Daily Archives: August 31, 2020

Fire Hazards Reduced Along Highway 101

The City of Goleta is pleased to report that fire hazards along the US Highway 101 corridor between Los Carneros Road and Fairview Avenue are greatly reduced following a two week-long project. Caltrans crews removed more than 60 tons of underbrush and cleared paths for emergency responders to have access in case of an emergency. The work started on July 27, 2020 and wrapped up on Friday, August 7, 2020. In addition to clearing brush and dead vegetation, crews also trimmed trees and pruned remaining tree canopies. In all, ten full 40-cubic yard roll off containers were hauled off. 

The build-up of dense vegetation, trash and debris through the corridor has been a source of great concern, especially after several homeless encampment associated fires in the area last month. 

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “We are so grateful to Caltrans crews for the hard work they put in the last two weeks to address this important public safety concern. While much progress was made there is still more work that needs to be done. We will continue close coordination efforts with our allied agencies to do everything we can to ensure the safety of the entire community.”

The City wants to thank motorists impacted by delays on US Highway 101 for their patience during the course of the project. In addition to Caltrans, we also want to acknowledge our collaborative partners including California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Barbara County Fire, Marborg Industries and the California Conservation Corps.  

Pictured: Caltrans crew removing a 40-cubic yard roll off container filled with debris and vegetation.

Dos Pueblos High School Class of 2020 Resiliency Mural Now Complete

The Dos Pueblos High School Foundation recently announced the completion of the Class of 2020 Resiliency Wall. The 264 square foot mural incorporates 466 student tiles, as well as the school crest, the year, and “We are Resilient” (an homage to the “We are DP” school slogan). The plaque next to the mural reads: “Dedicated to the Class of 2020 who showed their resiliency and strength during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are DP!”

Over Memorial weekend, graduating seniors were each given a 6”x6” tile to design like a flying graduation cap (the mural captures the mortarboard toss, a graduation tradition the Class of 2020 missed out on). Volunteers painted caps with names on them for those who couldn’t participate so all graduated would be represented.

Principal Bill Woodard stated, “Seeing the beautiful mural come to fruition was a wonderfully emotional moment – symbolizing our school coming together to overcome the challenges of last spring to celebrate the class of 2020. I want to thank the DPHS Foundation for spearheading the efforts which will be a lasting legacy to the class of 2020!”

“The Dos Pueblos community really stepped up to make this project a reality. We raised over $10,000 in less than two weeks. In addition, Tileco donated over 1,000 tiles, local artist Scott Boger painted the crest and lettering, Eliesa Bollinger, our high school ceramics teacher, spent the summer firing tiles, and local craftsmen and alumni, Clayte Robinson and Jorge Lorca, did the installation” stated Rechelle Ringer, DPHS Foundation board member and parent of a 2020 graduate, “We had staff, parents, students and community members all working on different aspects and the end result is a lasting tribute to the class, the school and the community. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

The Foundation still plans to do a ribbon-cutting celebration with the graduating class when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, the mural may be viewed on the south wall of the high school gymnasium.

Dos Pueblos High School Foundation www.dphsfoundation.org.

Goleta ReStart Loans Available for Small Businesses

The City of Goleta has collaborated with Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) to provide a loan program specifically for Goleta-based small businesses. Goleta ReStart Loans up to $25,000 are available to help Goleta-based businesses reopen and adapt to operating under proper public health guidelines due to COVID-19. 

Goleta ReStart Loans from WEV will provide capital to Goleta-based businesses who are now open or eligible to open under the most current government orders (subject to change based on updated orders) related to COVID-19. 

“Business owners consistently say community support is a key factor in sustaining their resolve through the pandemic,” shared WEV CEO Kathy Odell.  “Our ReStart Loans will provide the capital necessary to retain employees, modify business practices and acquire new equipment and/or supplies required for safe re-opening.  Additionally, ReStart Loan recipients are eligible to receive business advisory services from WEV.”

Learn more about WEV’s Goleta ReStart Loans (in English and Spanish) here: www.wevonline.org/loans-2/restart/.

COVID-19 Testing Site Now Open at Goleta Valley Community Center

A State-operated COVID-19 testing site is now open at the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). The State-operated testing site that was located at the Earl Warren Showgrounds has moved to the Goleta Valley Community Center. Testing services began on September 3, 2020, at the new GVCC site. Testing appointments can be made online at https://lhi.care/covidtesting or by calling (888) 634-1123.

“We are very pleased with this move to the Goleta Valley Community Center. This location offers residents of Goleta and Isla Vista expanded testing opportunity by proximity to, and ease of access by public transportation,” said Van Do-Reynoso, Santa Barbara County Public Health Director.

Goleta Valley Community Center Acting General Manager Charlie Johnson said, “We are in difficult stressful times, times where flexibility and compassion can go a long way to making things better.  The Goleta Valley Community Center Board of Directors and staff are proud to do our part. While the Center remains closed to the public, our location is in the heart of Old Town Goleta and is easily accessible. We are pleased to have the City of Goleta’s support for this important outreach.” 

The testing being conducted is intended to identify if an individual currently has the COVID-19 virus. When considering getting a test, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (PHD) recommends asking yourself the following questions. If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you should get tested.

  • Do you work in a high-risk environment for the transmission of COVID-19?
  • Are you an essential worker?
  • Do you live or work in a congregate setting?
  • Have you had close contact with an individual who has been recently confirmed as having COVID-19?
    • Close contact is about 15 minutes, in a closed room less than six feet apart.
  • Have you been experiencing any symptoms of illness, different than seasonal allergies?
    • Cough, runny nose, fatigue, headaches, sore throat, loss of taste, nausea, etc.
  • Has a Public Health Department employee told you to get tested?

If you cannot answer yes to any of these questions, you are at lower risk for contracting COVID-19 and are not advised to be tested at this time.

The Goleta Valley Community Center is located at 5679 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117. Testing is by appointment only. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.publichealthsbc.org.

Free testing for essential workers is now available in Santa Barbara County. Call 805-705-7279 for more information and to make an appointment.

Pictured: Goleta Valley Community Center