Daily Archives: April 2, 2021

Parks and Recreation Corner

The City of Goleta’s Parks and Recreation Division has many updates to share with the community.

  • Name the Monarch Contest: Thank you everyone who submitted a name for our new, custom-made, climbable Monarch Butterfly that will be installed this summer at Berkeley Park behind Kellogg School! We received some great names and can’t wait to find out which one City Council chooses. The Parks & Recreation Commission will narrow down the entries at their April 7 meeting, selecting two – five finalists to be shared with the City’s Naming Standing Committee. The Committee will then make a final recommendation to the City Council.
  • New Playground Equipment: Four neighborhood parks in Goleta will be getting new play or fitness equipment this summer. The bid process for the construction and installation of the equipment just closed; City staff will review the bids and take a recommendation to City Council to award the contract so that construction may begin. This is an exciting time as many residents are looking forward to these new improvements. More information is available here.
  • Evergreen Park/Pickleball: The Parks and Recreation Commission will review a recommendation to consolidate the existing projects at Evergreen Park as one larger project at their upcoming April 7 meeting. This includes the field renovation, restroom installation, and more. The Commission will also hear a recommendation to consider the idea of expanding pickleball playing opportunities in Goleta.
  • Stow Grove Park Survey: At the end of 2020, more than 750+ people took our Stow Grove Park Multi-Purpose Field Renovation survey. At the upcoming April 6, 2021, City Council meeting, Council will receive a presentation on the survey results and consider a recommendation to expand the scope of work for the design of the Stow Grove Multi-Purpose Field to include conceptual modifications for the entire park.

Tune in to the April 7 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to learn more. View the agenda here: https://tinyurl.com/ys5edr2t. Keep up to date on our busy Parks and Recreation Division by signing up for updates here.

Pictured: Climbable Monarch Butterfly to be installed at Berkeley Park

Provide Your Input on Goleta’s Housing and Public Service Needs

The City of Goleta has been awarded $230,558 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the upcoming 2021-2022 Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) program year. The programs and activities being carried out with the annual funding are included in the City’s 2021-2022 CDBG Action Plan. The City is conducting a 30-day public review period from April 2 – May 3, 2021, where the community can review the draft Action Plan available here on the City website and provide input. The final Action Plan will be considered by the City Council at its May 4, 2021, meeting, and will be submitted to HUD by the annual May 15 deadline.

Claudia Dato, Neighborhood Services & Public Safety Senior Project Manager said, “The City is very pleased to be an ongoing recipient of CDBG funding which allows us to provide important services to our low-income population. Among the awards for the coming year is a grant to provide essential medical and dental services to low-income residents and the homeless at the Goleta Neighborhood Clinic on Calle Real and the Goleta Dental Clinic on Kinman Avenue, both operated by Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics.”

The City is grateful to have been a HUD award recipient since 2004. These grant funds are intended to help communities accomplish HUD’s overall goals by carrying out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, engaging in economic development, and providing important services of benefit to low-income residents, seniors, disabled individuals, and the homeless, in addition to other targeted populations. The CDBG program is principally targeted toward assisting low- and moderate-income persons.

Each year the City prepares an Action Plan that includes one-year goals and objectives, and funding allocations for activities to be carried out in the coming program year. The City of Goleta predominantly relies on nonprofit organizations to help carry out the goals of its CDBG Program. To allow for this, the City awards grant funds on a competitive basis to organizations that are considered grant subrecipients under the City’s CDBG Program.

Community participation is at the forefront of the City’s housing and neighborhood services strategies, planning, and implementation. The CDBG program requires that community members, particularly persons of low- and moderate-income, minorities, and persons with disabilities, be given an opportunity to participate in an advisory role in the planning and implementation of the CDBG program.

Please visit www.cityofgoleta.org/i-want-to/apply-for/grants to review the draft Action Plan during the 30-day public review period (April 2 – May 3, 2021). The public is encouraged to share any comments and input with Senior Project Manager Claudia Dato at cdato@cityofgoleta.org or 805-961-7558.

 Pictures courtesy of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics

Final Homelessness Strategic Plan to be Presented to Council

Plan Now Available for Public Review on City Website

The City of Goleta is one step closer to adopting its first-ever Homelessness Strategic Plan (Plan). The Final Plan was recently reviewed by the Homelessness Issues Standing Committee and will be considered for adoption by the Goleta City Council at the April 20, 2021, meeting. The Plan is now available for review here. Once adopted, the document will help guide and coordinate efforts to prevent and address homelessness within the City of Goleta, and particularly, funding decisions related to homelessness initiatives and grants for non-profit service providers that focus on the homeless.

“We are very pleased to be able to share the City’s Final Homelessness Strategic Plan with the public,” said City of Goleta Neighborhood Services Interim Director Jaime Valdez. He added, “This is the culmination of a two-year effort during which City staff has collaborated with multiple local stakeholders and sought out public input through workshops and a community survey. This Plan will provide the City Council with important guidance going forward as they make difficult funding decisions about homelessness initiatives.”

Community input has been an essential part of the development of the Plan. The City has held numerous public meetings and released a survey to hear directly from those with input on homelessness in our region, as well as people experiencing homelessness. Staff also held stakeholder meetings, best practices discussions with communities nationwide, and a Community Open House and information session.

City Council and staff believe having a strategic plan will provide important direction and clarity around needs, service gaps, and priorities in order to make effective and strategic funding decisions that serve both the existing homeless population, as well as those at risk of becoming homeless. We are grateful for the public’s input and interest in this important effort.

Learn more and review the Final Plan at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaHomelessnessPlan.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

New Project Noticing Plan Launches – Look for Postcard!

Be on the lookout for a letter and pre-paid postcard from the City of Goleta coming to your mailbox later this month! Residents and businesses in Goleta will be receiving a letter in the mail about the City’s new Project Noticing Plan that includes a pre-paid postcard to return for those who want to receive notices directly about large projects via email/text or in the mail.

The City of Goleta wants to make sure you are aware of projects occurring within the City and that you have an opportunity to be a part of the consideration process. At the same time, we are mindful that many of our community members would prefer to receive notices via on-line methods rather than by mail.

Previously, for larger projects where the number of property owners/tenants that needed to be noticed about proposed zoning permits and hearings was greater than 1,000, the City placed a notice in the newspaper instead of mailing notices.  In an effort to improve noticing in a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way and to ensure that we are reaching our community in the many different ways they receive information, the City is launching its new Project Noticing Plan.

For larger projects that impact more than 1,000 property owners/tenants and other projects likely to lead to significant community interest, the City will send out the information via text and e-mail to our GovDelivery subscribers and will post the information on our website, social media (Facebook and Twitter) and on Nextdoor. For those who prefer, we will also mail notices. This will be in addition to the noticing in the newspaper.

If you would like to receive notices directly about large projects, please fill out and return the enclosed card as soon as you receive it.

  • To receive Project Notices for large projects directly via email and/or text in English or Spanish; or
  • To receive Project Notices for large projects via U.S. mail (Note: everyone will still receive mailed notices for smaller projects in their neighborhoods, as required by State law).

The City will be reaching out every two years to check your preference for Project Notices. For any questions, or to be added to the mailing list at any time, please contact PIO@cityofgoleta.org. We encourage you to stay connected with us on our outreach platforms to be informed about all that is happening in our City. 

Ways to Stay Connected

New and Improved Pedestrian Crosswalks Ready for Use in Goleta

Drivers and pedestrians will notice improvements at two intersections in Goleta this month. The City recently completed construction of the pedestrian crosswalk improvements on Hollister Avenue and Calle Real including installing a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB’s) system at Hollister Avenue and Chapel Street and a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) system at Calle Real and Kingston Avenue. The RRFB and PHB systems will provide an additional visual cue to alert motorists when a pedestrian intends to cross the street.

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
The project’s first location included pedestrian activated RRFB’s at the Hollister Avenue and Chapel Street intersection. The three-way intersection had an existing striped crosswalk without any stop controls. The crosswalk serves Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital on the south side connecting them with businesses and residences on the north side of Hollister Avenue. The City extended the curb slightly to align the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramp with the new crosswalk striping. The RRFB’s are a federally approved Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) signal for pedestrian-actuated crosswalk enhancements. The RRFBs use rectangular-shaped high-intensity light-emitting-diode (LED)-based flash indicators in a randomized pattern to alert motorists of a pedestrian’s intent to use the crosswalk. The RRFBs patterns have shown increased driver yielding behavior compared to no stop controls or the standard circular yellow flashing warning beacons, thereby increasing pedestrian safety. The intersection improvements also included new striping, signage, crosswalk lighting, and ADA ramps.

Pictured: Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Hollister Avenue and Chapel Street

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon
The City constructed a PHB [formerly known as a High Intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK)] system on mast arms over the Calle Real travel lanes at Kingston Avenue. The PHB system replaced the previous old style yellow flashing beacons at this three-way intersection. The PHB system is a hybrid of a flashing beacon and a traffic signal and is another federally approved MUTCD signal for pedestrian-actuated crosswalk enhancements. The PHB includes a signal face suspended above the roadway that has two red lenses above a single yellow lens. The system remains dark until pedestrian-activated. When activated, the signal flashes yellow, and then a steady yellow, followed by a steady red, and finally alternate flashing red lights. The primary benefit is the requirement for all vehicles to stop for the red light. Vehicles may proceed when the red light is flashing and it is safe to do so. The City installed new signs indicating to motorists how the PHB system lights works. The figure below shows the newly installed signs.

Per the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Vehicle Code, a flashing red traffic signal light means “STOP.” After stopping, you may proceed when it is safe to do so, observing the right-of-way rules. Here are some step-by-step instructions showing how to drive through a PHB signal.

The intersection improvements also included new striping, signage, crosswalk lighting, and ADA ramps.

Pictured: Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) system at Calle Real and Kingston Avenue

The City thanks the contractor, Lee Wilson Electric Co., and the construction management team, MNS Engineers, who oversaw and inspected the construction activities. The City and City’s construction management team worked diligently engaging the utilities – Southern California Edison (SCE), Frontier Communications, Cox Communications, and Crown Castle Communications – to relocate their facilities in a timely manner. The project was completed on time and under budget. 

“We are excited the crosswalk improvements are constructed at these two intersections. We submitted and received the HSIP grant based on the safety improvements recommended at these two locations. The pedestrian improvements will benefit all users,” City of Goleta Senior Project Engineer James Winslow said. “The Public Works Department appreciates the community’s initial input during the design phase and their continued patience during construction activities as we implement these crosswalk enhancements.”

The Public Works Department secured a federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant for $237,780 with additional funding from the local Measure A sales tax for approximately $300,000 and General Fund of approximately $100,000.

Additional project information can be found on our City website at https://tinyurl.com/y427nybt.

 

 

City of Goleta Launches Online Public Portal for Permits and Licenses

Have you checked out the City’s new online portal system? For the first time ever, you can now apply for and track permits and licenses online using the City of Goleta’s new Magnet Permit Tracking System Public Portal. The City launched the new user-friendly, intuitive Public Portal in mid-March, and whether you are a resident, business owner, permit applicant or just curious, we encourage you to check it out live on the City website or access it directly at https://goleta.onlinegovt.com/.  

With the City’s new online Public Portal system, you can:

  • Apply for a Planning Permit
  • Apply for a Building & Safety Permit
  • Apply for a Public Work Permit
  • Apply for a Business License
  • Renew a Business License
  • Check Case Status
  • Obtain Permit Records for a Parcel
  • Request an Inspection
  • Look at Mapping Information
  • Report an Issue

The streamlined system is designed to be a one-stop location to make existing permit records available to the public, allow permit applications to be made online, and make it easy for the community to track the status of an application or a development project.

Staff presented the new system to City Council at the March 16, 2021 meeting. View the staff report and presentation here: https://tinyurl.com/3dsvhvf3.

Click here to try the new Public Portal system.

COVID-19 Financial Assistance for Businesses

We know businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19, and wanted to make sure you were aware of the following loans/grants:

ReStart Loans Still Available for Goleta-Based Businesses

Goleta-based businesses are encouraged to apply for ReStart Loans up $25,000 each to provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Goleta contributed $200,000 to support the small business loan program administered by Women’s Economic Venture (WEV). Goleta ReStart Loans are available to help Goleta-based businesses reopen and adapt to operating under proper public health guidelines due to COVID-19.

Loan applications are still being accepted and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until loan funds have been depleted. The application and additional information, including eligibility, is available at www.wevonline.org/loans-2/restart/. Haga clic aquí para obtener información en español.

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Opens April 8, 2021

The Shuttered Venue Operator Grant (SVOG), administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance, offers grants for live venue operators, performing arts organizations, motion picture theater operators, cultural institutions and other eligible applicants. SVOG funding does not need to be repaid and can be used for specific expenses, such as payroll, rent, utilities and other costs. The program is set to open on Thursday, April 8th, 2021!

The U.S. Small Business Administration has created a portal to help eligible candidates apply for the Shuttered Venue Operations Grant when it opens. CLICK HERE to access the portal and sign-up to be informed when the application opens.

To learn more about this program including grant amounts, eligibility criteria, eligible funding uses and prioritization of awards CLICK HERE.

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The restaurant industry, more than any other industry in the nation, has suffered the most significant sales and job losses since the COVID-19 outbreak began. The new American Rescue Plan Act established a $28.6 billion “Restaurant Revitalization Fund” (RRF) within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

For more information on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund visit RestaurantsAct.com and review the Fund Fact Sheet HERE.

COVID-19 Rental Assistance

Those suffering a financial hardship due to COVID-19 have a few options to help with rent expenses.

Emergency Rental Assistance from City of Goleta

The City of Goleta is providing rental assistance funds through the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara County, to qualified City of Goleta residents financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g. job loss, reduction in wages, etc.). Upon application approval, applicants may receive up to $5,000 or up to 3 months of current and/or past-due rental expenses, whichever is less. Once approved, assistance payments to applicants will be paid directly to landlords.

ELIGIBILITY / DOCUMENTATION

  • Must provide proof of residency in the City of Goleta
  • Household income must be 80% or below the area median income (AMI)
  • Must demonstrate loss of income related to COVID-19, with eligibility starting last year on March 13, 2020, and must provide:
    • Documentation of past 2 months of income for the entire household
    • Proof of lease or rental agreement

Additional documentation may be required during the review process. To apply, go to https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/SANTABARBARACOUNTYCA/participant. The application is also available in Spanish.

If you need assistance or have questions, contact the Housing Authority at 805-735-8351 or email Questions@hasbarco.org.

Rental and Utility Assistance from Santa Barbara County

There is still time to apply for the County of Santa Barbara’s Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance program. The County has allocated more than $13 million towards this program through the United Way of Santa Barbara County to eligible County of Santa Barbara residents that have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and can demonstrate the need for support. This Emergency Rent Assistance Program is intended to prevent homelessness by providing rent and utility assistance to residents.

Qualifying households may apply for a three (3) month subsidy of:

  • Rent assistance up to $6,000 to be paid directly to the owners or managers of the rental units on behalf of all tenants in the applicant’s household.
  • Utility assistance to be paid directly to the utility company on behalf of the applicant.

If awarded, qualifying households will also be eligible to thereafter re-apply for an additional three (3) months of assistance, up to a total of 15 months.

There are strict eligibility requirements for this funding opportunity, please review at https://www.unitedwaysb.org/rent.   

Click here to complete the application (also available in Spanish here). The application process will be open until all funds are expended or by December 30, 2021, whichever is first. For assistance, please call (805) 965-8591 or email info@unitedwaysb.org.

The California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program

If you’re an income eligible renter who has experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and have past due rent, or you’re a landlord who has experienced a loss in income because of unpaid rent, you may be eligible to get financial assistance now through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

The program is not first come first served, rather priority will be given to those households with the greatest risk of being evicted.

Who Can Apply?:

  • This program applies to residential landlords and renters.
  • Landlords who have income-eligible renters experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19 with past due rent. Review full eligibility requirements HERE.
  • Renters who have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19, have past due rent or utilities, and have a household income that is not more than 80% of the area median income. Review full eligibility requirements HERE.

Learn more at HousingIsKey.com or call 833.430.2122.

Community Partners in Caring Launches mission::vaccinate

County-wide free rides literally give seniors a shot-in-the-arm

Nonprofit organization Community Partners in Caring has launched mission::vaccinate to provide free rides to get those in need aged 62+ to their vaccination appointments. Younger riders over 18 considered “at risk” may qualify as well if mobility is restricted by a chronic illness or disability. This program will be available through May 31, 2021, or when funds are exhausted.

If you qualify and need a free ride to your vaccine appointment, call 805-925-8000 or visit https://partnersincaring.org/missionvaccinate/. Two-day advance notice is required and vaccination locations must be within 10 miles of the senior. Drivers and passengers must wear a face mask and follow COVID safety protocols at all times.

Community Partners in Caring is also actively recruiting new mission::vaccinate volunteer drivers to provide these life-saving rides to seniors. New volunteers go through an onboarding and orientation process that takes one to two weeks and includes COVID-19 safety protocols and sanitation supplies/training. Learn more at https://partnersincaring.org/missionvaccinate/ or contact Community Partners in Caring at volunteer@partnersincaring.org or 805-925-8000

In addition to launching mission::vaccinate, Community Partners in Caring’s volunteers also offer an array of other free helpful programs to area seniors, including grocery pick-up/delivery, free food delivery, senior programming enrollment, rides to medical appointments, yard work, and “friendly calls” to break up the day and reduce isolation. Tax-deductible donations to support this important work can be made by mail or directly through their website.

#reCOVERgoleta

As you know, Santa Barbara County moved from the state’s purple tier to the less restrictive red tier in mid-March. This allowed children to return to school and businesses to re-open with modifications. For information about changes for businesses in the red tier, visit the public health website at www.publichealthsbc.org/red-tier-2021/. Thank you to everyone for doing your part to help #reCOVERgoleta. As you drive around town, you will notice the City’s updated #reCOVERgoleta signs reminding the community of important things we can continue do to help stop the spread of COVID-19: wear a face covering (which are required outside the home), watch your distance, and get vaccinated. Following these three easy steps can help us get to the next tier.

Please help us spread the word by printing and hanging our #reCOVERgoleta sign and sharing on social media with the hashtag #reCOVERgoleta. Download an image to share here.

While we know you have probably heard these tips many times before, we want to remind everyone about some important guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Avoid social gatherings and close contact with people not from your household.
  • Put distance of at least six feet between yourself and other people not from your household.
  • Clean your hands often, either with soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Everyone must wear a cloth face cover that covers their nose and mouth when they go out in public.
    • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
    • Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of six feet.
  • Call your doctor if you have symptoms of COVID-19 – Be sure to call your doctor before going to their office.

For information on COVID-19, please visit the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department website at https://publichealthsbc.org/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Pictured: #reCOVERgoleta sign in front of City Hall