Daily Archives: January 29, 2024

Save-the-Date: Community State of the City

April 10 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Returning to the Goleta Community Center 

We are thrilled to announce that the City’s 7th Annual Goleta Community State of the City will be returning to its original home at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 10, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (arrive at 4:00 p.m. for a musical guest in the gazebo). We hope you will join us for this must-attend free community event. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available and light refreshments are provided. This is your chance to hear about the City’s accomplishments over the past year and to find out what the future holds.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “We are so excited to be returning to the Goleta Community Center (GCC) for our upcoming Community State of the City. This will be a great night for us all to get together to share what we have achieved this past year and what lies ahead. We thank the Elks Lodge for hosting this event the past two years while the GCC was undergoing seismic updates.”

We have a full evening planned:

  • 4:00 p.m. – New! Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band performs in the gazebo outside of the Goleta Community Center.
  • 5:00 p.m. – Doors open for attendees to mingle with the City Council, City staff, stakeholders and fellow Goletans. You can also check out our City information tables, take photos and enjoy light refreshments.
  • 6:00 p.m. – The main program begins and includes the Mayor’s State of the City Address, a Financial Update from the City Manager, and the popular Q&A session with City Directors.

Please tell your family and friends and join us for this important City event.

Butterflies, BioBlitz and Behind the Scenes at Ellwood Mesa

Butterflies

Have you been to the Goleta Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa to see the monarch butterflies this season? We know many of you have because we’ve seen you on the trails and we’ve enjoyed your photos on social media. We’ve seen more butterflies and visitors at Ellwood this season than we have in many years.

Monarchs arrive at the California coast around mid-October, searching for overwintering habitat. In November, they start to settle into groves of trees for wind protection and other conditions they need to make it through the winter. By mid-December, they move out of areas with less than adequate habitat and gather into large clusters in the best groves. The population at Ellwood Main Butterfly Grove generally peaks around mid-December before the first significant winter storms hit the region. After New Year’s Day the population fluctuates but generally starts to decline due to mortality and dispersal. By mid-March the monarchs will have departed for their spring migration to breeding habitats across the western United States.


Learn more at our Monarch Butterfly Grove Visitor Information.

BioBlitz – Saturday, March 9, 9:30-11:30 am – New Date!

The City of Goleta Parks and Open Space Division and UC Santa Barbara’s Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration invite you to participate in a one-day inventory of biodiversity at the Butterfly Grove. The goal of this fun, hands-on experience is to identify and record as many plants, animals, fungi, and other species as possible in a single day. Citizen scientists contribute valuable data to ongoing biodiversity research and play a role in the conservation of important habitat for plants and wildlife. This BioBlitz will be used as an informal baseline survey of biodiversity at the Goleta Butterfly Grove before the City enters the next phase of enhancement and restoration. 

This event highlights the City’s commitment to encourage nature appreciation, community pride, and participation in the City’s parks and open spaces. For more information and to sign up, go to Butterfly Grove BioBlitz details and signup.

Behind the Scenes at Ellwood Mesa

The Goleta Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa is one of the premier habitats for the monarch butterfly and the City is positioned to be a leader in western monarch butterfly conservation. The long-awaited implementation of the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan –– including addressing urgent concerns of fire risk, replanting thousands of trees and native plants, and providing safe access for visitors – is just around the corner. The City has been working hard on several fronts so they will be ready to start as soon as the necessary permits are issued. Several key milestones were achieved this year and on-the-ground work is expected to begin this spring (fire risk vegetation management) and summer (habitat enhancement and access improvements).

In the meantime, the City continues to work behind the scenes on the following:

  • Planning, Documentation, and Design – City staff and consultants continue to respond to Coastal Commission requests for detailed maps, planting plans, engineering specifications, species protection plans, and more.
  • Growing Plants for Restoration – The City has entered agreements with UC Santa Barbara’s Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration (CCBER) to begin native seed collection and propagation and CalPoly San Luis Obispo’s Plant Conservatory to grow the eucalyptus trees that will be planted to restore the microclimate that monarch butterflies need.
  • Community Engagement – The City strives to increase the public’s knowledge and interest in what is happening at Ellwood. 2023 events included a monarch butterfly forum at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, a Firewise USA meeting for Ellwood residents, presentations to organizations with shared interests, site visits with City staff and monarch specialists, and onsite signage. The City has reactivated the Butterfly Grove docent program and provides regular project updates and information at CityofGoleta.org/Ellwood.
  • Ellwood Friends – with the support of the City and LegacyWorks Group, a group of Ellwood neighbors are forming a community organization to support the stewardship, conservation and celebration of Ellwood Mesa. They will work alongside City and non-profit partners to care for Ellwood Mesa. See EllwoodFriends.org.

Do you have questions about what is happening at Ellwood? We’d like to hear from you. Please contact the Parks and Open Space Division at ellwoodmesa@cityofgoleta.org.

Funding for the implementation of the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan is provided by the California State Coastal Conservancy. The Coastal Conservancy is a California state agency, established in 1976, to protect and improve natural lands and waterways, to help people get to and enjoy the outdoors, and to sustain local economies along California’s coast. It acts with others to protect and restore, and increase public access to, California’s coast, ocean, coastal watersheds, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Its vision is of a beautiful, restored, and accessible coast for current and future generations of Californians.

Funding for fire prevention activities in and near Ellwood Mesa (Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazard Fuel Reduction) is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

Coffee, Community & Birthday Cake THIS Saturday

February 3rd from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Brandon School

It’s not often that you feel good about eating cake for breakfast, but we have the perfect excuse. We are celebrating the City’s 22nd birthday at our upcoming Coffee and Community (Café y Comunidad) event on Saturday, February 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Brandon School (195 Brandon Drive).  We will be serving up birthday cake from Anna’s Bakery and kids who attend can make birthday cards for the City to be displayed at the Goleta Valley Library. This bilingual event will have live Spanish interpretation. 

Mayor Paula Perotte, City Councilmember Kyle Richards, and City staff from various departments look forward to meeting you, your family, and friends.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Bring your friends and neighbors and any questions, concerns, or ideas you have. This is the perfect opportunity to get caught up, get to know each better, hear important updates, and get your questions answered.”

Councilmember Kyle Richards said, “I’m eager to connect with the residents of District 3 to hear their concerns and discuss what the City has been working on in this area. We are always looking for ways to better address the needs of our community, and this is a great way to meet and hear from our constituents directly.”

The event will be held in the school’s Multi-Purpose Room (MPR). The playground will be open as well but unsupervised.

There will be plenty of time for mingling and a chance to talk one on one with the Mayor, Councilmember Richards and the staff who are attending to address topics of importance to the neighborhood.

This will be the fourth Coffee & Community / Café y Comunidad event held by the City across the four Goleta districts.

We will have free Live • Work • Play giveaways as well. Join us for all or part of the morning, we are hoping for a great turnout!

See you Saturday!

Winter Reading Program Happening Now!

Ends Friday, February 23rd

Community members of all ages are invited to participate in the library’s 12th annual Winter Reading Program going on now! The 2024 theme is “Warm Up with a Good Book!” and encourages our local patrons to read their way through the winter months with the library’s collection of print and digital titles.

How it Works:

As in years past, participants will complete one entry slip for every book they read during the program and enter them into prize drawing boxes at their local branch for a chance to win exciting prizes in our weekly drawings. Plus, all the tickets submitted during the program will be entered into a grand prize drawing for everyone who participated! Entry boxes for each age group will be available at the Goleta Valley Library, Bookvan, Solvang Library, and Buellton Library.

Participants can read in whatever format they like best, including print books, graphic novels, eBooks, and audiobooks. We are adding new books to our collection each week, so there has never been a better time to visit your library and discover your next great read!

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2024 Winter Reading Program.

City Holds First Grants Workshop

The City’s first joint Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and City Grant Workshop is in the books. The workshop was held on January 9, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the City’s commitment to fostering community growth and well-being for its residents. The workshop was held shortly after the application period opened. Designed to empower local non-profit organizations with essential knowledge about available grants and funding opportunities, the workshop proved to be a resounding success with approximately 40 people in attendance.

The CDBG program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aims to support local community development activities that enhance the quality of life for low- to moderate-income individuals. The City of Goleta recognizes the importance of leveraging these federal resources to address the unique needs of its residents and organizations.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to learn about the details of the CDBG and City Grant programs. This encompassed a range of topics, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and grant timelines.

One of the notable achievements of the workshop was the increased awareness among local nonprofits, community groups, and residents about funding opportunities available to them. The City of Goleta’s commitment to transparency and accessibility was evident as attendees gained valuable insights into navigating the grant application process and understanding how these funds could be utilized to make a positive impact on the community.

The deadline for grant applications was January 26. Applications will be reviewed by the City’s Human Services, Homelessness Issues, and Economic Development Standing Committees, as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission. These groups will evaluate the applications and make funding recommendations to the City Council. The Council then awards the grants at a meeting in the spring, likely in May of 2024.

As the City of Goleta celebrates the success of its first joint CDBG and City Grant Workshop, it looks forward to the positive impact that the funded efforts will have on the community. By empowering local stakeholders and promoting community-driven solutions, Goleta is setting the stage for sustained progress and prosperity for years to come.

Interested in Waste Management? Apply for the Solid Waste Local Task Force 

The Santa Barbara County Solid Waste Local Task Force (LTF) is seeking TWO volunteer Community Representatives to help support solid waste programming across the County. Applications are being accepted from interested individuals until March 1, 2024. All applications can be submitted online at www.LessIsMore.org/LTF-communityrep.  

The LTF was created in 1990 and consists of fourteen (14) voting members and eight (8) non-voting members. These members typically have knowledge of the solid waste industry including source reduction, recycling, composting, and environmentally safe landfilling practices. You can learn more about the Santa Barbara County Solid Waste Local Task Force at www.LessIsMore.org/LTF. 

The members are the cities of Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Solvang, as well as the Goleta Sanitary District, Vandenberg Space Force Base, a rotating industry representative from one of the local solid waste haulers operating in Santa Barbara County, and two community representatives. The Santa Barbara County Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division leads the group. 

The Task Force was formed to address the many growing and multi-faceted issues surrounding solid waste management in Santa Barbara County. If you have any questions about the local task force or the community representative position, please don’t hesitate to reach out to EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.org.

Project Connect Construction Contract Awarded

The City’s largest ever capital improvement project is moving forward. The Goleta City Council approved a $62,746,460 contract with Security Paving Company, Inc. for Project Connect, at its December 19, 2023, meeting.

Project Connect is the City of Goleta’s comprehensive program to enhance pedestrian access and safety, improve road conditions and build critical linkage through Goleta while increasing stormwater flow capacity in San Jose Creek under Hollister Bridge. Project Connect will require numerous right-of-way acquisitions and permits, as well as close coordination with many local agencies including Caltrans, City of Santa Barbara, and the County of Santa Barbara.

As part of Project Connect, Security Paving will complete major roadway improvements within the City of Goleta:

  • Hollister Avenue Bridge & Roundabout Project will construct two roundabouts at the Hollister Avenue/State Route 217 ramp intersection to improve traffic flow. Additionally, a new bridge will be built over San Jose Creek to achieve 100-year storm flow capacity.
  • Ekwill Street & Fowler Road Extension Projects will improve east-west circulation north and south of Hollister Avenue, providing direct connections to portions of Old Town Goleta and the Santa Barbara Airport.

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2024.

Project milestones, traffic impacts, and other important Project Connect information will be made available on the City’s website: www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect.

For additional information or questions, please email Connect@CityofGoleta.org or call 805-690-5116.

Stronger Tenant Protections for Goleta Residents

Renters in the City of Goleta now have better protection from evictions, “renoviction,” housing displacement and homelessness. The City Council adopted a Tenant Protections Urgency Ordinance at its December 19, 2023, meeting that immediately put into place new regulations for renters in the City, which are more protective than State law. This will limit the cases where tenants can be evicted and, in the event they are evicted, will give them more rights. Per Council direction, staff will be returning to the February 20 Council meeting with more options for a regular ordinance.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “It is unacceptable and deplorable when individuals and families are displaced by suddenly announced evictions in the name of renovations. This important renoviction issue really struck home with the recent evictions of residents in over 250 units at three apartment complexes in neighboring Isla Vista, and at a four-unit complex in Goleta.”

Peter Imhof, Planning and Environmental Review Director, said, “The new protections will serve to reduce the risk and impacts of residential displacement in the City, as well as prevent homelessness.”

The new tenant protections include the following:

  • Just-cause requirement for termination of residential tenancies.
  • Noticing and relocation assistance requirements for termination of residential tenancies.
  • Mandatory offer of a one-year lease to new and existing residential tenants.

For example, landlords claiming substantial remodels as the reason for tenant evictions must now obtain permits for the renovation, provide the tenant with a written notice including copies of the permits, scope of work, and explanation of why tenant vacancy must be 30 days or more, and submit a copy of the notice to the City’s Planning and Environmental Review Department.

The ordinance contains exemptions for certain types of housing, such as units created in the last 15 years and single-family residences that meet exemption criteria. The regulations do not contain or amend the annual rent-increase limits under State law.

Nearby jurisdictions have also adopted stricter tenant protections, including City of Santa Barbara, City of Carpinteria, and County of Santa Barbara.

View the Tenant Protection Urgency Ordinance here.

The meeting is available to watch on the City website at http://tinyurl.com/36cpx36u (item E.1).

For questions on tenant protections, please contact City of Goleta Senior Housing Analyst Lucy Graham at (805) 961-7546 or LGraham@cityofgoleta.org.

Green Room: Waste Free Valentine’s Day: Celebrate Love and the Planet

Valentine’s Day is a time to express love, but it doesn’t have to contribute to unnecessary waste. In Goleta, let’s make this Valentine’s Day waste free by embracing thoughtful practices that show love to both our special someone and the environment.

Gift Experiences over Material Items
Consider giving the gift of experiences rather than material items. Plan a romantic hike, a day at the beach, or a cozy movie night. These moments create lasting memories without leaving a trail of unnecessary packaging and waste.

Gift Donations
Spread love beyond your immediate circle by making a donation in your Valentine’s name. Support local charities or organizations that resonate with your partner’s values. It’s a meaningful gesture that makes a positive impact on the community.

Homemade, Plastic-Free Valentine’s Cards
Express your feelings with a personal touch. Craft homemade Valentine’s cards using recycled paper, avoiding glitter to keep it eco-friendly. This adds a unique and sentimental touch to your message while reducing environmental impact.

Bulk Candy and Useful Handouts
For those celebrating in schools or offices, opt for bulk candy to reduce packaging waste. Consider more practical handouts like pens, pencils, or erasers that are both useful and eco-friendly.

Dine Out Responsibly
Dining out to enjoy a Valentine’s day dinner does not have to be wasteful. Support your local favorite restaurants, and bring along reusable to-go containers for any leftovers you want to save for later.

Cook a Meaningful Meal
If dining out is not your style, plan a special home-cooked meal. Be mindful of portions to minimize food waste. Be sure to save any extra food that you can use for the next day. Choose locally sourced and organic ingredients for a sustainable and delicious celebration.

Meaningful and Sentimental Gestures
Focus on gestures that reflect thoughtfulness. Write a heartfelt letter, create a personalized playlist, or compile a photo album capturing cherished moments. These gestures are meaningful, sentimental, and waste-free.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s redefine how we express love in Goleta. By embracing waste-free practices, we not only celebrate our relationships but also demonstrate love and care for the environment we all share. Happy, Waste-Free Valentine’s Day! #WasteFreeGoleta #GoGreenGoleta

We Love Our Beautify Goleta Team Captains- Join the Team!

Sign Up Now for Rewarding Leadership Role and Make a Difference

Are you looking for a simple yet powerful way to make a difference where you live? You don’t have to look far. The simple act of picking up trash at your favorite beach, park, open space or in your neighborhood is a great start. Even better, leading a group in that effort is all the more rewarding and needed! In order for the City’s Beautify Goleta community cleanups to thrive as they have been, we need Team Captains. Please watch our short video at https://youtu.be/0HzIAiYeBP4 and sign up here to join!

Captain Benefits:

  • Be recognized in City of Goleta press releases, the Monarch Press monthly e-newsletter, and City social media campaigns.
  • Serve as a steward of your neighborhood and be a leader in your community.
  • Keep your neighborhood clean and beautiful.
  • Get to know your neighbors and network with others.
  • Increase your or your organization’s presence in the community.
  • Participate in volunteer appreciation events.
  • Build pride in your community.

Of course, you don’t have to be a Captain to contribute, you can also sign up here to be a Beautify Goleta volunteer. Our next event is Saturday, March 16, 2024, spotlighting Old Town Goleta. Don’t wait, become a volunteer or Captain today!

As we look for new faces/groups to take on the role of Team Captain, we want to take this opportunity to highlight the ones from 2022 & 2023 and say thank you!

Roger Aceves

Roger Aceves is the founder of Beautify Goleta, former City Councilmember, and the longest-running City Councilmember in our City’s history! He has also participated in Beautify Goleta as a captain, volunteer, facilitator and recruiter. His vision and unwavering commitment have had a tangible impact on our beautiful City. Thank you, Roger, for leading the way.

Rotary Club of Goleta

The Rotary Club of Goleta is a group of our dedicated neighbors who share a passion for community service and fellowship. The Club has been conducting cleanups in Goleta and other public service activities for many years, and officially joined the Beautify Goleta network in 2022. The club has brought many volunteers, participated in every Beautify Goleta event since joining, and captained four events. Goleta is lucky to have such a dedicated organization within our community. Learn more about the club at https://rotaryclubofgoleta.org.

Susan Klein-Rothschild

Susan Klein–Rothschild is an outstanding member of the community who has organized three Beautify Goleta events that have had a positive and lasting impact on our environment and community. The Beautify Goleta events she has led have been shining examples of what can be achieved when a passionate individual takes action for the greater good. Thank you for your outstanding efforts and your commitment to improving our environment for all residents.

Cheryl Washburn-Lander

Cheryl Washburn-Lander for the past two years has been devoting her daily walks along Calle Real, Hollister Avenue, and Cathedral Oaks Road to a noble cause – picking up trash to help keep our community clean and beautiful. She has also led three Beautify Goleta events that have brought our community together for a common cause. Her actions remind us that even small, daily contributions can lead to substantial, positive change.

Habitat Santa Barbara

Established in 2000, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara) is a local nonprofit that helps individuals and families build and improve a place to call home. For the past two years Habitat Santa Barbara has participated in Beautify Goleta and hosted 84 volunteers, contributing 168 hours to neighborhood cleanups! To learn more about the organization, go to www.sbhabitat.org.

Environmental Defense Center (EDC)

The Environmental Defense Center has been doing cleanups in Goleta and Santa Barbara for over 20 years. EDC is a nonprofit public interest environmental law firm which uses education, advocacy, and litigation to protect and enhance the Central Coast environment since 1977. In addition to the many annual creek cleanups EDC leads, EDC has now participated in six Beautify Goleta events. Thank you to EDC for your many efforts to remove trash from the environment and protect our wildlife, creeks, ocean and beaches. Go to www.environmentaldefensecenter.org to learn more about the EDC.

Community West Bank

Community West Bank has been leading clean-up events for seven years now, and recently joined the Beautify Goleta network. An Old Town Goleta marker, they aim to preserve the cleanliness and charm of Old Town Goleta, to ensure future generations will get to enjoy its unique ambiance. They also want to send a message – that this community is one of caring and respect for our shared environment.

We also want to show our appreciation to other captains that led events in prior years: Waypoint Church, Okeanos Swimwear, Goleta Presbyterian Church, Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Al Souma, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, Girl Scout Troop #55531, Mariposa at Ellwood Shores, and The Home Depot.

Be a part of this special group – volunteer to be a Beautify Goleta Team Captain today! Sign up and learn more at www.CityofGoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.