Daily Archives: May 8, 2020

Process Underway to Slowly Re-Open the City

We are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as we begin to slowly re-open additional businesses in our City, following Governor Newsom’s modifications to the stay at home order. This process will be done in a thoughtful and safe way, closely following the State and County’s direction. Please know the City cannot be less restrictive than the state or County Orders.  Decisions will be made based on data and guidance from public health officials. 

Santa Barbara County is now moving through Stage 2 of the Governor’s 4-Stage Process. Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-60-20 provides guidance regarding the criteria and procedures on how to go about re-opening low-risk businesses for curbside pick-up.

Businesses permitted to reopen for curbside pick-up with safeguards include:

  • Antique Stores
  • Book Stores
  • Clothing Stores
  • Florists
  • Home and Furnishing Stores
  • Jewelry Stores
  • Music Stores
  • Shoe Stores
  • Sporting Goods Stores
  • Toy Stores

These businesses will be open for curbside pick-up only and must also maintain physical distancing protocols for staff and customers. Supply chains supporting the above businesses in manufacturing and logistical sectors may also reopen while adhering to the physical distancing guidelines.

The County is also republishing the Social Distancing Protocol to provide guidance and resources for businesses falling in this Phase 2 Category. Low-risk businesses will be able to reopen safely while adhering to physical distancing guidelines provided by the Governor and the Santa Barbara County Health Officer.

Please visit Santa Barbara County’s coronavirus web page for other COVID-19 resources and updates at https://publichealthsbc.org/.

For general questions about COVID-19 and guidance currently recommended by the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, residents may call the Santa Barbara County Call Center at (833) 688-5551.

Tennis and pickleball courts have reopened at Evergreen Park, Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park, Berkeley Park, and Stow Canyon Open Space in Goleta. Residents must comply with these regulations which follow the Santa Barbara County Public Health Order in order for the courts to remain open.

Helpful Resources During COVID-19

The City of Goleta has put together a page on our website dedicated to COVID-19 information and resources (local and national): www.cityofgoleta.org/covid19. The page is being kept updated as new resources and information become available. On the webpage you can find out about City services and closures, as well as updates from other local agencies including Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, MTD, SCE, SoCalGas, Cox Communications, and MarBorg. There are also resources for businesses and employees. Below are some of the newest updates from local organizations.

  • Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is hosting additional food distributions in order to meet the growing need in the community caused by COVID-19. The food at these sites is prepared and distributed in a way that utilized social distancing and followed CDC recommendations.  Many locations offer a drive-thru option to minimize contact, and others are scheduling food pick-up appointments for individuals to prevent crowds. You may be asked to wear provided hygienic gloves. No documentation/registration required. Everyone is welcome. View a full list of locations here. For more information visit FoodbankSBC.org.

    Please DIAL 211 for after-hours support, senior home delivery or other questions.  Or visit the County of Santa Barbara’s 211 website.

  • Zoomers to Boomers: A group of local San Marcos High School students came up with a great way help by delivering groceries to neighbors who are elderly or immunocompromised. Zoomers to Boomers is an online site where seniors can submit a grocery list and a staff of high schoolers will head out to do the shopping and deliver to their homes. There are no tips or additional payments necessary. Any tips included by customers will be donated to those in need in the Santa Barbara community.  Zoomers to Boomers chapters, started in Santa Barbara, are now popping up all over the country.

  • SoCalGas customers who have recently become unemployed or are facing financial hardship may qualify for a 20% discount on their natural gas bill, through the CARE program or be eligible for another assistance programs. For more information, please visit com/Care or call 1-800-427-2200. Everyone at SoCalGas want to do everything they can to support the communities they serve during this time.

  • Through June 30, Cox extends its pledge to: not terminate internet or telephone service to any residential or small business customer because of an inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; waive any internet or telephone late fees that any residential or small business customer incurs because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and keep open its Cox WiFi hotspots to help keep the public connected in this time of need.

    In addition, Cox is offering the services below through July 15. Go to cox.com for more information.
    • Free Connect2Compete service, Cox’s low-cost internet product for families with school-aged children who are enrolled in low-income assistance programs. Customers must sign up before May 15 to qualify. All new customers that have enrolled since March 13 will receive free service through July 15.
    • Upgraded speeds of 50 Mbps download for residential customers in the company’s Starter, StraightUp Internet and Connect2Compete packages.
    • For those tiers, free Cox Complete Care phone and remote desktop support for residential customers providing assistance for loading new applications they may need to use during this time like online classroom support applications and web conferencing services.

 

 

Please click here for more COVID-19 resources and information for the community.