Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

San Jose Creek Channel Fish Passage Improvement Project

In 2014, the City of Goleta completed the reconstruction and widening of the existing San Jose Creek Channel that runs parallel to State Route 217. Included with the improvements was a fish passage facility located along the eastside of the channel. The purpose of the fish passage facility, consisting of a low flow channel and a series of concrete and wooden weirs, was to promote migration of the endangered steelhead trout from the Goleta Slough to the natural creek upstream. Unfortunately, the performance of the completed facility has not met expectations from a fish passage standpoint and has also resulted in excessive sediment entrapment between the weirs. As a result, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is requiring that the City implement a fish passage project to modify the existing facility.

The City Council approved the establishment of a new Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project, the San Jose Creek Channel Fish Passage Modification Project on January 18, 2022. The scope of the new project will be to develop weir modification alternatives, evaluate the alternatives through computerized and physical modeling protocols, select an optimum alternative, develop a final design for the selected alternative, secure environmental approval and permits and construct the approved modification. Following construction, the City will monitor the modified fish passage facility for three years to ensure it is functioning as envisioned in the design.  

Pictured (above): San Jose Creek Channel – Trapped sediment with vegetation in between weirs, 2019 and (below): San Jose Creek Channel – Wooden weirs with trapped debris, 2019



Train Depot Reaches Next Stop

The Goleta City Council reached a major milestone towards the completion of the much-anticipated Goleta Train Depot Project. The Council, in a unanimous 5-0 vote on January 18, 2022, certified the Goleta Train Depot Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and approved the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Goleta Train Depot Project Located at 27 South La Patera Lane and approved the Project. View the staff report and presentation here.

The proposed Goleta Train Depot structure will be approximately 9,000 square feet in size and will provide a permanent, enclosed, and safe structure for Amtrak passengers to use as they wait to board or after they disembark from trains. The building will be located in the northern portion of the project site, adjacent to the railroad right-of-way, with the parking lot and driveways located in the southern portion of the project site.

The Council also received an update on the most current design of the Goleta Train Depot. The architecture of the structure will be a traditional depot design with modern elements. The structure will have large windows and columns to support a roof overhang to create protected outdoor areas around the building. An additional turnaround area will be located at the entry of the site and is designed to allow buses and shuttles to provide easy drop-off and pick-up for passengers. Electric vehicle charging stations are proposed for the site, and approximately half of the roof would contain solar panels to capture solar energy.

The proposed Depot will be designed and constructed consistent with City Resolution No. 12-65 which requires City owned buildings of 2,000 square feet or greater of conditioned space to achieve United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.

Overall, the FEIR concludes that the project will not result in any significant, unmitigable impacts to the environment. All environmental impacts of the project are less than significant with the incorporation of mitigation measures. The project would result in a significant benefit to the public by creating a regional multi-modal transportation hub. In addition to the benefits of increased multi-modal transportation for the public, especially rail service, other benefits of the project include a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from alternative transportation, greatly increased site landscaping and tree plantings, improved stormwater runoff treatment, and significantly enhanced architectural and site aesthetics.

Given these benefits, City Council also approved minor deviations to the setbacks and height restriction requested for the project because they facilitate enhanced parking and circulation, the aesthetics and functionality of the building, and the enjoyment of the site by the public by way of covered bus shelters, and kiosks that provide opportunities to display information and public art.

More information on the Train Depot project is available at https://tinyurl.com/goletatraindepot.

Pictured: Rendering of Goleta Train Depot

School Crosswalks Project on Cathedral Oaks Nearing Completion

The City of Goleta is making major strides in increasing pedestrian crossing safety on major roads, especially near local schools. Goleta is in the process of installing enhanced crosswalks near schools at the intersections of Cathedral Oaks Road and Brandon Drive, Evergreen Drive, and Carlo Drive. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) being added to these intersections are traffic control devices that trigger flashing lights to alert motorists when pedestrians are crossing the road.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “This project is another way of fulfilling Goleta’s commitment to our number one priority, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children. It is also another way that we encourage people of all ages to travel on foot, both for beneficial exercise and to reduce impacts from motor vehicle travel.”

Charlie Ebeling, City of Goleta Director of Public Works said, “It’s important people feel safe crossing the street. The City is pleased to have secured a grant allowing us to improve crosswalks children use to help them get to school. Pedestrian and bicycle safety are a top priority for the City, and we continue to make improvements throughout Goleta.”

Construction began in early November 2021 and is expected to wrap up at the end of January, after experiencing some delays to due to rain. The installation of the beacons themselves will take place in February. The City wants to thank the public for its patience and cooperation during this time.

Currently, there already are four RRFB crosswalk locations in the City of Goleta. They are located at Cathedral Oaks Road and Santa Marguerita Drive and Hollister Avenue at Orange Avenue, Chapel Street and South Patterson Avenue.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Project Manager Michael Winnewisser at (805) 690-5120 or mwinnewisser@cityofgoleta.org.

Pictured: Crosswalk at Cathedral Oaks Road and Brandon Drive intersection – Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon coming soon

New Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Crosswalk on Calle Real

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce its newly installed Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) crosswalk on Calle Real is up and running. The PHB is located mid-block between Encina Lane and Kingston Avenue at the Calle Real Shopping Center area.

City of Goleta Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling said, “We are excited about the crosswalk improvements on Calle Real. The installation of the new crossing will provide additional safety and benefit all users.”

A PHB signal provides warning to motorists that a pedestrian or bicyclist is crossing the street. The user can activate the flashing lights with either the push of a button or “touchless” with the wave of a hand. Activation of the PHB requires motorists to stop so pedestrians and bicyclists can cross safely.

The PHB remains dark until activated, then displays a special sequence of lights. Unlike a standard traffic signal, drivers are not required to stop when the PHB is not activated. Once activated, the beacons flash yellow, then steady yellow, then solid red. During the red phase, drivers must remain stopped while users cross the street. Prior to turning dark again, the beacon alternates flashing red to allow drivers to stop then proceed when clear, as they would with a stop sign.

The installation on Calle Real is one of many being installed throughout the City to benefit pedestrians, cyclists, and alternate modes of transportation. The City’s Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon projects are funded by Measure A.

Attached: Photo of New Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) crosswalk on Calle Real between Encina Lane and Kingston Avenue

Join Us for Community State of the City on April 13

We are excited to hold the Fifth Annual Community State of the City in-person! Last year we held a successful virtual event, but we missed seeing everyone. This year’s Community State of the City will be on Wednesday, April 13 at 6:00 p.m. This is a free community event to learn more about what is happening at City of Goleta. Stay tuned for the location.

The event includes hearing from Mayor Paula Perotte, City Manager Michelle Greene, and Department Directors. They will be discussing the City’s finances as well as current and future projects and programs. The evening will conclude with questions from the audience. Spanish interpretation will be available. This is an important night for the City, and we really hope to see you there.

City of Goleta Hires First General Services Director

Public Sector Service Veteran Matthew Fore to Lead New City Division

The City of Goleta is pleased to introduce its first General Services Director. Matthew “Matt” Fore, who brings more than 25 years of public sector service will oversee facilities management, fleet management, real estate services, purchasing, information & communications technology, and other general service programs and activities. The goal of the new General Services Division is to protect City assets and ensure city departments have the special resources and equipment needed to carry out their primary mission. The department was created by the City Council in July 2021 following an organizational study and needs analysis.

Goleta City Manager Michelle Greene said, “The City, which turns 20 tomorrow on February 1, 2022, has grown to the point where we need a specialized General Services Department division to ensure that all City staff have the space, resources, and equipment that they need to be successful. We are excited to have a seasoned professional like Matthew Fore to head up this new department for the City.”

New General Services Director Matthew Fore said, “I am thrilled and honored to join the City of Goleta. This position combines a number of previous roles I have held, and I look forward to serving this wonderful community with the highest level of service.”

Matthew earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from San Jose State University and received his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. For the last 10 years he was at City of Santa Barbara in a variety of roles, most recently as the Acting Information Technology Director. Matthew began at the City of Santa Barbara as the Environmental Services Manager, moved to Acting City Clerk Services Manager, and then to Senior Assistant to the City Administrator.

Please join us in welcoming Matthew to #TeamGoleta. If you have any questions for him, he can be reached at mfore@cityofgoleta.org or (805) 562-5507.

What You Need to Know About the City’s New Organics Waste Disposal Ordinance

New Programs Planned to Help Reduce Greenhouses Gases

The City of Goleta has a new organics waste reduction ordinance in place. On January 18, the Goleta City Council unanimously approved the Organics Waste Disposal Ordinance to comply with State law. Senate Bill (SB) 1383 directs public agencies to reduce organic waste disposal (food waste, paper, and landscaping debris/cuttings) by 75% and rescue 20% of currently disposed surplus food, by 2025. Public Agencies must have programs in place and fulfill other requirements to reach this goal. Residents, commercial generators, edible food recovery organizations, waste haulers, waste facility operators, and self-haulers are required to participate in these programs.

Residential customers are already in compliance and currently require no further action. Please continue to place your organic waste, such as food scraps, into the brown trash bin. To reduce the amount of food waste that goes into the brown bin, home composting is still encouraged as the preferred alternative. All green waste, or yard trimmings, should still be placed in the green bin, as this material is processed separately into mulch. The City will proactively contact affected entities that need to achieve compliance and provide options to help local businesses and organizations with the process.

Several new programs are being developed by the City to reduce greenhouse gases and comply with SB1383. Three momentous programs include Edible Food Recovery, City-wide Organics Recycling, and participation in the ReSource Center.

  • Edible Food Recovery Network: The City of Goleta, County of Santa Barbara, and other jurisdictions are implementing a County-wide program to recover edible food that would otherwise be landfilled and distribute it to those in need. This program primarily applies to the commercial food serving businesses, such as grocery stores, food distributors, and restaurants. The City will contact applicable food generating businesses and help them through the enrollment process.
  • Organics Recycling: In addition to edible food recovery, SB1383 requires all residents and commercial entities to recycle non-edible food waste like food scraps. For residents, this is being achieved comprehensively through the innovative County ReSource Center. Businesses that generate more than 2 cubic yards of waste and meet other criteria may need to dispose of their organic waste in a separate container by enrolling for “yellow bin” service with Marborg. The City will be in contact with applicable businesses. Compliance options are available based on need and site-specific factors.
  • The ReSource Center: Recyclables and organics are separated from trash, and organics are transformed into compost and energy that powers up to 3,000 homes per year. With this new facility, approximately 60% of additional waste from our trash is diverted from the landfill, bringing our region’s waste diversion rate to above 85% while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This means that residents who live or work in these areas are following the new state law without the need for additional yellow bin service. For more information, please view this informative video about the ReSource Center.

Additional information is available on our City website at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/public-works/solid-waste.

Please contact the City of Goleta Environmental Services Division with any questions at environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org.

Pictured: Organic compost donation courtesy of CalRecyle

Historic Preservation Ordinance Review on April 5

The City’s first ever Historic Preservation Ordinance will take center stage at the April 5, 2022, Goleta City Council meeting.

After a lengthy discussion at the December 7, 2021, Public Hearing, the Council directed staff to provide the following additional information:

  1. Specific findings for each of the 29 properties proposed to be added to the Historic Resources Inventory and findings for the 6-7 properties that may be designated as Goleta Landmarks.
  2. Make refinements to the exemptions from the Archaeological and/or Tribal Cultural provisions to be simpler and clearer to the public.
  3. Provide cost estimates for different archaeological reports and provide an estimate how many of these could be required in the course of a year.

The goal of the Historic Preservation Ordinance is to preserve and protect resources that, once lost, cannot be replaced or replicated. Earlier this year (November 8), the Planning Commission reviewed the ordinance and recommended adoption. Generally, the proposed ordinance would:

  • Create a Historic Preservation Commission.
  • Create historic designation categories and establish a process to designate properties as a historic resource based on eligibility criteria.
  • Establish regulations and processes regarding alterations to designated properties, recission of designations, demolition, maintenance requirements, and Mills Act incentives to maintain designated historic resources.
  • Designate six (6) -seven (7) structures as Goleta Landmarks and place a total of 29 structures (including the 7 proposed to be Goleta Landmarks) on the inaugural Historic Resources Inventory (HRI). It is expected that the HRI will be expanded over time.
  • Establish processes and criteria when any earth-disturbing activities in native soils (i.e., previous not graded or disturbed soils) are proposed. The purpose is to check for subsurface archaeological or tribal cultural resources in order to preserve and protect these resources. A list of project types and circumstances that would be exempt from the requirements is included.
  • Establish development standards that would apply to earth-disturbing activities in case subsurface archaeological or tribal cultural resources are found during construction.
  • Add thirty-four definitions related to Historic Preservation and Archaeological and Tribal Cultural Resources to the Goleta Municipal Code.
  • Make other changes to various portions of the Goleta Municipal Code to reflect the requirements of Chapters 17.33 and 17.43 for consistency in City regulations.

The proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance includes regulations that may affect some property owners, especially property owners of designated Historic Resources. The regulations regarding Archaeological and/or Tribal Cultural Resources could potentially affect any property owners who are contemplating work involving earth-disturbing activities (i.e., trenching for utilities, digging for new foundations, etc.). The goal of the proposed regulations is to foster preservation while allowing development to occur.

In recommending adoption of the ordinance, the Planning Commission sought to balance the need to protect sensitive, buried archaeological and cultural resources with the burden on property owners. It considered this issue carefully with input from a range of stakeholders, including Goleta residents, archaeologists and historians, and Chumash Tribal representatives. 

Learn more about the project at www.HistoricGoleta.org.

Pictured: Stow House, courtesy Goleta Valley Historical Society

2022 Homeless Point-in-Time Count Scheduled for February 23

Volunteers Still Needed

The countywide Homeless Point-in-Time Count is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23. The semi-annual Point-In-Time Count is the annual count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a given day. The Count could not be done without the help of the community. Teams of volunteers will canvas assigned routes throughout the county and briefly document who is experiencing homelessness. This information is used to plan local homeless assistance systems, justify funding, and raise public awareness. Volunteers will be trained to help count on the survey day. To volunteer, please sign up at https://countyofsb.pointintime.info/.

“With everything that has happened over the past two years, the Point-in-Time Count is more important than ever,” said Jett Black-Maertz, Housing Program Specialist, Sr. with the County of Santa Barbara Community Services Department. “It is important that we have an accurate count; we can’t do that without the help of volunteers.”

COVID-19 Safety Measures for the 2022 Count

  • Volunteers are encouraged to sign up in teams with people they already interact with (households, colleagues, friends).
  • Individuals not part of a group will be matched in teams based on the comfort level indicated at sign up and must provide proof of vaccination.
  • To avoid a large gathering, groups will be deployed as they arrive at their assigned logistics center.
  • Appropriate face coverings and hand sanitizer are required (volunteers are encouraged to bring their own, but supplies will be provided) to keep teams and those being surveyed safe.

Show Our Goleta Businesses Some Love this Valentine’s Day

Shop Local with GoodLandGoodShopping.com

Valentine’s Day is coming up and the City of Goleta’s digital gift card marketplace, www.GoodLandGoodShopping.com, makes it easy for you to find a local gift for that someone special in your life. The City launched this program before the holiday season and we want to remind the community that whether you are looking for a Valentine’s, birthday, anniversary, or just a “thinking of you” gift, you can shop local year-round with GoodLandGoodShopping.com. If you are a Goleta business who hasn’t signed up to participate, it’s not to late to take advantage of this free listing opportunity.

How Does it Work?

Go to GoodLandGoodShopping.com to purchase a gift card from one of the three dozen local participating businesses. Create a memorable gift or care package by sending a personalized email, text message and/or video with your gift card.

Thanks for helping us show our businesses the love by shopping local!

How Can Businesses Get Involved?

GoodLandGoodShopping.com is designed to be a long-term gift to our Goleta merchants to boost local spending and help our businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic. To create the website, the City partnered with Giftbar, a vendor based in San Luis Obispo, with the experience and expertise in gift card commerce. Giftbar hosts businesses on its platform with the technology for businesses to sell and redeem e-gift cards. 

Go to the website and follow the simple steps to participate. If you need help, Giftbar can walk you through the steps on the phone or if you prefer help in person, contact City of Goleta Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez and he can come to your business and help get you signed up. Contact him via email at mmartinez@cityofgoleta.org or phone at (805) 562-5500.

Help Make #GoodLandGoodShopping a Success

  • Go to www.GoodLandGoodShopping.com and buy a gift card.
  • Spread the news and promote on social media with #GoodLandGoodShopping.
  • Encourage Goleta businesses you frequent to sign up by going to the website.

For questions about GoodLandGoodShopping.com and how to participate, email websupport@giftbar.com or call 866-989-5580. If you have questions for the City, email Kelly Hoover at PIO@cityofgoleta.org.