Daily Archives: January 30, 2024

Applications for the City’s First Community Garden Now Available

Priority Given to City of Goleta Residents for 50 Plots Available at Armitos Park

The City of Goleta is now accepting applications to reserve a garden plot at the soon-to-be completed Armitos Park Community Garden! Located at Armitos Avenue and S. Kellogg Avenue in Old Town there are 50 garden plots available (10 large and 40 small). Priority will be given to City of Goleta residents, and if there are more than 50 applications submitted, plots will be awarded based on a lottery system. Residents must turn in the application packet by Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. to be considered. The application, along with rules, regulations, waiver, release form, and code of conduct are available on the City’s website: www.CityofGoleta.org/ArmitosPark. You can also email your completed application to communitygarden@cityofgoleta.org, or mail it to City of Goleta, Attention: Community Garden, 130 Cremona Drive, Goleta CA 93117.

Please note, only one plot will be granted to each applicant during this process. After the initial lottery system for resident priority has been completed, remaining plots will be available on a first come first served basis. The cost for a garden plot is $120/year with a $25 refundable security deposit. The annual rate can be paid in one lump sum, quarterly or monthly installments. Fees are due at the time of application, except for the initial lottery process. For those participating in the lottery, fees will be due within three days of plot confirmation.

The Community Garden is located in the undeveloped area of Armitos park, south of the playground. In addition to the 50 garden plots, there will be a picnic area with a pizza oven, a gathering/education area, tool sheds and more. Construction is expected to be completed in early spring.

The project includes a new playground for 5–12 year-olds, with the addition of swings, sand features and music elements. Once open, the San Jose Creek Multi-Purpose Path adjacent to Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park will extend to Armitos Avenue, connecting the two parks and providing more connectivity throughout Goleta. A Splash Pad is currently under construction at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park with hopes of opening in time for summer.

For questions related to the project or the application process, please contact JoAnne Plummer, Parks and Recreation Manager at jplummer@cityofgoleta.org or (805) 562-5505.


Raised pollinator garden in the shape of a butterfly at Armitos Park. It will be filled with plants that attract pollinators.


Armitos Park Sign

Show Goleta Businesses Your Love

Shop GoodLandGoodShopping.com

Show our Goleta business your love this Valentine’s Day and beyond. Before buying your loved one a gift online, think local and go to the City’s online business directory, www.GoodLandGoodShopping.com, featuring more than 800 businesses. Check out if the item or service you are looking for is available from a Goleta business and support local instead. From restaurants to the thrift store down the street to a favorite gift shop, Goleta has it all and these local merchants appreciate your loyalty.

Whether a business has one employee or 499, it provides important resources and employment opportunities for local residents. Please help support our local economy. 

And if you are a Goleta business, please go to the website and customize your listing for free (businesses must be located within the City of Goleta and have a business license to be included). The listings include business name, address, phone number, website, and hours but we encourage you to enhance it by adding your logo, social media links, promotions, photo galleries, and more. City staff will review and approve the listing before it is published.

Thanks for shopping local Goleta!

Burglary Prevention Tips

With an increase in burglaries on the South Coast, specifically Hope Ranch, Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office offers the following suggestions to deter residents from being targeted:

  • Install a Security System: A monitored security system can deter burglars and alert authorities in case of a break-in. Activate alarm systems when leaving the house. Even if you only plan on being away for a brief period.
    • Alarm systems should consist of door sensors, window sensors and glass break sensors for all windows and doors on the first and second stories of the house. Notify your alarm company and Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805)-683-2724 of gate codes that will be needed to access your property and contact information for responsible parties.
    • Replace batteries in alarms and cameras as needed.

  • Security Lighting: Well-lit exteriors make it difficult for burglars to approach unseen. Install motion sensor lights around entrances. Leave indoor lights and/or televisions on during the evening hours to give the appearance the house is occupied.

  • Secure Doors and Windows: Use solid core or metal doors and reinforce windows with security film or laminated glass. Close and lock all windows and doors when leaving the house.

  • Secure Valuables: Keep valuable items out of sight from windows, and consider a home safe for important documents and jewelry. Personal safes have been specifically targeted during these burglaries. Consider permanently securing safes, storing valuables in heavy, well-constructed safes, safe deposit boxes or other secure locations.

  • Get to Know Your Neighbors: Building strong relationships with neighbors can lead to a more vigilant and supportive community. Be a good neighbor and report suspicious vehicles or individuals immediately by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805) 683-2724. Pay particular attention to vehicles that drive slowly up and down residential streets, vehicles parked on a street with the engine on and headlights off, and vehicles parked adjacent to hiking trails during hours that are not consistent with hiking.

By implementing these burglary prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of a break-in and enhance the safety of your home.

The City of Goleta would like to remind Goleta business owners and community members that the City’s Community Resource Deputy (CRD) is available to provide free assessments to Goleta businesses to help deter burglaries. Goleta business owners can book an appointment with CRD Ehren Rauch to receive an onsite inspection and personalized tips. Deputy Rauch will come to your business and provide tips on what the business can do to improve employee safety and prepare against burglaries and robberies in this free assessment. To schedule a free assessment with CRD Rauch, please call (805) 968-3878 or email goletapd@sbsheriff.org.