Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Opportunity to Serve on City Commissions Including a Youth Position

Apply by September 4

The City of Goleta is looking for community members to fill vacancies on three of our Commissions: Historic Preservation Commission, Public Engagement Commission (Youth Commissioner), and Library Advisory Commission. This is a great opportunity to become more involved with the City, learn about local government, and put your talents and strengths to good use in helping to shape the future of Goleta. Interested community members can apply here by September 4th at 5:00 p.m.

The Historic Preservation Commission acts as an advisory body to the staff, the Design Review Board, and City Council on all matters pertaining to historic preservation, which entails preserving and protecting resources that, once lost, cannot be replaced or replicated. This seven-member body has two (2) vacancies to serve four-year terms. The Commission meets six times per year and may hold additional meetings as needed. Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of every other month at 5:30 p.m. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

The Public Engagement Commission advises the City Council on issues related to public engagement in the governance of the City. The Commission provides City residents with a venue to address opportunities and ways to increase public engagement in City government. This seven-member body has one (1) vacancy for a Youth Commissioner (15-18 years of age) to serve a two-year term. Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission holds four regular meetings and may hold additional meetings as needed. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

The Library Advisory Commission advises staff and the City Council on matters affecting the Goleta Valley Library and represents the interests of the library’s patrons by recommending programming and services for the library. The five-member Commission also advises the Library Board of Trustees (Board) and aims to increase community participation in library issues by analyzing the library’s needs, considering goals, anticipating future needs and problems, acting as a liaison, and helping to develop consensus for advisement to the Board. There are two (2) vacancies:

  • 1 Commissioner – City of Goleta resident for a four-year term
  • 1 Commissioner – Unincorporated area of Goleta Valley resident with a term ending June 30, 2027

The Commission meets six times per year and may hold additional meetings as needed. Meetings are held on the first Monday of every other month at 6:00 p.m. and members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Applications may be submitted online at www.CityofGoleta.org/BoardsCommissions and must be completed by September 4th at 5:00 p.m. For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.gov.

Thank you for considering this important role in your community.

Coffee, Community and Donuts on Sep. 6

Join Us from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at SloDoCo

Let’s have coffee together! Come join us for our next Coffee and Community / Café y Comunidad event scheduled for Saturday, September 6 from 9:00 to 11:00 at SloDoCo (290A Storke Road). Meet with Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), and City of Goleta staff members while enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a delicious doughnut. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about issues impacting your neighborhood in a casual setting while supporting a new Goleta business. This is a free, family-friendly community event with Spanish interpretation.

SloCoDo opened its Goleta location in fall 2024 and also has locations in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. Kids will love the assortment of board games available to play. With over 100 donut options available in stores every day, the only hard part about a visit to SloDoCo is having to choose just one. Check out the daily menu and monthly specials here to see what you can purchase.

The City holds Coffee and Community events throughout the year in each of the four districts. To find out what district you are in, plug in your address into our interactive Know Your District Map: https://tinyurl.com/GoletaInteractiveMap.

Treat yourself and join us September 6!

Summer Reading Program Finishes Strong

The 2025 Summer Reading Program has crossed the finish line with success after this year’s theme invited readers to Level Up at Your Library! During the six-week program, over 1,247 readers participated in the all-ages program, logging an impressive total of 7,580 books and 148,039 minutes. The Summer Reading Program is an annual literacy tradition at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, with a goal of connecting readers of all ages through community events and making reading even more rewarding through earning prizes.

This year, Children’s Librarian Kaeley Christensen redesigned the program to keep access levels high across all libraries while Goleta Valley Library moved into its temporary home during construction. The online tracking tool Beanstack allowed participants to log their reading from anywhere, at any time, while continuing to offer paper logs ensured that families could participate in their preferred format.

Events were held over the course of the Summer Reading Program at each of the libraries in our system. In Goleta, a first-ever Kick-Off event at Stow House attracted over 1,000 attendees who joined us to play games, register for the reading program, hear live music by Nathalia and Ukulele Jim, and even enjoy an interactive performance with Elemental Aerial Arts. Special events such as magic shows, hula lessons, outdoor concerts, and reptile visits continued throughout June and July at the Goleta Community Center, at the new Buellton Library’s outdoor spaces, and at Solvang Library where there was often standing room only. The program concluded with a brand-new event in Goleta – a Silent Disco, where children ages 6-12 danced to their preferred music playlist through special wireless headphones! Overall, a total of 13 free community events were held, and 2,137 patrons of all ages gathered to learn, engage, and delight in these interactive performances.

The program would not have been such a success without the efforts of dozens of hardworking teen volunteers, who supported staff in essential ways: covering shifts at special events, awarding prizes as participants reported on their reading, and helping to take photos and interact with families during performances. We also wish to thank the many local sponsors whose generous donations of reading incentives helped participants meet and exceed their reading goals for the summer. Lastly, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, Friends of the Buellton Library, and Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley, whose incredible support funded prize incentives and special events throughout the program.

Planning for the 2026 Summer Reading Program is already underway – join us for more literary fun next year!

Pictured above: Young patrons with stacks of books during the 2025 Summer Reading Program


Teen Volunteers with the special claw machine at GVL Express

Sponsor the Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade

Seeking Sponsors, Participants, and Volunteers to Bring the 2025 Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade to Life!

The Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club is thrilled to announce the return of the annual Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade, set to take place on Saturday, December 6 at 6pm!

The cherished hometown event, presented by Fuel Depot and Elks Lodge, will once again light up Hollister Avenue, with the parade route stretching from Orange Avenue to Kinman Avenue. Featuring elaborate floats, spirited musical acts, energetic dance groups, and joyful participants, this event is sure to be a memorable highlight of the year.

Organizations and individuals can make a meaningful impact by becoming parade sponsors. Funds raised through the parade directly support the Lions Club’s mission to promote sight and hearing health in local schools. Thanks to generous community sponsorships, the Lions Club provided screenings for more than 3,500 elementary students in 2024, with 6% of those children identified as needing vision or hearing assistance.

Last year’s celebration brought together 1,750 participants, 85 community groups, and 4,000–5,000 spectators, making it one of the most vibrant and well-attended events of the season. With even more expected this year, organizers are seeking 80 enthusiastic volunteers to help bring the 2025 parade to life.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at the following levels:

  • Presenting Sponsor ($5000)
  • North Pole Diamond Sponsor ($3000)
  • Reindeer Platinum Sponsor ($1500)
  • Candy Cane Gold Sponsor ($1000)
  • Silver Bells Silver Sponsor ($500)
  • Snowman Bronze Sponsor ($250)
  • Elf Copper Sponsor ($100)

Sponsors will have the chance to be recognized on the parade’s social media channels throughout the months leading up to the parade.

In collaboration with the City of Goleta, the Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade is an evening for friends, families, and neighbors to come together, support a meaningful cause, and enjoy the warmth of the holiday season. Whether you’re marching, sponsoring, or cheering from the sidelines, we invite you to be part of the joy!

Community members are encouraged to sign up as volunteers by contacting goletaholidayparade@gmail.com to help with preparations or assist on the day of the parade. Those interested in participating can register for a fee of $45 for general entries and $30 for schools and nonprofit organizations. School bands are free!

For more details about sponsorship opportunities, volunteering, and participation, visit www.goletaholidayparade.org or email goletaholidayparade@gmail.com.

Pavement Project Rehabilitation Underway

More than Five Miles of Roadway Improvements Scheduled

Pavement rehabilitation construction to improve more than five miles of roadway is underway in Goleta. This year, the City is focusing on two projects: the 2025 Residential Resurfacing Project (residential streets) and the 2025 Arterial Pavement Project (main roads that carry larger volumes of traffic). In all, the projects will take several months to complete. The City will keep the public and affected neighborhoods notified of impacts and appreciates your patience as these improvements are made.

The 2025 Residential Resurfacing Project has two phases. Phase 1 work includes saw cutting to repair damaged areas, repairing potholes, and placing temporary pavement in advance of Phase 2 construction, which is slated to begin in early fall. Phase 2 includes the application of a slurry seal to extend the useful life of the roads.

The following northeast neighborhood streets will be repaired this summer and slurry sealed in the fall. Click here to see the project area map.

  • Albany Court (Berkeley Rd. to the cul-de-sac)
  • Andamar Way (Andamar Way to the cul-de-sac)
  • Arundel Road (Berkeley Rd. to Cathedral Oaks Road)
  • Azalea Way (Wakefield Rd. to the cul-de-sac)
  • Connor Lane (Wakefield Rd. to the cul-de-sac)
  • Danbury Court (Berkeley Rd. to the cul-de-sac)
  • Dara Road (Stow Canyon Rd. to Cathedral Oaks Road)
  • Kings Way (Berkeley Rd. to the cul-de-sac)
  • Leeds Lane (Arundel Rd. to the cul-de-sac)
  • Maley Drive (Arundel Rd. to the cul-de-sac)
  • Marstone Lane (Wakefield Rd. to the cul-de-sac)
  • Stow Road (Stow Canyon Rd. to the cul-de-sac)
  • Stow Canyon Road (N. Fairview Ave. to Via Fiori & 330 feet west of Wakefield Rd. to Cambridge Dr.)
  • Via Fiori (cul-de-sac to cul-de-sac)
  • Wakefield Road (Berkeley Rd. to the cul-de-sac)

In mid-August, crews will begin working on the following streets as part of the 2025 Arterial Pavement Project.

  • Berkeley Road (N. Fairview Ave. to Goleta city limits)
  • Calle Real (Calaveras Ave. to Sonoma Ave.)
  • Calle Real (N. Kellogg Ave. to Goleta city limits)
  • Hollister Avenue (Camino Real Marketplace to Storke Rd.)
  • Hollister Avenue (Cathedral Oaks Rd. to Pebble Beach Dr.)
  • Los Carneros Road (Hollister Ave. to Castilian Dr.)
  • Fairview Avenue (S. Fairview Ave. to the North End)
  • Storke Road (Hollister Ave. to Bollay Dr.)
  • Calle Real (Calaveras Ave. to Sonoma Ave.)
  • Berkeley Road (Sylvan Dr. to Goleta city limits)
  • Los Carneros Road (Hollister Ave. to Castilian Dr.)

Please note that construction schedules may change due to equipment failure, material supply issues, or unforeseen site conditions. The Contractor will re-notify affected residents if the schedule changes.

To stay updated on project progress, visit www.CityofGoleta.org/Pavement.  

If you have any questions, please contact pavement@CityofGoleta.gov or 805-562-5504.

Help Prepare for Monarch Butterfly Season at Ellwood Mesa

Monthly Opportunities Beginning Saturday, August 30

Help welcome the monarchs back to Ellwood Mesa! We’re calling on community volunteers to plant trees and native plants that will provide food and shelter for overwintering monarch butterflies.

Join us on August 30 for the first volunteer day of the season. Monthly opportunities will follow, and volunteers are encouraged to participate in as many days as they’d like. Complete all five days and earn a limited-edition Ellwood Mesa T-shirt!

These volunteer events are part of a larger conservation effort to restore monarch habitat at Ellwood Mesa—one of the most important overwintering sites for Western monarchs. With butterfly populations declining due to drought and extreme weather, this project will plant hundreds of trees and thousands of native plants to create the shelter monarchs need to survive. Your help makes it possible.

Volunteer Days (Saturdays):

  • August 30 from 9 AM – 12 PM
  • September 27 from 9 AM – 1 PM 
  • October 25 from 9 AM – 1 PM 
  • November 15 from 9 AM – 1 PM 
  • December 6 from 9 AM – 1 PM 

How to Get Involved: Bring a friend and help plant a tree that will provide shade for monarchs and people alike for generations. Volunteers will meet at the Main Grove on Saturdays at 9 AM. Park at the Sperling Preserve (across from Ellwood Elementary) and allow 10-15 minutes to walk to the Main Grove (meeting location may change so stay tuned for updates by email). 

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, and gloves (if you have them). Tools will be provided.

Sign Up to Volunteer Here

About Ellwood Mesa: Ellwood Mesa has been facing challenges such as drought and storms, which have damaged the trees that monarchs depend on for shelter. This nationally-significant restoration project will contribute to a healthier habitat for both monarchs and the community. For additional details, visit the project page: Ellwood Now – Work in Progress.

Contact: For more information about this event and other volunteer opportunities, contact Lainey Djajakusuma at ldjajakusuma@cityofgoleta.gov.

For information about Ellwood Mesa contact:
George Thomson, Parks and Open Space Manager
gthomson@cityofgoleta.gov
805.961.7578

City Job Opportunities

Are you looking for a rewarding career? Consider an opportunity with the City of Goleta. We are accepting applications for the following:

  • Assistant / Associate Planner
  • Lead Maintenance Worker
  • Principal Civil Engineer

Learn more about each position and how to apply here. Check back regularly for new listings.

Goleta Valley Library August Programming

Enjoy an August that is filled with community connection and brimming with books! Programming continues offsite at parks and open spaces throughout Goleta, as well as in various rooms at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). For the full calendar of events, please visit goletavalleylibrary.org/calendar.

Writers’ Workshop at Goleta Community Center
Saturday, 8/2, 12:30-2 pm
The GVL Writers’ Workshop is open to adults and teens who write in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. The workshop meets on the first Saturday of each month to share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Senior Happy Hour at Goleta Community Center
Thursday, 8/7, 2-3:30 pm
On the first Thursday of every month we get together to relax, laugh, socialize and create something beautiful. This month we will be making laminated luggage tags. Supplies are provided, but you are welcome to bring a photo to add to yours. 

Friday Morning Storytimes are on the Move!
Fridays in August – check calendar for location

  • Baby & Me, 10-10:30 am – Join us for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, lap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play. Ages 0-12 months / pre-walkers.
  • Wiggly Storytime, 10:30-11 am – We’ll do a short story, songs, a dance party and bubbles. Best for ages 15 months-5 years old.

Bookvan & Dam Dinner
Saturday, 8/16, 4-7 pm at Lake Los Carneros Dam
Plan your visit by checking the Bookvan calendar for stops in Isla Vista and Goleta. Plus, for the first time, the Bookvan is going to be part of the Annual Goleta Dam Dinner! Stop by to say hello and register for a library card. The Dam Dinner is a free family-friendly event with live music, face painting, food trucks, and more!

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening at Goleta Valley Library by visiting our website at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Goleta Valley Library Express Now Open

Goleta Valley Library (GVL) Express is open and ready to serve you. You can find GVL Express at its temporary home at 6500 Hollister Avenue Suite 105 while the main library at 500 N. Fairview undergoes construction. The doors opened on July 9, 2025.

Here is an update from our City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo:

Library staff are so happy to get back to some of our beloved duties such as answering reference questions, organizing our shelves, and helping patrons to find their next read.

While the new space is much smaller, staff have received positive feedback that it feels good to be back in the library, with the advantages of being able to browse the stacks and enjoy our same hours of operation to come and visit. We expect to be in this temporary space for the next two years and look forward to making the most of new opportunities to do outreach, pilot unique programs off-site, and develop new partnerships throughout the community.

Library staff heartily thank our teammates on the Bookvan for doing such an incredible job handling the high volume of holds and increased usage while we were closed. We would also like to extend gratitude to our library patrons for their patience, adaptability, and understanding while we made this huge change. We look forward to seeing you soon at GVL Express!

What to Know When Visiting GVL Express

Parking

There is a total of 20 parking spaces designated for Library patrons. These are marked with the word “Library” in each space. There are also two handicapped parking spaces for those with accessibility needs. Additionally, there is ample street parking on Los Carneros Way as well as overflow parking at City Hall right next door. Please note that any cars parked in spaces marked for other tenants may be subject to towing.

Metered Visits

The occupancy of the suite is a total of 35 individuals, so during peak hours we may need to meter how many patrons are inside at one time. If this occurs, please expect a brief wait before entering, and the possibility of a “short and sweet” visit inside GVL Express.

Our Library team is prepared to efficiently meet our patrons’ needs while maintaining public safety. We appreciate your patience as we transition into this new space together.

Hours and Returns

The hours at GVL Express remain the same as those at Goleta Valley Library:

  • Tuesday through Thursday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 10:00am – 5:30pm
  • Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00pm
  • Closed Monday

Returns will be accepted inside GVL Express during open hours. Two exterior book drops are located at the front of Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive) and the entrance to the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) for 24/7 returns. Materials are retrieved and checked in daily Tuesday-Sunday. Returns are also accepted at the Bookvan and at any Black Gold library.

Computers

Four computers are available for public use. Patrons may still access up to two hours per day of total computer time. Sessions will be 30 minutes each to allow computer access to as many patrons as possible. Reservations are available upon request.

Patrons may access the internet, copying, printing, word processing, email, and more. For the comfort and security of all patrons in the smaller space, privacy screens will be in place during all computer sessions.

For more information, visit our webpage here: www.goletavalleylibrary.org/about/gvl-express.

Congrats to CERT Graduates

14 Residents Successfully Completed the Training Program

Fourteen residents of Goleta have successfully completed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program, equipping them with the skills and confidence to assist our community in times of disaster and emergency.

The CERT training, hosted by the City of Goleta Emergency Services Division, spanned eight weeks and covered key topics such as basic fire suppression, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and team organization. The program concluded with a hands-on disaster simulation exercise, allowing participants to put their new skills into action. This is the 24th graduation class for the City of Goleta and the first class since 2019.

“We’re incredibly proud of our CERT graduates,” said Jason Levy, Emergency Services Coordinator for the City of Goleta. “They are now part of a dedicated network of volunteers who play a vital role in keeping our community resilient and prepared.”

The Community Emergency Response Team program educates individuals about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic response skills. Supported by FEMA and administered locally, CERT empowers everyday citizens to make a difference when it matters most.

For more information about CERT, please contact City of Goleta Emergency Services Division at (805) 961-7571 or ESD.Training@cityofgoleta.gov. Stay tuned for upcoming training sessions. Once new sessions are confirmed, the City will announce them and post the details on the City’s training sign-up page: https://tinyurl.com/4usesakt.

Graduates will be invited to participate in ongoing drills, community outreach, and emergency response activities. Their involvement enhances the safety and readiness of neighborhoods across Goleta.

The City of Goleta extends its sincere appreciation to the CERT Collaborative of Santa Barbara County, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the City of Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Services, the City of Carpinteria, and UC Santa Barbara’s Emergency Management and Mission Continuity team for their valuable support of this training course.

Pictures from the CERT Class