Daily Archives: December 13, 2024

George Thomson SB Independent HERO’s Award

We are so proud of our very own Parks and Open Space Manager George Thomson for being named a 2024 Local Hero by the Santa Barbara Independent! He received this special recognition for being “Goleta’s Nature Czar”.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized for my work at the Goleta Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa,” said George Thomson. “A huge team continues to support the positive steps we’re taking to help monarch butterflies, and I am so thankful to each person that steps up to make a difference. Thank you!”

The article reads, “The eucalyptus groves in Ellwood Mesa, where monarch butterflies gather to spend the winter, still stand because of the lengthy battles fought by residents to protect the forest from development. It is George Thomson’s job as the manager of Goleta’s parks and open spaces to oversee Ellwood’s 90-acre forest and now to preserve it from the effects of hard weather.”

You can read more about George and all of this year’s Local Heroes at https://tinyurl.com/ynh6s6rd.

Where are the Monarch Butterflies?

Monarch Populations are Low Throughout California

The Xerces Society’s annual Western Monarch Count shows the migrating western monarch population is low across the entire overwintering range from the Mendocino Coast in northern California to northern Baja California.

Why?

Monarch butterfly and other insect populations naturally fluctuate from year to year in response to temperature, rainfall, availability of food, predation, disease and other factors. The long-term decline of the migratory western monarch population – a stunning 95% since the 1980s – goes far beyond natural year-to-year fluctuations. Experts believe the population is impacted by pesticide use, increasing heat, wildfire, drought and severe storms in their overwintering and breeding habitats. The chart below, which does not yet include this season’s counts, shows a declining trend, despite counts occurring at more locations across the migration area.

What Does this Mean for Ellwood?

Each year in October, migrating monarch butterflies arrive along the California coast and spread out to search for overwintering habitats. In November, they begin to settle into groves of trees that offer wind protection, sunlight, space for flying, food, and other needs. By mid-December, they aggregate into large clusters at the best groves and abandon those with less protection. Ellwood Mesa is one of the places monarchs prefer to spend their winter.

The City’s biological consultants count monarchs throughout Ellwood Mesa biweekly during the overwintering season. This information helps us understand monarch behavior, the condition of the grove, and contributes to understanding the status of the western monarch population. So far this year, our counts have been very low. In early December we saw only 4 butterflies. Last year at this time we counted over 15,000. We hope these numbers will rise as the season progresses – the monarch population at Ellwood Mesa generally peaks in mid-December – but based on what we are seeing here and throughout California, we anticipate significantly fewer monarchs at Ellwood this year.

Experts are disappointed but not disheartened. First, because the population already exceeds the record low counts of the 2020/2021 season, and we saw a significant recovery over the following three seasons. Second, there is so much research, work, and education being done to help secure the overwintering and breeding habitats the monarchs need to survive. The City of Goleta is proud to be a part of these efforts. We are clearing dead and dying trees, restoring habitat, and planting thousands of new trees to improve the butterfly habitat at Ellwood Mesa. These efforts will ensure the grove will provide what the butterflies need for generations to come.

For More Information:

 

Ellwood Mesa Volunteer Efforts

Over 500 Volunteers from 30 Groups Have Worked More than 1,700 hours on Project

If you have experienced Ellwood Mesa, you know it’s a magical place. That’s why it’s no surprise that dozens of volunteers have showed up almost every Saturday morning since early October to help clear brush, dig holes, and plant trees and native plants. The volunteer workdays are supported by UC Santa Barbara’s Cheadle Center, the City of Goleta, Your Children’s Trees, and many local businesses, non-profits, and faith organizations. To date, over 500 volunteers and staff from 30 groups have worked more than 1,700 hours on the project.

This year’s final work party on Saturday, December 7, was coordinated by the Bucket Brigade. More than 60 volunteers pushed up their sleeves and got to work planting 36 trees to help restore one of the nation’s most important sites for overwintering monarch butterflies.  

Abe Powell from the Bucket Brigade said, “Anytime you get a group that big out together, and you see that much of your community responding to the same stuff you care about – that is critical mass. You realize ‘I’m a part of something bigger than myself’.”

The event was a great example of the power of the community to protect critical habitats and preserve natural treasures for the future. This effort will benefit generations of people and butterflies alike. More community volunteer events will be scheduled in early 2025 – sign up here to be notified: https://tinyurl.com/y3umat4p.

There has been a lot of work happening at the Butterfly Grove and throughout Ellwood. When you visit, you will see lots of changes including a new viewing bench cut from one of the trees that had to be removed. What you may not see is a lot of is butterflies. Throughout California, migrating monarch butterfly populations are low this year and we are seeing that here in Goleta as well. In early December only four butterflies were counted, compared to 15,000 last December. We hope these numbers will rise as the season progresses – the monarch population at Ellwood Mesa generally peaks in mid-December. The work being done at the Grove, such as these volunteer events to plant trees, along with clearing dead and dying trees, restoring habitat, and more, will help ensure the Grove will provide for the monarchs and other wildlife for generations to come. Check our bi-weekly monarch counts at GoletaButterflyGrove.org and follow the City’s progress at www.CityofGoleta.org/Ellwood-Now.

Pictured: volunteers at Saturday morning events

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteers Needed for Homeless Point-in-Time Count

One-Hour Training Session Required for all Volunteers

Hundreds of volunteers are needed on January 22, 2025, from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. for the countywide 2025 Homeless Point-In-Time (PIT) Count. This is the annual count of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a given day. It is put on by The Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care (CoC), in partnership with the County of Santa Barbara and The Santa Barbara Alliance for Community Transformation (SBACT). The information is used to plan local homeless assistance systems, justify funding, and raise public awareness.

Teams of volunteers will canvas assigned routes throughout Santa Barbara County and will briefly document who is experiencing homelessness. The Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) will be a meeting spot for some of the volunteers.

All volunteers are required to attend a training session. In this 1-hour session, volunteers will learn more about the importance of the count, review canvassing best practices, explore the Point-In-Time survey tool, go through Frequently Asked Questions and more. To make this training as accessible as possible, online trainings are offered on varied days and times between January 14th and 17th. Only one training is required. To volunteer, please sign up at https://countyofsb.pointintime.info. Volunteers can register as individuals or in teams. The final day to sign up to volunteer is January 17, 2025. Spanish training is available upon request, please email pit@sbact.org by January 13, 2025.

The Point-In-Time count is only possible with a community-wide effort by the incredible support of many volunteers and partners. Sign up to volunteer here: https://countyofsb.pointintime.info.

Applications Open for City Non-Profit Grant Funds

Mandatory Pre-Application Workshop on January 7; Applications due January 31

Are you a part of a local non-profit serving Goleta residents or know someone who is? If so, we want to remind you that the City of Goleta has approximately $290,000 in grant funds available to non-profits through a competitive application process. Online applications are now open for the Goleta City Grants and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs. The grant period covers Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26, beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Mandatory Pre-Application Workshop
A mandatory pre-application workshop will be held in-person and virtually on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. All applicants interested in applying for the Goleta City Grants and/or CDBG funding must attend a pre-application workshop. For your convenience, two different workshops have been scheduled, but attendance to only one workshop is required. To register, please see the links below.

Location (In-Person): Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue)
Date & Time: January 7, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Link: Register Here

Location (Virtual): Zoom
Date & Time: January 7, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8jf9jzRsQJOSabgFI6f3ww
Webinar ID: 862 6984 9509
Passcode: 841405

Goleta City Grants
Recipients of this grant may receive up to $10,000 for programs that benefit Goleta residents and the general community. Organizations involved in educational and cultural activities, such as music, art, dance, and recreation, as well as Goleta-oriented special events and regional projects that enhance and support the quality of life in Goleta are encouraged to apply. The City Council has set aside $250,000 for the Goleta City Grant Program for FY 2025-26.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Each year, the City of Goleta sets aside a portion of its CDBG funding to support non-profits serving low-income residents, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness. CDBG funds are dispersed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which strictly regulates the use of these funds. The City of Goleta reserves these funds for agencies that qualify for CDBG funding, serve the goals of the City’s 5-Year Consolidated Plan, and apply for a minimum of $10,000. For FY 2025-26, the City estimates approximately $40,000 will be available for public services.

Applications & Awards
Grant applications for both programs are available online via ZoomGrants. Paper applications will not be accepted. Applications will be reviewed by City of Goleta’s Human Services, Homelessness Issues, and Economic Development Standing Committees, as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission. These groups will evaluate the applications and recommend funding awards to the City Council. The Council then awards the grants at a meeting in the spring, likely in May of 2025.

Please visit www.cityofgoleta.org/grants for additional information on both grant programs or contact Cassidy Le Air in the City of Goleta Neighborhood Services Department at (805) 690-5126 or CityGrants@CityofGoleta.org.

City’s Finance Department Continues to Receive Highest Honors

Awarded National Recognition for Budget Presentation and Financial Reporting

The City of Goleta is pleased to have once again received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). These awards recognize the City’s two-year budget plan for fiscal years 2023/24 and 2024/25 and its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.  

“These awards reflect our strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency in how we use taxpayer dollars to serve the community and maintain the public’s trust,” said Luke Rioux, Finance Director. “They are a testament to the leadership of the City Council and the dedication and collaboration of staff across all City departments, showcasing our efforts to provide timely, clear, and accessible financial information.”

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

This is the fourth time the City of Goleta has received the Distinguished Budget Award, which represents the commitment of the City Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To earn this recognition, budget documents must meet nationally recognized guidelines, serving as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications device. The budget documents are reviewed by an impartial panel and must be rated “proficient” in all four categories and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories to receive the award.

View the City’s Two-Year Budget Plan for FY 2023/24 & 2024/25 here. To learn more about the GFOA Budget Award program, visit www.gfoa.org/budget-award.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The City of Goleta is extremely proud to have earned this prestigious award for the 20th time in the City’s 22-year history. The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. This award recognizes the City’s commitment to financial reporting and proven track record. The City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the ACFR.

View the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 here. To learn more about the GFOA Certificate of Achievement award, visit www.gfoa.org/cafr.

More information on the City’s Finance Department, including objectives and accomplishments, is available at www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/finance.

Council Approves $250,000 in Funding for Childcare Initiatives

City Partnering with Local Non-Profit Agencies

The Goleta City Council has approved $250,000 in funding for several childcare initiatives to support local families and enhance community well-being at its December 3, 2024, meeting. The funding is a part of the City’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable childcare solutions to meet the needs of working families.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Each organization receiving funds is doing different things, but they all blend together and help each other. It’s an excellent distribution of funding.”

This funding was made possible through Measure B, the sales tax measure passed by Goleta voters to support essential community services, including childcare.

The City will be partnering with local nonprofit agencies the Santa Barbara Foundation, United Way of Santa Barbara County, Children’s Resource & Referral (CRR), and Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) on the childcare initiatives. The approved funding will go towards grants for childcare providers, employer-sponsored childcare start-up support, and scholarships for families and caregivers. Additionally, funding was allocated to a collaborative proposal between CRR and WEV to support the establishment of new Family Childcare Centers, with the goal of adding 96 new childcare spaces to the community. Family Childcare Centers are private homes where a small group of children are cared for by a licensed provider.

The City hopes the funding will help families in Goleta. The decision is part of the City’s broader five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan, which focuses on improving access to affordable childcare and housing solutions.

A recording of the December 3, 2024, City Council meeting is available to watch here. Read the staff report at https://tinyurl.com/3vvxrcmu.  

Project Connect Update: December 2024

Construction activities for Project Connect are advancing smoothly along Hollister Avenue, with significant progress made on the north side of the Hollister Avenue Bridge over San Jose Creek. In an impressive feat, crews completed a large concrete pour, with 35 trucks delivering 320 cubic yards of concrete in just one day. This concrete was pumped into the newly constructed rebar decking.

Work will continue throughout the winter, weather permitting, as crews focus on finishing the north side of the bridge and completing key connection points along Hollister Avenue.

Please note: For safety reasons, all construction zones are closed to the public. We ask that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians use caution and share the road responsibly as they navigate around these areas.

We know projects such as this one are impactful. We appreciate your patience as we work to build a better future for Goleta.

About Project Connect:

Project Connect is a multi-year project that 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.

The large-scale construction project includes the Ekwill Street & Fowler Road Extensions, Hollister Avenue Bridge Replacement Project, two new roundabouts on Hollister Avenue at the Highway 217 interchange, the Hollister Avenue Interim Striping Project, and San Jose Creek flood control capacity improvements. Project completion is anticipated in 2026 when drivers and pedestrians will have increased east-west access across Old Town Goleta.

The City understands that projects such as this can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your patience.

For additional information or questions, please email Connect@CityofGoleta.org, call 805-690-5116 or visit www.CityofGoleta.org/ProjectConnect.

Cathedral Oaks Road Bike Path in Western Goleta Newly Repaved

Good news for users of the Cathedral Oaks Road bike path in western Goleta. The segment stretching from Paseo Del Pinion to the closure point at the crib wall near the intersection of Cathedral Oaks Road and Calle Real has been fully repaved and restriped. These upgrades provide a smoother, safer surface and clearer markings, enhancing the experience for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages. The improved path ensures a more enjoyable and accessible route for both recreation and commuting.

The City is pleased it was able to complete the bike path improvements as part of the recent Pavement project, which included the new back-in angled parking and re-striping on Cathedral Oaks Road near the bike path (from Northgate Drive to Paseo Del Pinion).

Goleta Public Works continues to work on and complete pavement projects throughout the City. To see an interactive map of pavement projects go to 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.

Watch Video on New Cathedral Oaks Road Parking

You may have noticed changes to a section of Cathedral Oaks Road in western Goleta. The newly repaved road now features protected Class IV bike lanes, parallel parking in a protected bike lane and back-in parking. We know these safety measures may takes time getting used to which is why we hope you will take a moment and watch this short tutorial video. See for yourself what to expect and how to master these parking methods.

This project is part of the City’s Pavement Management Program and Vision Zero commitment. Learn more at www.CityofGoleta.org/Pavement.


Click photo above to watch video