Daily Archives: June 2, 2022

Goleta Participates in Internet Needs Forum

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte alongside several community leaders and stakeholders underscored the importance of broadband access during a Broadband Community Forum in May at the City Council Chambers.

The community forum featured opening remarks from Mayor Perotte, and panelists included Danny Fitzgibbons, Founder, Equalitech; Lori Lander Goodman, Executive Director for Isla Vista Youth Projects; Mark Ingalls, General & Property Manager, Camino Real Marketplace; Kristen Miller, President and CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce; David Penn, Encina Royale Retirement Community resident; Conrad Tedeschi, Assistant Superintendent of Fiscal Services, Goleta Union School District; and Nancy Tillie, COO/CFO of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics.

“The COVID-19 pandemic really highlighted how many people do not have access to fast, reliable and affordable internet,” Mayor Paula Perotte said in her opening remarks “this countywide effort will aim to bring high-speed Internet access to all homes, schools, libraries, businesses, in Goleta.”

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, working with the Broadband Consortium Pacific Coast, EconAlliance, REACH, regional economic development organizations, cities, the County and others, is developing a countywide broadband strategic plan in 2022 to help cities better understand the broadband internet needs such as speed and affordability for residents and businesses.

The forum provided the opportunity to discuss the challenges many locals face to stay connected in order to meet day-to-day needs from everything to a child’s school experience to running a business or using lifesaving medical devices.

Much of the discussion centered around common themes being heard countywide such as digital literacy, access to devices and basic infrastructure for reliability and innovation. Participants discussed the role of libraries for digital literacy and the feasibility to connect Goleta Union Elementary schools through a network of fiber to provide secure and reliable internet access.

“When the internet goes out or is unreliable it can cause crisis for parents and staff trying to communicate with the families we all serve” said Lori Lander Goodman of Isla Vista Youth Projects.

Others also talked about the reliability for health care services, “When the internet is slow, all of our work to support meetings comes to a screeching halt,” said Nancy Tillie, COO/CFO Neighborhood Clinics. “We want all of our patients to have better internet access for telehealth because we know that health care access is made better when you can remove the barrier of transportation.”

In Goleta, Mayor Perotte has been a strong advocate for closing the digital divide and providing all members of the community with reliable and affordable internet access that “helps students, individuals, businesses and start-ups, even local government become more effective and productive.”

“Adults have learned to cope without digital literacy” said Conrad Tedeschi, of the Goleta Union School District. “They can cope, but now we know how that it will be helpful to their quality of life. Without digital literacy, these adults are excluded from a lot of things in our community.”

In 2021, SBCAG along with the cities of Goleta, Buellton, Carpinteria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Solvang, County of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians began working on the countywide plan largely in response to Governor Newsom’s Broadband for All initiative launched that same year to advance the State’s commitment to bring affordable access to high-speed internet service across California.

Those unable to attend an in-person forum are encouraged to self-report their internet needs and take a speed test on a personal computer or laptop at home, work, or wherever they connect by July 1 (extended date) at www.sbcag.org/broadband. The Broadband survey and speed test is available in English and Spanish.

Individuals can also identify areas with low or no service, or where access to the internet is unaffordable within this test. Those without internet access can call SBCAG at 1-805-961-8902 to report why they do not have internet access.

The Broadband Strategic Plan team will present an update on their efforts to the Goleta City Council at a future meeting and release a draft of the plan in early fall with the expectation to finalize the plan by the end of 2022. Those interested in staying information can sign up for news updates at www.sbcag.org/broadband.

Broadband Community Forum Panel; pictured left-to-right: Nancy Tillie (Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics), Lori Lander Goodman, (Isla Vista Youth Projects), Danny Fitzgibbons (Equalitech), Kristen Miller (Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce), Mark Ingalls (Camino Real Marketplace), David Penn (Encina Royale Retirement Community) Conrad Tedeschi (Goleta Union School District), Joan Hartmann (3rd District Supervisor) and Maria Kelly (Broadband Consortium Pacific Coast)

Public Invited to Provide Input on City’s Website Refresh Project

Join the Discussion at our Virtual Public Engagement Commission Meeting on June 15

The City of Goleta is in the process of refreshing its main website (www.CityofGoleta.org) and Library website (www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org). Staff has been working behind the scenes for the past year with our website vendor Granicus as part of a website credit and is excited to show the Public Engagement Commission (PEC) and the community what progress has been made. We hope you will join us for the virtual PEC meeting on Wednesday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m. to see the updated sites under construction and to provide input on what you would like to see included/highlighted before we go live.

Information on how to participate can be found in the agenda which will be posted at www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings at least 72 hours before the meeting. Written comments may be submitted prior to the meeting by e-mailing the PEC Recording Secretary, Jaime Shaw, at jshaw@cityofgoleta.org. Written comments will be distributed to the Public Engagement Commission and published with the agenda item on the City’s Meeting and Agenda page. Community members can also watch the meeting live by going to www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings or Goleta TV Channel 19.

Due to rapidly changing technology, city websites typically need to be updated every five years. The last time the City’s website was revamped was seven years ago in May of 2015. The City is pleased to be closer to having a refreshed website that is easier for our users to navigate, more accessible, and mobile-friendly. Once it is complete, it will offer a much better experience for website users whether they are accessing the website via a desktop, cell phone, or tablet.

We look forward to your input. For more information on the website refresh project, view the staff report in advance of the meeting. For questions, please contact Kelly Hoover at pio@cityofgoleta.org.

Thank You Public Works

We appreciate our Goleta Public Works Department so much and are pleased for any opportunity to recognize the great work this team does. May was 15 – 21 was National Public Works Week and the City of Goleta took the opportunity to express its sincere and heartfelt appreciation for our hard-working and dedicated Public Works Department. The Goleta City Council recognized our stand-out Public Works Team with a Proclamation at its May 17, 2022, meeting. (Pictured: Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling holding the Public Works Week Proclamation at the meeting. Standing behind left-to-right: Councilmember Roger Aceves, Councilmember James Kyriaco, Mayor Paula Perotte, and Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin.)

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Thanks to our incredible Goleta Public Works Team who provide the Goleta community with essential services. We truly appreciate your dedication to the work that you do and your continued ability to adjust during the pandemic.”

Goleta Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling accepted the Proclamation on behalf of his team. He said, “Public Works staff is incredible. We have an amazing team that has worked very hard this last year to deliver projects and services to the residents and visitors of the City of Goleta. This year’s Public Works Week theme of “Ready & Resilient” couldn’t be more fitting. Our staff is remarkably responsive to the needs and requests of the community, and they’ve continued to persevere through many challenges. I appreciate this opportunity to recognize staff for their commitment to their work and for their many accomplishments throughout the year.”

The Goleta Public Works Department is responsible for so many aspects of our daily life, including the City’s infrastructure, street maintenance, parks and open spaces, storm water management, solid waste and environmental services, and engineering. Over the past year, the Public Works Department has added four new staff members and is looking to fill several positions to help continue to provide key services and implement important programs and projects in our City. Learn more about the Public Works Department here and view available job openings at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/goletaca.

The Public Works Department has had many achievements over the past year, including the following:

  • Continued paving projects for various citywide roadways including segments of Cathedral Oaks Road.
  • Replaced approximately 1,400 old streetlights with new energy efficient LED lights making it better for the environment, providing clearer lighting, and saving the City money.
  • Installed four Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and two Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons throughout the City.
  • Launched a City-wide Edible Food Recovery Program and Commercial Food Scraps Recycling Program.
  • Completed construction of the Dearborn/Armitos ADA Improvements Project.

Upcoming Public Works projects include:

  • Continued implementation of the Ellwood Monarch Butterfly Management Plan.
  • New programs for Solid Waste Reduction.
  • Continued implementation of the Creek and Watershed Management Program.
  • Hollister Avenue Interim Striping Project will improve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety in the corridor, and increase outdoor business and dining space.
  • Hollister Avenue Bridge Project will replace the existing bridge and complete the channel widening south of the bridge thereby allowing greater flood water conveyance capacity.
  • Ekwill and Fowler Road Extensions Project will construct major improvements which will greatly enhance circulation in Old Town for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
  • Design for the 20-million-dollar San Jose Creek Bike Path Project.
  • Develop a Safe Routes to School Program.

Even though Public Works Week is over, we can still celebrate our Goleta Public Works Team. Feel free to send a note to PIO@cityofgoleta.org and we will pass it along. We know your messages will put a smile on their faces!


City of Goleta Public Works Maintenance Crew

Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping Project Public Hearing on June 7

Council to Consider Several Options and Wants Your Input

The Goleta City Council will hold a public hearing on the Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping Project at its upcoming meeting on June 7 at 5:30 p.m. We hope you will join us for this important update on the future of this much-anticipated project which aims to create safe, convenient, and comfortable travel and access along Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta. The Council has several options to consider and appreciates your input.

The Interim Striping Project includes implementing parking and multi-modal improvements envisioned in the Hollister Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Plan Project, using low-cost materials (e.g., striping). These striping plans would reduce Hollister Avenue from four to two lanes to allow for improved bike lane and pedestrian movements, while enhancing parking.

The Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping Project came about due to the long timeline and lack of funding needed to construct the Hollister Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Project. When completed, the Hollister Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Project will enhance safety, access and mobility for all users (pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders) on Hollister Avenue between Fairview Avenue and State Route 217.

Since the approval of the CIP project in January 2021, staff has evaluated the two alternatives in the Hollister Avenue Completes Streets Corridor Plan Project as well as a third alternative that adds diagonal parking in the center of Hollister Avenue. Staff is working with a consultant on project conceptual design, environmental review, final design, and construction oversight.

At the public hearing, staff will present the three alternatives to the City Council and are recommending Alternative 3. Pending City Council direction to continue with final design, the project could be ready to construct by the end of 2022.

Community members interested in this item are encouraged to provide public comments during the public hearing in person or virtually through the Zoom webinar, by following the instructions listed on the City Council meeting agenda, available at www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings. Written comments may be submitted prior to the hearing by e-mailing the City Clerk at CityClerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org. Written comments will be distributed to Council and published with the staff report on the City’s Meeting and Agenda page.

The meeting can be viewed in City Council Chambers at Goleta City Hall located at 130 Cremona Drive, via Zoom (link included in the agenda), live on Goleta TV Channel 19, or live on our website at www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings. If you miss the meeting, it is rebroadcast on Channel 19 Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and is available to watch at any time on the City website.

Pictured: Aerial photo of Hollister Avenue in Old Town

Save-the-Date for the Dam Dinner

One of Goleta’s favorite events is back! We are so excited for the return of the Annual Goleta Dam Dinner on Saturday, August 20th! It’s been three long years since we were last able to hold this event, and we hope you will mark your calendars and join us at Lake Los Carneros Dam from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. for this low-key, yet incredibly special Goleta gathering.

This free community event offers live music in a beautiful outdoor setting while getting to enjoy dinner with friends and neighbors. You can bring your own picnic dinner or purchase dinner from a local food truck. Wine, beer and lemonade will be for sale. Attendees can also purchase a Dam Dinner t-shirt along with the City’s 20-Year merchandise (t-shirts, hats, totes and mugs).

The City of Goleta is putting on this event with the Goleta Valley Historical Society. Get ready for the best dam dinner you have ever had! 

High Fire Season is Here

We live in an area where there is always a concern for fire danger but now that its officially High Fire Season there is an even more urgent need to be fire ready. Please be sure you are signed up for alerts from Santa Barbara County (https://readysbc.org/) and the City of Goleta (https://tinyurl.com/GoletaEmergency).

Just in May our area had three fires that had the potential to be disastrous.  The La Patera Fire broke out on May 8, the Tajiguas Landfill Fire on May 12, and the Glen Fire on May 14. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our amazing firefighters whose swift actions quickly stopped the forward progress of the fires and kept our community safe. Aiding in its efforts was the County’s new, state of the art FireHawk helicopter. This helicopter has the capacity to carry 1,000 gallons of water — three times the amount of water held by the other helicopters in the County’s fleet. Additionally, the FireHawk is able to stay in the air for extended periods of time.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD) along with allied agencies held a press conference on May 20 to announce the official beginning of High Fire Season. During this time, all burn permits issued for residential burning and hazard reduction will be suspended. In addition, the SBCFD will be increasing the number of resources (e.g., engines, dozers, crews, helicopters, etc.) responding to reported vegetation fires.

According SBCFD, the 2021/22 rainy season yielded 65% of our normal rainfall which has resulted in significantly drier fuels. Combined with dry seasonal grasses for this time of year, this poses a significant risk for ignition and growth of a vegetation fire.

SBCFD reminds the public to maintain vegetation clearance around structures, review and be familiar with your “Ready! Set! Go!” wildfire action plan and be extra cautious and aware when traveling or staying in the wildland areas of the county.

The SBCFD has begun conducting defensible space inspections. A minimum of 100 feet of defensible space is required around your home in Santa Barbara County. Engine companies will perform inspections and provide homeowners with educational material on how to comply. With the year-round threat of wildfire, the defensible space requirement is enforced at all times in Santa Barbara County. Non-compliant homeowners are subject to be cited.

The SBCFD reminds people that defensible space is the area around a structure, free of flammable plants and objects, that creates a zone in which firefighters can operate safely in order to help protect a home during a wildfire. This space is wide enough to prevent direct flame impingement and reduce the amount of radiant heat reaching the structure. The defensible space for each structure varies and depends on the type of vegetation and topography. Maintaining this defensible space is critical.

Maintaining defensible space is critical in stopping a wildfire from destroying your home. Defensible space is part of every homeowner’s responsibility.

Learn more at SBCFire.com.

Pictured: FireHawk helicopter courtesy of Mike Eliason

Thank You CERT Business Ambassadors

Goleta’s CERT Team logged more than 300 hours during the pandemic acting as Business Ambassadors to help with changing guidelines. They were honored for the service they provided to our community at the May 17 City Council meeting.

Watch this short video of the CERT Business Ambassadors in action: https://youtu.be/nU3tEiP82bU.

Way to Go CERT! #cityofgoleta #goletacert #goodlandgoodpeople

Pictured: CERT volunteers with Emergency Services Manager Michael Baris (center) outside City Council Chambers holding their certificates of appreciation and plaques.

COVID-19 Test to Treat Site in Goleta

A new Test to Treat option is now available in Goleta and Santa Maria. According to the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, through Test to Treat, people will be able to get tested, and—if they are positive for COVID and eligible for treatment they may receive a prescription from a health care provider, and have their prescription filled all at one location.

*Note: People can continue to be tested and treated by their own health care providers who can appropriately prescribe these oral antivirals at locations where the medicines are distributed. 

Locations
  • Mini-bus at Direct Relief (6100 Wallace Becknell Road, Goleta)
    Sunday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Santa Maria Fairpark (937 Thornburg Street, Santa Maria)
    Sunday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
How Test to Treat Works for Individuals and Families

COVID-19 treatments must be started early in order to work. With the new Test to Treat initiative, eligible patients can get tested and start treatment in one visit to a participating site.

Step 1: Get Tested

You can use the web-based Test to Trea​t locator to find a participating site near you. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages. The call center is open from 8am to midnight ET, 7 days a week. In addition, the Disability Informatio​n and Access Line (DIAL) is available to help people with disabilities access services.

Step 2: Get a prescription from an on-site healthcare provider if you are at high risk of getting very sick

If you test positive for COVID-19, ask the on-site health care provider during your appointment if you are eligible for a prescription for a COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment. Bring any medications (or a list of the medications you are currently taking) with you to your appointment. 

Step 3: Get Treated

Ask the on-site or affiliated pharmacist to fill the prescription. Once your prescription has been filled, you can take your oral antiviral pills home with you to begin treatment!

How to Get COVID-19 Treatments
  • If you have symptoms, call your health care provider right away to ask about testing and if you qualify for COVID-19 treatments. 
  • Stay home and isolate away from others to avoid making them sick. 
  • If you don’t have a health care provider or don’t hear back from your provider within a few days, visit a Test to Treat location to get rapid testing and find out if treatments are right for you. 
  • If you are uninsured, get free care at an OptumServe Test to Treat location. 

COVID-19 treatments are not a substitute for COVID-19 vaccines. While treatments are an essential tool in the fight against COVID-19, vaccines are how we get through the pandemic. Go to MyTurn to book your appointment to find a walk-in clinic near you.

For more information, including Frequently Asked Questions, go to https://publichealthsbc.org/test-to-treat/.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The City is pleased for the opportunity to officially recognize and celebrate the many significant cultural, historical, and economic contributions Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have made to Goleta. Mayor Perotte presented a Proclamation to long-time Goleta resident Michael Cheng at the May 17 Goleta City Council meeting proclaiming May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in the City of Goleta.

The history and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders are inextricably tied to the story of the United States of America and California is one of the states with the largest Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders population.

The City of Goleta issued the Proclamation in acknowledgment of the historical and cultural contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the development of the State of California and to show the City’s commitment to being a welcome and inclusive place for all.

Pictured (from left-to-right): Janice Zee, Michael Cheng, Michael Kwan and Karina Jew receiving the proclamation at the May 17 City Council meeting.

Summer Fun at Rancho La Patera & Stow House

The Goleta Valley History Society will be busy this summer with a lot of our favorite activities and something new:

  • Fiesta Ranchera: Celebrating Fiesta with the Old Spanish Days on June 16 from 5:00 -10:00 p.m. 

  • Old Fashioned 4th of July: This local favorite is returning from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and includes two bands, food trucks, tractor rides, ranch animals and other family friendly activities. 

  • Stow 150: Look for the 150th Anniversary of the Stow House with a free community event on Saturday July 16 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The day includes live music with Hoodlum Friends, tractor rides, goats, chickens, self-guided tours of the historic Stow House, and exhibits of Stow Ranch history. Bring your lawn chair. Parking is limited – carpooling and Uber/Lyft are encouraged.

  • Music at the Ranch: This popular Tuesday Night Free Summer Concert Series begins July 19 with ‘Down Mountain Lights” and continues for 5 consecutive weeks. Food trucks and cash bar serving beer and wine. Be advised, parking is again limited.

For more information please visit http://goletahistory.org/. All events take place at Rancho La Patera & Stow House located at 304 N. Los Carneros Road.