Daily Archives: July 30, 2024

Buena Tierra Ribbon Cutting August 15

The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara is thrilled to commemorate the opening of its newest supportive housing development, Buena Tierra, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at 6021 Hollister Avenue in Old Town Goleta. Buena Tierra, formerly the Super 8 Hotel, consists of 60 permanent supportive housing units for homeless and chronically homeless individuals, including 15 units designated specifically for youth transitioning out of foster care.

Select areas of the property will be available to tour beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by the 2:00 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony which will feature remarks from local and state dignitaries as well as light refreshments. Additional opportunities to tour the property will be available after the ceremony. Come celebrate and learn more about how Buena Tierra is making a positive impact in our community.

“Buena Tierra is more than just a place to live; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for those in need,” said Bob Havlicek, HASBARCO Executive Director. “Designed with the well-being of its residents in mind, Buena Tierra represents our unwavering commitment to providing safe, affordable housing and comprehensive support services that empower residents to thrive.”

Much of the project’s cost was awarded through the State of California Homekey 2.0 Program. The funding is part of $70 million in State awards for six new Homekey projects throughout California. When fully operational, the projects will have provided 232 housing units for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. Generous contributions from the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Goleta are also responsible for bringing this project to life.

For more on Buena Tierra including information on how to apply, visit www.hasbarco.org.

Senior Coffee with a Cop

August 20 at the Goleta Community Center

The Goleta Community Center is excited to announce a special “Coffee with a Cop” for seniors, taking place on Tuesday, August 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This engaging and informal gathering will provide an excellent opportunity for community members to connect with local law enforcement officers over coffee and conversation.

The event aims to foster a strong sense of community and open dialogue between seniors and the police department. Attendees will have the chance to discuss safety concerns, ask questions, and share their thoughts in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. All seniors are encouraged to join and take part in this unique chance to connect with their local law enforcement.

Event Details:

  • Date: August 20, 2024
  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue

This is one of many events put on the by the Goleta Community Center Senior Program. The Senior Program offers a variety of activities and resources designed to support and engage local seniors. From fitness classes and social events to educational workshops and volunteer opportunities, the program aims to enrich the lives of older adults in the community. We encourage all seniors to get involved! Visit the GCC in-person or check out the website at www.CityofGoleta.org/GCC to see a program schedule, then sign up at the front office. 

For more information, please contact the Goleta Community Center at 805-967-1237 or communitycenter@cityofgoleta.org.

Pictured: Community Resource Deputy Connor Worden in front of the Goleta Community Center

Old Town Open for Business

The City’s Old Town Open for Business campaign continues. Every day on our social media platforms (Facebook, X [formerly Twitter], and Instagram) we are highlighting a business in Old Town. We encourage you to look daily and see if we are featuring one of your favorites, or maybe you will discover an awesome business you have never heard of before! If you know of an Old Town business that you recommend we highlight, please let us know by sending an e-mail to PIO@cityofgoleta.org. Thank for supporting our wonderful Old Town businesses during Project Connect construction. They are open and ready to serve you!  Watch our Old Town Open for Business video promo here in English and here in Spanish.

Don’t let the construction discourage you from coming down to Old Town. Public parking is available for free at three designated public parking lots: Community West Bank (corner of Pine Avenue and Hollister Avenue), Orange Avenue Lot, and Carson Street (between Orange Avenue and Fairview Avenue).  

Project Connect is the largest capital improvement project in the history of the City. The multi-year project will enhance pedestrian access and safety, improve road conditions and build critical linkage throughout Goleta while increasing stormwater flow capacity in San Jose Creek under Hollister Bridge.

To stay updated on project milestones, traffic impacts, and other important Project Connect information, go to the City’s website: www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect.

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

Thanks for doing your part to keep Old Town thriving while we work to build a better future for Goleta.

Meet Me in Old Town August 15

Join us for the third and final “Meet Me in Old Town” summer event series! Taking place on Thursday, August 15 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., this event gets better each time. Grab some food from an Old Town eatery and come on down to Magnolia Avenue between Hollister Avenue and Gaviota Street for live music, games, refreshments, and commemorative merchandise. This month’s event will be lemon-themed in advance of the Goleta Lemon Festival on September 28 & 29 at Girsh Park.

Here are the details:

  • Entertainment: Tequila Mockingbird
  • Activities: Live music, local business specials, food trucks, refreshments, games, merchandise, and community vendors
  • Vendor Booths: City of Goleta, Community Environmental Council, Special Olympics – Santa Barbara Region, Megan’s Organic Market, CrossFit Santa Barbara, Children’s Resources and Referral of Santa Barbara County

Community members are invited to join their neighbors in interactive and family-friendly activities and visitors from neighboring areas can explore the distinctive attractions that Old Town Goleta has to offer. Local businesses will showcase specials and unique offerings through tastings and promotions.

Previous events were held May 16 and July 18 (view photos here). The events are put on by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Goleta as a way to boost local business visibility and showcase Old Town Goleta’s charm.

Public parking for the event is available in the Yardi parking lot at 430 S. Fairview Avenue or the public parking lot next to Community West Bank at 5827 Hollister Avenue.

We hope to see you there!

Pictured: Goleta City Council at the July 18 “Meet Me in Old Town” event

Parks & Rec Month Recap

Parks and Recreation Month just wrapped up! Thank you to everyone who participated in our free clinics which included pickleball, disc golf and tennis. There are so many great parks and open spaces here in Goleta – we hope to see you outside!

Parks and Recreation Month is made possible by our Parks and Recreation and Parks and Open Space Divisions. Our Parks team works together to deliver high-quality experiences and keep our parks and open spaces clean, safe, welcoming, inclusive, and ready to use. We want to show our appreciation for all they do, and July 19, Parks and Recreation Professionals Day, was the perfect occasion. Parks and Recreation Professionals Day is a nationwide celebration to recognize and thank all the dedicated professionals who build strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. 

Please join us in thanking them for the great benefit they provide to our community all year long!


Parks & Rec and Parks & Open Space staff with their Parks & Rec Month Proclamation at the June 18, 2024, City Council meeting