Daily Archives: October 1, 2024

Goleta Train Depot Groundbreaking Ceremony Kicks Off Construction

Ceremonial Digging Held at Site of Future Full-Service Station

Demolition is underway following the September 12, 2024, groundbreaking ceremony of the long-awaited Goleta Train Depot. The milestone event marked the beginning of construction of a new full-service multi-modal train station at 27 S. La Patera Lane to be built next to the existing Amtrak® platform.

The event drew several Goleta residents, state and local elected and transportation officials as well as many contributors throughout the project’s development. An Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® train passed by to kick off the ceremony, prompting cheers from the attendees.  

Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet emceed the event, with notable speakers including: Assistant City Manager Jaime Valdez, Mayor Paula Perotte, 2nd District Councilmember James Kyriaco, Senator Monique Limón, SBCAG Director and LOSSAN Board Representative Das Williams, Chief Deputy Secretary for Rail and Transit Chad Edison and Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Executive Director Marjie KIRN. 

In her remarks, City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Without a doubt, this project has the potential to transform the transportation landscape in Goleta by establishing a full-service transit hub that will serve as a cornerstone of our community’s connectivity. Supporting alternative transportation opportunities is a fundamental value of our city, aligning with our commitment to reduce traffic congestion on our roads while diligently pursuing our climate action goals in line with the objectives of the state of California.

2nd District Goleta City Councilmember James Kyriaco said, “Today marks a significant step forward as we tackle some of the transportation challenges that have long plagued our community. Many residents have faced difficulties in easily accessing their jobs, educational institutions, and homes, often without feeling safe to use this facility. I am particularly proud to announce that the depot will be constructed to meet the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification standards.”

Senator Monique Limón said, “The Goleta Train Depot will provide greater access to our community and commuter transit. I was proud to work with many to champion funding for the Goleta Train Depot and see $18.6 million of state funding invested into our community through this project.”

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Executive Director Marjie KIRN said, “Ten, fifteen, twenty years from now someone is going to say, ‘thank goodness someone thought about this and did something about it.’ Leaders in this region excel at working together and partnering with colleagues across the state to accomplish major projects. SBCAG is proud to be a part of this momentous occasion for the City of Goleta. Congratulations to everyone involved!”

Following the remarks, KIRN blew a train whistle to begin the ceremonial moving of dirt with shovels on the construction site. 

A highlight of the event was a recognition of former Goleta Mayor and City Councilmember Michael Bennett and retired State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson for their unwavering passion for trains and efforts to make the Depot a reality.

Another highlight was the ability of attendees to see renderings of the landmark building. The new 8,550 square foot landmark facility will provide a permanent, enclosed, and safe structure for Amtrak® passengers to use while waiting to board or after disembarking from trains.

The architecture 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.

Besides being a welcoming landmark facility to locals and visitors alike, the Goleta Train Depot will also play a key role in helping to increase rail ridership, modernize the rail system and transit services, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles operated, and congestion. It will enhance connections to bus transit, accommodate transit service to and from the Santa Barbara Airport and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), add new bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and allow for future train storage to meet increased commuter rail needs.

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 Lane.

Train service will not be impacted by construction. The project is expected to be completed by summer of 2026.

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


Members of the Goleta City Council left to right: Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Kyle Richards, and Councilmember Stuart Kasdin  


Goleta Train Depot Ceremonial turning of the dirt to begin construction left to right: City Manager Robert Nisbet, SBCAG Executive Director Marjie KIRN, Chief Deputy Secretary for Rail and Transit at California State Transportation Agency Chad Edison, Assemblymember Gregg Hart (Gunnar Langenhuizen), County Supervisor and SBCAG’s Representative on LOSSAN Board of Directors Das Williams, Senator Monique Limón, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco, Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes- Martín, County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Councilmember Kyle Richards, and Councilmember Stuart Kasdin


Senator Monique Limón speaks at Goleta Train Depot Groundbreaking event


Rendering of the Goleta Train Depot Exterior


Rendering of the Goleta Train Depot Interior

Get Ready to ShakeOut on October 17

This year’s International ShakeOut Day is October 17, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home.

At 10:17 a.m. (local time) on 10/17, you can join millions of people across the world practicing earthquake safety, including staff at Goleta City Hall!

During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”.  Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake is to:  

DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down by shaking and reduces your chance of being hit by falling or flying objects.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

  • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter
  • If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall
  • Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

  • Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
  • No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Or Adapt to Your Situation:

If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations:

  • If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
  • If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
  • If you use a walker or wheelchair: LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

We hope you all join Goleta City Hall in practicing the Great Shakeout! Remember 10/17 at 10:17 a.m.

For more information, and to sign up to participate, go to https://www.shakeout.org/.

 

Fall Into Festive Programming at Goleta Valley Library

Welcome to October at the Goleta Valley Library, where there is plenty of seasonal festivities, spooky reads, and crafty fun to be enjoyed by all. From Star Wars to paperback pumpkins to In-N-Out Burgers, this month’s lineup of programs and services is scary good!

Thursday, October 3, 2:00 – 3:30pm
Senior Happy Hour: Pumpkin Paperback Book              
Seniors
Get ready for another fun and easy project! We will be transforming recycled paperback books into colorful pumpkin decorations perfect for your home, table, or gathering. All supplies provided.

Saturday, October 5, 12:30 – 2:00pm
Writers’ Workshop        
Adults & Teens
The Writers’ Workshop is a monthly gathering of writers where we share works-in-progress, exchange constructive feedback, and discuss the tools of the trade. Writers of all genres and all levels of expertise are welcomed.

Saturday, October 5 – Saturday, November 16
In-N-Out Cover-to Cover Reading Challenge   
Ages 4 to 12     
Children will receive an award of one free hamburger or cheeseburger for every five books or 300 minutes they read, up to three awards! Visit us to register and learn all the details.

Saturday, October 12, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Star Wars Day 
All ages
Goleta Valley Library is celebrating Star Wars this month! Join us for a special meet-and-greet with Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion. Plus, young padawans can complete activities and crafts, and Jedi of all ages can check out Star Wars themed books! Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

Tuesday, October 15 – Thursday, October 31
Creepy Carrot Themed Guessing Jar
Ages 12 and under
Come and make your best guess at our jar of Creepy Crayons and you might be the lucky winner of your own collection of Creepy Carrots, Creepy Pair of Underwear, and Creepy Crayon picture books by Aaron Reynolds! Drawing will be held first week of November. Generously sponsored by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

Tuesday, October 22, 5:30 – 6:30pm
Mystery Book Club
Adults 
This month’s Mystery Book Club pick is The Consequences of Fear by Jacqueline Winspear. Join us to share your thoughts!

For all programming at Goleta Valley Library, check out the Calendar of Events here.

Creek Week Art Contest Winners Announced

We have some talented artists in our community and the Goleta Creek Week Art Contest is proof.  More than 100 people gathered in the Goleta Valley Library’s Community Room on September 26 for a Reception to find out the winners of the 3rd Annual Creek Week Art Contest. An impressive 114 people participated in the contest, submitting a piece of art using this year’s theme “Goleta the Goodland: Ocean, Creeks and Watersheds.” The submissions included a wide array of different mediums including paint, watercolor, photography, collages, mixed media, fabric, and more.  

Mayor Paula Perotte and guest judge Kelly Hildner with the Goleta Valley Art Association had the difficult job of selecting the winners.

Mayor Perotte said, “I had such a wonderful time looking at all the submissions. We have some incredible artists right here in Goleta!”

Kelly Hildner said, “It was a true honor to serve as a juror for the Creek Week Art Contest. The creativity and quality of the artwork were exceptional, and there were so many deserving pieces that I wished I could have given more awards. Every artist should feel proud to have their work showcased in this impressive exhibition highlighting Goleta the Goodland.” 

The judging was based on relevance to the theme, overall appearance, and originality.  

Here are the 2024 Creek Week Art Contest Winners: 

Children (6th grade and below) 

  • 1st Place – Aishani Mishra 
  • 2nd Place – Josephine Johnson 
  • 3rd Place – Anaya Rana Springer 
  • Honorable Mention – Jacob Teich 

Teens (7th -12th grade) 

  • 1st Place – April Harper 
  • 2nd Place – Andy Brennan 
  • 3rd Place – June McCrary 
  • Honorable Mention – Silbur Irwin 

Adults (18+) 

  • 1st Place – Carol Dixon 
  • 2nd Place – Heather Frazier 
  • 3rd Place – Kristine Kelly 
  • Honorable Mention – Analise McCully 

Out of the 114 submissions, 5th grade Isla Vista Elementary School student Ronnie Gloo won the People’s Choice Award. Her art piece was a customized LED-backlit shadow box holding three unique epoxy resin designs. She created this one-of-a-kind piece by combining what she learned about epoxy resin in Laguna Blanca’s Ocean Potion summer camp and about copper wire battery-powered LED lights in her 4th grade STEAM class with countless visits to Goleta beaches and UCSB’s REEF interactive aquarium. Everything you see is inspired by something you can find at our beaches, including seashells, sea glass, sand, and Monarch Butterflies.

Congrats to all the winners and thank you to everyone who participated.

Learn more about Goleta Valley Library and its programs by visiting www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Above: People’s Choice award winner Ronnie Gloo with her submission


Close-up of the People’s Choice Award Winner’s (Ronnie Gloo) submission


Children’s category 1stt place winner Aishani Misha with her submission


Teen category 1st place artwork by April Harper


Adult category 1st place artwork by Carol Dixon


Reception attendees


Part of the team behind the Art Contest and Reception: City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Manager Melissa Nelson, Library Assistant Sharon Nigh, and Guest Judge Kelly Hildner

Team Up for Good: Bring Your Group to Plant Trees at Ellwood!

Groups of volunteers are needed to 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.

We are seeking groups to sign up to volunteer, such as service clubs, faith groups, or schools. Tools will be provided. We just need volunteers! Yes, we can provide community service hours for high school students. 

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.

To bring a group, please contact melissa@legacyworksgroup.com.

For individuals, sign up here.

Learn more at www.cityofgoleta.org/ellwood-now.

World Homelessness Day

Written by Goleta’s Homelessness Services Coordinator Chuck Flacks

World Homeless Day is on October 10, 2024. This annual day of recognition is a great time to stop and reflect on the persistence of a problem that plagues a growing number of communities.

How Can You Honor World Homeless Day? This year, the Santa Barbara Alliance for Community Transformation (SBACT), Goleta’s partner agency in implementing its Homelessness Strategic Plan, is honoring World Homeless Day by airing a series of videos from people who have experienced homelessness. The videos will be available to stream at www.sbact.org/whd and on Facebook/Instagram at @sbactnow. SBACT will also host a panel discussion on Homelessness: It’s Not What You Think to help people dispel the myths that many people have about homelessness and the people who experience it. The panel will be on Thursday, October 10 at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. To register please visit www.sbact.org/whd.

What does Homelessness Look Like in Goleta?

Housing affordability has become a national issue with high rents across Santa Barbara County. With a majority of renters experiencing a high burden, it is likely that homelessness will increase in the near future.

Some facts include:

  • Average number of people experiencing homelessness is about 200
  • Each month an average of 8 people experiencing homelessness find housing
  • Each month, about 8 new people are identified as homeless
  • Currently, for residents of Goleta experiencing homelessness:
    • 56 are in shelters
    • 28 are in vehicles
    • 87 are in encampments
  • A recent census of people living in vehicles found 136 people; however, only 28 consider themselves homeless.

World Homelessness Day is a chance to remember that we hold many myths about homelessness that are not true and keep getting debunked. Homelessness is a housing problem. While many people experiencing homelessness have mental health issues or problems with alcohol and drugs, so do many people who are housed. (Places like West Virginia have a much higher percentage of people with substance problems, and they have almost no homelessness). There is no evidence that these problems cause homelessness. While many people on the street might say that they “prefer” to be homeless, all of our experiences show that when someone is offered a home that they can afford, they take it. And, we have learned that the vast majority of people who are homeless were housed, at some point in the past, in the community where they are living. The people on the streets are our neighbors, and often they are our daughters, sons, friends, or even co-workers.

Thank you for taking time out to think about Homelessness in our community.


People featured in SBACT’s videos

City Receives $364,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant

Funding Another Big Step Forward for City’s Vision Zero Initiative

The City of Goleta received a Planning and Demonstration Activities grant for $364,000 from the Fiscal Year 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. This funding allows Goleta to take meaningful steps toward improving safety and implementing the City’s Vision Zero initiative. Goleta is one of over 350 communities to receive this grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “We are committed to making our streets safer for everyone. This funding represents a crucial opportunity to begin planning for solutions that will save lives and enhance our urban environment.”

Senior Project Manager Teresa Lopes said, “The City was fortunate to receive funding from the grant program enabling us to continue with supplemental planning activities related to the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Project and to further the City’s Vision Zero efforts.”

With this funding the City will:

  • Develop a public safety dashboard to track and monitor safety projects.
  • Launch a Vision Zero Public Safety Campaign to raise awareness about traffic safety concerns including development of a traffic calming toolbox.
  • Implement a Safe Routes to School program to establish non-motorized transportation options for students residing in the Old Town neighborhood.

With these resources, the City can engage with the community, gather feedback, and ensure that its initiatives reflect the needs and priorities of all residents.

In addition to the grant, the City has been working to make Goleta’s roadways safer by adopting the Vision Zero Plan earlier this year. The philosophy maintains that serious collisions on public roadways are preventable and that while collisions cannot be avoided altogether, there are steps you can take to avoid deaths and serious injuries. Another step taken was the Goleta City Council’s approval of an ordinance at its September 3, 2024, meeting that will lower speed limits on roadways in Goleta based on a new State law.

For more information about the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, go to https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A.  

Goleta Holiday Parade Dec. 7 – Join the Celebration

Call for Participants, Volunteers, and Sponsors to Help Spread Holiday Cheer in Old Town Goleta

The Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club is excited to announce the return of the annual holiday parade in Old Town Goleta on Saturday, December 7th at 6pm. The 2024 Old Town Goleta Holiday Parade, presented by Fuel Depot and Elks Lodge, is a cherished tradition that unites our community in the spirit of the holidays. The parade is a collaborative effort, so the group is actively seeking volunteers, sponsors, and participants to help make this an unforgettable celebration!

Local businesses, schools, sports teams, community organizations, and residents are encouraged to get involved. The parade offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and experience the joy of wholesome, hometown fun. With festive floats, lively musical performances, dynamic dance groups, and cheerful participants, this event promises to be a highlight of the year for both residents and visitors. As the anticipation grows, we invite you to join us in creating a magical experience for all!

A variety of sponsorship levels are available, including:

  • North Pole Diamond Sponsor ($3000)
  • Reindeer Platinum Sponsor ($1500)
  • Candy Cane Gold Sponsor ($1000)
  • Silver Bells Sponsor ($500)
  • Snowman Bronze Sponsor ($250)
  • Elf Copper Sponsor ($100)

Volunteers can easily sign up at www.GoletaHolidayParade.org to assist with preparations or help on the day of the event. For those wishing to participate, the fee is $45 for general entries and $30 for schools and non-profit organizations. Please note that the deadline for entry is November 22, so don’t miss this chance to be a part of the festivities and support our community!

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, volunteer positions, and participation details, visit www.GoletaHolidayParade.org or email goletaholidayparade@gmail.com.

NatureTrack Film Festival Almost Here!

The NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) returns to Goleta for a second year October 11-13, and for the first time will be taking place at the Camino Real Marketplace and Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta. The full festival lineup is now available online at www.naturetrackfilmfestival.org. To celebrate the return of this impressive film festival to Goleta, the Council issued a Certificate of Recognition to the festival organizers at the October 1 Council meeting (see photo below).

This year’s festival will screen over 80 films across three days. The festival team is thrilled to feature seven World Premieres, six North American Premieres, and four United States Premieres throughout the weekend, supporting the outstanding full lineup of over 80 inspiring short and feature films with the mission: To Ignite a Passion for Nature through Film. 

All tickets are now on Sale!

Tickets to the Opening Night Extravaganza are priced at just $65 each, and Opening Night guests will enjoy an entertaining evening that will set the tone for the unique and exciting Festival weekend ahead. 

Opening Night will showcase the Central Coast Premiere of Jane Goodall – Reasons for Hope, plus two world premiere short films, Open Space and Otter Space followed by the official opening night reception with light bites and an open bar.  

The Intro Pack ($140) includes a four-pack to any film block of your choice, PLUS two tickets to all the opening night films and reception. An all-access VIP Pass that includes a swag bag, priority access to all screenings, and entry to the VIP lounge is $200 or $375 for two. Individual film block tickets start at just $15.

New this year, the NTFF team will open the official Festival Hub in the former Pier One space at the Camino Real Marketplace at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 11th and it will be open throughout the festival. 

The festival hub will be a place for all festival attendees to pick up passes, purchase tickets, attend filmmaker panels, enjoy the opening and special event receptions, grab a drink with filmmakers, and even enjoy an art gallery featuring local artists. 

Other notable highlights for this year’s festival include the world premiere of the new PBS Documentary Animal Pride – Nature’s Coming Out Story, the world premiere of R.E.S.C.U.E – a heartwarming short documentary about elephants and empowering women and the world premiere of Tagliamento – King of The Alpine Rivers – a beautiful documentary about the last wild river in Europe from Austrian National Broadcaster ORF which will close out the festival on Sunday October 13th. 

With multiple world premieres, over 80 films screening across three days, interesting filmmaker panels, attending filmmakers from around the world, and now with a dedicated festival hub, the 6th NatureTrack Film Festival promises to be its biggest and best yet!

Buy your tickets today and learn more about the full festival schedule, and special events at www.naturetrackfilmfestival.org.

Pictured: NTFF group with Goleta City Councl – left-to-right: NTFF Program Manager Abby Pickens, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Mayor Paula Perotte, Managing Director Gareth Kelly, NatureTrack Foundation Founder/Executive Director Sue Eisaguirre, Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), and Councilmember Kyle Richards

Old Town Open for Business Campaign Continues

Check Out City Social Media Post for #OTOB Business Spotlight

While Project Connect construction continues in Old Town, so does the need to support the awesome businesses that call this heritage district home. For the past four months we have been featuring social media posts showcasing a different business as part of our Old Town Open for Business/Negocios Están Abiertos campaign on the City’s Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) accounts. In case you missed them, here is a short slideshow with the ones we have featured so far. If you know of an Old Town business that we should highlight, or if you are an Old Town business that would like to be featured, send an email to PIO@cityofgoleta.org.

Also make sure to come shop, dine and do business in Old Town. Whether it’s supporting merchants you already frequent or discovering a new one, there truly is something for everyone in Old Town!

All day free parking is available at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) and Orange Avenue Lot, while free 90-minute parking is offered at Community West Bank (corner of Pine Avenue and Hollister Avenue) and Carson Street (between Orange Avenue and Fairview Avenue).

The City launched its Old Town Open for Business (OTOB) campaign in May following the beginning of construction on Project Connect, the largest capital improvement project in the City’s history that will take several years to compete. The campaign includes OTOB light post banners, A-Frame signs, and a video of Old Town businesses ready to serve the community that you can watch here in English and here in Spanish.

The City is always looking for ways to support our Old Town businesses during construction. This past summer the City partnered with the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce to put on a Meet Me in Old Town block party series and collaborated with the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to put on a Mexican Independence Day Festival at the Goleta Community Center. Stay tuned for a community event in November to celebrate the installation of Holiday Lights in Old Town courtesy of a donation from the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club.

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

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