Hall. (Not in order) 


Pride Flag at Goleta Valley Library


Pride Flag at Goleta Community Center

Picnic in the Park

Summer is an exciting time for children to enjoy playtime with friends, a week at camp, a family vacation or time at the pool. But for many children who receive free or reduced-price meals at school, summer means hunger. Picnic in the Park offers free, healthy meals, fun physical activities, and nutrition education opportunities to ensure that summer is fun for all kids in our county. 

Picnic in the Park is a program hosted by the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County during summer break. The program provides free lunches to children 18 years and under Monday – Friday countywide. Everyone is welcome, and there is no sign-up or registration process. 

The program is available at locations throughout Santa Barbara County. Locally, children can go to the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) June 12 through August 18 from 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. For a list of all sites, please visit https://foodbanksbc.org/programs/lunch/.

Volunteers Needed! Community volunteers manage and support individual park sites, hand out lunches, organize food literacy training and oversee summer games. Click here to get involved. 

Goleta Graduates

The City of Goleta wants to send our heartfelt congratulations to all our #GoletaGraduates. Whether you are graduating from college, high school, junior high or elementary school, we are so proud of you! 

We also want to take a moment to highlight and thank a special 2023 Dos Pueblos High School graduate, Kyle Yao, who has been involved with the City of Goleta on the Public Engagement Commission (PEC) for the past two years. 

Kyle said, “Being able to exchange ideas on equal footing with my fellow commissioners and actually present ideas implemented by the city was something I will be forever grateful for.”

After this rewarding experience, Kyle would encourage other Goleta youth to get involved in city government as well. He said, “I would recommend anybody interested in City government to give a commissionership a try. Not only do you give back to our city, but you also gain a level of professionalism and self-confidence that can be applied to any endeavor one strives for in the future.”

Prior to his appointment as a Youth Commissioner on PEC, Kyle was a graduate of the City’s 2nd LEAD Goleta Community Academy in February of 2020.

Kyle is a member of the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy (DPEA) and is on the group’s leadership team. He is also a player on the school golf team. Kyle volunteers at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and is a Co-coach of a youth First Lego League robotics team.   

Kyle is headed to the University of California at Berkely where he will major in Predental/Chemistry. He aspires to be an Endodontist (a Specialist Dentist). We have no doubt that he will achieve all his goals and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Thank you, Kyle, for all you have done for Goleta!

The City is always looking for outstanding youth to join our boards and commissions. If you are interested, please visit https://www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions.

Juneteenth SB

The City of Goleta is a proud sponsor of Juneteenth Santa Barbara and will issue a proclamation at its June 6, 2023, City Council meeting proclaiming June 19 as “Juneteenth Day in the City of Goleta.” This event, now in its sixth year, centers around a free, family-friendly, community block party that will be held in in the 200 block of Grey Ave. in the Funk Zone on Sunday, June 18, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

With a theme of “Nourishing The People,” the free community block party will honor the cultural connection of Black/African-American culture, food, and the ancestral ties to our community.

Enjoy live local music, dancing, poetry, spoken word, artist exhibitions, storytelling, soul food, and the first annual community cookoff. There will also be the Black Artisan Market, which includes Black-led community organizations showcasing their work and goods at their own booths. A video promo of the event is available here: https://youtu.be/IiYyySZkaXQ.

Year-round, Juneteenth Santa Barbara utilizes its platform to uplift all Black/African American-led/serving organizations and plays a key role in coordinating Black History Month events and monthly Santa Barbara County Black Leaders Meetings.

For more information on Juneteenth SB, click here.