Daily Archives: June 28, 2023

Oil Piers Removal Celebration

Watch Video

What a historic moment. Against the backdrop of the magnificent Pacific Ocean, the California State Lands Commission and state and local leaders showcased the successful removal of the last two oil production shorezone piers in California located at Haskell’s Beach on June 5, 2023, restoring the coastline and marking an enormous milestone in California’s transition away from fossil fuels. It was a special moment after many years of collaboration between the City of Goleta and the California State Lands Commission. Watch the momentous occasion here: https://youtu.be/75kUtN9fCG4.

“With the removal of the State Lease 421 wells, caissons, and piers, Haskell’s Beach as we stand here today looks more like 1923 than 2023,” said City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte. “The old oil and gas era legacy wells and piers from the 421 mineral lease are gone and no longer pose an oil spill threat. This is a significant accomplishment for the safety of our community and ocean environment.”

In the early 1900s, a large latticework of oil producing piers and onshore storage and processing facilities spanned the Santa Barbara coastline. The recently decommissioned oil piers and caissons, the last two remaining oil piers, were installed nearly a century ago to develop oil and gas from the Ellwood Oil Field. The deteriorating piers and caissons were a physical coastal obstruction and a potential public safety and environmental hazard.

The Commission embarked on the decommissioning project after Venoco filed for bankruptcy and relinquished its leases to the state. The State Lands Commission owns and manages millions of acres of public land, including tide and submerged lands and the beds of navigable rivers, streams, lakes, bays, estuaries, inlets, and straits. It also owns hundreds of thousands of acres of land, known as school lands, that are scattered across the desert and in northeastern California, and works to prevent oil spills at marine oil terminals and invasive species introductions from vessels arriving at California ports.

Information about the oil pier removal project is available on the Commission’s website.

Pictures from the celebration

 

Splash Pad and Community Garden Groundbreakings

The City of Goleta is on its way to having its first splash pad and community garden. Groundbreakings for both projects were held on June 12 starting with the community garden site at Armitos Park, followed by the splash pad location at neighboring Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park. Watch a video recap of the event here: https://youtu.be/tWpP5eHnP-o.

Construction began June 20th and is anticipated to be completed in mid-October. Armitos Park will be closed to the public beginning June 20th through the remainder of the construction period. Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park will have portions of the park open as long as it is safe for the public. The portions of the park that will be closed to the public beginning June 20th include the basketball court, parts of the parking lot, the bocce and Bankshot courts, one of the covered picnic shelters and the chess/checker tables. As an alternative, basketball players can use the court located behind the Goleta Community Center at 5679 Hollister Avenue.

The community garden will be constructed in the undeveloped area of Armitos Park, south of the playground. The design includes raised garden plots, a picnic area with a pizza oven, a gathering/education area, tool sheds and more. The playground will also receive a refresh that includes the addition of swings, sand features and music elements. In addition, the multi-purpose path adjacent to Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park will be extended to Armitos Avenue. 

At neighboring Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park, the City will be installing a splash pad and working on other upgrades to the park. The splash pad will nestle between the basketball court and one of the picnic shelters. The park will also receive additional fencing for basketball and pickleball, shade structures over the picnic areas by the soccer field and more. Once construction is complete, the basketball court will be resurfaced.

We know the community is looking forward to being able to use the community garden and splash pad. More information will be released later this summer about how you can secure a raised garden bed location.

Thank you for your patience as we bring these two exciting projects to Goleta.

Photos from the event:

Top right: Community Garden Groundbreaking, pictured left-to-right: District 1 Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, District 2 Councilmember James Kyriaco, and Councilmember Stuart Kasdin


Group photo at the community garden groundbreaking at Armitos Park


Splash Pad Groundbreaking, pictured left-to-right: District 1 Councilmember Luz Reyes- Martín, District 2 Councilmember James Kyriaco, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, and Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Richard Jenkins


Group photo at the splash pad groundbreaking at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park

Economic Development Plan Approved

The City of Goleta now has a roadmap to guide the City’s efforts to support the business community and create a sustainable Goleta economy for all. At the June 27, 2023, Special City Council Meeting, the Council unanimously approved and adopted the City’s 5-year Economic Development Strategic Plan (Plan). The Plan was developed by key community and business leaders in response to a more than a yearlong robust community and stakeholder engagement process.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “A great deal of thought and consideration went into the formulation of the City’s 5-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan. We appreciate all the great feedback we received from both the community and business leaders. This Plan is a shared blueprint for action and will play a vital role in advancing strategies that foster economic growth and resilience in the City of Goleta for the next five years. The City looks forward to working with all of our partners to make this Plan a reality and achieving the vision of the plan to make Goleta a place for all to thrive.”

The plan calls for six imperatives—broad areas of focus supported by a set of Strategies—initiatives or actions designed to achieve Plan goals—and Objectives that will help the City measure progress and success. The six Imperatives from the Plan are outlined below:

  • Amplify the reputation of Goleta as a world-class center of innovation and technology.
  • Improve access to economic opportunity by increasing the availability of livable-wage jobs and enhancing support for local BIPOC and women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • Position Goleta as a local leader of high-quality, innovative affordable child-care and housing solutions.
  • Enhance the experience of Goleta for both residents and visitors by leveraging Old Town’s unique historical and cultural identity and investing in district placemaking.
  • Promote and advocate for smart investments in essential community infrastructure.
  • Improve City Government support of local businesses and relationships with economic development stakeholders.

The full Plan is available on the City’s Economic Development webpage and directly here: https://tinyurl.com/388fva8x.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ryan Kintz, Assistant to the City Manager, at rkintz@cityofgoleta.org.

Put A Smile on Your Place with Beautify Goleta on July 22nd

Volunteer for the City’s Community Cleanup Program 

The City of Goleta’s community cleanup program, Beautify Goleta, has its next event on Saturday, July 22! This event will focus on Calle Real and the surrounding Winchester Canyon and Brandon neighborhoods. There will also be a FREE bulky item drop off from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Goleta City Hall on Cremona Drive (130 Cremona Drive). Winchester II Open Space (Calle Real and Jenna Drive) will be the meeting place for a Community Cleanup from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. that is open to anyone who wants to come help pick up litter.

On event day, Beautify Goleta Founder and former Councilmember Roger Aceves will host our Spotlight location at Winchester II Open Space. Please sign up here to join!

This year, the Beautify Goleta July event theme is “Put A Smile On Your Place”, Beautify Goleta’s slogan. All volunteers who participate will receive a Beautify Goleta volunteer t-shirt (now featuring kid sizes!). Additionally, all volunteers will be entered into a prize giveaway for waste reduction themed items including: 

  • Stainless steel bento boxes for lunch 
  • Bees wax produce wraps
  • Reusable produce bags
  • Reusable napkins 
  • Reusable silicone snack bags 

We hope you’ll enjoy these plastic-free alternatives to show our appreciation for helping keep Goleta clean and beautiful! 

The July event is part of Parks & Recreation Month, a full-month to enjoy the outdoors. The City has created a fun-filled calendar of outdoor activities for July, highlighting an activity or event (including Beautify Goleta) for each day of the month. Download the calendar in English or Spanish.

If you can’t make our July event, don’t worry, we are partnering with Explore Ecology on September 23 for a Coastal Cleanup Day Beautify Goleta event.

Thank you to MarBorg Industries, Big Green Cleaning, and Solid Waste Solutions for their continued support, our new and returning Captains, and to everyone who has helped #BeautifyGoleta.

We hope to see you on July 22. Please sign up here to participate and learn more about the program at www.CityofGoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

Celebrate Parks and Rec Month this July

Download the City of Goleta’s Activity Calendar

One of the best parts about living in Goleta is the number of beautiful parks, recreational opportunities, and open spaces for all to enjoy. That’s why the City is especially excited to recognize July as Parks and Recreation Month. This year’s theme — “Where Community Grows” — celebrates the vital role parks and recreation plays in bringing people together, providing essential services and opportunities and fostering the growth of our communities. 

City of Goleta’s Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer said, “National Parks and Recreation Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Goleta’s 16 beautiful parks, the variety of recreation amenities available to the community, and the 14 breathtaking open spaces. Our goal is to get you outside this month especially, to enjoy all Goleta has to offer.”

As a helpful tool to get you outside, the City has created a fun-filled calendar of outdoor activities for July, highlighting an activity or event for each day of the month. Download the calendar in English or Spanish. Activities and events on the calendar are meant as suggestions or ideas but feel free to come up with your own way(s) to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month.

The calendar also includes free clinics for various activities and sports at locations throughout Goleta as motivation to learn something new:

  • Monday, July 3, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. OR Sunday, July 16, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
    Intro Level Pickleball Clinic at the Goleta Community Center     (5679 Hollister Ave)
    Designed for people to get a taste of this rapidly growing sport, local instructor Dave Wilcox will be teaching the two workshops. Please register for only one pickleball clinic. Paddles will be provided, please wear tennis shoes.

  • Friday, July 21, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
    Intro Level Disc Golf Clink at Evergreen Park     (Evergreen Drive & Brandon Drive)
    This is a beginner clinic taught by local instructor Michael Roberts. Discs will be provided; bring comfortable shoes to navigate grassy and dirt terrain. Meet at hole 1, near the tennis courts.

  • Saturday, July 29, 9:00 – 10:30 am.
    Intro Level Tennis Clinic at Stow Canyon Tennis Courts     (6200 Muirfield Drive)
    Local instructor Rey Casillas will be teaching this clinic designed for beginners. Tennis rackets will be provided but feel to bring your own if you have one; tennis shoes required.

We hope you will join us for one of these free clinics! Space is limited so register today! To sign up, send an email to lmendoza-diaz@cityofgoleta.org or call 805-961-7558 and provide your name, phone number and the clinic you would like to sign up for.

July has been recognized as Parks and Recreation Month in the United States since 1985 as a way to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. The Goleta City Council’s adopted Strategic Plan highlights the City’s on-going commitment to Parks and Recreation in multiple citywide initiatives.

Thanks for helping us appreciate our parks, recreation and open spaces and the important role they play in the quality of life we enjoy in Goleta. Keep up-to-date on Parks and Recreation Month by visiting our webpage.

Pictured: Disc Golf clinic (photo courtesy of Emily Hart Roberts)

Café y Comunidad / Coffee & Community on July 15

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Goleta Valley Library

The City of Goleta is holding its 2nd Café y Comunidad / Coffee and Community event on Saturday, July 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue). This is a bilingual event with Spanish interpretation provided along with coffee and pan dulce (pastries). Bring the family and join Mayor Paula Perotte, 1st District City Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín and other Goleta staff members for coffee and conversation.

This is a great opportunity to:

  • Meet your neighbors
  • Connect with the City
  • Get updated on projects in store for Old Town
  • Ask questions
  • Share ideas and concerns
  • Get to know the City better
  • Explore Goleta Valley Library, register for a library card, and sign up for the Summer Reading Program

The goal is for residents to be able to present their questions, concerns, and topics important to them in a comfortable and informal setting so we can work together for the benefit of our community. Opening remarks followed by a time for questions begins at 10:30 a.m.

Children who attend are invited to complete a fun scavenger hunt in the children’s area of Goleta Valley Library and win a prize!

Watch a recap of our first Café y Comunidad / Coffee and Community event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgvzF8w5IpI.

We look forward to seeing you there!

   

Get Ready for Goleta’s Dam Dinner on August 19

Come for the Views and Stay for the Fun!

A favorite local event, the Goleta Dam Dinner is set for Saturday, August 19, 2023. Its popularity has grown over the years, so we are adding an extra hour of fun! Bring your friends and family and join us at the scenic Lake Los Carneros Dam from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Watch this video invite in English (https://youtu.be/0ERI5zReyLU) and Spanish (https://youtu.be/0q5zcYgOJxU) for more info.

The Goleta Dam Dinner is a free community event bringing together friends and neighbors. Tables and chairs are set up by the dam with breathtaking views of Lake Los Carneros and the mountains. Attendees can bring their own picnic dinner and beverages or purchase food at the event.

Local bluegrass music group, the Salt Martians, will be performing once again. Other highlights include facepainting for the kids and 2023 Dam Dinner t-shirts for sale.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “What I really love about the Dam Dinner is that there’s no agenda. It’s just breaking bread with your neighbors and sharing time with your community.”

You can enter the Dam Dinner off N. La Patera Lane or Stow House at 304 N. Los Carneros Road. Wear walking shoes 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, Creekside Restaurant & Bar, Devereux, MarBorg and Santa Cruz Market.

Community Disaster Education Course July 26

Courses Available for Groups of Ten or More in English or Spanish

Preparing for an emergency can be difficult and where do you start? You can create a go-bag for your car, but what do you put in that bag? You are invited to find out answers to these questions and more by attending the City of Goleta’s upcoming free Community Disaster Education (CDE) course at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26th at Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive). In addition, groups of ten or more can request their own CDE class in English or Spanish. Attendees will learn how to prepare their homes and workplace for a disaster and what to expect when an emergency occurs.

The City began offering the one-hour course to groups this past November and since then more than 200 people have participated. Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris credits the successful launch of the program to its simplicity. He said, “The best part is that a CDE can be held anywhere and during most hours: during a lunch break, after hours at a Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting, or at a weekend community gathering.”

A limited number of CDE courses are available each month, are scheduled on a first-come, first serve basis and cannot be held in single family homes. If you want to request a CDE course for your group, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/CDE and submit the short form in English or Spanish, then wait for a City representative to return your message and schedule a time for the CDE. For any additional questions regarding CDEs, please send an email to CERT@cityofgoleta.org.

We hope to see you on July 26th at Goleta City Hall. Thanks for helping us spread the word about this informative course.

Don’t Let the Heat Get to You

The hottest season of the year is approaching and there could be excessive heat warnings in the future. These hot temperatures can lead to multiple different impacts, ranging from heat-related illnesses to sundowner winds that can spark fires. Here’s a little information about both.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two heat-related illnesses that can happen to anyone. The symptoms of both illnesses are similar, and can include dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, and hot skin. Sounds uncomfortable, right? You can avoid these illnesses by simply taking it easy, finding a place out of the sun, drinking cool non-alcoholic liquids, and taking frequent breaks. Listen to your body and stay hydrated!

It’s also important to watch out for anything that could spark a fire. When it’s hot, it’s usually dry too. Sounds obvious, right? But this is exactly the time to be extra careful with anything that carries a flame. Be mindful of candles, grills, cigarettes or other smokables that could be tossed onto the ground (ahem, please don’t litter). Don’t be the person who started a fire due to carelessness.

It’s also important to remember about sundowners. Sundowner winds are common with the high heat, and those winds can feed any spark and start a fire that runs out of control.

Take care with the incoming heat and remember to enjoy the sunshine (when it comes out)!

High Fire Season Declared

It’s officially High Fire Season. That means Santa Barbara County Fire has suspended all burn permits issued for residential burning and hazard reduction, while simultaneously increasing the deployment of vital resources to combat vegetation fires.

During the High Fire Season, it is crucial for residents, workers, and visitors in Santa Barbara County to exercise heightened awareness and prioritize fire safety. SBC Fire underscores the following key measures to ensure public safety:

  • Maintain Vegetation Clearance: Individuals are advised to maintain proper vegetation clearance around structures to minimize fire risks.
  • Review and become acquainted with the “Ready! Set! Go!” wildfire action plan, which outlines crucial steps for preparedness and response in the event of a wildfire. For more details, please visit www.sbcfire.com.
  • Wildfire smoke and ash contain very small particles called particulate matter, which harm the lungs and heart. The best protection against wildfire smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible, ideally in a well-sealed “clean air room” with an air purifier. The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) provides instructions to create a “clean air room” on their website. APCD’s website also provides countywide hourly air quality conditions. People are also encouraged to sign up for Air Quality Alerts issued during wildfires.

SBC Fire urges all community members to remain proactive and diligent in implementing fire safety practices during this High Fire Season. By working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of Santa Barbara County and its residents.

The public is also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org.