Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Goleta Annual Solid Waste Rate Increase

City Council to Consider at June 6 Council Meeting

Based on the City’s Franchised Solid Waste Hauling contract, the Goleta City Council will consider a resolution to increase solid waste maintenance rates at its June 6th meeting. The City of Goleta’s franchise waste hauler, MarBorg Industries, Inc. (MarBorg), has submitted a rate increase recommendation for this upcoming fiscal year’s trash rates. The proposed rate increase of 5.95% is pursuant to increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the County of Santa Barbara’s tipping fees at the Tajiguas landfill and ReSource Center. Rate increases due to CPI and Santa Barbara County tipping fees are allowed as part of the City’s franchise agreement with MarBorg.

The proposed rate increase will allow MarBorg to continue providing efficient solid waste and recyclables collection services to the City of Goleta. In addition to solid waste collection, services include collection of green waste, recyclables, and commercial food waste, which are all recycled or reused. MarBorg services also include free residential household hazardous waste drop off, free bulky items pickups, textiles recycling, unlimited free electronics pickups and recycling, and many other programs. The revenue generated by the rate increase will help MarBorg to cover the increasing costs of collection, transport, processing, recycling, and disposal of materials.

The Goleta City Council will be hearing details regarding this increase recommendation on June 6th, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in City Council Chambers at 130 Cremona Drive. Members of the public are welcome to attend and provide comments in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda, which is posted on the City’s website (https://cityofgoleta.org/goletameetings) at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.  

The proposed new rates are listed below. If approved, these increased rates will be effective on July 1, 2023.

 

Monthly Maximum Solid Waste
Collection Rates for
July 1, 2023-June 30th, 2024

Service Level

Current rates

Proposed Rate:  5.95% Increase

$ Change

35-gallon Single Family Residential Cart Service

$35.29

$37.39

$2.10

65-gallon Single Family Residential Cart Service

$39.53

$41.88

$2.35

95-gallon Single Family Residential Cart Service

$45.67

$48.39

$2.71

35-gallon Multi Family Residential Cart Service

$29.95

$31.73

$1.78

65-gallon Multi Family Residential Cart Service

$33.40

$35.38

$1.98

Meet Your Mayor and 3rd District Supervisor at June 11 Farmers Market

10am – 1pm in front of the Sheriff’s Substation at Camino Real Marketplace

Come meet and say, “Hello” to the City of Goleta’s Mayor, Paula Perotte and Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann at the Goleta Farmers Market on Sunday, June 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Farmers Market is hosted every Sunday at the Camino Real Marketplace (7004 Marketplace Drive). Look for Mayor Perotte and Supervisor Hartmann at a table in front of the Sheriff’s Substation next to the movie theater.

“I always look forward to tabling at the Goleta Farmers Market,” said Supervisor Hartmann. “So many residents and families are already there for Sunday errands. Goleta’s farmers market is one of the best attended on the Central Coast! I look forward to hearing from you!”

“This has become an annual tradition for Supervisor Hartmann and me,” said Mayor Perotte. “There’s no better way to spend a Sunday than connecting with our community at such an accessible and well-attended spot that values Goleta’s deep agricultural history.”

They are looking forward to meeting you, hearing your ideas, sharing about upcoming projects, and answering any questions or concerns you may have on local issues. Or you can also just stop by to say, “Hello!”

Hope to see you on June 11th at the Goleta Farmers Market.

Pictured: 3rd District Supervisor Hartmann and Mayor Perotte at the Farmers Market in May 2022

GCC Seismic Retrofit Project Underway

The Goleta Community Center’s Seismic Retrofit Project is off and running. The project kicked off on May 30, 2023. The construction work on the main building will improve the safety of the nearly 100-year-old building during an earthquake by strengthening the connections between the roof, walls, and floor. The project will also replace the roof which is past its useful life and provide a fresh coat of paint to the exterior. The work is funded by a Hazard Mitigation Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Administration supplemented by money from the City of Goleta’s General Fund.

The auditorium and dining room, the two largest rooms in the facility, have been closed to the public since February 2021 and will remain closed until seismic safety improvements are completed. The main building was closed in January 2023 to prepare the building for the retrofit project. Other uses on the campus, including Rainbow School, Head Start, the Senior Center, Resilience Personal Training, the Boys and Girls Club, pickleball courts and the athletic field, will remain open during construction. 

The self-service sandbag station at the Community Center will be closed during construction but community members can go to sandbag locations at Fire Station 11 (6901 Frey Way and Storke Road) or Fire Station 14 (320 Los Carneros Road).

Additional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements to the restrooms, parking lot, exterior railings, and paths of travel are planned next for the Goleta Community Center. This work will follow the seismic retrofit project. The timeline for this additional construction is not yet known. While the seismic project requires full closure, the building will remain open for much of the ADA project with intermittent closure for specific construction activities. Other activities on the campus will also remain open.

For information on available uses at the Goleta Community Center campus, please contact (805) 967-1237. Progress updates on the construction will be posted at www.CityofGoleta.org/GCC.

Oil Piers Removal Celebration June 5th and Platform Holly Town Hall June 7th

The California State Lands Commission invites the community to two special events that are being hosted in the City of Goleta in early June related to Platform Holly and the successful removal of the last two shorezone oil piers in California. Both events are in person.

The first event, this Monday June 5 at 9:00 a.m., is a celebration of the successful removal of the last two oil production shorezone piers in California. This landmark project removed two enormous rusted and derelict structures that blighted the coastline and represents a significant milestone in our transition away from fossil fuels and enhancing public access to and along our coast. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the public parking lot, known as the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Club Parking Lot, which is next to the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort & Spa, and then walk to the beach.

  • WHO: California State Lands Commission and Tribal, State, and Local Partners
  • WHAT: Commemorate removal of the last two shorezone oil piers in California.
  • WHEN: Monday June 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.
  • WHERE: The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Club parking lot, which also serves as the public parking lot for visitors to Haskell’s Beach.

The second event, on Wednesday, June 7 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., is a Town Hall that the Commission, together with the City of Goleta, is hosting to update the community about the status and timeline to decommission Platform Holly. The Town Hall will take place at the City of Goleta Council Chambers, located at 130 Cremona Drive. **NOTE: This town hall will be in-person only. A live recording will be available via webcast afterward.

For more information, please contact Sheri Pemberton at sheri.pemberton@slc.ca.gov  or 916.574.1992.

 

Plastic Reduction Regulations Begin

The City of Goleta’s new Plastic Free Goleta comprehensive plastic pollution reduction regulations are now in effect. Are you in compliance? The ordinance was adopted by the City Council on September 6, 2022, but time was given to allow businesses, residents, and visitors to prepare for the new requirements. Based on coastal cleanup data and best practices, the policy is among the most comprehensive on the central coast, making Goleta a leader in plastic waste reduction. The ordinance includes regulations on the following:

  • Reusable foodware is required for all on-premises dining. Did you know that after only two washes stainless steel cutlery breaks even with disposable cutlery for environmental impacts? After that, every use increases the environmental benefits and reduces the costs of use for a business. Not only does switching to reusable foodware decrease waste, it’s also an investment for businesses that reduces pollution generated by the production of single-use foodware.

  • Single-use cutlery and straws distributed in the City cannot be plastic. While reusable foodware is the best choice, single-use cutlery and straws made from natural fibers like paper, bamboo, wood, and edibles like sugar cane and pasta, have a much smaller impact on their environment than plastic. Natural fibers can break down if they get into the environment as litter, unlike plastic.

  • Polystyrene foodware products are prohibited for sale and distribution. This includes both expanded and rigid polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam©) egg cartons, meat and produce trays, cups, plates, and other foodware. Polystyrene packing materials and coolers are also banned. Goleta now joins over 130 jurisdictions in California that have regulations on polystyrene products due to the health and environmental hazards they pose to the environment. This material cannot be recycled and is lightweight enough to blow away even when disposed of properly. There are many alternatives to this material, and many are already prevalent in our community.

  • Balloons are also regulated under the City’s policies. Mylar or foil balloons cannot be distributed or sold within the City, and no balloons can be intentionally released within City limits. Mylar and latex balloons are a prevalent source of marine litter, and are often mistaken for food by marine life, causing harm and even death. Mylar balloons cause over 1,000 power outages a year when they collide with power lines. With graduation season upon us, make sure you’re celebrating responsibly with alternatives like bubbles, pinwheels, and reusable balloons.

To help with the transition to the new regulations, the City’s Sustainability Program released a Plastic Free Goleta guide in April, which is available on the City website in English and Spanish here. Sustainability staff are also available to provide presentations to community groups and help walk businesses through ways to comply with the new local environmental law.

What is the purpose of the new Plastic Free Goleta regulations?

The City’s plastic reduction regulations are designed to reduce the prevalence of single-use plastics and polystyrene pollution in Goleta. After all, protecting the environment is one of Goleta’s core values. Walking along the beach, you’ve probably encountered bits of Styrofoam© in the sand, plastic balloon strings entangling kelp, and plastic straws littering our environment. Following community input and informed by coastal and neighborhood cleanup data, the Goleta City Council took policy action to reduce single-use plastics, polystyrene, and balloons from polluting our environment.

“Plastic Free Goleta” regulations are part of the City’s efforts to reduce waste by prohibiting the distribution and use of a variety of common single-use plastic items. It is estimated that there are over five trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean and that by 2050 plastic will outweigh fish in the ocean. Less single-use plastics being distributed and sold in our community will reduce plastic pollution litter in Goleta’s neighborhoods, waterways, and beaches.

We encourage the Goleta community to join us in going plastic free! To learn more about Goleta’s plastics initiatives, and to read the full ordinance, please visit www.cityofgoleta.org/PlasticFreeGoleta. To inquire about extension eligibility, please email sustainability@cityofgoleta.org using the subject line “Plastic Compliance.”

Narcan Distribution Centers Expanded

The Sheriff’s Office has expanded the FREE Narcan distribution program at Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Stations and will be available at the Camino Real Marketplace substation at a later date. This program aims to distribute Narcan to members of the public and increase awareness about the opioid crisis and the importance of Narcan in saving lives. Members of the public can come to the lobby of ANY Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Station during business hours, obtain information about a short instructional video and receive Narcan. This program is FREE, and members of the public are not required to provide personal information to participate. Since this program began less than a month ago, the Sheriff’s Office has distributed over 140 life-saving doses of Narcan to community members.

The Sheriff’s Office is joining its partners in Project Opioid who also have Narcan distribution programs including the Pacific Pride Foundation, the Santa Barbara Opioid Safety Coalition, UC Santa Barbara Student Health Services Alcohol and Drug Program, and Fentanyl is Forever SB. The members of Project Opioid are committed to working together to address the opioid crisis and reduce the number of overdose deaths in the county. The Narcan Distribution Program is an important step towards achieving this goal, and we encourage community members to take advantage of this program and help us save lives.

Santa Barbara County Health Officer, Dr. Henning Ansorg said, “Administering Narcan nasal spray to a person who is unconscious or not breathing due to a narcotic overdose will save lives. It is also very important to immediately call 911 for emergency medical care. Please remain with the person until emergency staff arrives at the scene. To achieve long-term safety the overdose victim needs to start ongoing treatment as soon as possible. County wide providers for MAT (medication-assisted treatment) can be found at: https://opioidsafetysb.org/treatment-providers/.”

Below is list of Sheriff’s Office locations where the public can receive FREE Narcan:

  • Sheriff’s Office Headquarters
    4434 Calle Real
    Santa Barbara, CA 93110
    (805) 681-4100
  • Buellton Sheriff’s Station
    City of Buellton Police Department
    140 W. Highway 246
    Buellton, CA 93427
    (805) 686-8150

  • Coastal Bureau Sheriff’s Station
    City of Carpinteria Police Department
    5775 Carpinteria Ave
    Carpinteria, CA 93103
    (805) 568-3399

  • Isla Vista Foot Patrol
    6504 Trigo Rd.
    Isla Vista, CA 93117
    (805) 681-4179

  • Lompoc Valley Sheriff’s Station
    3500 Harris Grade Rd.
    Lompoc, CA 93436
    (805) 737-7737

  • New Cuyama Sheriff’s Station
    70 Newsome St.
    New Cuyama, CA 93254
    (661) 766-2310

  • Santa Maria Sheriff’s Station
    812 W. Foster Rd.
    Santa Maria, CA 93455
    (805) 934-6150

  • Santa Ynez Valley Station
    City of Solvang Police Department
    1745 Mission Dr.
    Solvang, CA 93463
    (805) 686-5000

Meet Goleta Valley Library’s New Supervising Librarian

Next time you’re at the Goleta Valley Library, make sure to stop by and congratulate Elizabeth Saucedo on her recent promotion to Supervising Librarian for the Goleta Valley Library, a well-deserved new role for her.

Elizabeth had been serving in an interim capacity since late February 2023 and previously served as interim Supervising Librarian in early 2022. Elizabeth has been with the library for five years as our superstar Children’s Librarian. Elizabeth led and collaborated on many of the library’s popular programs including the annual Summer and Winter Reading Programs, classroom field trips for local schools, and Stuffed Animal Sleepovers. She also led the effort for the library’s recent new website refresh. Our younger patrons will recognize her as the previous storyteller for the popular Baby & Me Storytime. 

Jaime Valdez, the City’s Neighborhood Services Director, shared “The City is absolutely thrilled to have Elizabeth serve as the new Supervising Librarian at the Goleta Valley Library. Her remarkable commitment to customer service, supporting and developing staff, as well as her overall knowledgeable and thoughtful approach to Library operations has and will continue to benefit our community.”  

In her new position, Elizabeth will be responsible for overseeing staff, programs and events, operations, and general services at the Goleta Valley Library. Elizabeth will build upon the established positive organizational culture at the library and will provide the best public library services for our entire Goleta community.

Elizabeth said, “Goleta Valley Library is a very special place that has something for every member of our community. It’s a privilege to serve our wonderful and supportive patrons of all ages, and to work alongside such dedicated and enthusiastic staff. I am excited to be a part of leading the next chapter in our library’s incredible story.”

The City of Goleta is now looking to fill the vacated role of Children’s Librarian and is seeking applicants. This essential role will oversee youth programming and services at Goleta Valley Library. The ideal candidate will be a community-oriented, collaborative team player who is enthusiastic about connecting children, teens, and families with high-quality library resources and is eager to foster an environment of exploration and enrichment at Goleta Valley Library. For more information and how to apply, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/goletaca.

You are Invited to Goleta Public Works Event on May 24

Community Event May 24, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Camino Real Marketplace

Mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate National Public Works Week (May 21 – 27) with staff from the City of Goleta’s Public Works department! Join us for a free interactive community event on Wednesday, May 24 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Camino Real Marketplace (7004 Market Place Drive). It’s a great opportunity to meet our stellar Public Works team and partner agencies, ask questions and learn about the many upcoming projects in the works. There will be interactive activities, equipment show-and-tell, information tables, giveaways and more.

Public Works is the thread that connects us all, no matter where we live in the world. That’s why this year’s theme, “Connecting the World Through Public Works” is fitting. Public Works professionals strive to improve the quality of life for the community they serve, leading to healthier, happier communities.

We have never been more grateful for our Goleta Public Works team for being there for our community around the clock. A prime example was their response during the recent storms. Goleta Public Works staff went above and beyond to make sure our community was safe with their storm preparation, monitoring, and cleanup efforts.  

It’s never been a busier time for our City of Goleta Public Works department. We encourage you to bring your family and friends and show your support for the great work they do at this fun and educational event!

We can’t wait to see you at the Camino Real Marketplace on May 24th.  

Thank Our City Clerks Team during Municipal Clerks Week

City Clerk Marks 20 Year Milestone

The City of Goleta wants to take this opportunity to recognize and commend our dedicated Goleta City Clerks Division during Professional Municipal Clerks Week which runs from April 30 through May 6. Making this year even more special is the fact that our long-time City Clerk, Deborah Lopez, is celebrating 20 years of distinguished service, 18 of those years in this leadership position. 

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Deborah Lopez has been with the City of Goleta almost since its beginning and our city has flourished under her guidance in this critical government position. Her attention to detail, flexibility and professionalism is beyond what we could ever hope for or imagine. We applaud Deborah and her team for the outstanding work they do day in and day out to keep our city running smoothly.”

City Clerk Deborah Lopez said, “I love my job and feel grateful to have such a great supportive team and to serve as the City Clerk of such a wonderful place.” 

Deborah Lopez started with the City as an Administrative Assistant in 2003. She served as an Accounting Specialist and Deputy City Clerk before being hired as the City Clerk in 2005. Deborah grew up in the Stockton area and worked in the private sector before starting with the City. Deborah is the mother of six and grandmother of 14. She is especially proud that one of her children followed in her footsteps and is also a City Clerk.

The Goleta City Clerks Division team also includes Deputy City Clerks Liana Campos, David Cutaia and Public Records Specialist Blake Markum. If you want to brighten their day and let them know what a great job they are doing, please consider sending an email to CityClerkGroup@cityofgoleta.org. To thank Deborah Lopez, send an email to dlopez@cityofgoleta.org or go to our Facebook page (facebook.com/cityofgoleta) and leave her a comment on this post.

The City Clerks Division is the backbone of any city. The Division serves as the information center for functions of local government and provides a professional link between community members, local governing bodies, and agencies of government at all levels. The Division is also the Historian of the Records, taking care of the recorded history of the City.

The Division is responsible for all City Council meetings, including maintaining a record of the proceedings. The team did a tremendous job of transitioning to hybrid meetings (offering both in person and virtual meetings) since the pandemic and just in the past year has held over 100 hybrid meetings.

The City Clerks Division also oversees all ordinances, resolutions, proclamations, written contracts, official bonds and public records requests. In addition, the City Clerk serves as the election official for the City of Goleta, and the Division was instrumental in the City’s recent transition to District Elections. The Division oversees the City’s seven Council-appointed Boards, Commissions and Committees; and much more.

Learn more about the City Clerks Division at www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/city-clerk.

It’s amazing all that our Clerks Team handles, and we owe each of them a debt of gratitude. 

Pictured at top: City Clerk Deborah Lopez


City Clerk Team (left-to-right): Public Records Specialist Blake Markum, City Clerk Deborah Lopez, Deputy City Clerks David Cutaia and Liana Campos

“Light Up Green” in Honor of Mental Health Month in May

Santa Barbara County will be joining other counties, and our nation, in lighting up buildings in lime green as one of many events occurring throughout the month of May in honor of May is Mental Health Month. Be sure to get out after dark and see the buildings lit up around town! Light Up Green aims to show community members that nobody is alone facing mental health challenges.

For Mental Health Month this year, Mental Health America is encouraging individuals to look around and look within. From your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to mental health. We encourage everyone to consider how the world around them affects their mental health.  Fact sheets which can be downloaded, that support this year’s theme and further explore the environment impact on our mental health, include: Healthy Home Environments, Safe and Stable Housing and The Outdoors and Nature.

A variety of events will be taking place throughout the community over the course of the month, beginning with the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors proclaiming May as Mental Health Month at its May 2 meeting. View more events here: https://tinyurl.com/yvpjuwxa.

What can you do to recognize May as Mental Health Month?

If you are suffering from mental health issues, you are not alone. Help is always available; speak with someone today. 988 is a national crisis line which can be reached by phone or text.  The Behavioral Wellness toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 868-1649 for assistance in receiving services. To learn more about County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, please visit http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.