Daily Archives: October 31, 2023

Expanded Hours for SB County Animal Services

Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) has expanded its operating hours across all three shelter locations. This purpose is to allow pet lovers more time to visit, adopt, and participate in a variety of services offered by the shelter. SBCAS’ three shelter locations, situated in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc, will offer extended hours from Tuesday through Sunday, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Please note that the shelters will be closed on Mondays and holidays to ensure staff and animals receive essential care.

The expanded hours will offer a wide range of walk-in services, including:

  • Pet Registration and License Renewal: Ensure your pet is properly registered and compliant with local regulations.
  • Free Microchips: Safeguard your furry friends by providing them with a secure and traceable identification.
  • Adoptions: Find your perfect companion among the many loving animals awaiting their forever homes.
  • Foster Matchmaking: Become a foster parent and help animals in need, or find a temporary home for your pet.
  • Pet Pantry: Access donated resources to support your pet’s needs.

SBCAS is also excited to announce more opportunities for community members to get involved. Training sessions were held in October, but if you are interested, call 833-422-8413 to learn more.

For more information go to www.sbcanimalservices.org.

November Observances

Embracing the spirit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the City of Goleta is highlighting a few noteworthy November observances.

Native American Heritage Month celebrates the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories and important contributions of Native people. The month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.  

Dia de los Muertos (November 2), is an important cultural holiday in Latin American households. As a way to honor departed loved ones, families place offerings and altars decorated with cempasúchil (marigold) flowers, decorative paper, sugar skulls, sweet bread (pan de muerto), and a favorite dish that their relatives liked to whom the offering is dedicated.

Veteran’s Day, held annually on November 11, honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. We want to honor all of America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. 

Diwali, or Dipawali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year celebrated on November 12, 2023. Lasting for five days, from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. (fall in late October and November.) The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.  

Thanksgiving Day (November 23) reminds us to pause and appreciate the abundance in our lives. It is a time to cherish the company of family and friends, and to give back to those in need. We want to take a moment to reflect on the history of our country, to acknowledge the contributions of diverse cultures, and to celebrate the values of compassion and generosity.  

We hope you can join the city of Goleta in acknowledging and learning more about the different cultural and awareness observances every month as we work to foster a more inclusive Goleta for all. 

Safe Gun Storage Ordinance

Keeping the public safe, and in particular our children, is of upmost importance. One important way we can all help avoid a tragedy from happening is to ensure weapons located inside a residence are always stored safely and out of reach from children. As a reminder, the City of Goleta has a Safe Gun Storage Ordinance (Ordinance) which requires firearm owners to store their firearms in residences (subject to specified exemptions) in a locked container or to disable it with a trigger lock.

“Properly storing a firearm is not only the law in Goleta, but it can also save a life,” said City of Goleta Community Resource Deputy Ehren Rauch. He added, “All guns should be stored unloaded and locked with a firearms safety device and stored in a locked container or safe. Ammunition should be stored in a location separate from the firearm. By taking these precautions, gunowners can help prevent accidental and intentional injuries or deaths that can occur as a result of children who gain access to a firearm inside a home.”

The Safe Gun Storage Ordinance (9.10.030) passed by the Goleta City Council in August 2022 can be found in the City of Goleta Municipal Code and states:

9.10.030 Safe Storage of Firearms in a Residence Required.

  1. No person shall keep a firearm in any residence unless the firearm is stored in a locked container, or is disabled with a trigger lock, except:
    1. When the firearm is carried upon the person who owns the firearm.
    2. When cleaning or maintaining the firearm.
    3. When using the firearm for lawful self-defense.

The City distributed flyers on Goleta’s Safe Gun Storage Ordinance to the two gun shops in Goleta. View a copy of the flyer here in English and Spanish.

The City of Goleta is one of more than forty jurisdictions in California to adopt a Safe Storage Ordinance to help reduce both intentional and accidental injury and/or death to children from access to firearms inside a residence.

If you have a firearm, or find one, and would like to safely and properly dispose of it, please call the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 681-4100.

Two Opportunities to Serve on Board or Commission

Historic Preservation Commission and Mosquito and Vector Management District Openings

Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? Here is your chance – apply to serve on a City of Goleta Board or Commission. The City has vacancies on the Historic Preservation Commission and the Mosquito and Vector Management District Board of Santa Barbara County. Serving on a Board or Commission is a great way to use your talent and time to make a difference and help shape the future of Goleta. Here is what the positions entail:

The City’s newest Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, is a seven-member body that acts as an advisory group to City staff, the Design Review Board, and City Council on all matters pertaining to historic preservation. The Historic Preservation Commission shall meet six times per year or as needed. There is one (1) vacancy to fill an unexpired portion of a term ending June 2026 and is compensated $75.00 per meeting.

The Mosquito and Vector Management District Board of Santa Barbara County is a local government agency whose mission is to protect the public’s health and safety from vectors and vector-borne diseases. The District is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees. The District’s Board of Trustees meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Barbara City College Wake Center Campus (300 N. Turnpike Road, Room 118, Santa Barbara). Each person appointed by a city council to be a member of the board of trustees shall be a voter and resident of that city that is within the district (Health and Safety Code 2022 (b)). There is one (1) vacancy. The Board of Trustees shall be reimbursed at the rate of $100.00 per month.

Applications for all open Board and Commission vacancies may be submitted online at www.CityofGoleta.org/BoardsCommissions.

For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org. Applications are due by Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

Our Water Our World: Pesticide Use & Disposal

Pesticides can cause problems for our health and the environment even when applied according to label directions. Pesticides sprayed outdoors to kill insect pests or control weeds make their way into our waterways. Very small amounts of pesticides can be lethal to marine life, birds, and other life forms.

If You Must Use Pesticides

Choose wisely

  • Identify the pest and the afflicted plant, and then choose a product labeled for use on that pest and plant. Not all pesticides are effective against all pests.
  • Choose the least toxic product available. Enclosed baits and traps are safer options.
  • Buy ready-to-use products instead of concentrates. In addition to being less toxic because they are diluted, ready-to-use products avoid spills because you don’t need to measure or mix the product.
  • Avoid sprays. Aerosol sprays in particular increase the risk of exposure to beneficial insects, birds, pets, you, and your family.

Use wisely

  • Use only the amount recommended on the label to do the job. More is not better.
  • Spot-treat whenever possible.
  • Don’t use pesticides outdoors when rain is predicted, or just before you water your lawn or garden.
  • Pesticides, whether tracked in from outdoors or used inside, can contaminate carpets and floors where children play. If you apply pesticides outside, you can carry chemicals inside on your clothing and shoes. Pets can also be carriers.

Storing Pesticides & Application Equipment

  • Store pesticides in their original containers and keep the label on and be sure to follow all storage instructions on the label. If the label gets wet or starts to come off, protect it with plastic tape.
  • Never transfer pesticides to soft drink bottles or other containers.
  • Store pesticides where children and pets cannot reach Close containers tightly and remember that “child-resistant” packaging does not mean “child-proof.”
  • Do not store pesticides where flooding is possible or in places where they might spill or leak onto the ground or into water. Clearly mark containers, applicators and utensils used for mixing or applying pesticides and store them with the pesticides. Do not use them for any other purpose.

Safe & Legal Pesticide Disposal

  • Take pesticides you won’t be using to a local household hazardous waste collection facility or event. Learn how to dispose of pesticides on our Waste Reduction webpage. In California, it’s illegal to dispose of any amount of unused pesticide (or any hazardous waste) in the trash, in spite of what the label may say.
  • You may dispose of empty pesticide containers in the trash if they are 5 gallons or less in capacity. When you have used up the pesticide, rinse the container three times, each time pouring the rinse water on the plant you bought the pesticide for. Then put the rinsed container in the trash.
  • Never dispose of pesticide rinse water in any indoor or outdoor drain. Water used to rinse out a sprayer or applicator should be applied like the pesticide.
  • If you have a pesticide that is no longer available in stores—such as chlordane, DDT, chlorpyrifos (Dursban), or diazinon, do not use it. Take it to a household hazardous waste collection.

Find more information on Pesticide Use and Disposal in our OWOW brochures in English and Spanish. 

The City of Goleta along with the Cities of Buellton, Carpinteria, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and the County of Santa Barbara have partnered with the OWOW organization to promote the use of less-toxic products in an effort to reduce pesticide pollution in our communities. By reducing pesticide use and the use of less-toxic products around the home, you can help reduce pesticides and other pollutants such as herbicides and fertilizers from being picked up while watering or when it rains and transported to the nearest storm drain inlet and into our waterways. The OWOW website is a great resource for finding less-toxic products to use around your home or garden.

Green Room: Are You Ready for the Rainy Season? 

As winter approaches, let’s stop water pollution and keep our storm drains and creeks clean! Winter rains produce stormwater runoff which is rain that does not soak into the ground and flows over land and other surfaces. Stormwater runoff can carry trash and pollutants into storm drains, which flow directly to creeks, rivers, and the ocean without any treatment. The trash and chemicals in the runoff pose a threat to wildlife and water quality. 

Remember “only rain down the drain.” 

If you observe stormwater concerns such as trash, illegal dumping, or any fluid with a visible sheen, odor, or color entering the storm drain within the City of Goleta, please report it. Water pollution should be reported to the City at environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org. Hazardous Materials Spills should be reported to 911. Sanitary sewer (wastewater) spills should be reported to the Goleta Sanitary District (805-967-4519) or Goleta West Sanitary District (805-968-2617) immediately. 

Here are some great ways to keep storm drains clear of trash and pollutants: 

  • Keep trash and recycling cans tightly covered to prevent litter from being blown away during storms. 
  • Take your car to a commercial car wash prior to the first rains. 
  • Do not drain or pour any automotive fluid onto the street or into a storm drain. 
  • Sweep dirt out of curbs and into landscaping to prevent it from entering storm drains. 
  • Adjust your sprinklers to prevent over-watering and prevent water from draining onto paved surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks. 
  • Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers before a rain event or within:
    • 5 feet of pavement 
    • 25 feet of a storm drain 
    • 50 feet of a water body 
  • Compost leaves and yard clippings. 
  • Always pick up after your pet. 

For more information on how you can help protect our watersheds, check out our Homeowner’s Guide in English and Spanish.  

Green Room: Waste Free Thanksgiving

Sustainable Food and Decoration Disposal

Thanksgiving is a time for families in Goleta to come together, enjoy a hearty meal, and express gratitude for all the good things in life. However, with this festive occasion often comes a lot of food waste and leftover decorations. This year let’s celebrate in an eco-friendly manner by ensuring that we dispose of our Thanksgiving items responsibly.

Food Waste: Composting and Donations
Once your Thanksgiving feast is over, the first thing to consider is food waste. Composting is a fantastic way to manage this. Learn more about backyard composting at https://lessismore.org/materials/70-home-composting/.

Remember, there are many people in our community who may not have enough to eat. Consider donating unopened and unexpired non-perishable foods or canned goods to local food banks or shelters. Sharing your abundance can help those less fortunate enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Disposable Tableware: Reduce and Recycle
Thanksgiving often involves disposable plates, cups, and utensils for large gatherings. This year, make a conscious choice to reduce waste by using durable, reusable dinnerware instead. If you must use disposables, opt for compostable or recyclable options.

Decorations: Reuse and Recycle
Instead of buying new decorations each year, reuse what you have. Your table can look beautiful with cloth napkins, placemats, and dishes you already own. By doing so, you’ll reduce the demand for new items and cut down on waste. You can also get the family involved in creating homemade decorations using materials you have around the house or can easily recycle.

E-Waste: Recycle Old Electronics
Do you plan on upgrading your electronics during Black Friday sales? If so, consider recycling your old devices properly. In Goleta, various e-waste recycling programs allow you to dispose of old phones, computers, or other electronics in an environmentally friendly way. Don’t forget to erase your personal data before recycling these items. You can find more information at: www.cityofgoleta.org/wastefreegoleta.

Textiles: Reuse and Recycle
If you’re planning to replace old linens or clothing, look for ways to reuse or recycle them. Thrift stores are a great option for both donating and buying secondhand textiles. Your old Thanksgiving tablecloths and festive outfits could find a new home while reducing textile waste.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have and to share with others. By reducing waste, reusing items, and recycling responsibly, we can celebrate the holiday season in an environmentally friendly way. Goleta offers various waste and recycling programs to help residents dispose of items properly and minimize their environmental impact. Remember that a little effort can go a long way in reducing waste and conserving resources, which is a reason to be thankful.

West Goleta Neighbors Connect at Coffee & Community Event

More than 30 Residents Gathered at Ellwood School

The City’s most recent Coffee and Community (Café y Comunidad) event brought a great turnout of neighbors in western Goleta. More than thirty residents gathered at Ellwood School on October 7, 2023, for coffee and conversation. The attendees enjoyed coffee, pastries and conversation with Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin and a group of City staff from a variety of departments. Gina Fischer from Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann’s office was in attendance as well. Spanish translation was provided.

This was the third Coffee and Community event which are held throughout the year in different parts of the city. Councilmember Kasdin said, “We have long wanted to do more out in the neighborhoods beyond the usual City Council meetings. Coffee & Community is a chance for a better community conversation. It was a great opportunity for all of us.”

Mayor Perotte thanked those in attendance for taking time out of their Saturday to attend and encouraged them to stay connected with the City. She said, “This is a very well-informed and engaged group, and as always, I learned a lot by hearing their questions, comments, and ideas.”

During the event, City staff discussed airport noise, Ellwood Mesa trails and butterflies, homelessness, abandoned items and shopping carts. Attendees were also able to ask questions about their areas of interest and receive answers from the staff present. Residents came up with more questions on additional important topics for our community, including street paving, recycling practices, pop-up food vendors, E-bikes, housing, fire preparedness, the proposed fire station and pedestrian safety.

A big thanks to Ellwood School Principal Ned Schoenwetter for helping set up the event and make sure it ran smoothly, and to Kozy Coffee in Isla Vista for donating the delicious coffee.

The City plans to hold another Coffee and Community event in the New Year. Stay tuned for details. For questions, call or email the City’s Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez at (805) 562-5500 or mmartinez@cityofgoleta.org.


Group photo of everyone at the event


Councilmember Stuart Kasdin speaking with a community member


Mayor Paula Perotte (right) and Gina Fischer, Chief of Staff for Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann


Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Ellwood School Principal Ned Schoenwetter, and Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez

Library Programming this November

This month the Goleta Valley Library has some festive, seasonal programming planned for all ages to enjoy. Read below for details on our crafts, reading programs, and more. Plus, visit our online events calendar for information on recurring favorites, such as the Mystery Book Club, children’s storytimes, live online author talks, tech tutoring sessions, and more. We hope to see you soon at Goleta Valley Library!

In-N-Out Cover to Cover Reading Program
Now through November 8th
Children will receive an award of one free hamburger or cheeseburger for reading five books or 300 minutes, up to three awards! See your local branch for details.

Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop for Adults & Teens
Saturday, November 4th, 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a pumpkin centerpiece workshop at Goleta Valley Library! In this fun class you will create a fall centerpiece that will last all month long. Bring a pumpkin for yourself and several succulent cuttings to use and share with others. Reserve your space for this beautiful holiday centerpiece class by calling (805) 964-7878 or register in-person at the circulation desk.

Picture Book Month: Scavenger Hunt & Activity Station
Wednesday, November 1st – Thursday, November 30th
Find your favorite Picture Book Characters at Goleta Valley Library! Participate in the library’s scavenger hunt, get an awesome bookmark with your favorite character, and receive a prize drawing ticket for a chance to win lots of picture book bundles, stuffed animals, mugs, posters, and more! The Scavenger Hunt will change every week, giving kids four chances to enter the prize drawing. (Prizes will be drawn at the end of the month and winners will be contacted soon after.) While you’re here, check out the Picture Book Activity Station to make your own picture books and bookmarks, complete crossword puzzles and word searches, and enjoy themed coloring pages! Sponsored by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

Children’s Thanksgiving Craft
Saturday, November 18th, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Happy Crafts-giving! Stop by Goleta Valley Library for a delightful afternoon making Thanksgiving cards, décor, and more!

Holiday Cards for the Elderly
November 28th – December 20th
Children and teens are invited to make holiday cards for local nursing home patients and light up their holidays!

November Holiday Closures
The Goleta Valley Library, located at 500 N. Fairview Avenue, is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This month, the library will be closed on Saturday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day and Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 for Thanksgiving.

1,200 Star Wars Fans Enter a Galaxy Far, Far, Away

Goleta Valley Library Holds 2nd Annual Star Wars Day Event

Goleta Valley Library’s 2nd Annual Star Wars Day saw more than 1,200 community members, younglings and padawans pass through the library’s doors to attend the family friendly event last Saturday, October 14, 2023. Just like last year, this was an intergalactic success of epic proportions.

“It was fantastic to see fans of all ages stop by, from children to grandparents,” said Library Assistant Linda Hori, who coordinates the annual celebration. “We are especially grateful to the amazing members of the 501st Legion who graciously volunteered their time and made this event come to life with their authentic costumes.”

Star Wars memorabilia, posters and full-size character cutouts decorated many areas of the library, transporting attendees to a different galaxy. Young Jedis in training enjoyed an afternoon of fun Star Wars-themed games including Feed the Jabba, Lightsaber Ring Toss, and a Scavenger Hunt for an opportunity to win Star Wars books, Baby Yoda plushies, mugs, keychains and more. The Children’s Area and Community Room were packed with fun activities to make Yoda Headbands, C3P0 and R2D2 costumes, and Star Wars Puppets. Attendees were also able to meet and take photos with real-life Clone Troopers, an X-Wing Pilot, and a Jawa!

This out-of-this world event would not have been possible without the teen volunteers, energetic squadron of library staff, and the indispensable support from the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

There is also something fun happening at Goleta Valley Library! Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org for a calendar of events.

May the books be with you!

Pictured above: A trooper tried out being a librarian at the circulation desk


Young patrons arrived in costume to take photos with volunteers from the 501st Legion


Families and fans of all ages enjoyed meeting characters from the Star Wars galaxy