Daily Archives: July 29, 2024

Save-the-Date 2024 Lemon Festival

The Goleta Lemon Festival is set for September 28 & 29 at Girsh Park, proudly sponsored by Rusty’s Pizza. This eagerly awaited annual event attracts 40,000 regional visitors, residents, community leaders, non-profits, and elected officials, embodying the essence of Goleta.

You’ll find wonderful food, a fantastic family atmosphere, and a variety of entertainment and activities that have made this the most anticipated event on the Goleta coast. This weekend also includes the Goleta Fall Classic Car and the ever-popular ‘Safety Street.’ Don’t miss our pie-eating contests, and the arts and crafts vendors.

Food vendors, vendor booth applications, and car show registrations are now open! For food and vendor booths go to lemonfestival.com/vendorapplications, and for the Classic Car Show go to lemonfestival.com/goleta-fall-classic.

The Lemon Festival is put on by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce. Learn more here: lemonfestival.com.

NatureTrack Film Festival & Poster Reveal

This year’s NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) poster, revealed at a special event on July 11 at the Camino Real Cinemas, will feature artwork by the late renowned local artist Chris Potter with a portrait of ‘Potters Point’, the bluffs recently renamed in Potter’s honor by the City of Goleta. The poster was revealed by Potter’s wife, Julie Beaumont Potter alongside NTFF Managing Director Gareth Kelly and notable VIPs from the Goleta Community. 

“Chris and I have always loved to support local non-profits,” said Beaumont Potter. “When the NatureTrack Film Festival reached out to me, it was an honor to have them use the portrait by Chris of his favorite spot for their poster. What Chris cherished the most was Nature!”

“We couldn’t think of a better image for this year’s poster than Potter’s point,” Kelly added. “We know Chris meant so much to the local community and we’re thrilled to honor his life and his work in this way”.

The 6th edition of the NatureTrack Film Festival takes place October 11 – 13th at the Camino Real Cinemas and promises to be the biggest and best yet with a record number of film submissions received from over 30 countries including World, US & California premieres. The full film program will be announced in late August. Early Bird All-Access VIP Passes are on sale now here.

Notable sponsors for this year’s festival include the Natalie Orfalea Foundation, Yardi, UCLA Health, El Rancho Marketplace, the City of Goleta, Go Goleta, Visit SB, Cox Communications, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and Mechanics Bank. 

With the goal to Ignite Passion for Nature Through Film, the 2024 festival will showcase over 50 films from around the world that focus on nature, share a passion for environmental stewardship, and celebrate outdoor adventure. The festival will feature an opening night party, filmmaker panels, tributes, special guests, and more! 

For more information about the festival, including film submissions, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales, please visit the newly revamped website: www.naturetrackfilmfestival.org.


Pictured left-to-right: Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, NTFF Managing Director Gareth Kelly, Julie Beaumont Potter, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2) and Councilmember Kyle Richards


Group photo at poster reveal on July 11

 

Job Opportunities with #TeamGoleta

The City of Goleta is hiring! We are looking for passionate, hardworking people to join our team. Current open positions include:

  • Director of Public Works
  • Project Manager (Environmental Services)
  • Project Manager (Public Works)
  • Recreation Technician (part-time)

Learn more about each position and how to apply here. Check back regularly for new opportunities.

Meet Goleta’s New Police Chief

Lt. Frank Vasquez Brings Wealth of Experience to Assignment

The City of Goleta is pleased to introduce its new Chief of Police Services. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Frank Vasquez has taken on the new assignment and brings more than 27 years of law enforcement experience to the position. In this role, Lt. Vasquez will oversee the Goleta Police Department which includes a Motor Traffic Unit and two Community Resource Deputies, as well as the unincorporated areas of the Goleta Valley.

Goleta’s City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “This is an important position for the City and we are pleased to have such a seasoned and dedicated law enforcement professional to help maintain a safe community and continue to provide the high level of service our residents expect.”

Lt. Vasquez said, “I am excited to be here and to embark on this important new assignment. I know public safety is of upmost importance to the community and it is my honor to serve Goleta in this incredible leadership position.”

Lt. Vasquez was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Southern California. He started his career in the U.S. Air Force where he spent eight years rising to the rank of a Sergeant. Through this experience he was able to travel the world and work as a canine handler. He has served the past 19 years at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office where he has held a variety of assignments, most recently as the Bureau Lieutenant for Northern Stations Patrol. His previous assignments included patrol in Goleta, Central Stations and in Santa Maria. He has also supervised the county-wide Criminal Investigations and Special Investigations Bureaus and has been a member of a variety of collateral and specialty duties within the Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Vasquez possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from the University of La Verne and is close to finishing his graduate degree.

If you would like to meet Lt. Vasquez in person or watch virtually, he will be formally introduced at the August 20th Goleta City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. It will also be an opportunity to thank Lt. Rich Brittingham who served as our Chief for four years and is now the Chief of Police Services in Carpinteria.

We hope to see you on August 20th to help us give Lt. Vasquez a warm welcome and show our appreciation to Lt. Brittingham.

Music at the Ranch

Tuesdays at Stow House

It’s not a Goleta summer without Music at the Ranch. Be sure to catch the last few concerts before it ends on August 20. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs and head over to Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road) from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for an outdoor concert. You can bring your own food or purchase from the onsite food trucks.

Upcoming schedule:

  • August 6 – The Nombres* / AR Catering & Mony’s Food Trucks
  • August 13 – Doublewide Kings / Elubias Kitchen & AR Catering Food Trucks
  • August 20 – Spencer the Gardener / Elubia’s Kitchen and Sassafrass Food Trucks

*Military Appreciation Night

For more info go to https://goletahistory.org/music-at-the-ranch/.

 

There is No Earthquake Season

Summer is a time for relaxation, but in the event of an unexpected earthquake emergency, will you be prepared? Whether you are relaxing on the coast, camping in the woods, or enjoying the latest thrill ride at an amusement park, Cal OES encourages Californians and visitors alike to take the time now to update their emergency plans, including having a plan for when you are on vacation. Take a moment to get familiar with the local evacuation routes and emergency shelters.

Stay informed about earthquake risks at your vacation destination and be mindful of local regulations, share emergency preparedness lists with friends and family, and activate advanced warnings on your devices to know when to take protective life-saving actions. Download the free MyShake app now for your smart phone. If you experience an earthquake, drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Follow any instructions from local authorities and be ready to evacuate if necessary. By taking proactive steps to prepare for earthquakes while on vacation, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones, turning a potential disaster into a manageable situation. Many things in life may catch us off guard, but earthquakes don’t have to!

Get more tips and resources from Earthquake Warning California at https://earthquake.ca.gov/.

Prepare for Heat and Wildfire Threat

By Southern California Edison

Summer Heat Preparation

Summer is in full swing and so is the heat. Southern California Edison (SCE) is poised and ready. SCE crews have installed or upgraded critical electrical equipment and are prepared to quickly respond to possible power outages in all weather conditions.

SCE’s weather team recently warned of potentially dangerous fire conditions associated with the early season heatwave. Although it takes much more than high heat to spark a fire, the combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and gusty winds can raise the fire danger.

 To further mitigate wildfire risk, SCE’s crews are also:

  • Conducting additional inspections of electrical equipment, prioritizing the highest-risk structures in targeted areas based on emergent fire conditions. These include both ground inspections by field crews and aerial inspections using drones and helicopters.
  • Implementing new technology. One example is adding remote-controlled reclosers on power poles. A recloser can detect when a foreign object (e.g., palm fronds, metallic balloons, or wildlife) contacts a power line and disconnect the line to reduce the risk of a more hazardous condition.

Wildfire Mitigation

SCE updated its Wildfire Mitigation Plan in April. The 2023-25 plan focuses on grid hardening primarily through installing covered conductor (or coated wire), enhanced vegetation management, and advanced monitoring/alert systems. Through proactive practices like these, SCE has reduced the probability of wildfires associated with utility equipment by 85%-88% since 2018.

The plan also focuses on reducing the effects of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) on customers. It continues SCE’s partnership with county fire agencies to provide year-round aerial fire suppression from the Quick Reaction Force of helitankers.

To learn more about SCE’s wildfire efforts, PSPS and customer resources, visit www.sce.com/wildfire. For stories and videos about SCE’s wildfire efforts, visit energized.edison.com/wildfire-safety.

Customer Preparation

Customers are also encouraged to be fire ready. They can:

  • Clear brush from around their properties, which helps protect their homes during a fire. Best practices call for clearances up to 100 feet of defensible space, increasing beyond 100 feet in more hazardous areas.
  • Install fire-resistant doors, double-paned windows, and ember-resistant screens and vents.
  • Call 800-655-4555 or email safetrees@sce.com if vegetation is growing near or around power lines. SCE will conduct an inspection at no cost to the customer.

To report outages, customers can call 800-611-1911 or email sce.com/outage.

August Observances

This August, the City of Goleta wants to note two holidays and cultural observances that take place this month.

Celebrated annually on August 9th, International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is a day to honor the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of indigenous communities worldwide. It’s a time for reflection on the challenges that indigenous people face and to renew our commitment to supporting and upholding their rights across the globe.

Observed August 26th, Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. This day provides a platform to celebrate the achievements of women and to advocate for gender equality. It is a reminder of the ongoing efforts to eliminate barriers and discrimination that women face in various aspects of their lives.

The City of Goleta encourages you to learn about diverse holidays and observations year-round to help create a warm and welcoming community for all.

Goleta’s Front Desk Receptionist Retires

City of Goleta’s beloved Front Desk receptionist Francie Townes is heading into retirement. Her last day at the City was August 1st. She received a City Tile at the July 16 Council meeting recognizing her outstanding service to the City as well as an outpouring of gratitude from Assistant City Manager Jaime Valdez, the Mayor, and Councilmembers. They thanked her for the important role she has played at the City. Staff were in attendance to show their support and cheer Francie on in this special moment.

Jaime Valdez said, “Francie is an amazing person, the first person we see when we walk through the doors. Always kind, always has a smile, a warm gesture, a nice sentiment.”

Mayor Perotte said “Anybody knows that the first person you meet in any business or organization is critical to that organization. And you are the heart of Goleta.”

Francie was moved by all the kind words. “It has been very touching to see the City grow and work with so many amazing and talented people” she said. “It’s been a great privilege to be able to watch the City open its doors and embrace the diversity and include all of the citizens of Goleta.”

Francie first started working with the City of Goleta in 2012 after moving to California from the East Coast to be closer to family. Her background includes different fields ranging from administrative work, education, banking, public relations, administrative work, non-profit organizations, and for the past decade, local government. She began her work with the City of Goleta as a temp before becoming the front desk receptionist.

“My favorite thing about working here” says Francie, “is being able to help someone who has walked in completely lost and having them leave with the knowledge and confidence of where they need to go.”

Francie plans to enjoy her retirement by taking art classes and volunteer as a hospice worker in her free time.

“I want my co-workers to remember one thing,” says Francie, “always take a moment to stop and smile”.

Thank you, Francie, for all you have done for the City of Goleta and our community! We wish you the best of luck as you begin this new chapter.


Francie with Mayor Perotte after receiving her City Tile


Francie with the City Council and her City Tile

 

Application Deadline Extended for Commission Vacancies

Apply by September 6 at 5:00 p.m.

The City of Goleta has extended the deadline to apply to serve on a Board or Commission to September 6, 2024. The Parks and Recreation Commission and Public Engagement Commission are both looking to fill a youth position. If you are a teen ages 15 – 18, we encourage you to apply. This is a great way to get involved with the City, learn more about local government, and have your voice heard. Please help us spread the word by letting any teen in your life know about these opportunities. The City is also looking for applicants for an opening on the Design Review Board. If you are interested in serving, apply here.

Learn more about each opportunity:

The Parks and Recreation Commission is a seven-member body with an opening for a Youth Commissioner (at least 15 years old and not more than 18 years old at the time of appointment). The Commission advises the City Council on all issues related to public parks, open spaces, beaches, and indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and opportunities in Goleta. The Youth Commissioner is for a two-year term.

The Commission holds six regular meetings per year and may hold additional meetings as needed.

The Public Engagement Commission is also looking for a Youth Commissioner. This seven-member body advises the City Council and staff on matters related to public engagement in City government and governance. The Commission has provided recommendations to the City Council on moving to evening-only meetings, directly electing the Mayor, and district elections.

The Youth Commissioner vacancy will fill an unexpired portion of a term that ends September 2025. The Commission holds four regular meetings per year and may hold additional meetings as needed.

For both Commissions, compensation is $75 per meeting. The Youth Commissioner can choose to waive compensation to instead receive school or other educational or community service credit.

The Design Review Board (DRB) encourages development that uses the best professional design practices to enhance the visual aesthetics of the community and prevent poor quality of design. The DRB advises the City Council, Planning Commission, and staff. There is one vacancy for a Design Professional position to fill an unexpired portion of a term ending February 1, 2026.

The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m., and members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Applications for all open Board and Commission vacancies may be submitted online at www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. Applications are due by September 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.