Applications due by May 23 at 5:00 p.m.

Here is your chance to give back to Goleta. Apply to serve on the City’s Historic Preservation or Library Advisory Commission. Serving on a 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 Historic Preservation Commission is a seven-member body that acts as an advisory body to the staff, the Design Review Board, and City Council on all matters pertaining to historic preservation, which entails preserving and protecting resources that, once lost, cannot be replaced or replicated. The Commission meets six times per year or as needed. Meetings are held on the 3^rd Monday of every other month at 5:30 p.m. There are three (3) vacancies, of which a minimum of two selected members must be residents of the City. Members are appointed to a 4-year term and compensated $75.00 per meeting.

The Library Advisory Commission is a five-member body that advises staff and the City Council on matters affecting the Goleta Valley Library and represents the interests of the library’s patrons by recommending programming and services for the library. The Commission advises the Library Board of Trustees (Board) and aims to increase community participation in library issues by analyzing the library’s needs, considering goals, anticipating future needs and problems, acting as a liaison, and helping to develop consensus for advisement to the Board. There are (3) vacancies:

• 1 Commissioner – Goleta Incorporated Area
• 1 Commissioner – Unincorporated Library Area
• 1 Commissioner – Isla Vista Community Services District

Members are appointed for a three-year term. The Library Advisory Commission meets six times per year or as needed. Meetings are held the first Monday of every other month at 6:00 p.m. and members are compensated $75.00 per meeting.

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 May 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Thank you for considering this important role in your community.

Girsh Park, a thriving hub of activity in Goleta, is celebrating its Silver Anniversary this month on May 23rd! We hope you will join us for the May 7th Council Meeting at 5:30 p.m. when the City will issue a proclamation recognizing the Foundation for Girsh Park for 25 years of community excellence.

This well-loved park, which welcomes an upwards of 500,000 visitors per year, has been a staple of community engagement for Goleta. It has provided a safe, fun, and affordable space for families, athletes, and nature lovers of all ages.

The park, located at 7050 Phelps Road, first opened in 1999 as a requirement included with the construction of the Camino Real Marketplace. Originally 12 acres, Girsh Park now spans an impressive 25 acres. The expansion allowed the park to add multiple baseball fields, basketball courts, become a permanent home for over 700 Dos Pueblos Little League kids, 1,500 AYSO kids, and hosts the community-favorite annual Lemon Festival.  

“As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Girsh Park over the past quarter-century, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of the Girsh/Hochman Families, the City of Goleta, and the community,” said Ryan Harrington, Executive Director of The Foundation for Girsh Park. “This milestone not only celebrates our achievements but also symbolizes the boundless potential for growth and innovation in the years to come. Girsh Park belongs to the community, and together we will continue to create lasting memories and build a brighter future for generations to come.”

Congratulations to Girsh Park on 25 years of success, and here’s to many more!

Girsh Park is a cooperative community effort that is owned and operated by The Foundation for Girsh Park nonprofit organization. They develop, maintain and enhance the property to provide the community with affordable, high-quality park and recreational facilities available to rent. If you’d like to make a donation or find out other ways to support the park, please visit: https://girshpark.org/donate

The Girsh-Hochman Family pictured left to right: Daniel Hochman, Ruelene Girsh-Hochman and Mandy Hochman celebrate at Girsh Park in 2013.

Thousands of AYSO children play at Girsh Park each year.