Daily Archives: March 1, 2021

State Lands Commission Virtual Town Hall on March 10

Please join the State Lands Commission and the City of Goleta on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. for a virtual Town Hall about the Platform Holly decommissioning project and the upcoming California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process to remove the Haskell Beach oil piers. The Commission’s Executive Officer, Jennifer Lucchesi, will update the community, and together with our project team, answer questions about the project status and next steps.

Virtual Community Town Hall
Wednesday, March 10
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meeting Link: https://tinyurl.com/cpbpf696
Passcode: 792876

We hope you can attend this engaging and interactive Town Hall and look forward to your virtual participation.

If you cannot make the meeting, it will be recorded and aired live on Channel 19 and rebroadcast Thursdays and Fridays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. You can also watch a recording at any time after the meeting on the City’s website (www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings).

If you have questions or comments, please contact Sheri Pemberton at sheri.pemberton@slc.ca.gov or (916) 477-0691. For more information, visit the State Lands Commission website at www.slc.ca.gov.

Community Partners in Caring Serving the Community

Providing Services for Seniors in the Goleta Area

If you are looking for a way to give back right now, here is an idea. Community Partners in Caring is a Volunteer Caregiving organization that coordinates volunteers for the purpose of providing free and direct volunteer services to seniors (age 62+) living in Santa Barbara County. Their mission is to provide volunteer support services that allow our senior population to live independently while maintaining dignity, respect, and quality of life. Two important services they are providing include COVID-19 emergency food response and alternative transportation for seniors living in Goleta.

Covid-19 Emergency Food Response Continues

Volunteers with Community Partners in Caring have been, and will continue to be, active in coming months delivering Santa Barbara Food Bank care packages on a schedule for isolated seniors. They are always looking for more volunteers willing to make these deliveries in Goleta and throughout Santa Barbara. They start at their warehouse, 4554 Hollister Avenue, on alternating Wednesdays 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. (next delivery dates are February 17 and March 3). If you know someone who needs emergency food assistance, please have them call 211. Community Partners in Caring can provide some subsidized groceries and delivery through Instacart as another option.

Foodbank delivery is for those vulnerable seniors not already having a delivery made to them. Examples include: in housing which may receive a Foodbank distribution to their congregate site already, or signed up with medical documentation [via an application with the Foodbank] that delivery service is needed. Santa Barbara Foodbank assistance is always available to the public via multiple pickup sites (their warehouse is not for individual pickup). Go to foodbanksbc.org for assistance.

Alternative Transportation for Seniors Living in Goleta

Community Partners in Caring supplies FREE rides to Goleta vaccination sites and medical appointments for seniors living in Goleta. Call (805) 925-8000 to register and request a ride. The funding for this transportation project is limited, so please act soon. All rides will be provided through a combination of Community Partners in Caring volunteer drivers, taxi, and Lyft drivers. Rides will be provided within your local area only, and only one destination per ride is permitted. Those 62 years of age or older and unable to drive are eligible to request this, and the other services of Community Partners in Caring.

For more information on Community Partners in Caring, please visit www.partnersincaring.org.To volunteer, send an email to volunteer@partnersincaring.org.

Pictured: Community Partners in Caring volunteers

Caltrans District 5 Seeks Public Input on Draft Active Transportation Plan

Caltrans District 5 is looking for public input on its draft Active Transportation Plan. The Plan will identify locations where bicycle and pedestrian improvements might be needed on the state highway system. The public can play a key role in establishing the community priorities for Plan implementation by participating in this review.

The draft Plan review is available for comment at www.catplan.org/district-5 through March 9, 2021. Visit the catplan.org website for more information, the final Plan will be available in May.

“We look forward to hearing from the public on what they believe are the most important priorities in their communities and how we can best integrate them into our transportation projects moving forward,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Tim Gubbins.

Caltrans wants to align the state’s bicycle and pedestrian network with the needs of local communities, with an emphasis on improving social equity, reconnecting neighborhoods and improving access for all modes of transportation, including people who walk or bicycle. Caltrans is actively engaging with partners and community members in areas where previous transportation decisions may have created barriers to adequate transportation.

For more information about the Caltrans Active Transportation Plans, visit catplan.org/district-plans.

Celebrating Green Businesses

Please join the Green Business Program on Wednesday, March 24th from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. for the 12th Annual, and first virtual, Green Business Program Certification Celebration. The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County will be honoring an impressive group of businesses that have achieved Green Business certification during this challenging year. Special Guest U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal, representing the 24th Congressional District, will be joined by Kylie Wagner from Kiss the Ground who will serve as the Keynote Speaker, sharing her passion for regenerative agriculture.

There are a few fun surprises planned as well, including the chance to win prizes and experiences donated by our region’s Green Businesses. This is a great time to learn about the Green Business Program and to honor local businesses for going above and beyond requirements to be sustainable. More information on the event and link to register can be found here. Please contact Frances Gilliland, Program Director, at Coordinator@GreenBizSBC.org with any questions.

Pick up a “Pack of Newbies” at Goleta Valley Library

Now offering recently published books through Sidewalk Service

Readers who miss browsing the library’s “New Books” section are now able to enjoy hot-off-the-press new release titles every Friday and Saturday! Patrons with a Goleta Valley Library card can call, text, or visit the library in person during Sidewalk Service hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-4pm to pick up five books published during 2020-2021. Simply provide your last name and library card number, and pick one of the following categories:

Adult

  • Mystery
  • Fiction
  • Science Fiction

Teen

  • Fiction (Grades 7+)

Children

  • Board Books (Babies)
  • Picture Books (Pre-K)
  • Beginning Readers (Grades K-1)
  • In-Betweens (Grades 2-3)
  • Chapter Books (Grades 4-6)

Once you place your request, one of the friendly Goleta Valley Library team members will select five books at random in the category of your choice from our New Book shelves, check them out to your account, and bring your Pack of Newbies to the library entrance for contactless pick-up through Sidewalk Service.

This brand-new program, which launched on February 19th, is designed to increase access to this specific section of the library’s collection and help get books into the hands of readers across Goleta. The Pack of Newbies program expands upon the library’s existing borrowing services: pick-up of items reserved through the catalog and Grab-N-Go bags of paperbacks. Both of these services can be enjoyed during regular Sidewalk Service hours on Wednesdays-Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please note that a Goleta Valley Library card is required to place holds on items through the catalog and to check out a Pack of Newbies. Click here to sign up for an eCard, or stop by the library in person to register for a physical card during Sidewalk Service.

For more information on all of the library’s services, visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org or view the Events Calendar for upcoming virtual programs. You can also find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoletaValleyLibrary and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/c/GoletaandSantaYnezValleyLibraries.

K-8 Live Online Homework Help Now Available

Schedule a Free Virtual Session to Help Your Students Succeed!

Students are now able to schedule free, online one-on-one appointments with knowledgeable coaches to receive personalized help with their homework, all from the comfort and convenience of their homes!

Homework Help sessions are offered by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sessions are either 30 or 60 minutes long and can be scheduled through the online form on the Goleta Valley Library website Request Homework Help page. Once you schedule an appointment, a friendly library staff member will send a confirmation email containing your reservation details and a link to the secure meeting room for your session. Appointments are held using the free meeting platform GoToMeeting, which allows students to video chat with homework coaches directly and share their screen for an interactive learning experience.

During Homework Help sessions, students can get help with their homework assignments or receive general subject-specific practice to boost their skills in science, math, language arts and social studies. From assisting with math problems to looking over English essays, our coaches are happy to provide students with the support they need to complete their homework with success. Students can also learn to use the library’s free online homework help resources for additional research and learning, including BrainFuse HelpNow!, ProQuest Homework Central and Britannica School, which can be accessed through the library website anytime for around-the-clock academic support.

The library’s Homework Help coaches are caring volunteers who are excited to help our area youth, and many are community members with years of experience in education and working with children. All of our coaches have received training and background checks and are looking forward to helping students reach their goals.

A Goleta or Santa Ynez Valley Library card is not required to request a Homework Help appointment, although one is needed to use BrainFuse HelpNow! and ProQuest Homework Central. Click here to sign up for an eCard, or stop by the Goleta, Solvang, or Buellton libraries in person to register for a physical card during Sidewalk Service hours on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

If you would like to volunteer as a coach in the Homework Help program, please contact Goleta Valley Library Supervising Librarian Brent Field at bfield@cityofgoleta.org or (805) 690-5137 for details and to receive an application.

For more information on programs and events at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, view the online calendar at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

The Homework Help program is funded by the California Adult Education Program grant.

Goleta Police Offer Tips to Prevent Mail and Package Theft

With recent mail thefts occurring in our County, the Goleta Police would like to offer some tips to prevent package theft as well as theft of mail used for fraud. The mailbox at your house is often an easily accessible place for thieves to steal checks, credit cards, gift cards and information that can easily make you the victim of identity theft. Just like we take steps to help secure our homes and businesses, you can take steps to help foil mail theft. Here are some tips to help prevent mail theft:

  • Set up electronic billing. This avoids paying bills by checks that can be intercepted, altered and cashed. Many banks and companies offer automated services that can be set to a scheduled reoccurrence.
  • Consider going paperless. You can sign up for electronic statements so there is nothing in your mailbox for identity thieves to steal and use.
  • Consider using a post office box for all important mail. It is difficult for your mail to be compromised if it is secured and locked in a post office.
  • Opt-out of credit card offers by going to OptOutPrescreen.com where you can halt prescreened credit card and insurance offers.
  • Sign up for delivery notifications. The United States Postal Services offers a free service called Informed Delivery that gives you the ability to preview images of your mail and manage your incoming packages.
  • Install a locking mailbox. Most mail thefts are from unlocked, standard mailboxes. There are several locking mailbox options available at local hardware stores and more customized and decorative options found on-line. Make sure you get one that is Approved by the Postmaster General and have it properly installed at the correct height and accessibility for your mail carrier.
  • Mail thieves target groups or clusters of unlocked mailboxes. Consider getting together with your neighborhood to set up a locking group or cluster mailbox. This option will require coordination with your local Post Office.

Pictured: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Deputy sorting through stolen mail (Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department photo)

Carbajal Urges Protection of Monarch Butterflies

Rep. Salud Carbajal is taking action to help protect Monarch Butterflies which are historically an important part of our Goleta area.

Rep. Carbajal, Rep. Jimmy Panetta, and Sen. Jeff Merkley wrote to the Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressing concern with the recent decision to forego listing the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act and urging substantial investments in monarch conservation efforts so this crucial pollinator does not go extinct before protections are in place.

This monarch butterfly faces growing threats from the loss of milkweed and habitat, global climate change, and disease. The most recent population count for monarch butterflies shows a 99.9% decline in population for monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains, which overwinter in California. Just two decades ago, roughly 1.2 million monarchs overwintered in California. This year, that number is down to 1,914. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service itself estimates that there is a 96-100% probability that the population of western monarch butterflies will collapse within 50 years. On December 17, 2020 the Service announced that listing the monarch as endangered or threatened was warranted but was precluded by higher priority species. This decision effectively puts the monarch butterfly on a waiting list but denies the species immediate protection. Some species have been on the waiting list for decades and, in fact, 47 species have gone extinct while waiting for their protection to be finalized.

“If the monarch’s precipitous decline continues, the Service must make prompt use of its emergency listing procedure to ensure its survival,” the lawmakers wrote. “To ensure the monarch does not become the 48th species to go extinct while on the candidate list, we urge the Service to make substantial investments in bold conservation actions that not only prevent the butterfly from further decline but also ensure long-term population stability.”

The letter garnered support from 43 conservation organizations, including the Center for Biological Diversity.

“We’re so grateful for the leadership of Reps. Carbajal and Panetta and Senator Merkley, who recognize that time is running out for America’s most iconic butterfly,” said Stephanie Kurose, a senior policy specialist with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Monarchs can no longer afford inaction. Without emergency help, these beautiful orange and black butterflies are on a sure path toward extinction. We need to be doing everything we can to save them and fight the extinction crisis. This letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes that urgency.”

Full text of the letter can be found here.

Rep. Salud Carbajal represents California’s 24th congressional district, encompassing Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and part of Ventura County.

The Green Room: Beach-Going the Green Way

Did you know that we cleaned up 3,888 lbs. of trash in total for our County during Coastal Cleanup Month last September? While that is impressive, there is still more to be done – please continue to help keep our beaches clean.

You may have heard about “Pack it in, Pack it out” or “Leave No Trace” principles. Although rooted in backcountry camping, we can still apply the Leave No Trace principles to our favorite environment: the beach!

By taking care of our beaches we help the health of our oceans, marine life, promote positive tourism, and sustain a clean and safe environment for all to enjoy.

Here are some tips to enjoy an eco-friendly Leave No Trace beach day:

  1. Clean up any trash on the beach or in the water – bring a reusable bag or bucket. You can even decorate your trash bucket with fun stickers and inspire people around you to do the same! If we all made a small effort and picked up a few pieces of litter, we truly could make the beach and the ocean a cleaner place.
  2. Remember to clean up your trash too and “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” what you can. Recycle the cans and glass bottles that you do use.
  3. Pack it in, pack it out. Even though we have waste bins for your use, please use them as a last resort. Trash can blow out of waste bins and make its way into the ocean.
  4. Bring your own eco-friendly water bottle or tumbler to the beach. Plastic water bottles and bottle caps are ranked as the second and third most collected items on our beaches. What’s a possible solution? Bring your own eco-friendly water bottle or tumbler! Not only is this solution easy, it is also economical.
  5. Pack lunch in reusable containers. Choose reusable utensils, as well as sandwich and snack bags, and ditch the plastic straws, utensils and bags. Pack items in a cooler, insulated lunch bag, or use reusable grocery bags.
  6. The sand is not an ash tray – Cigarette butts are the number 1 piece of trash picked up from our beaches. Ensure cigarette ash and butts go in the trash and don’t end up in our oceans.
  7. Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints.

Thank you for doing your part to protect our beaches.

Electric Vehicle Rebates and Incentives

With new technology, infrastructure, rebates, and incentives, purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle (EV) is more affordable and easier than ever before.  EVs are a great solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment! The transportation sector currently accounts for about 40% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Santa Barbara County and 50% of GHG emissions in California. In an effort to combat this issue Governor Newsom has adopted an executive order stating that by 2035 all new vehicles sold in California must be Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). As we continue to combat climate change and transition from fossil fuels, one way residents can get involved is by switching to an EV. 

Why Get an Electric Vehicle?

Cost savings – The average American spends about $2,000 on gas each year, while the average fuel savings of an EV owner is approximately $1,500 each year. EVs also have lower maintenance costs, as they don’t require oil and filter changes.

Technology development – As consumer demand increases, automakers have begun to offer more models and options resulting in lower EV costs. There are now over 40 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on the market in California and over 95,000 public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) ports in the United States, with numbers continuing to rapidly grow as technology develops.

Environment – Fossil fuel cars create smog and pollute the air we breathe. Driving an EV is a great way to lower your carbon footprint, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and keep our air clean.

Can I Afford It?

Many California organizations have partnered to offer incentives with the goal of making clean vehicles accessible and affordable to all California residents. Record-low lease pricing, rebates and incentives can be combined to get new or used EVs for low or no cost, depending on the income of the driver.

California Clean Vehicle Assistance Program – California Climate Investments provides grants and affordable financing to help income-qualified Californians purchase or lease a new or used hybrid or electric vehicle.

California Clean Vehicle Rebate Program – California residents can get up to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of a new, eligible zero-emission or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

California Clean Fuel Reward – The California Air Resources Board, in partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE), offers up to $1,500 off the purchase or lease of an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Federal Tax Credit – U.S. taxpayers can qualify for up to $7,500 as a credit on next year’s taxes with the purchase of an eligible battery electric vehicle.

Consumer Assistance Program – The Bureau of Automotive Repair offers eligible consumers vehicle retirement options of either $1,500 or $1,000 to retire or replace an older, high-polluting vehicle to help improve air quality.

Old Car Buyback Program – The Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District offers a similar incentive designed to take older vehicles off the road. The District will pay $1,000 for your older vehicle if it meets the program requirements.

SCE Nissan Leaf Deal – Nissan is offering SCE customers up to $6,000 cash back on a 2020 Nissan Leaf or Leaf Plus and up to $3,000 on 2021 models.

For more information on qualifying for these incentives please read here or watch videos here.