Daily Archives: September 3, 2024

Great Turnout at Goleta’s Dam Dinner

Check Out Video Recap and Photo Album

More than 400 people enjoyed the #BestDamDinner they ever had at beautiful Lake Los Carneros in Goleta on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The sun was shining bright, and the lake was full and beautiful. The dinner went from 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. allowing people to come and go, or for many, to stay and enjoy the event the entire time. 

As always, people had fun capturing the moment by taking a photo with a Dam Dinner frame. Put a smile on your face by watching our video recap of the event and checking out the photo album.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “It was a wonderful and well attended event. It was so great to see everyone smiling and laughing and enjoying the beautiful setting and live music.”

Whether they brought their own picnic dinner or purchased food, attendees found a spot at the long community table decorated with yellow and blue checkered tablecloths. It was a warm evening, and over 300 attendees enjoyed shaved ice courtesy of Kona Ice. For the second year, the City placed reusable cutlery sets at each seat at the table to promote the City’s Plastic Free ordinance. Another highlight this year was moving the live music to a decorative shaded structure down by the lake where everyone could see. A big thanks to long-time musician Nate Latta who entertained the Dam Dinner guests during the event and did a great job!

Thanks to everyone who took time to attend the event, including our Goleta City Council, Assemblymember Gregg Hart and Santa Barbara County Supervisors Joan Hartmann and Laura Capps who shared lemon bars with guests.

Despite the simplicity of this event, it would not have been possible without the collaboration of some key partners. A big thanks to the Goleta Valley Historical Society for partnering with the City of Goleta again to put on the event. A special thanks to Pete Wolf with Big Hammer Lures for helping to plan, set up and clean-up the event, and for creating the yearly Dam Dinner t-shirts once again.

We also want to express our appreciation to Fuel Depot for donating succulents for the tables and to the Devereux Greenhouse Group for creating and delivering the arrangements to the event for all to enjoy and for some to take home as well. Thanks to Creekside Restaurant and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce for sharing their tablecloths and to the Water Store for donating water to keep everyone hydrated. As always, thanks to MarBorg for donating the bathrooms, handwashing stations, and trash and recycle bins.

We appreciate everyone who is a part of making this event so memorable each year. We are already looking forward to the 2025 Dam Dinner and hope to see you there.

Event photos by Rob Hoffman
Pictured above: Elected officials [Pictured left-to-right: Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín (1st District), Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann (3rd District), Councilmember James Kyriaco (2nd District) and Mayor Paula Perotte]


Group photo of event


Attendees with Dam Dinner photo frames


Musician Nate Latta performing


Face painting (photo courtesy of Kelly Hoover)

Buena Tierra Ribbon Cutting Recap

Watch Video Recap

Community leaders, local officials, and residents gathered on August 15 to celebrate the opening of Buena Tierra, a new supportive housing development providing affordable, safe, and permanent housing for those experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The event marked a significant milestone in the County’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the region. Watch a video recap here.

Located in the heart of Old Town Goleta, Buena Tierra is designed to offer not just permanent housing, but comprehensive support services to its residents. The development features 60 units, 15 of which have been designated specifically for youth transitioning out of foster care. Units are equipped with amenities that create a comfortable and dignified living space for its residents. In addition to the residential units, Buena Tierra offers on-site case management, mental health services, job training, and community-building activities, all tailored to help residents achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

In attendance was Governor Newsom’s Senior Advisor on Homelessness, Hafsa Kaka, who emphasized the State’s commitment to providing housing options to the most vulnerable through initiatives such as Governor Newsom’s Homekey 2.0 program, which provided much of the project’s funding. “Since Homekey’s inception in 2020, Homekey has awarded $3.6 billion to support 259 projects that will include 15,850 homes to serve more than 172,000 Californians. So this is huge,” said Kaka. She included a statement on behalf of Governor Newsom, stating, “We are proud to stand with local partners who are serving their communities by providing much needed housing to alleviate homelessness. We’ll continue to support local governments who are doing the work to ensure everyone has a place to call home.”

Also in attendance were representatives from the project’s key partners, including local non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private sector contributors who played a pivotal role in bringing Buena Tierra to life.

Councilmember James Kyriaco highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the development possible. “Buena Tierra is bringing badly needed rental housing for some of our community’s most vulnerable residents. I am proud of this partnership with leaders at all different levels of government that is changing lives for the better. This project alone won’t solve homelessness, but it’s an effective and compassionate step forward,” said Kyriaco.

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps echoed the sentiment. “Buena Tierra is a commitment to new beginnings and underscores the County’s dedication to tackling the homelessness crisis head on. I could not be prouder to live and work in a place that extends compassion and care to all of our neighbors.  My heartfelt thanks to the Housing Authority, the State, and the City of Goleta for being champions to bring more safe and supportive housing to our community,” said Capps.

Representing the 3rd District, County Supervisor Joan Hartmann emphasized the hope that projects like Buena Tierra can offer communities who are seeking solutions to homelessness. “The realization of this project is a testament to what we can achieve when we stay committed to a vision of providing stable, supportive housing for those in need.  This development is more than just housing; it’s a beacon of hope for the residents who will find stability and community here,” said Hartmann.

Paula Perotte, Mayor of the City of Goleta, highlighted the physical and metaphorical transformation of the renovated structure. “This former Super 8 hotel has been physically transformed into something that presents an opportunity to truly transform people’s lives. Developing the kind of permanent housing we’re celebrating today provides our community with a real solution to help end homelessness. This project integrates permanent housing with the services needed to KEEP people housed. That is Buena Tierra’s formula for success,” said Perotte.

Chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, Steve Lavagnino, was also on hand, bringing attention to the development’s long-term vision. “Buena Tierra is another important piece of the puzzle to help break the cycle of homelessness.  By providing permanent supportive housing and comprehensive support, we are creating a foundation for long-term success,” said Lavagnino.

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of the ribbon, followed by self-guided tours of the facility, where guests had the opportunity to meet some of the development’s first residents and learn more about the services offered on-site.

Residents expressed their gratitude for the new opportunities Buena Tierra provides, with many sharing stories of how the development has already made a positive impact on their lives. “The best thing about being here is that I can go to places that have canned foods or vegetables, I can take them home and cook them, whereas before, I couldn’t take those things because I had no place to cook them,” said Buena Tierra resident Johnny Watkins, adding proudly, “Two weeks ago I sat down at my kitchen table and cooked some warm beef and cabbage,” a statement that received a thunderous round of applause from the crowd. “It sure felt good to eat a decent meal in my own place.”

Buena Tierra is expected to serve as a model for future supportive housing projects across the region.

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

 Pictured above: Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte speaking at the event


Celebratory cutting of the ribbon


HASBARCO Executive Director Bob Havlicek speaking to the crowd


Buena Tierra resident Johnny Watkins speaks to the audience


Buena Tierra resident in her unit

 

Start a Conversation this National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and this year’s theme is “Start a Conversation.” It’s a time to raise awareness about emergencies and disasters that can occur in our area. Talking to loved ones and having an emergency plan is one of the most valuable things we can do before an emergency happens. You can discuss:

  1. Who is responsible for taking care of vulnerable family members
  2. Who will pick up the kids from school if phones are not working and we can’t get in touch with one another
  3. What meeting location is best if anyone becomes separated

City of Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris said, “Most importantly, emergency plans are not perfect when they are first made. It takes time to form a good plan and it will change over time. It’s okay if an idea or plan is not perfect, what’s most important is that you have a plan.”

Should you want help in making a family plan, all Goleta residents can request a free, one-hour Community Disaster Education (CDE) course (for groups of 10 or more). A CDE introduces the basics of disaster preparedness to anyone and is available in English and Spanish. To learn more about this course watch a short promo video here. Complete an interest form at www.CityofGoleta.org/CDE.

The County of Santa Barbara also has some tips on how to take action during National Preparedness Month:

  1. Make or Update Your Disaster Plan: Creating a disaster plan is as easy as having a conversation with your household about what you will do before, during, and after an emergency. Having discussions will empower your family to take control of their safety and survival during a disaster.
  2. Build or Refresh Your Disaster Supply Kit: Tailor your disaster supply kit to your household. Be sure to include basic items your household may need as well as any items for household members with medical needs or comfort items for kids. Make it an activity with your loved ones and see how many items you can find around your home and place in a bin in five minutes.
  3. Make Sure Your Pets Are Included: Although we can’t talk through our family’s emergency plan with our pets, it is still important to include them in your planning. Remember to plan for your large animals, including transportation and sheltering in the event of an evacuation.
  4. Meet Your Neighbors: During a disaster, knowing your neighbors and any special considerations they may have can be lifesaving.   
  5. Sign Up For ReadySBC Alerts or Update Your Contact Information: To receive these emergency notifications from the County, you must sign up for alerts. If you’re already signed up, confirm or update your account information this month. Be sure to spell out your entire street address, this is a common reason that community members don’t receive alerts. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.
  6. Get Familiar With ReadySBC.org: Learn more about local hazards and how to best prepare for yourself and your loved ones.
  7. Follow the County Office of Emergency Management on social media: During National Preparedness Month, we’ll be sharing information about preparing for specific types of emergencies. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook at @SBCountyOEM.

Register to Vote!

Voter registration cards available at US Post Offices, Libraries, Elections Offices & Online

The Santa Barbara County Elections Office invites all eligible citizens to register to vote in anticipation of the upcoming Presidential General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5th.  The last day to register to vote for the November 5, 2024, General Election is October 21, 2024.

Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters Joe Holland emphasizes, “Registering to vote or verifying that your voter registration is accurate is important.”

A voter must be a citizen of the United States and be at least 18 years of age on election day to be eligible to vote.  Voters can verify the accuracy of their voter registration, including residential and mailing addresses, at the California Secretary of State’s website,  sos.ca.gov/elections/registration-status or Santa Barbara County Elections Office website at sbcvote.com. To make address and other updates to voter registration, or for eligible citizens to register to vote, go to registertovote.ca.gov.

If you prefer to register to vote with a paper registration form, voter registration cards can be found in several locations including at elections offices, at most post offices and public libraries.  The cards can be returned, postage free, to the Santa Barbara County Elections Office.

Santa Barbara County Elections Office has three locations to serve voters:

  • Santa Barbara Elections Main Office (4440-A Calle Real)
    Monday – Friday, 9AM to 5PM and on Saturday, November 2 from 9AM to 2PM.

  • Santa Maria Elections Branch Office (511 Lakeside Parkway, Ste. 134)
    Opening October 7, Monday – Friday, 8AM to Noon and 1PM to 5PM and on Saturday, November 2 from 9AM to 2PM. Prior to October 7, voter registration cards may be picked up at the County’s Clerk-Recorder’s office in Santa Maria, located right past security at 511 Lakeside Parkway.

  • Lompoc Elections Branch Office (401 E. Cypress, Suite 102)
    Opening October 29, 8AM to Noon and 1PM to 5PM and on Saturday, November 2 from 9AM to 2PM.

Santa Barbara County Elections can be reached at sbcvote.com or by calling 800-722-8683.

Pavement Rehab Work Happening Now

September 3 – 12

Road repairs are underway throughout the City as part of the Pavement Rehab Project. The following roads have pavement work coming up between Tuesday, September 3 and Friday, September 13 (dates are tentative and could change). 

  • Caroldale Lane (Camino Laguna Vista to La Patera Lane)
    Sep. 4 & Sep. 9 – 13, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Cathedral Oaks Road (Winchester Canyon Road to Evergreen Drive)
    Sep. 3 – 6 & Sep. 9 – 10, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (tentative end time)
  • Colusa Drive (Del Norte Drive to Calle Real)
    Sep. 3 – 6 & Sep. 9 – 12, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Hollister Avenue (Cathedral Oaks Road to City Right of Way towards Bacara)
    Sep. 4 – 5 & Sep. 9 – 13, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Phelps Road (Pacific Oaks Road to Storke Road)
    Sep. 5 & Sep. 9 – 13, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Storke Road (Hollister Avenue to US 101 On-Ramp)
    Sep. 3 & Sep. 9 – 13, nightwork 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.

Additional striping work will be done at a later date. Work is expected to be completed by November 2024. 

Residents and motorists can expect minor disruptions during construction, including lane closures and detours. Please plan your routes accordingly and follow all traffic signage and instructions from construction crew workers.

Interactive Pavement Map

Check out the City’s interactive map of pavement projects at www.CityofGoleta.org/Pavement. This interactive feature highlights roads that have been previously paved along with the treatments applied, as well as future roads that are proposed for repair. 

If you have any questions on the Pavement Rehabilitation Projects, please contact us at pavement@CityofGoleta.org or 805-562-5504, or visit www.CityofGoleta.org/Pavement.

Pictured: Cathedral Oaks Road – pavement work done as part of the Pavement Rehabilitation Project; additional work to still be done

Volunteer at Ellwood Mesa Saturday Mornings

This article has been updated as a series of events.

Through November 23

Volunteers are needed help prepare, plant, and care for the trees and plants that will secure the future of the Goleta Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa. 1200 new eucalyptus, 800 native trees, and several thousand flowering shrubs and wetland plants will be planted.

Ellwood Mesa is one of the West’s most important winter sites for migrating monarch butterflies. In recent decades, drought and storms have damaged the forests where monarchs seek shelter, and their populations have declined. Join the City of Goleta as we undertake a nationally-significant conservation project to restore and improve the monarch butterfly habitat for generations to come.

When? Saturday mornings 8:15 a.m. to Noon from now through November 23. Meet at the gate to Ellwood at the end of Santa Barbara Shores Drive.

Tools will be provided, please bring the following:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Snacks
  • Gloves if you have them
  • Whatever else you need for your comfort

Schedules are subject to change so please check dates and times and sign up here.

Join Us for Creek Week Activities!

Watch Video with All You Can Do

It’s time to celebrate Creek Week September 21 to September 28! There are so many ways you can show your love and appreciation for our creeks, watersheds, and oceans. Watch our video available in English and Spanish and take a look at the schedule below:

Creek Week Art Contest submissions due Friday, September 6!
The Goleta Valley Library is accepting artwork for this year’s contest with the theme “Goleta the Goodland: Ocean, Creeks and Watersheds.” Community members of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate. More details available here.

Saturday, September 21, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm: Coastal Cleanup Day
Join people across the globe for this event and make an impact here at home by helping to clean up our local beaches and waterways. It’s a great way to get outside, enjoy nature, and kick off Creek Week. Hosted by Explore Ecology, Goleta locations include: Ellwood Bluffs and Beach, Haskell’s Beach, and San Jose Creek. To sign up and see the full list go to https://exploreecology.org/coastal-cleanup-day/. 

Saturday, September 21, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm: Beautify Goleta FREE Bulky Item Drop Off 
Along Phelps Road between Cannon Green Drive and Pacific Oaks Road 
Get rid of items you no longer want by disposing of them the right way. Acceptable items include but are not limited to: mattresses and box springs; wood and metal furniture; plastic tables, desks, and chairs; and wood pallets and tires. Electronics, hazardous waste, and medications will not be accepted. 

Wednesday, September 25, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm: San Pedro Creek Tour 
Meeting Location: Cathedral Oaks Road between Windsor Ave. and Carlo Drive (park on south/ocean side of road in front of Stonebridge Open Space)
Escape from the urban hustle and bustle and experience nature right in our own backyard! Join Melissa Nelson, Environmental Services Manager for the City of Goleta, and Brian Trautwein, Senior Analyst/Watershed Program Director for the Environmental Defense Center for a tour of San Pedro Creek. You will have the opportunity to learn about the Creek’s natural wonders and hear from experts about efforts to protect San Pedro Creek and its water quality. We will see tranquil pools, majestic oak and sycamore trees, and the wildlife that inhabit the Creek as well as threats to the Creek’s health. We will hear about City projects to keep pollution out of local creeks and the community’s work to rehabilitate damaged creeks and preserve species, such as the endangered steelhead. San Pedro Creek is a scenic and natural treasure. It provides important habitat and conveys stormwater to the sea. Join us and learn about San Pedro Creek’s many secrets! Reserve your spot on the tour by emailing environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org.  

Thursday, September 26, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm: Creek Week Art Contest Reception  
Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue)
Art will be displayed at the Goleta Valley Library from September 10 through September 27. To conclude the Art Contest, a reception will be held on September 26 at the Goleta Valley Library. All participants, along with community members, are invited to attend. 

Friday, September 27, 12:00 pm: Creek Week Lunch and Learn with Melissa Nelson (City of Goleta), Brian Trautwein (Environmental Defense center), and Mark Capelli (NOAA) 
Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue)
Join Goleta’s environmental experts for a Lunch and Learn at Goleta Valley Community Center. Melissa Nelson, Environmental Services Manager for the City of Goleta, will present on the City’s creek and watershed projects. Brian Trautwein, Senior Analyst/Watershed Program Director for the Environmental Defense Center, and Mark Capelli, South-Central/Southern California Coast Recovery Coordinator for NOAA’s Protected Resources Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service, will present on the status of southern steelhead, which are a federally endangered species. Lunch will be provided. Reserve your spot by emailing environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org.  

Saturday, September 28, 9AM: Devereux Creek/Ellwood Volunteer Planting 
Meeting Location: End of Santa Barbara Shores Dr. at the gate to Ellwood 
Join us at the Devereux Creek/Ellwood Mesa Habitat area for a volunteer planting. We will be planting native species to restore habitat in this special natural preserve. This unique ocean-front open space provides grassland, vernal pool, raptor habitat for a variety of threatened and endangered species. The area also provides passive and active recreational opportunities for the community, including hiking, jogging, cycling, and bird watching.  

For more information on Creek Week with the City of Goleta, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/CreekWeek. Check back as new activities may be added closer to the start of Creek Week. For a full list of Creek Week events throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast, visit www.SBCreekWeek.com. 

Goleta Train Depot Groundbreaking September 12

Join Us for the Milestone Event at 10 a.m. at 27 S. La Patera Lane

We hope you will join us for the Goleta Train Depot groundbreaking on Thursday, September 12! The event begins at 10 a.m. at 27 S. La Patera Lane where a new full-service multi-modal train station will be built next to the existing Amtrak platform. By constructing a full-service station, the City aims to increase train ridership, improve connections to bus transit, support transit services to and from the Santa Barbara Airport and UC Santa Barbara, and introduce new bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Attendees to the groundbreaking ceremony will hear from the elected officials including Goleta City Council, collaborative agencies who have played a part in the project, City staff and more. The comments will be followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking photo/video opportunity. Spanish interpretation will be available.

The Goleta Train Depot facility will encompass 8,550 square feet, providing a permanent, enclosed, and safe structure for Amtrak passengers to use while waiting to board or after disembarking from trains. The building will be located adjacent to the existing train platform and the parking lot and access driveways will be located in front of the depot building.

With substantial funding from the State of California, secured by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), the City is poised to implement transformative capital improvements that will help modernize the rail system and transit services. Ultimately, these efforts aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles operated, and congestion.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “As we begin construction on this landmark, Goleta will soon welcome train commuters and other travelers to Goleta. The Goleta Train Depot is another milestone in the multi-modal transportation hub we’ve envisioned for our community. We know that people arriving at this station will form a positive and memorable first impression of our vibrant community.” Mayor Perotte continued, “By supporting travel by train, this station will reduce congestion on our crowded highways. The great safety and comfort offered by train travel will also attract more people who will patronize our visitor services, such as hotels. We believe that better supporting train travel here will reduce some of the traffic stresses on our roads and will contribute to Goleta meeting California’s climate action goals.”

Jaime Valdez, Assistant City Manager and Train Depot Project Manager, said, “We are excited to break ground on this much-anticipated project. During the construction phase, residents and visitors can expect a commitment to minimize disruptions while keeping the community informed throughout the construction process. We look forward to celebrating the new facility as a beneficial addition to our city by the spring/summer of 2026.”

The architecture of the new facility draws inspiration from the traditional historic Southern Pacific Railroad depot design while incorporating modern elements. The depot will feature large windows and columns to support covered walkway areas, which will create protected outdoor areas around the building. A new turnaround area will be located off S. La Patera Lane at the site entrance, designed to facilitate an easy drop-off and pick-up for buses and shuttles. Several electric vehicle charging stations will be available on-site, and approximately half of the roof will consist of state-of-the-art roofing panels to capture solar energy.

The proposed Depot will be designed and constructed consistent with City Resolution No. 12-65 which requires City owned buildings of 2,000 square feet or greater of conditioned space to achieve United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.

The $32 million dollar project is located along the LOSSAN corridor (San Diego to San Luis Obispo) within the City of Goleta. Design and construction are mostly funded by a total of $18.6 million from the state Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, which was awarded to SBCAG in 2018 and 2023, along with a $1 million contribution from the city. The City has recently authorized a $17.3 million construction contract with Quincon, Inc. to begin this project. The City has provided $6.5 million in other City funds towards the design and construction and $6.7 million for acquisition for the former Direct Relief property at 27 S. La Patera. 

For more information on the Goleta Train Depot project, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/TrainDepot.