Daily Archives: July 27, 2023

City Holds Free Community Disaster Education Course

Request a CDE Course for Groups of 10+

A group of Goleta residents now know more about how to prepare their homes and workplaces for a disaster after attending the City’s free open house Community Disaster Education (CDE) course on July 26th at Goleta City Hall.

Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris led the class of about a dozen participants and provided information on what to expect when an emergency occurs. He said, “While you can’t predict when and where an emergency happens, you can take measures to better prepare yourself, your home, business, and neighborhood in emergency situations. Remember: when disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed. Don’t be caught off guard!”

If you missed it, don’t worry, CDE courses from the City of Goleta can be requested by groups of ten or more, in both English and Spanish. A CDE can be held anywhere and during most hours; a lunch break, after hours at a Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting, or even at a weekend community gathering.

There are a limited number of pre-scheduled CDE courses available each month, To request a CDE course for your group, complete the form at www.CityofGoleta.org/CDE. For any additional questions regarding CDEs, please send an email to CERT@cityofgoleta.org.











Michael Baris leading the CDE course

Make The Most Of Your Visit To The South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station

The South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station is your go-to destination for sustainable waste management. This state-of-the-art facility, located at 4430 Calle Real, Goleta, offers residents a convenient and responsible way to dispose of waste and recycle various materials. By utilizing the services provided by the South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station, you can actively contribute to a cleaner and greener Goleta. 

The South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station accepts a wide range of items for disposal and recycling. Common acceptable items include household waste, construction debris, scrap metal, electronic waste, appliances, furniture, and yard waste. They also provide services for recycling paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and other recyclable materials. By sorting your waste and recycling appropriately, you can maximize the impact of your recycling efforts and reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. 

To accommodate residents’ busy schedules, the South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station operates Monday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These extended hours provide ample opportunities for you to drop off your waste and recyclables at your convenience. By making use of the facility during these hours, you can ensure your materials are handled properly and diverted from landfills. 

To make the most of your visit to the South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station, follow these steps: 

  1. Separate your waste: Sort your waste into appropriate categories, such as recyclables, household waste, and yard waste. Proper separation helps streamline the recycling process and reduces contamination. 
  2. Prepare your recyclables: Flatten cardboard boxes, remove lids and caps from plastic bottles, and rinse out containers to ensure they are clean and ready for recycling. 
  3. Follow staff guidance: Upon arrival, friendly staff members will guide you through the disposal and recycling process. They can provide information on specific drop-off locations and any additional requirements. 
  4. Stay informed: Keep updated on any changes in acceptable items, disposal fees, or special recycling events through the South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station’s website or by contacting their office directly. 

The South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station is your partner in sustainable waste management. By utilizing their services, following proper waste sorting guidelines, and taking advantage of the extended hours of operation, you can play an active role in reducing waste, promoting recycling, and creating a cleaner environment in Goleta. Let’s work together to make our community a shining example of responsible waste management. 

Photo credit: www.LessIsMore.org

Goleta Lemon Festival Celebrates 30 Years

The Goleta Lemon Festival is coming up next month and this year is extra special. It’s the 30th anniversary and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce is planning a great event for this milestone. The weekend festival, presented by Rusty’s Pizza, will be held on September 30 and October 1 at Girsh Park in Goleta. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The festival celebrates Goleta’s heritage as a preeminent lemon-growing region and honoring the first commercial planting of lemon trees in California in 1875. The festival is Goleta’s largest community event of the year for 30 years, hosting over 80+ booths featuring local non-profit organizations, crafts, lemony foods and beverages, and lemon-themed souvenirs.

The Lemon Festival is celebrated as a fun, informative, and exciting event for kids of all ages. Grab an all-inclusive activity wristband for endless rides and games including euro-bungees, archery tag, inflatable bubbles, obstacle courses, rock wall, mini golf, bounce houses, and more at the Santa Barbara Airport Kids Zone. Pre-purchase your activity wristband for a $5 savings at LemonFestival.com.

The festival also features the largest interactive display of Fire, Police, and Emergency Services in the County at Safety Street presented by ExxonMobil. Meet the people who help keep us safe and get an up-close look at their state-of-the-art vehicles and technologies. Attendees are also invited to meet the Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Unit, several Sheriff K-9 teams, and to get to know the deputies who are assigned to these important safety resources in our county.

The festival could not happen without the many volunteers, ages 14 and up, who spend time planning the festival and lending a helping hand over the weekend. High school students are eligible for community service hours with any completed volunteer shift. Applications for volunteers are now being accepted, visit LemonFestival.com for volunteer opportunities.

The Lemon Run is On!

Early Bird Registration Now Open

Join the Goleta Education Foundation for the 2023 Lemon Run. This annual event will once again take place at beautiful Goleta Beach Park on Sunday, September 17. Beginning at 8:00 am with the 10K Grand Prix, followed by the 5K Jr. Grand Prix at 9:15 am and the 1K Fun Run at 10:15 am, the Lemon Run is a community event for all ages and abilities. With prizes from local businesses, art for all ages, and food from local farms and restaurants, you and your families will definitely want to lace up your shoes for this Goodland tradition.

The Goleta Education Foundation (GEF) helps all nine elementary schools in the Goleta Union School District (GUSD) by providing auxiliary funding to help ensure equity in education. GEF’s Educator Grants for Innovation and Professional Development put money directly into the hands of GUSD educators to help them better teach all levels and kinds of learners and promote innovation.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have fun, see friends and make new ones, all while supporting the Goleta Education Foundation and the children and families of the Goleta Union School District. We can’t wait to see you at the 2023 Lemon Run!

For more information and to register, go to https://goletaeducationfoundation.org/goleta-lemon-run/.

Sponsorship opportunities available – contact lemonrun@goletaed.org

Photos courtesy of Goleta Education Foundation

 

Vax to School

Public Health launches Back to School Immunization Project

The Santa Barbara Public Health Department encourages children to get their vaccinations in preparation for the upcoming school year. As children wrap up summer activities and return to school in the fall, ensure your child gets all their routine immunizations before the first day of school to keep them protected. Vaccinations help children’s immune systems recognize and fight off contagious diseases, keeping them healthy so they can continue to grow, learn, and thrive.

“Back-to-school season is the perfect time to make sure your children are up to date on all recommended vaccines including the COVID-19 vaccine.,” says Dr. Henning Ansorg, MD Health Officer of Santa Barbara County. “Staying up to date on routine vaccinations helps you, your family, and your community stay healthy and prevent deadly diseases like measles and whooping cough (pertussis).”

Per State law, children in California, are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools as well as licensed childcare centers. Even four-year-old children need their kindergarten immunizations prior to the first day of transitional kindergarten where they could potentially be exposed to vaccine- preventable diseases. Schools, pre-kindergarten facilities and licensed childcare centers are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and submit student immunization status reports to the California Department of Public Health.

For more information about school immunization requirements, visit the Shots for School website, contact your child’s physician, school nurse or the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Immunization Program website.

Back to School Emergency Preparedness

With school starting soon, it’s a good time to make an emergency preparedness plan with your children so they know what to do if one happens while at school. Talking your plan over ahead of time with children and loved ones could make an emergency situation less stressful. But where do you start? Here are a few ideas from City of Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris.

Think of what emergencies could occur and what you would need to do in those situations. Do the kids go to different schools? How will they be picked up from school? Will their safety be your responsibility or another family member’s? Divide and conquer the things that need to be done with coordination beforehand.

Another big step will be to prepare a go bag, or a bag filled with items that can be quickly grabbed at a moment’s notice. Each member of the family – adults, kids, and pets – should all have their own go bag. Start by getting an old backpack and fill it with immediate necessities such as clothes, water, and food. Build out the bag with other items like medications, extra toilet paper, flashlights, or first aid kits. To build a complete bag, https://www.ready.gov/kit is a great website to get started.

Protect Your Furry Friends from the Heat

As temperatures soar during the summer, Santa Barbara County Animal Services is calling on pet owners and animal enthusiasts alike to take proactive measures in safeguarding the well-being of our beloved animals. As the heat rises, so does the risk to our furry companions, making it crucial for the community to come together and ensure their safety.

Pets, just like humans, are susceptible to the dangerous effects of extreme heat, and their well-being can be compromised if proper precautions are not taken. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals rely on us to provide a safe environment and the necessary care to cope with soaring temperatures.

To ensure the well-being of pets during this heat wave, we strongly encourage the following measures:

  • Hydration is Key: Make sure your pets have access to fresh, clean water at all Keep their water bowls filled and shaded. Consider placing multiple water stations in different areas of the house or yard.
  • Time Your Walks: Avoid walking your pets during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, opt for early mornings or late evenings when temperatures are If the ground is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.
  • Shade and Shelter: Make sure your pets have access to cool and shaded areas where they can escape from the sun’s relentless rays.
  • Never Leave Pets in Vehicles: A parked car can quickly become a furnace, even on a mildly warm day. Never leave your pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a short
  • Grooming: Regular grooming can help remove excess fur and reduce the risk of heatstroke. However, avoid shaving your pets, as their fur provides insulation against the heat.
  • Cool Treats: Offer your pets some refreshing treats, such as ice, frozen fruit, or vegetables, to help them stay cool and hydrated.
  • Know the Signs of Heatstroke: Familiarize yourself with the signs of heatstroke in animals, including excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, rapid heartbeat, and If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, seek immediate veterinary attention.

By taking these precautionary measures, together, we can help ensure that our furry friends remain safe, healthy, and happy throughout the summer months.

SBCAS emphasizes the importance of community awareness and collective responsibility in safeguarding our animals during this heat wave and will be prioritizing unsheltered pets in distress during this time.

To report a pet experiencing heat related distress, call us toll-free 833-422-8413 and select option 1. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

Apply for the Measure A Citizens Oversight Committee

Deadline to Apply is August 13th

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is looking to fill two vacancies on the Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The committee provides important accountability for the expenditure of $1.6 billion in Measure A transportation sales tax funds through 2040. The measure supports voter-mandated, high priority transportation projects and programs throughout Santa Barbara County.

Individuals interested the exciting community leadership opportunity can apply easily online at https://bit.ly/46I12Yd. Applications for the open positions must be completed by Sunday, August 13.

People who serve on the Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee are a part of regional transportation efforts to relieve traffic congestion and improve public safety. Those who represent diverse transportation, geographic, social, cultural, and economic interests in the county are encouraged to apply.

The Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee is comprised of 11 community leaders who represent North County, South Coast and the region “at-large.”

One vacancy must be filled by an individual who can represent Santa Barbara County as a region as an “at-large” member.

The other vacancy is a South Coast representative and must be filled by a resident of the incorporated cities of Carpinteria, Goleta, Santa Barbara, or the unincorporated communities of Isla Vista, Eastern Goleta Valley, Mission Canyon, Montecito, Summerland, and Toro Canyon.

Appointed members serve four-year terms and can be reappointed to additional terms at the discretion of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors. The Committee conducts meetings one to three times a year and annually submits comments to the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors on whether the provisions, requirements, and voter mandates as outlined by the Measure A Investment Plan and Ordinance have been properly carried out.

Voters approved a slate of projects and programs for Measure A in November 2008. Spending is divided into three categories: 13.4 percent to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety on U.S. Highway 101 in the South Coast and 43.3 percent each for North County and South Coast for high priority transportation projects including local street improvements, increasing transportation opportunities for transit dependent residents including the elderly and disabled, building safer walking and bike routes to school and providing increased opportunities for carpool and vanpool programs.

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments administers Measure A according to strict accountability provisions including annual independent financial audits and public review of expenditures by the Measure A Citizen’s Oversight Committee.

Those interested in applying must do so online at https://bit.ly/46I12Yd by Sunday, August 13. Any questions about the application process or the role of Measure A Citizens Oversight Committee can be directed to info@sbcag.org or by phone at (805) 961-8900.

The public can visit www.measurea.net to learn more about Measure A transportation projects and programs and benefits for residents in the region or visit https://bit.ly/3Ukc3ZD to download the 2022 Annual Report.

ABOUT MEASURE A

Measure A, Santa Barbara County’s local transportation half cent sales tax measure, was approved by 79% of Santa Barbara County voters in November 2008. The sales tax collection totaled $53.9 million in Fiscal Year 2021/22, up 16% over the prior fiscal year. Measure A is projected to collect $1.6 billion through 2040. Since 2008, $11.5 million has been distributed for 104 regional bicycle, pedestrian and safe routes to school projects countywide. $65 million has been collected thus far for nine transit agencies for new buses, reduced fares for the elderly and disabled, and operating costs. More than 114 employers and 4,930 employees participated in programs that support alternative commute travel choices helping to reduce 1.9 million car trips. 

Our Water Our World: Gardeners Guide

Gardening can be a fun pastime for many, and we would like to share some tips and tricks that help keep our creeks and oceans clean! Remember, anything that is dumped into a storm drain or gutter, or discarded into a creek, ends up on our beaches without being treated. Understanding how to prevent pollution is critical to protecting our local watersheds and ecosystems.   

How Can Gardening Hurt the Ocean?

Caring for plants on property that is miles from the ocean may seem to have little to do with creek and ocean pollution, but activities involved in gardening can be very detrimental to water quality. Normal garden maintenance often generates yard waste and chemical runoff that must be properly handled. Pesticides and fertilizers that reach creek or ocean water are harmful to aquatic life and can cause problems for people and disrupt the delicate balance of wetlands. The nutrients from garden runoff fertilize aquatic plants; the plants grow at an unnaturally excessive rate, taking oxygen away from other aquatic life, which then dies. Yard waste and sediment washed down creeks can harm aquatic life by clogging the gills of fish, blocking sunlight, and raising water temperatures.  

Solutions for Reducing Pollution from Gardening   

Pesticide Usage & Management 

  • Don’t use pesticides during the rainy season as they may be carried by the next storm into the creeks or ocean. Better yet, reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides.  
  • When irrigating the landscaped areas, avoid over-watering, not only to conserve water but to avoid runoff of water, which may carry nutrients and pesticides to the creek or ocean directly from the storm drain. 
  • Store pesticides and application equipment properly and dispose of the used containers and unused chemicals at a local hazardous waste facility. 
  • Anyone using pesticides should understand how to handle them properly.

Use Physical, Biological, and Chemical Controls Instead of Toxic Pesticides 

  • Physical controls, such as hand-picking, traps, barriers, or a strong jet of water can reduce or thwart many pests, especially in the early stages of infestation.
  • Many beneficial insects and animals eat detrimental insects. Encourage the “good” ones to live near your property.  
  • Ask your pesticide supplier which are the least toxic options for your particular problem. 

Proper Disposal of Pesticides 

  • Dispose of unused pesticides and empty containers at your local hazardous waste facility. If you have any questions, please contact the Santa Barbara County Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center at 805-882-3602 or email hazwaste@countyofsb.org. 
  • Remember, dumping anything into a creek, gutter or storm drain is ILLEGAL! 

Yard Waste 

  • Compost the material for your own use or  
  • Properly dispose of yard waste in your green waste bin. 

Myth-busting: Pollution and Creek Contamination 

MYTH #1: Runoff from streets and storm drains is treated at wastewater treatment plants. 

FACT:  Storm drain runoff in Santa Barbara County is not treated and goes directly into our creeks — what goes into the storm drain ends up at the beach. That is why it is important to ensure that pollutants such as animal waste, automotive fluids, garbage, and chemicals do not end up in storm drains. 

MYTH #2: Most creek pollution comes from a few big polluters. 

FACT:  The well-known stories about environmental problems tend to focus on big, recognizable targets such as industrial factories, leaking toxic waste dumps, and oil spills. As a result, people often forget that the majority of water pollution comes from small sources — especially at the household level. 

MYTH #3: The impact of one household doesn’t really matter. 

FACT:  Although an individual home might contribute only minor amounts of pollution, the combined effect of an entire neighborhood or city is serious 

MYTH #4: Creek contamination and beach postings are usually caused by chemical pollution such as paints, solvents, and motor oils. 

FACT:  Chemical contamination is always a concern. Yet, bacterial contamination from animal waste, litter, leaking septic tanks, garbage, and green waste also threaten creeks, beaches, wildlife and your health. Beach postings are actually triggered by bacterial contamination. 

Find more information on clean water management and practices, please read the Project Clean Water brochures clean water gardening practices, available in English and Spanish.    

Project Clean Water is part of a unified community effort to clean up Santa Barbara County’s creeks and beaches. It is a coalition of nonprofit organizations, businesses, government agencies and concerned citizens. All of these groups have these goals: to improve water quality in our creeks and the ocean, to promote public health and to protect the quality of life in Santa Barbara County for everyone. By implementing the solutions in this pamphlet, you can take part in protecting and improving the water quality of local creeks and making our beaches safe again. The Project Clean Water Best Practices webpage is a great resource for finding less-toxic products to use around your home and garden.  

Green Room: Clean Water Act

Do you know about the Clean Water Act? It is a law that regulates discharges to waterways in the United States. First passed in 1948 and rewritten in 1972, the Clean Water Act fundamentally changed the ways in which water pollution is regulated, monitored, and mitigated in our nation. The City of Goleta understands the importance of the Clean Water Act and hopes to educate the community on how this law protects our health and environment. 

What is the purpose and goal of the Clean Water Act? 

The Clean Water Act was enacted to preserve the environmental integrity of our nation’s waters. The Act is designed to preserve local habitats and ecosystems, as well as protect Americans from the detrimental public health impacts associated with degraded water quality.  

How does the Clean Water Act regulate and manage pollution? 

Point Sources

To regulate point source pollution, the Clean Water Act introduced a new permitting system called the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This system requires point source dischargers, such as industrial facilities, municipal governments, and some agricultural facilities, to be permitted. Under the Clean Water Act, these entities cannot discharge into surface water without a NPDES permit. To hold an NPDES permit, the discharger must meet specific standard for pollution control technologies.  

Furthermore, The Clean Water Act also regulates point source dischargers by requiring they adhere to water quality standards. Compliance with water quality standards may require the discharger to acquire additional technologies to protect specific water bodies with degraded water quality.  

Non-Point Sources 

The 1972-version of the Clean Water Act was relatively vague on the permitting requirements for some non-point source discharges, including agricultural and urban stormwater runoff. Initially, stormwater runoff was largely exempt from permitting requirements. However, in the 1980s, the U.S. conducted a nationwide study of water quality impairments due to urban stormwater runoff. After much research, policy design, and litigation, the Water Quality Act of 1987 addressed urban stormwater pollution by specifying municipal separate storm sewer systems (often called “MS4”) and other industrial stormwater dischargers were point sources. Now, these entities are considered dischargers, and required to obtain NPDES permits. The City of Goleta is considered a small MS4, as defined by the Act, and therefore is required to adhere to permitting regulations and deadlines.  

To learn more about the difference between point source and non-point source pollution, please see the June Green Room Article, entitled “Point Source vs. Non-Point Source Pollution”.  

What human health impacts are associated with exposure to water contaminants? 

Many of the most common water toxicants are associated with dangerous, and sometimes lethal, health impacts. Contaminants can be physical (suspended particles, etc.), chemical (lead, nitrates, pesticides), or biological (bacteria, viruses, parasites) agents. These agents can cause acute and chronic toxicological impacts, such as neurological diseases, renal (kidney) diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, reproductive conditions, and developmental delays/abnormalities.  

Disadvantaged communities often face the highest burden of disease due to environmental pollution. Often, these communities lack adequate resources to capital and information to mitigate exposure to contaminants, as well as disease progression. Epidemiological studies have found correlations between socioeconomic status and environmental health risk, illustrating that the communities most vulnerable to the ills of water pollution are those of disadvantaged status. 

How does the recent Supreme Court ruling (Sackett v. EPA) impact the Clean Water Act?  

On May 25, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled on Sackett v. EPA, a case which questioned how the Clean Water Act regulated certain wetland areas. An Idaho couple (the Sacketts) sought to build on a boggy wetland area, but the EPA prohibited this construction, stating that this development would violate the Clean Water Act. According to the EPA legal team, the Clean Water Act protects “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), which includes wetlands, interconnected or otherwise. The Supreme Court disagreed with the EPA’s definition of WOTUS and ruled in favor of the Sacketts. Through this ruling, the Supreme Court made it clear that the Clean Water Act does not regulate permitting/development on wetlands without navigable waterways (lakes, rivers, etc.). This decision significantly narrowed the scope of the Clean Water Act, as many wetlands are now exempt from this regulation.  

How can I reduce stormwater pollution in the City of Goleta?  

To learn more about sources of water pollution, and strategies for mitigating pollution, please take a look at our brochure, entitled “The Ocean Begins on Your Street” in English and Spanish. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at EnvironmentalServices@CityOfGoleta.org. 

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