Daily Archives: July 28, 2022

Countdown to the Return of Goleta’s Dam Dinner on August 20th

#BestDamDinner at Lake Los Carneros from 5-7 p.m.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is coming up fast on Saturday, August 20 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Los Carneros Dam! If you have been before you know how special this event is and if you have not, now is the time for the #bestdamdinner you have ever had. Bring your own picnic and beverages or purchase Dam Pupusas, Dam Tamales, and/or Dam Tacos from Elubia’s Kitchen. Water will be provided but alcohol will not be sold as in years past.  Here is a video invitation from Mayor Paula Perotte with all the details: https://youtu.be/ewLkBQqhQms.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner, which is returning after a three-year hiatus, is a free community event bringing together friends and neighbors in a beautiful setting. Tables and chairs are set-up by the dam with breathtaking views of Lake Los Carneros and the mountains.

There will be live music courtesy of the Salt Martians and a few kid-friendly activities, including face-painting and the Kona Ice Truck.

Dam Dinner t-shirts, along with the City of Goleta’s 20-Year merchandise (t-shirts and mugs), will be available for purchase.

You can enter the event off N. La Patera Lane or Stow House at 304 N. Los Carneros Road and bring a jacket in case it gets windy.

Please do not bring pets, service animals are allowed.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is organized by the City of Goleta and Goleta Valley Historical Society with special thanks to Big Hammer Lures, Devereux, MarBorg and Santa Cruz Market.

Let’s make some dam memories. We hope to see you there!

For more information go to www.goletahistory.com.

Goleta Looks to Continue Plastic Waste Reduction

Protecting the environment is part of Goleta’s core values. Yet, single-use plastics of all shapes, sizes, and colors are popping up everywhere – from cocktails to delivery food. Those plastics make their way into our neighborhoods, waterways, and beaches. Goleta is poised to take action to tackle the plastic pollution problem locally. In May, the Goleta City Council adopted an ordinance requiring single-use foodware accessories and standard condiments to only be available upon request. As an impactful second step in doing our part to reduce plastic waste, the City’s Sustainability Program is now proposing to tackle further reduce plastic waste in our community by regulating disposable polystyrene foodware, mylar balloons, and other single-use plastics in a new proposed ordinance.

Polystyrene is a light, inexpensive material made of petrochemicals. You have probably seen it in the form of clamshell food containers, cups, or plates. Because it’s so light, polystyrene easily ends up as litter in streets and waterways. These products not only pollute the environment, they contain styrene, a carcinogen which can leak into food when heated1. Goleta is on the precipice of joining the 154 jurisdictions in California that have already regulated polystyrene.

Mylar balloons (the metalized plastic kind) and single-use plastic foodware like utensils also pose threats to the environment. Mylar balloons can be mistaken for food by marine life if they end up in the ocean as litter. They can also cause power outages when caught in power lines. In 2021, Mylar balloons were responsible for 1,103 power outages2! Single-use plastic utensils and straws are not recyclable and often end up in creeks and beaches where they can impact aquatic wildlife and litter our neighborhoods. The proposed ordinance addresses these plastic pollution offenders.

The new ordinance also encourages reusable foodware for on premises dining and bringing your own cup or containers for beverages. This will not only reduce waste but also save money!

The proposed plastic waste reduction ordinance will be presented in the spirit of doing our part as a coastal community to tackle the problem of plastic pollution. The vast majority of all plastic produced, seventy-nine percent (79%), is accumulating in landfills or becomes litter in our communities and beaches. Nearly every piece of plastic ever made still exists on Earth, regardless of whether it has been recycled, broken down into smaller bits, or floating in the ocean. The City of Goleta is proud to take steps to reduce plastic waste community-wide, while protecting our health and environment and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Learn more about the City’s single-use plastics ordinance and all of our sustainability programs at www.CityofGoleta.org/sustainability.

1 (CDC); 2 (SCE)

Welcome Monarch 1! Goleta’s First Solar Array

The City of Goleta celebrated the unveiling and completion of Monarch 1, the City’s first solar array, at a green ribbon-cutting the morning of July 27, 2022, at Goleta City Hall. The event was well-attended (approximately 60 people) and included the entire Goleta City Council, City staff, dignitaries, stakeholders, staff from neighboring jurisdictions, and community members. City of Goleta Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof and recently retired, former Sustainability Manager Cindy Moore had the honor of officially cutting the green ribbon underneath the new installation, followed by cheers from the audience. Watch the special moment captured on video here: https://youtu.be/qt7YxaaUvd0. 

The Monarch 1 Solar project will generate 210 kw of solar power, which will power nearly 100% of City Hall’s energy usage with clean, renewable energy produced on-site. Monarch 1 is wired to be micro-grid ready and includes pre-wiring for six electric vehicle charging stations to be installed in the future. Anticipated savings for the City over the 25-year lifespan of the project are estimated to be more than $270,000. This is the first solar project of many that the City hopes to install at municipal facilities to offset energy use and meet the City’s 100% renewable electricity goal by year 2030.

Prior to the cutting of the green ribbon, speakers discussed the milestone project and its significance not only to Goleta but to the region.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “This is a truly historic day for the City of Goleta. Monarch 1 named for our famed butterfly, is the first municipal solar installation for the City and represents years of hard work and the City’s dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Councilmember Kyle Richards said, “This project is not only a reminder of the City’s commitment to sustainability but a reminder that we as a community are coming together to address climate change. We are moving forward to meet our goals to reduce our carbon footprint, and in the process we are working to safeguard our region against vulnerabilities due to wildfires and grid disruptions.”

2nd District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Gregg Hart was impressed with the event turnout and said, “The Goodland continues to be at the forefront of our regional efforts to advance sustainability. This project demonstrates the City of Goleta’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, while generating clean energy and putting our values into practice.”

Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof said, “The Monarch 1 Solar Project is a cornerstone of the City’s Strategic Energy Plan and our first step towards developing onsite generation at City facilities. It not only meets our environmental goals but shows fiscal prudence and responsibility.”

“Our City is committed to completing more projects like Monarch 1 to build a more climate resilient community and clean energy future,” said the City’s new Sustainability Manager Dana Murray. “I look forward to collaborating with our elected officials, staff, residents, and stakeholders to ensure that Goleta is prepared for and buffered from the local effects of climate change, while reducing our City’s carbon emissions.”

Make sure to drive by and check out Monarch 1 behind Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive).

Learn more about the City’s Sustainability Program and projects at: https://cityofgoleta.org/sustainability.

Photo of everyone who attended

 

Mayor Perotte speaking to the audience

Ready to cut the ribbon, pictured from left-to-right: Sustainability Management Assistant Angeline Foshay, Sustainability Manager Dana Murray, Councilmember Kyle Richards, 2nd District Supervisor Gregg Hart, Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof, former Sustainability Manager Cindy Moore, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco, Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin, and Councilmember Roger Aceves

City of Goleta Hires New City Manager

Robert Nisbet to Take on New Role September 1, 2022

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce that after a three-month-long national recruitment and competitive interview process, Robert Nisbet has been selected as Goleta’s new City Manager. Mr. Nisbet is currently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay in Northern California and a familiar face to Santa Barbara County. Mr. Nisbet’s employment agreement was approved at the July 19, 2022, regular City Council meeting. Mr. Nisbet will begin his new role at the City of Goleta on September 1, 2022.

Mr. Nisbet brings more than 28 years of professional management experience to his new role, including four years as the City Manager of Half Moon Bay, six previous years as Assistant General Manager for the East Bay Regional Park District, twelve years with the Santa Barbara County General Services Department (including seven years as the Department Director), and seven years as the Public Works Director for the City of Carpinteria. He has a B.S. in Construction Management from Washington State University and an M.A. in Economics from U.C. Santa Barbara, with an emphasis in Public Finance and Urban Economics.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “The selection of a new City Manager is incredibly important as this position essentially oversees all City staff and operations. The members of the City Council feel that Mr. Nisbet is an excellent choice to serve as our next City Manager and he is well-suited for this role. His experience combined with his knowledge of our area, makes him well-qualified to keep our wonderful city moving in a positive direction.”

Mr. Nisbet said, “I am thrilled to have been selected as the new City Manager for the City of Goleta. I know first-hand how special of a place Goleta is and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Good Land.”

Mr. Nisbet will replace veteran City Manager Michelle Greene who will be retiring after 18 distinguished years of service with the City, the past eight as the City Manager. Ms. Greene’s last official day as City Manager will be on August 31, 2022, after which she will be available to advise the new City Manager for the next several months, as needed, under the terms of her previously approved separation agreement.

The appointment of Mr. Nisbet and the terms of his contract can be found in the staff report for the July 19 City Council meeting, available here: https://tinyurl.com/hy8d7xr7. Watch the City Council meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/mrnjy2ys. 

Goleta City Council Candidate Nomination Filing Period Open for Districts 1 and 2

Candidates Must Be Registered Voters Living in Districts 1 or 2

The nomination filing period for Goleta City Council candidates in Districts 1 and 2 began on Monday, July 18, and closes Friday, August 12 at 5:00 p.m. To apply, candidates must be 18 years or older as well as reside and be a registered voter in the district in which he or she seeks election at the time nomination papers are issued.

This is a historic election for the City of Goleta as it is the first By-District Election for the City.  The City is now divided into four districts and registered voters in Districts 1 and 2 will have the opportunity to elect City Councilmembers from the District in which they live.  The two western districts, Districts 3 and 4, will be decided upon in the following election in November of 2024.  The Mayor’s seat will continue to be elected at-large and will be on the November 2024 ballot as well.

Residents interested in running for City Council must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk’s Office to receive and/or file nomination papers. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 805-961-7505 or cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

To find out what district you are in, view the attached map, or use this interactive map. Simply type your address into the top left-hand search bar and clicking on the search icon. The results will show your address within the map.

For information on the 2022 General Municipal Election go to www.CityofGoleta.org/elections.

Goleta's District Elections MapDistrict elections map of Goleta