Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

2023 Homelessness Count Preliminary Results

Point in Time Count results show a decrease of 3.7% in the number of people experiencing homelessness

Preliminary results of the 2023 Point in Time (PIT) Count of persons experiencing homelessness were released on March 16, 2023. Conducted on January 25, 2023, by the Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care (Continuum of Care), the Count is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and serves as a snapshot of homelessness in the county on a single night.

Countywide, 1,887 persons were counted representing a decrease of 3.7% in the number of persons experiencing homelessness. The count includes 1,202 persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness and 685 persons living in emergency shelters or transitional housing. More than 77% of persons surveyed during the count reported losing housing while living in Santa Barbara County.

 

Year

 

Sheltered

 

Unsheltered

Total Persons Counted Experiencing Homelessness

2019

670

1,133

1,803

2020

674

1,223

1,897

2022

595

1,367

1,962

2023

685

1,202

1,887

The County Board of Supervisors, Continuum of Care and cities adopted a Community Action Plan to Address Homelessness in 2021. The Community Action Plan outlines key strategies and action steps. Following adoption, 140 shelter beds and over 800 opportunities for permanent housing have been added to the homelessness response system. 1,050 persons transitioned out of homelessness into permanent housing despite soaring rents and an extremely low rental vacancy rate in 2022. This significant achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of dedicated service providers. The county has made significant investments in shelter, housing and services including resolving 154 encampments.

Contributing to this success was the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program. HUD provided a total of 272 long-term rental subsidy vouchers to the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara. The two housing authorities worked with the Continuum of Care and the County of Santa Barbara to successfully lease up all vouchers ending homelessness for hundreds of local families and individuals. Local program implementation has received national recognition for the efficient utilization of this valuable permanent housing resource.

The table below provides total count data by city or area for the past three counts.

City/Area

2023 Total

2022 Total

2020 Total

Carpinteria

23

21

39

Goleta

136

91

166

Santa Barbara

787

822

914

Isla Vista

88

112

69

Unincorporated South

73

76

61

 

 

 

 

Lompoc

233

290

211

Buellton/Solvang/Santa Ynez Valley

20

12

2

Santa Maria

472

457

382

Guadalupe

8

2

3

Unincorporated North

47

79

50

Totals

1,887

1,962

1,897

This year’s point in time count identified the distribution of the population experiencing homelessness as 59% in south county (1,107 persons) and 41% in mid and north county (780 persons). The homeless population decreased over all, but increased in Carpinteria, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez Valley and Guadalupe.

The Continuum of Care and County of Santa Barbara recruited more than 400 volunteers to assist at 5:00 a.m. to canvas 89 census tracts across the county. The methodology is in alignment with national best practices, relies on geographic coverage, and has remained consistent since 2019. A mobile application from Simtech Solutions provided real-time data to logistics centers from volunteers out canvasing and counting.

The Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care promotes community-wide planning and strategic use of resources and programs targeted to people experiencing homelessness. The County of Santa Barbara serves as the lead agency and Administrative Entity for the Continuum of Care. The Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care Board will receive the complete 2023 Point in Time Count report and presentation on May 4, 2023 at 2 p.m. via Zoom.

State Comments on Goleta’s Adopted Housing Element

The State of California’s Housing and Community Development Department provided comments on Goleta’s adopted 2023-2031 Housing Element to the City on March 20, 2023. The State’s letter notes that the City’s adopted Housing Element addresses most statutory requirements and includes requests for additional information, analysis and revisions to align the document more closely with the requirements of State housing law.

Goleta’s Housing Element is important because it establishes City policies and programs for maintaining and improving existing housing and plans for how to accommodate the City’s share of the region’s housing needs as identified by the Regional Housing Needs Assessment. The City’s careful planning work included extensive public outreach and resulted in adoption of its Housing Element on time to meet the State’s February 15, 2023, deadline. In addressing the City’s housing needs, the adopted Housing Element prioritizes urban infill and containing sprawl, encouraging mixed use, walkability, and transit/alternative transportation connectivity in line with good planning principles and the State’s policy priorities to combat climate change. The adopted Housing Element continues the City’s approach to date to deliver much needed housing – over 1,300 new units over the last 8-year cycle.

City staff will work collaboratively with the State on the revisions in the coming weeks. Assessing our housing inventory and fair housing requirements will continue to be a focus. Revisions proposed to the Housing Element to address the State’s comments will return to the Planning Commission and City Council at a future date for consideration and adoption and provide more opportunities for public input.  

To learn more about the Housing Element Update Project and review the State’s comment letter, visit the project page on our website at www.cityofgoleta.org/housingelement.

Heritage Ridge Residential Project Approved

More affordable housing is in Goleta’s future. After nine years of planning and consideration, the Goleta City Council approved the Heritage Ridge residential project at its March 7, 2023, meeting. The 332-unit apartment project, which includes 102 affordable housing units, is the third and final phase of the adjacent Willow Springs residential development and will be located on the north side of Camino Vista Drive adjacent to Los Carneros Road.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “There is such a tremendous need for affordable housing right now and we are so pleased that the Heritage Ridge project will give more people the opportunity to live where they work which will ultimately increase their quality of life.  Less time commuting means more time to enjoy your community.”

There will be 102 affordable rental units for both seniors and families, with two manager units, and 228 market-rate rental units (total 332 units). The project also includes a two-acre public park designed with a variety of amenities to serve the recreational needs of residents and business employees in the surrounding neighborhoods, which could include people of all ages and families with young children. The park will include a playground, Chumash cultural area, walking path with exercise equipment, a multi-use turf area and a nature habitat area.

In 2019, Redtail Multifamily Land Development, LLC (“Redtail”) took over the Project from the Towbes Group. The project went through many steps to get to this point including input from the Design Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission before coming to City Council.

This Project will complete the Central Hollister Corridor housing plan outlined in General Plan Land Use Policy LU 8 and will provide affordable and market rate housing in keeping with both Land Use and Housing Element policies. The recently adopted Housing Element 6th Cycle update also includes this location as a site suitable for residential development.

The staff report can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/mut2uhwf. To watch the meeting go to https://tinyurl.com/6sud3pyn.

Pictured above: City Council meeting discussing Heritage Ridge; Pictured below: Heritage Ridge rendering

Goleta’s Community State of the City is April 10th

Watch Video Invitation from Mayor Perotte Outlining Informative Event

The 6th Annual Goleta Community State of the City is almost here! Join us on Monday, April 10, for a special evening from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge (150 N. Kellogg Avenue). This is a must-attend, free community event for anyone who loves Goleta. Come learn about the City’s recent accomplishments and what the future holds. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available and light refreshments will be provided.

Here is Mayor Paula Perotte with her personal invitation to you (https://youtu.be/CWRY4ySs_n4). Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez provides an invitation in Spanish (https://youtu.be/pE4lsZkek6g). Please share these videos and help spread the word about this important night.

The full program of events includes:

From 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. you can:

  • Mingle informally with the Goleta City Council, stakeholders, City staff, and fellow Goletans
  • Visit our City information stations
  • Submit your question for the Q&A section at the end of the program
  • Take photos
  • Enjoy light refreshments

The Program begins promptly at 6:00 p.m.:

  • Mayor Perotte gives the 2023 State of the City Address
  • City Manager Robert Nisbet provides an update on the City’s Finances
  • Q&A session with Mayor Perotte and Department Directors

We hope to see you at the 2023 Goleta Community State of the City! Thank you to the Elks Lodge for having us back once again.

Beach Baby Kids Boutique Opens in Goleta

Goleta’s newest and only children’s store, Beach Baby Kids Boutique, held a special ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Paula Perotte and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 24. Community members gathered mid-morning with the store owners for the special occasion. Beach Baby Kids Boutique is located at 270 Storke Road, Suite A and is open every day from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. It is locally owned by business partners Andrea Herz and Trudie Lopez, both long-time residents of Goleta. 

“I really enjoy welcoming new business and encouraging women owners to get into business” said Mayor Perotte, “I am so excited to have a children’s store where you can mingle with other families and children.”   

Beach Baby Kids Boutique celebrated its Grand Opening Party on Saturday, March 25th from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. with a special event for families and children in collaboration with other local businesses. Please join the City of Goleta in welcoming the newest business to Storke Plaza.  


Mayor Paula Perotte with owners Andrea Herz (left) and Trudie Lopez (right)

Volunteer with Community Partners in Caring

Community Partners in Caring is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization in Santa Barbara County created to support seniors 62 and older and individuals with mild disabilities. Its mission is to provide volunteer support services that allow our seniors and individuals with disabilities to live independently while maintaining dignity, respect, and quality of life.

Community Partners in Caring is looking for volunteers! Volunteers are matched with seniors and individuals who need non-medical support services but cannot afford to pay for these services. Volunteers provide rides to medical appointments, groceries, friendly visits, reassurance calls, assistance with shopping, and warm referrals to other needed resources. Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the agency. They watch for declining health and self-care and identify other needs so that Community Partners in Caring can intervene and make appropriate referrals. 

Because volunteers provide all services and the agency is funded through gifts, government, and philanthropic grants, services are always free. 

Why volunteer? Volunteers enjoy a flexible schedule, involve themselves in meaningful and rewarding activities, and can volunteer as often or as little as they like. Mileage reimbursement and liability protection are provided. Community Partners in Caring coordinates all services which prevent volunteers from being over asked. There are also various volunteer social activities, such as the monthly volunteer roundtable, the annual volunteer picnic, and end of year party. 

It’s a great opportunity to meet new people while doing something that allows older seniors to stay connected to their community. 

Learn more and sign up to make a difference at https://partnersincaring.org/.

CommUnify Water Assistance Program

Up to a $2,000 one-time payment provided to qualified households through July 2023

CommUnify (formerly Community Action Commission/CAC) has a $1.4 million Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) utility payment assistance program for community members that have been unable to afford their water bills and have struggled financially following the pandemic.

LIHWAP offers low-income households a one-time payment – of up to $2,000 – to help pay bills for residential water or wastewater costs. The program is limited to households receiving services from participating water and wastewater districts and all applications must be received prior to the deadline at the end of July, 2023 to receive the payment of assistance benefits. Residents can visit the LIHWAP page on the 2-1-1 website for a complete list of enrolled service providers. Residents interested in seeing if they qualify for the LIHWAP program should call the 2-1-1 HelpLine to complete a brief screening, learn whether they meet the eligibility requirements, and find an enrolled local service provider.

Public Health Updates to COVID-19 Guidance

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is following the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated guidance for residents. With the end to California’s COVID-19 state of emergency, state health officials have announced updates to several pandemic-era public health orders and guidelines related to vaccines, masking, isolation and quarantine will take effect in the coming days and weeks.

CHANGES: CDPH is making the following changes to existing COVID-19 guidance.

Masking in High-risk and Health Care Settings

Beginning April 3, masks will no longer be required in indoor high-risk and health care settings. This includes health care, long-term care, and correctional facilities as well as homeless, emergency, and warming and cooling centers. This change takes effect on Monday, April 3 to allows individual health care facilities to develop and implement plans customized to their needs and local conditions to continue to protect residents through the end of the winter virus season. Recommendations for the use of face masks for individuals remain unchanged. See masking guidance. ​CDPH OSHA

Vaccine Requirements for Health Care Workers

Beginning April 3, with federal rules continuing to ensure that most health care workers remain vaccinated for COVID-19, the state will no longer require vaccination for health care workers including those in adult care, direct care, correctional facilities, and detention centers. This change takes effect on Monday, April 3 facilities to develop and implement plans customized to their needs and local conditions to continue to protect residents through the end of the winter virus season. CDPH  OSHA

Reduced Isolation Time After Positive COVID-19 Test

Beginning March 13, a COVID-19 positive person may end isolation after five days if they feel well, have improving symptoms, and are fever-free for 24 hours, with less emphasis on testing negative. This change aligns with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and CDPH recommendations and takes effect today Monday, March 13. CDPH OSHA

RESOURCES REMAIN AVAILABLE: Access to Vaccines, Testing and Treatment

COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatment continue to be available through providers and some pharmacies and at some sites within local communities. Visit MyTurn to find services in your area. Individuals who are uninsured or can’t get timely treatment can call 833-686-5051 or visit sesamecare.com/covidca.

Treatment publichealthsbc.org/test-to-treat/

Vaccines publichealthsbc.org/vaccine/

Testing publichealthsbc.org/testing/

Additional Resources

Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 regulations took effect on February 3, 2023. 

CalOSHA FAQs for COVID-19 Prevention regulations adopted on February 3, 2023.

K–12 Guidance 2022–23 School Year (ca.gov)
Note: One big change that will impact schools is reduced isolation time for individuals recovering from COVID-19. Beginning March 13, a person who has tested positive needs to isolate at home for just five days rather than 10 — regardless of testing — as long as they’re feeling well, have improving symptoms and are fever-free for 24 hours. 

Zip Books Program Resumes at Goleta Valley Library

We are excited to announce that Zip Books are back!

What is the Zip Book Program? Let us share the latest way that you can get books that aren’t in our collection.

Patrons with a Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card in good standing can complete a form to request books, large print books, or books on CD to be mailed directly to their home from an Amazon bookseller. Zip Books are purchased with grant funds made available through the California State Library, so payment is not required for your requests.

To be eligible for the Zip Book Program, your request must meet this criteria:

  • Title is not already owned by the Goleta Valley Library, Solvang Library, Buellton Library or Isla Vista Bookvan
  • Title must be available from Amazon for less than $50 in print or large print formats, or less than $75 in book on CD format.
  • Requests are limited to FIVE books per household per month. There is no due date; items should be returned in-person to your home library when finished reading with a note that says “Zip Book Return.” Please do not return Zip Books in the book drops.

Ready to get started? Complete our Zip Books Request form here.

Questions? Email zipbooks@cityofgoleta.org

Happy reading!

This Project is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

Goleta Valley Library’s First Director Retires After Long Career

After 37 years of library work, 15 of those at the Goleta Valley Library, Director Allison Gray has retired; her last day was March 24, 2023. The City of Goleta wants to express its sincere appreciation to Ms. Gray for the positive impact she has made during her tenure.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Her commitment to the importance of literacy and accessibility will continue to benefit Goleta for generations to come.”  

Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez said, “Words don’t do justice to her magnificent career. Ms. Gray is incredibly bright and caring for her staff, the library, and our community.”

Corinne Horowitz, President of the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library group, said, “Allison has been a wonderful Director. She is very understanding of and responsive to the needs of the patrons, and always been helpful to the Friends and our group of volunteers.”

Ms. Gray’s passion for public libraries has always been a life-long affair. She said, “My mother was a public library director in East Hampton, New York, and I am proud to have followed in her very big shoes. That’s 59 years of being backstage in libraries.”

Ms. Gray’s library journey began in 1987 as a Library Assistant in East Hampton. After receiving her Masters Degree in Library Science, she found work on Long Island as the Head of Children’s Services and Assistant Director at South County Library in Bellport, New York. Following this, she became Library Director for the John Jermain Memorial Library in Sag Harbor, New York, until moving to California in 2008. After a brief time in Palmdale, she joined the Goleta Valley Library as Branch Supervisor, a role she held for 10 years until being promoted to Library Director.

A staunch advocate of youth literacy and user accessibility, Ms. Gray also served on various committees that included the 2001 Newberry Award Committee, 2009 Caldecott Committee, Notable Children’s Books Committee, Notable Children’s Audio Recordings Committee, Batchelder Award for Best Children’s Book Translated from a Foreign Language, Best Books for Reluctant Readers (Teens), and also chaired the 2023 Excellence in Non-Fiction for Teens Book Award.

Ms. Gray’s experience and dedication helped lead the Goleta Valley Library System through the COVID-19 closures. She was recently presented with a City Tile at the Library’s 50 Years at Fairview Celebration event on March 11, 2023.

At her last City Council meeting on March 9, 2023, Ms. Gray said, “I know that the library will continue the tradition of excellent customer service. I really appreciate having had the opportunity to work for the City of Goleta and help carry the library services forward.”

On behalf of the City of Goleta and the lives you have impacted, we want to wish Allison Gray a well-deserved retirement. 


Pictured left-to-right: Library Director Allison Gray with her City Tile, Mayor Paula Perotte, and Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez