Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

COVID-19 Status and Response in Santa Barbara County

In recent weeks the highly infectious Omicron BA.5 subtype has been circulating broadly. Throughout the pandemic, the COVID-19 virus has mutated frequently, creating new and even more transmissible strains. BA.5 is no exception. It is more transmissible compared to earlier Omicron variants but generally does not cause more severe illness. Over the past month, Santa Barbara County has seen higher infection rates as well as an uptick in hospitalizations. Local hospitals remain well positioned and with enough capacity to tend to all patients, especially more severely ill patients.

Higher infection rates are a result of the virus being more capable to bypass the immune defense of the body. The virus is also able to reinfect persons who have recovered from COVID-19 even relatively recently. The best protection still is getting fully vaccinated and boosted per CDC recommendations. Significantly less severe illness is currently being seen due to a less virulent version of the virus, potent medications that are widely available, as well as the partial immunity either through vaccination, recovery from infection, or both in Santa Barbara County’s population.

 “Treatment for those who contract COVID-19 is widely available and has proven to be a significant tool in the fight against severe cases of the illness,” shared Dr. Henning Ansorg, County Health Officer.

COVID-19 community levels have been in the high range since July 14, 2022 in Santa Barbara County according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This reflects an increase in new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population, new COVID-19 related hospital admissions per 100,000 population, and the percent of inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. It is important to note that this increase is being seen across California and local hospital ICU numbers remain low.

Given that the local healthcare system is stable and well equipped to care for more severe COVID-19 cases, there is currently no need to implement a mask mandate in Santa Barbara County.

Prevention strategies continue to be key in reducing the spread of the virus. It is important to continue the following precautions:

  • Get yourself and your family fully vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible.
  • Wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Seek testing if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • Stay home if you are not feeling well and isolate if you test positive for COVID-19.

To find information about COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and treatment visit https://publichealthsbc.org.

Countdown to the Return of Goleta’s Dam Dinner on August 20th

#BestDamDinner at Lake Los Carneros from 5-7 p.m.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is coming up fast on Saturday, August 20 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Los Carneros Dam! If you have been before you know how special this event is and if you have not, now is the time for the #bestdamdinner you have ever had. Bring your own picnic and beverages or purchase Dam Pupusas, Dam Tamales, and/or Dam Tacos from Elubia’s Kitchen. Water will be provided but alcohol will not be sold as in years past.  Here is a video invitation from Mayor Paula Perotte with all the details: https://youtu.be/ewLkBQqhQms.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner, which is returning after a three-year hiatus, is a free community event bringing together friends and neighbors in a beautiful setting. Tables and chairs are set-up by the dam with breathtaking views of Lake Los Carneros and the mountains.

There will be live music courtesy of the Salt Martians and a few kid-friendly activities, including face-painting and the Kona Ice Truck.

Dam Dinner t-shirts, along with the City of Goleta’s 20-Year merchandise (t-shirts and mugs), will be available for purchase.

You can enter the event off N. La Patera Lane or Stow House at 304 N. Los Carneros Road and bring a jacket in case it gets windy.

Please do not bring pets, service animals are allowed.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is organized by the City of Goleta and Goleta Valley Historical Society with special thanks to Big Hammer Lures, Devereux, MarBorg and Santa Cruz Market.

Let’s make some dam memories. We hope to see you there!

For more information go to www.goletahistory.com.

Goleta Looks to Continue Plastic Waste Reduction

Protecting the environment is part of Goleta’s core values. Yet, single-use plastics of all shapes, sizes, and colors are popping up everywhere – from cocktails to delivery food. Those plastics make their way into our neighborhoods, waterways, and beaches. Goleta is poised to take action to tackle the plastic pollution problem locally. In May, the Goleta City Council adopted an ordinance requiring single-use foodware accessories and standard condiments to only be available upon request. As an impactful second step in doing our part to reduce plastic waste, the City’s Sustainability Program is now proposing to tackle further reduce plastic waste in our community by regulating disposable polystyrene foodware, mylar balloons, and other single-use plastics in a new proposed ordinance.

Polystyrene is a light, inexpensive material made of petrochemicals. You have probably seen it in the form of clamshell food containers, cups, or plates. Because it’s so light, polystyrene easily ends up as litter in streets and waterways. These products not only pollute the environment, they contain styrene, a carcinogen which can leak into food when heated1. Goleta is on the precipice of joining the 154 jurisdictions in California that have already regulated polystyrene.

Mylar balloons (the metalized plastic kind) and single-use plastic foodware like utensils also pose threats to the environment. Mylar balloons can be mistaken for food by marine life if they end up in the ocean as litter. They can also cause power outages when caught in power lines. In 2021, Mylar balloons were responsible for 1,103 power outages2! Single-use plastic utensils and straws are not recyclable and often end up in creeks and beaches where they can impact aquatic wildlife and litter our neighborhoods. The proposed ordinance addresses these plastic pollution offenders.

The new ordinance also encourages reusable foodware for on premises dining and bringing your own cup or containers for beverages. This will not only reduce waste but also save money!

The proposed plastic waste reduction ordinance will be presented in the spirit of doing our part as a coastal community to tackle the problem of plastic pollution. The vast majority of all plastic produced, seventy-nine percent (79%), is accumulating in landfills or becomes litter in our communities and beaches. Nearly every piece of plastic ever made still exists on Earth, regardless of whether it has been recycled, broken down into smaller bits, or floating in the ocean. The City of Goleta is proud to take steps to reduce plastic waste community-wide, while protecting our health and environment and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Learn more about the City’s single-use plastics ordinance and all of our sustainability programs at www.CityofGoleta.org/sustainability.

1 (CDC); 2 (SCE)

Welcome Monarch 1! Goleta’s First Solar Array

The City of Goleta celebrated the unveiling and completion of Monarch 1, the City’s first solar array, at a green ribbon-cutting the morning of July 27, 2022, at Goleta City Hall. The event was well-attended (approximately 60 people) and included the entire Goleta City Council, City staff, dignitaries, stakeholders, staff from neighboring jurisdictions, and community members. City of Goleta Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof and recently retired, former Sustainability Manager Cindy Moore had the honor of officially cutting the green ribbon underneath the new installation, followed by cheers from the audience. Watch the special moment captured on video here: https://youtu.be/qt7YxaaUvd0. 

The Monarch 1 Solar project will generate 210 kw of solar power, which will power nearly 100% of City Hall’s energy usage with clean, renewable energy produced on-site. Monarch 1 is wired to be micro-grid ready and includes pre-wiring for six electric vehicle charging stations to be installed in the future. Anticipated savings for the City over the 25-year lifespan of the project are estimated to be more than $270,000. This is the first solar project of many that the City hopes to install at municipal facilities to offset energy use and meet the City’s 100% renewable electricity goal by year 2030.

Prior to the cutting of the green ribbon, speakers discussed the milestone project and its significance not only to Goleta but to the region.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “This is a truly historic day for the City of Goleta. Monarch 1 named for our famed butterfly, is the first municipal solar installation for the City and represents years of hard work and the City’s dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Councilmember Kyle Richards said, “This project is not only a reminder of the City’s commitment to sustainability but a reminder that we as a community are coming together to address climate change. We are moving forward to meet our goals to reduce our carbon footprint, and in the process we are working to safeguard our region against vulnerabilities due to wildfires and grid disruptions.”

2nd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Gregg Hart was impressed with the event turnout and said, “The Goodland continues to be at the forefront of our regional efforts to advance sustainability. This project demonstrates the City of Goleta’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, while generating clean energy and putting our values into practice.”

Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof said, “The Monarch 1 Solar Project is a cornerstone of the City’s Strategic Energy Plan and our first step towards developing onsite generation at City facilities. It not only meets our environmental goals but shows fiscal prudence and responsibility.”

“Our City is committed to completing more projects like Monarch 1 to build a more climate resilient community and clean energy future,” said the City’s new Sustainability Manager Dana Murray. “I look forward to collaborating with our elected officials, staff, residents, and stakeholders to ensure that Goleta is prepared for and buffered from the local effects of climate change, while reducing our City’s carbon emissions.”

Make sure to drive by and check out Monarch 1 behind Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive).

Learn more about the City’s Sustainability Program and projects at: https://cityofgoleta.org/sustainability.

Photo of everyone who attended

 

Mayor Perotte speaking to the audience

Ready to cut the ribbon, pictured from left-to-right: Sustainability Management Assistant Angeline Foshay, Sustainability Manager Dana Murray, Councilmember Kyle Richards, 2nd District Supervisor Gregg Hart, Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof, former Sustainability Manager Cindy Moore, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco, Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin, and Councilmember Roger Aceves

City of Goleta Hires New City Manager

Robert Nisbet to Take on New Role September 1, 2022

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce that after a three-month-long national recruitment and competitive interview process, Robert Nisbet has been selected as Goleta’s new City Manager. Mr. Nisbet is currently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay in Northern California and a familiar face to Santa Barbara County. Mr. Nisbet’s employment agreement was approved at the July 19, 2022, regular City Council meeting. Mr. Nisbet will begin his new role at the City of Goleta on September 1, 2022.

Mr. Nisbet brings more than 28 years of professional management experience to his new role, including four years as the City Manager of Half Moon Bay, six previous years as Assistant General Manager for the East Bay Regional Park District, twelve years with the Santa Barbara County General Services Department (including seven years as the Department Director), and seven years as the Public Works Director for the City of Carpinteria. He has a B.S. in Construction Management from Washington State University and an M.A. in Economics from U.C. Santa Barbara, with an emphasis in Public Finance and Urban Economics.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “The selection of a new City Manager is incredibly important as this position essentially oversees all City staff and operations. The members of the City Council feel that Mr. Nisbet is an excellent choice to serve as our next City Manager and he is well-suited for this role. His experience combined with his knowledge of our area, makes him well-qualified to keep our wonderful city moving in a positive direction.”

Mr. Nisbet said, “I am thrilled to have been selected as the new City Manager for the City of Goleta. I know first-hand how special of a place Goleta is and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Good Land.”

Mr. Nisbet will replace veteran City Manager Michelle Greene who will be retiring after 18 distinguished years of service with the City, the past eight as the City Manager. Ms. Greene’s last official day as City Manager will be on August 31, 2022, after which she will be available to advise the new City Manager for the next several months, as needed, under the terms of her previously approved separation agreement.

The appointment of Mr. Nisbet and the terms of his contract can be found in the staff report for the July 19 City Council meeting, available here: https://tinyurl.com/hy8d7xr7. Watch the City Council meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/mrnjy2ys. 

Goleta City Council Candidate Nomination Filing Period Open for Districts 1 and 2

Candidates Must Be Registered Voters Living in Districts 1 or 2

The nomination filing period for Goleta City Council candidates in Districts 1 and 2 began on Monday, July 18, and closes Friday, August 12 at 5:00 p.m. To apply, candidates must be 18 years or older as well as reside and be a registered voter in the district in which he or she seeks election at the time nomination papers are issued.

This is a historic election for the City of Goleta as it is the first By-District Election for the City.  The City is now divided into four districts and registered voters in Districts 1 and 2 will have the opportunity to elect City Councilmembers from the District in which they live.  The two western districts, Districts 3 and 4, will be decided upon in the following election in November of 2024.  The Mayor’s seat will continue to be elected at-large and will be on the November 2024 ballot as well.

Residents interested in running for City Council must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk’s Office to receive and/or file nomination papers. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 805-961-7505 or cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

To find out what district you are in, view the attached map, or use this interactive map. Simply type your address into the top left-hand search bar and clicking on the search icon. The results will show your address within the map.

For information on the 2022 General Municipal Election go to www.CityofGoleta.org/elections.

Goleta's District Elections MapDistrict elections map of Goleta

Goleta Resident Mary Kahn Turns 100!

Happy 100th Birthday to an inspiring Goleta resident. Mary Kahn celebrated her centennial birthday, June 30, 2022, with her daughter and neighbors at a small backyard gathering (pictured below). She was delighted to see Mayor Paula Perotte walk in and was honored to receive a Proclamation from the City of Goleta acknowledging her 100th birthday.   

Mary was born on June 30, 1922, in Missouri and has lived a well-traveled life. She worked as an elementary school teacher in California, New York and Florida and was an exchange teacher in Honduras. Upon her retirement from teaching, Mary enjoyed travelling around the United States in her Chinook camper. She also was part of a group that hosted travelers from other countries and she stayed with host families in countries she visited.

Mary moved to Santa Barbara to be close to her daughter in 1997 and in 2002 she moved to Goleta where she has lived ever since. 

Mary is the author of a book entitled “Dear Grandparents” with suggestions of things to do with your grandchildren. She has been active throughout her years in equal rights for everyone, including for women’s rights, peace and freedom. She has volunteered at the Library and Head Start and has been a Tutor for English as a Second Language. 

What’s her secret to living to 100? Mary recommends daily exercise, including a walk, plus healthy eating, including almonds at every meal! Happy Birthday Mary! We wish you health and joy. You amaze us!

Viva La Goleta! Fiesta Ranchera Fun!

Fiesta may be next month in Santa Barbara, but on June 16, it was all about Viva La Goleta!  On June 8, the Goleta City Council officially proclaimed June 16 as Fiesta Ranchera Day in the City of Goleta. Everyone in Council Chambers and watching at home enjoyed seeing the 2022 Spirit of Fiesta Tara Mata and the Junior Spirit of Fiesta Layla Gocong perform. Both were issued Certificates of Recognition. La Presidente Maria Cabrera, who is a Goleta resident herself, thanked the City of Goleta and the Council for carrying on the great tradition of Fiesta Ranchera at the beautiful and historic Rancho La Patera and Stow House.

Then on June 16, hundreds of people attended the Fiesta Ranchera event. Party-goers danced the night away to local band Area 51, enjoyed delicious food and beverages courtesy of several local vendors and watched stunning performances from the Spirit and Junior Spirit. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this such a memorable fundraising event for Old Spanish Days.

This year marks 14 years of collaboration with Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society to put on this treasured event.

Goleta’s first Fiesta Stow House event was held on August 3, 1968!

 
Spirit of Fiesta Tara Mata dancing in Goleta City Council Chambers


Junior Spirit of Fiesta Layla Gocong dancing in Goleta City Council Chambers

Pictured left-to-right: City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover, Francisco Cabrera, Councilmember James Kyriaco, Mayor Paula Perotte, Old Spanish Days La Presidente Maria Cabrera, Councilmember Roger Aceves and Councilmember Kyle Richards at Fiesta Ranchera on June 16

Goleta’s Draft Housing Element Submitted to the State for Review

The City of Goleta’s Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element is now in the hands of the State for review. The City of Goleta was pleased to submit this defining document after unanimous approval from the Goleta City Council on June 28, 2022. Goleta’s Housing Element is important because it establishes City policies and programs for maintaining and improving existing housing, as well as accommodating development of new housing to meet the City’s assigned share of housing needs under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment.

City of Goleta’s Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof said, “The transmittal of the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element is an important milestone for the City as it moves us one step closer to adoption before the State deadline of February 15, 2023. Implementing the Housing Element will help us address many of Goleta’s unique housing needs and it will help us comply with State law requirements.”

City of Goleta Advance Planning Manager Anne Wells added, “The Draft Housing Element reflects more than a year of public, Planning Commission, and City Council input. Public input has been critical to the development of this Draft Housing Element and the City appreciates the more than 600 people who provided input and engaged with the City during various outreach events and surveys. Thank you!”

The State now has 90 days to review Goleta’s Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element. Once the City receives comment from the State, the City will prepare a revised draft for future adoption hearings.

To learn more and to view the Draft Housing Element that was submitted to the State for review, visit the project page on our website at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/housingelement.

Public Input Requested on San Jose Creek Bike Path Project

Environmental Document Available for Review/Comments Until August 1

The long-awaited, much anticipated San Jose Creek Bike Path Project (Project) has reached the next stage in the process. The public is now able to review the environmental document for the project and provide comments until August 1, 2022, at noon. The San Jose Creek Bike Path Project is an important component of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as it will provide a critical connection between existing bike routes north of U.S. 101 and the Atascadero Creek Bike Path to the south. In particular, it will connect bike routes north of Calle Real all the way to the Coast Route, that connects to Goleta Beach, UCSB and into Santa Barbara.

The document is available here on the City’s website. Please submit your public comment via email to Laura Bridley (LBridley@cityofgoleta.org) AND Teresa Lopes (TLopes@cityofgoleta.org). Comments can also be mailed to the City of Goleta ATTN: Laura Bridley and Teresa Lopes, 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, CA 93117. All comments must be received no later than Monday, August 1, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.

Goleta Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling said, “The San Jose Creek Bike Path Project was envisioned before the City was incorporated more than 20 years ago. We are excited it is back in the spotlight and ready for public input once again. This is a complex project that has involved close coordination with various agencies including Caltrans and the County of Santa Barbara. When complete, the project will be an incredible asset for our community and will make it easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to get around.”

The Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND) environmental document for the Project describes the detailed improvements that will be made to the City’s transportation system. It also discusses the possible environmental effects of building this nearly 1.5-mile route, along with comprehensive protection measures and construction management strategies.

Here is what the plan entails: The new path will include space for bicycles and pedestrians beginning on Calle Real, proceeding under the U.S. 101, and continuing along San Jose Creek through Armitos Park and Jonny D. Wallis Park in Old Town north of Hollister Avenue. The route will then pick up on Kellogg Avenue, and cross over State Route 217 (Ward Memorial Boulevard) on a 350-foot long 12-foot wide bicycle/pedestrian bridge. The path then lowers to align adjacent to State Route 217, separated by a 2-foot concrete barrier and bicycle/pedestrian rail to separate users from the roadway. At the south end of the project, the bike path will continue under State Route 217 in a newly constructed box culvert, and daylight again on the southeast side of the highway to connect to the existing Atascadero Creek Bike Path. A project map is available here.

After this public comment period on the draft IS-MND, the Project will be scheduled for review and approval by the City Council, anticipated in September 2022. Following the City of Goleta approval, the project will proceed to the California Coastal Commission for permitting in accordance with the State Coastal Act.

For more information contact Teresa Lopes (Tlopes@cityofgoleta.org; 805-961-7563) or Laura Bridley (LBridley@cityofgoleta.org, 805-896-2153). Or visit our project webpage for more information.


Project location map