Daily Archives: November 2, 2020

Unmet Transit Needs Virtual Public Hearing

Public asked to provide feedback by Dec. 2 on how bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services can better serve their needs in Santa Barbara County.

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is holding an unmet transit needs hearing at Noon and 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2020 via Zoom Webinar. The public is encouraged to participate in one of the two hearing options to share comments or concerns about bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services in Santa Barbara County or express needs for new or expanded services in the county. Spanish language interpretation services will be available at both public hearing options.

Those unable to participate in the virtual hearing opportunities can take an online survey in English and Spanish until December 2, 2020. The public can also submit comments in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by email to comment@sbcag.org. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the December 2, 2020 hearing should contact SBCAG at least three working days prior to the meeting at (805) 961-8900.

WHAT: Unmet Transit Needs Hearing
WHEN: Noon and 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2020 (attend one of the two options)
WHERE:

Zoom Webinar:*
Manually join: Webinar ID: 829 1767 1869; Passcode: 221523; OR Telephone: (669) 900-9128; Webinar ID: 829 1767 1869; Passcode: 221523
*Spanish-language interpretation services available
DETAILS:

SBCAG will conduct the public hearing to receive comments on transit needs in Santa Barbara County, as required under Section 99401.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

 

100 Year Anniversary of a Woman’s Right to Vote

While there are many different perspectives and opinions that have divided our country during the 2020 election, this year marks a special anniversary that all Americans can be proud of.  The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote. The passage marked the largest expansion of democracy in the history of our country. The 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920, and was added to the Constitution eight days later making the amendment the single largest act of enfranchisement in U.S. History.

According to the Women’s Vote Centennial website, Suffragists began their organized fight for women’s equality in 1848 when they demanded the right to vote during the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. For the next 72 years, women leaders lobbied, marched, picketed, and protested for the right to the ballot. The U.S. House of Representatives finally approved the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote, on May 21, 1919. The U.S. Senate followed two weeks later, and the 19th Amendment went to the states, where it had to be ratified by 3/4ths of the-then-48 states to be added to the Constitution. By a vote of 50-47, Tennessee became the last state needed to ratify the 19th Amendment on August 18, 1920. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby issued a proclamation declaring the 19th Amendment ratified and part of the US Constitution on August 26, 1920, forever protecting American women’s right to vote.

Today, more than 68 million women vote in elections because of the courageous suffragists who never gave up the fight for equality.

Pictured: City of Goleta’s first Mayor, Margaret Connell, at the Ballot Box at City Hall

Foodbank 2020 Turkey Drive

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is asking community members to donate 4,000 fresh or frozen turkeys and chickens to provide healthy holiday meals to local families who cannot afford them. The target number reflects a dramatic increase in need throughout the county. The 2020 Turkey Drive runs through the holiday season.

Community members may drop off turkeys or chickens at the Foodbank’s warehouses Monday through Friday in Santa Barbara at 4554 Hollister Ave from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and in Santa Maria at 490 W. Foster Road from 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Birds must be dropped off by November 23 to ensure delivery to families in time for Thanksgiving, but the Foodbank will accept donations through December 11 for other holiday meals.

“The Foodbank needs small turkeys and chickens to ensure everyone in our county can have a wholesome holiday dinner,” explained Paul Wilkins, Foodbank Chief Operations Officer. “With shortages expected for food banks across the country in the last quarter of the year, and when our community is facing rampant job losses and economic crisis, the need is higher than ever this year.”

In lieu of dropping off fresh or frozen birds, community members may sponsor holiday meals online by visiting https://donate.foodbanksbc.org/2020HolidayFoodDrive to donate

Community members or local businesses who would like to host a turkey drive may call (805) 319-9096  or email jjenkins@foodbanksbc.org.

Fall Films at West Wind Drive-In

UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) cruises back to the drive-in this fall with an eclectic mix of films that offers something for everyone, from tiny tots to college kids and beyond. A&L at the Drive-In selections include: Family Fun!; Student Picks (with curatorial input from UCSB students); ¡Viva el Cine!, presented in association with ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva); and more! A&L at the Drive-In films screen through December 16 at the West Wind Drive-In (907 S. Kellogg Avenue, Goleta). All films are FREE. Each night features two screenings. Most nights feature a lineup of two different films with a few exceptions. Start times of the remaining film nights are 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. First come, first served. Gates open an hour and a half before the first film. Arrive early to enjoy food trucks, concessions and entertainment from your car!

Celesta M. Billeci, Arts & Lectures Miller McCune Executive Director, said, “Barring an unforeseeable event, these films will screen rain or shine, so get your blankets and get cozy! Wear your masks, and before the movie starts, you can enjoy music, pick up popcorn or order dinner from the food trucks we’ll have on site. Anyone who came out to our summer film series knows that these events are a blast. You can feel the excitement in the air!”

Filmgoers are asked to respect the safety of fellow attendees: Please wear masks and maintain a distance of six feet from others.

Information on A&L films showing at the West Wind Drive-In is available here.

“Picassos 4 Peanuts” Show Goes Virtual

Art lovers get ready to enjoy some beautiful local art from some of our talented local artists.  Last year, a drizzling and overcast day didn’t deter 160 enthusiastic shoppers from attending Goleta Valley Art Association’s “Picassos 4 Peanuts” art sale and reception at the Goleta Valley Library. This year we can’t provide cookies and warm cider, but you can still enjoy the work of our local artists online. On December 1, 2020, the 10th Annual “Picassos 4 Peanuts” show can be found at http://thegoletavalleyartassociation.org.

“Picassos 4 Peanuts” online will feature 50 artists showing 150 art pieces – all priced under $300. The show will remain online, and paintings available for purchase, through March 2021.

The GVAA’s Annual Art Festival is also currently available online to view work by local artists and purchase anything that catches your eye. New paintings are added regularly. The GVAA has over 200 member artists exhibiting artwork in a variety of media, sharing the gift of art with the community. View the virtual art show here.

For more information, contact Terre Martin Sanitate at terre.sanitate@gmail.com.

Pictured: A “Picassos 4 Peanuts” painting by Adria Abraham

Library Bookmark Contest Winners Announced

See the beautiful bookmarks designed by young artists at Goleta Valley, Buellton, and Solvang Libraries!

During September, children in Goleta and the Santa Ynez Valley responded to the libraries’ invitation to draw a bookmark based on the themes “Every Book is an Adventure” (Goleta Valley Library) and “A Friend is…”  (Santa Ynez Valley).  Winning designs have been posted to the library website, and to the Facebook and Instagram accounts for each of the three libraries – and all of the drawings are being printed into free bookmarks for library visitors to enjoy through the month of November. Bookmarks featuring the Santa Ynez Valley contest winners are available at Buellton and Solvang Libraries now, and bookmarks with the Goleta Valley Library winning designs will be distributed at Goleta Valley Library starting on Wednesday, November 4th.

Goleta Valley Library received a total of 133 entries, and the winners are:

  • Age 3 and under: Duke Harmony (2), Felicity Pearce (2), Tyler Dang (3), Anna Dorn (3), and Amelia Macdonald (3)
  • Ages 4-6: Tristan Taormina (5), Ronnie Gloo (6), Elliott Mumm (6), Charlie Platt (6), and Paul Yoder (6)
  • Ages 7-9: Zoe Tamayo (8), James Yoder (8), Paloma Arreola (9), Krishna Garcia-Martinez (9), and Ava Zhang (9)
  • Ages 10-12: Raphael Raibley (10), Malia Rocque (10), Abigail Simonsen (10), Julia VanDe Veire (11), and Ameya Apte (12)

Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo noted: “We loved seeing the imagination and creativity that went into each and every bookmark design! Thank you to everyone who submitted a contest entry this year. It was so fun to see all of your amazing work!”

The Santa Ynez Valley Library entries, submitted to both Buellton and Solvang Libraries, were judged by the Friends of the Library of SYV, and the winners are: 

  • Age 3 and under: Jack Rushing (3)
  • Ages 4-6: Remy Arthur (4), Gray Rushing (5) Justin Martinez (6) and Maddie Nichols (6)
  • Ages 7-9: Felicity Hume (7), Couper Nichols (7), Lucas Goodman (8), Branwen Van Dam (8), Norah Hirth (9), and Macie Ann Martinez (9)
  • Ages 10-12: Alison Hume (10) and Colton Paulson (12)

In addition, the following SYV entries earned Special Mention awards:  Bronson Ballinger (5), Hollis Van Dam (5), Dalston Kay (6), Gus Ballinger (8), and Danaka Cantrell (9), Tatum Kay (9), Stella Libera (9), and Everly Nunez (9).

“The theme of friendship just jumps off the page in these colorful designs – we can’t wait to share these bookmarks with everyone who checks out library materials in the next month,” said Solvang Library Branch Supervisor Carey McKinnon.

Both contests were sponsored this year by Blenders in the Grass, and the Solvang Library contest was also sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley.  The Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley provide funding for programs, library materials, and additional staff hours. Their donor page can be accessed at https://friendssyvlibrary.org/give. 

For information on programs and events the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, see the calendar at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org, or check out www.facebook.com/goletavalleylibrary; www.facebook.com/buelltonlibraries or www.facebook.com/solvanglibrary

Images of winning bookmarks:

Goleta Valley Library bookmark contest winners from left to right: Julia VanDe Veire (11), Abigail Simonsen (10), Ameya Apte (12), Malia Rocque (10), and Raphael Raibley (10)

Santa Ynez Valley Libraries bookmark contest winners from left to right: Felicity Hume (7), Couper Nichols (7), Lucas Goodman (8), and Branwen Van Dam (8)

Virtual Homework Help Available Now

All you need is a library card for free tutoring and research!

Students in grades K-12 needing help with their homework can visit the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries virtually to access useful, high-quality websites to help them succeed in school. By simply logging in with their Goleta or Santa Ynez Valley Library cards, students can connect with subject area experts through live tutoring sessions on Brainfuse HelpNow! and dive into research on over 20,000 popular topics on ProQuest Homework Central.

Brainfuse HelpNow! is a website designed specifically to provide assistance based on academic subject area, including reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Live online tutoring is available every day from 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and includes a user-friendly chat box and a shared whiteboard to work through a variety of assignments. Students even have the ability to upload a paper through the Writing Lab to receive feedback from experts on how to strengthen their essays. For older students, Brainfuse HelpNow! also offers impressive test preparation resources, including practice tests, flashcards, lessons and more for AP tests and the SAT and ACT college entrance exams. Click here to get started with Brainfuse HelpNow! Please note that you will be prompted to create a username and password after you log in. Brainfuse HelpNow! has been made available for this school year through the generous support of the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

For students who are working on research projects, ProQuest Homework Central offers access to six specialized websites that are each geared toward a specific type of research. ProQuest can help students who are looking for information on a certain subject or who are trying to decide on a topic for an upcoming paper. With information ranging from newspaper archives to trending issues to cultural data and much more, students can search and browse these helpful websites to find the research they need in order to finish their assignments with confidence. To get started with ProQuest Homework Central, click here and enter your Goleta or Santa Ynez Valley Library card number (password is not required). ProQuest Homework Central has been made available through funding from the California State Library.

Brainfuse HelpNow! and ProQuest are especially valuable for families with students who are distance learning this semester. “It can be easy to get overwhelmed when working on an assignment or a research project,” says Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “We’re excited to offer resources to students that can help them with their homework and set them up for success while they study at home.”

Sign up for a Goleta or Santa Ynez Valley Library eCard here, or stop by the library in person during Sidewalk Service hours on Wednesday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to register for a physical card.

For more information on programs and services at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Don’t Let Earthquakes Catch You Off Guard

Did You Know? Most Californians say they are very or somewhat knowledgeable about the steps they can take to prepare for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, yet 60% remain highly concerned about the potential impact of a disaster on their household. To ensure all Californians are prepared, the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) recently launched the “Don’t Get Caught Off Guard” campaign to promote awareness of critical earthquake warning resources available at no-cost through Earthquake Warning California.

Earthquake Warning California’s “Don’t Get Caught Off Guard” campaign is a statewide education effort to help the public learn about earthquake warning tools and resources. Cal OES, in collaboration with the California Integrated Seismic Network Partners from United States Geological Survey (USGS), University of California – Berkeley (UCB), California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and California Geological Survey (CGS) launched the nation’s first State Earthquake Early Warning System in October of 2019. The system uses ground motion sensors and sensors in smartphones to detect an earthquake before humans can feel it and issues a ShakeAlert® Message in real time so they can take cover before shaking happens. An earthquake warning can provide additional life-saving seconds for people to Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Earthquake Warning California resources include:

  • Information about constructing an emergency plan
  • How to protect yourself and your family before, during and after an earthquake
  • Android Earthquake Alerts developed in partnership with Cal OES and USGS
  • The MyShake App — a smartphone app developed in partnership with Cal OES and UC Berkeley that can provide users with a few seconds of notification that shaking is about to occur
  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) — free notifications delivered to cell phones in emergency situations.
  • Information for business sectors to plan for life-saving actions in the event of an alert, such as safely slowing mass transit systems, powering down equipment, or bringing elevators to an emergency stop.
  • Links to the California Integrated Seismic Network Partners for additional technical and system information.

When you receive a warning or feel shaking, you should take protective actions (drop to the ground, cover your head with your arms, and hold onto your neck with both hands) until shaking stops, avoiding doorways and windows.

To learn which resources are available to you and how to react, visit https://earthquake.ca.gov/.

Snap the Shore, See the Future

King Tides are the highest high tides of the year, about a foot or two higher than average high tides, which is what we expect to see during the next few decades. The California King Tides Project (a partnership of state and federal agencies and non-profit organizations) helps us visualize future sea level by observing the highest high tides of today and how those tides interact with our coastal infrastructure, recreation areas, and ecosystems.

You can participate in the California King Tides Project by safely taking photos of the King Tides on November 15-16 and December 13-15 and uploading them to the California King Tides Project website; instructions available here.

Understanding what a King Tide looks like today will help us plan for sea level rise in the future and motivate us to stop burning fossil fuels. Sharing your photos and talking about what you’ve noticed helps others understand that they’re part of a community that cares about climate change.

It’s important that we learn about and communicate the impacts of sea level rise so that we can responsibly manage our coast today and in the future. Sea level rise is caused by increasing carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, which acts like a blanket trapping in heat that would otherwise escape. When we burn fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, or natural gas), we add more carbon dioxide, thickening this blanket and warming the planet’s atmosphere and the ocean. Sea level rises as glaciers and ice sheets melt into the ocean and because water expands in volume as it warms.

The photos you take help document current flood risk, visualize the impacts of future sea level rise, ground-truth climate change models, and serve as a living record of change for future generations. The photos may be used in presentations, exhibitions, websites, and publications; for research and planning; and by students and educators learning about our world.

Learn more about the California King Tides Project at www.coastal.ca.gov/kingtides.

Goleta Green Room: Edible Food Waste and Greenhouse Gas

The City of Goleta’s Environmental Services division would like to share our current plans to help address short-lived climate pollutants (greenhouse gases), comply with new law, and provide tips on how you can help. In 2016 a law called SB1383 was passed as a measure to help reduce methane emissions. Methane gas is a greenhouse gas much more powerful than CO2. When organic waste is sent to the landfill, its degradation emits methane gas and California alone disposed of 27 million tons of organic waste in 2017. As climate change is becoming a prominent topic, organic waste is an area of focus. But what exactly is organic waste, and what can we do about it?

Organic waste, as defined by CalRecycle, is food waste, paper, and landscaping debris/cuttings. Food waste alone accounts for around 18 to 20% of the waste stream in California. That is about 6 million tons of food going to the trash or waste stream every year! Ironically, at the same time food is going to waste, 1 in 8 people and 1 in 5 children in California are food insecure. Is there a way we can recover edible food and help tackle two different problems at once?

At City of Goleta, there are several programs being developed aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. As part of SB1383, the Edible Food Recovery program aims to take edible food that would ordinarily be thrown away and redistributes it to those in need. SB1383 applies to the commercial sector, which means it is encouraging restaurants and businesses to find ways to recycle/donate the leftover edible food that would otherwise go to the landfill. Currently, the City of Goleta is performing an assessment to identify businesses that should participate, potential recipients, program partners, and logistics.

In addition to edible food recovery, the City of Goleta, the County of Santa Barbara, and other jurisdictions are taking action to address non-edible food waste. The Santa Barbara County ReSource Center is a state-of-the art facility currently under construction, which will not only help tackle food waste, but also increase the amount of materials recycled. The Anaerobic Digester at the ReSource Center is planned to begin operation in mid-2021.  Food waste will be deposited, turned into compost, and the methane gas it emits will be converted into energy. There are also food waste bins that can be distributed by the trash hauler in order for participants to better track and dispose of their organic waste.

You can help do your part, too! The County’s website has some great information: Read about tips to reduce the amount of food you and your family waste, and learn how to start a Home Composting program. Also, make sure you know the do’s and don’ts of yard waste and the green bin.  Let’s all do our part to tackle this complex issue together!