Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Parking on Unpaved Surfaces and RV Standards

Summer is a time when outdoor recreation activities become more popular, many residents are preparing recreational vehicles (RVs), trailers, boats, and other vehicles for travel and leisure. This is a great opportunity to review some of the City of Goleta standards related to vehicle parking, storage, and RV occupancy. Understanding these requirements can help residents maintain compliance with City standards while contributing to safe, attractive, and well-maintained neighborhoods.

Under Section 12.13.030 of the Goleta Municipal Code (GMC), Public Nuisances Designated, the City identifies certain parking and vehicle storage conditions that may be considered public nuisances when allowed to occur on private property.

GMC 12.13.030.O identifies trailers, campers, boats, or motor vehicles parked or stored on vacant property, or in front yards of developed lots unless they are located on paved surfaces, as a public nuisance. This standard helps ensure that vehicles and equipment are stored in an orderly manner and that front yard areas remain well-maintained. Parking on dirt, bare ground, or other unpaved surfaces can contribute to dust, erosion, drainage concerns, and visual impacts within residential neighborhoods.

The City also has standards related to recreational vehicles being used for living purposes. GMC 12.13.030.N identifies the use of a recreational vehicle as living space on private residentially zoned property for a period exceeding 14 days within a six-month period as a public nuisance. While RVs may be used for temporary accommodations, they are not intended to serve as long-term living quarters on residential properties.

In addition to the public nuisance provisions, the City has specific regulations regarding the parking and storage of recreational vehicles and trailers. GMC 17.38.080.A establishes standards for RVs and trailers parked or stored on residentially zoned lots. These standards include requirements that the vehicle be operable, owned by a resident of the property, and parked in a manner that does not create safety hazards or encroach into the public right-of-way. The code also limits the number of recreational vehicles and trailers that may be stored on a residential property outside of an enclosed or screened area.

These standards are intended to balance the needs of property owners with the goal of preserving neighborhood character, maintaining safety, and promoting attractive residential areas throughout the community.

By parking vehicles on approved surfaces and following the City’s standards for recreational vehicles and trailers, residents help keep Goleta’s neighborhoods safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.

To learn more about the code sections referenced above, please visit the City of Goleta Municipal Code through this link: Table of Contents – City of Goleta Municipal Code.

Solid Waste Rate Increase Effective July 1, 2026

MarBorg solid waste rate collection charges increased as of July 1, 2026, as part of an annual adjustment. At the June 2nd City Council meeting and June 8th Board of Supervisors meeting, an increase of 3.2% was approved. 

The annual increase is due to:

  • Increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
  • County of Santa Barbara’s tipping fees at the Tajiguas landfill and ReSource Center

Rate increases due to CPI and Santa Barbara County tipping fees are allowed as part of the City’s franchise agreement with MarBorg.

The annual rate adjustment ensures the continued quality and reliability of our waste management services. As the costs associated with waste collection, disposal, and recyclable material processing rise, it becomes necessary to adjust rates accordingly. This adjustment will allow us to maintain the high standards of environmental stewardship that our community values.

MarBorg provides the following services to the City: solid waste collection, collection of green waste, recyclables, and commercial food waste, free residential household hazardous waste drop off, free bulky items pickups, textiles recycling, unlimited free electronics pickups and recycling, and many other programs. The revenue generated by the rate increase will help MarBorg to cover the increasing costs of collection, transport, processing, recycling, and disposal of materials.

The new rates are listed below: 


Monthly Maximum Solid Waste Collection Rates for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

 

Service Level

Current Rates:

Proposed Rate:
3.2% Increase

$ Change

35-gallon Single Family Residential Cart Service

$40.67

$41.98

$1.31

65-gallon Single Family Residential Cart Service

$45.57

$47.02

$1.45

95-gallon Single Family Residential Cart Service

$52.64

$54.32

$1.68

35-gallon Multi Family Residential Cart Service

$34.52

$35.63

$1.11

65-gallon Multi Family Residential Cart Service

$38.49

$39.73

$1.24

95-gallon Multi Family Residential Cart Service

$41.07

$43.11

$2.04

Learn more about the variety of solid waste and recycling programs and services available to residential and commercial customers at www.cityofgoleta.org/WasteFreeGoleta.

All other questions or feedback can be emailed to EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.gov.

Beautify Goleta Plastic Free July

Join us for a Plastic Free Beautify Goleta Cleanup event on Saturday, July 18 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Old Town Goleta. Volunteers will meet on the front lawn of the (Goleta Community Center at 5679 Hollister Avenue). The event includes  a free bulky item drop-off at the GCC’s rear parking lot from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. More information will be available soon at www.CityofGoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

Goleta Evening Rotary Celebrates 90 Years

Happy 90th Birthday to the Goleta Evening Rotary Club. This standout group was founded on June 13, 1936, and since its inception has been dedicated to the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”. At its June meeting, 2nd District Councilmember James Kyriaco had the pleasure of presenting the Club with a proclamation recognizing its 90th anniversary. He presented it to Club-Co president Tammy Dobrotin and brought up other members of the club who previously served on the Goleta City Council. During his remarks Councilmember Kyriaco said, “Before we were even Goleta in terms of a state recognized Census place, you folks and the folks who came before you, much like a relay, were taking turns setting an example of service and passing that example on to the next generation.”

During the past nine decades, members of this club have generously given their time, talents, and resources to improve the quality of life in our community. The Goleta Evening Rotary Club championed vital local initiatives such as the Goleta Fireworks Show, Old Town Goleta Clean Up, scholarships for graduating seniors, refurbishment of the Goleta Boys and Girls Club, maintaining the Pat O’Malley Field House at Girsh Park, serving meals, providing gifts around the holidays and pouring its tasty lemonade at the Goleta Lemon Festival since the event began.

Thank you, Goleta Evening Rotary, for your endless compassion and commitment to our community! We are forever grateful and can’t wait to see what you do next!

If you are interested in becoming a Rotarian go to https://join.rotary.org/.

Pictured above: 2nd District Councilmember giving the Proclamation to Club-Co president Tammy Dobrotin 


Rotary group photo


90-year collage

Music at the Ranch Summer 2026

Tuesday Night Concert Series

Goleta Valley Historical Society’s Music at the Ranch begins July 14! Head over to Rancho La Patera & Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road) for a six-week concert series Tuesday evenings from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs for and enjoy a FREE outdoor concert (schedule below). Purchase food from the onsite food truck or pack a picnic dinner.

Upcoming Schedule:

  • July 14 – Salty Strings
  • July 21 – Mezcal Martini
  • July 28 – Do No Harm
  • August 4 – Nombres
  • August 12 – Doublewide Kings
  • August 19 – Out of the Blue

Please do not bring pets, service animals are allowed. Limited parking is available.

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

Stow House Old Fashioned Fourth of July

Celebrate Independence Day with the Goleta Valley Historical Society’s family-friendly Old Fashioned Fourth of July! Head over to Rancho La Patera & Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a fun, in-person event filled with tradition, community spirit, and good old-fashioned July 4th vibes. Bring your family and friends for a memorable day celebrating independence the way it used to be done!

Enjoy live music by the Cadillac Angels (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) and the Americana Cats (1:30 – 3:30 p.m.) and food trucks. The kids will love the pony rides, tractor rides, ranch yard, face painting and kids crafts.

The Central Coast Vintage Machinery Association, the Model A Club of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society will also be returning this year.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children – purchase in advance or at the door. Proceeds benefit the Goleta Valley Historical Society.  More info: https://goletahistory.org/old-fashioned-4th-july/.

Fiesta Ranchera Recap

The spirit of Fiesta is alive and well in Goleta after a great kickoff event that has become a favorite tradition in the Good Land. Fiesta Ranchera 2026 kicked off the summer season on Thursday, June 18, drawing over 400 community members to the historic Rancho La Patera & Stow House. The evening is known for bringing together great local culinary tastings and traditional cultural entertainment.

Mayor Paula Perotte was invited on stage and welcomed attendees to Goleta followed by Councilmember Kyriaco who provided some historical perspective to this cherished event put on by the Goleta Valley Historical Society and Old Spanish Days.

The crowd enjoyed unlimited food and beverage tastings from a wide variety of local restaurants, wineries, and breweries

Attendees were also treated to traditional dancing and performances from the 2026 Spirit of Fiesta Jenna Ramirez and Junior Spirit of Fiesta Penny Hernandez.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta 2026 will be held August 5–9 throughout Santa Barbara County.

For information on Fiesta events, schedules, and tickets, visit sbfiesta.org⁠.

Green Room: Pet Waste

Spending time outdoors with your pet is one of the great joys of living in our beautiful Goleta community. But when pet waste isn’t properly disposed of, it can harm our creeks, watersheds, beaches, and ocean. Pet waste contains bacteria, nutrients, and pathogens that can wash into storm drains and flow directly into local waterways, affecting water quality, wildlife, and even closing beaches.

Fortunately, with a few simple habits, you can keep our outdoor spaces clean and protect our environment.

What about Responsible Pet Care?

Proper pet waste disposal isn’t just a courtesy to others; it is essential for protecting public health and our natural resources. Even waste left on beaches, trails, or in yards can wash into the ocean during rain. By taking simple steps and being prepared, pet owners can dramatically reduce pollution.

There are smart, environmentally friendly ways to manage pet waste:

  1. Always pick up after your pet, even if your pet goes “off trail” or in vegetation.
  2. Carry biodegradable bags with you. Leaving bags (even “biodegradable” ones) on the beach is illegal litter and can pollute the ocean.
  3. Train your dog to go at home before heading out. This helps keep beaches cleaner and reduces the environmental and financial cost associated with single-use plastic bags.

Pet and Animal Care Tips to Protect Water Quality:

  1. Bathe pets on the lawn or another permeable surface so wash water doesn’t flow into the street, gutter, or storm drain.
  2. Always toss pet waste into the trash, even if it’s picked up using biodegradable bags.
  3. Keep animal pens, corrals, or similar structures at least 50 feet from creeks, streams, or rivers.
  4. Remove manure and soiled bedding at least three times a week to prevent runoff pollution.
  5. Store manure properly in insect-and leak-proof containers, such as lidded plastic garbage cans, storage sheds, or composters.
  6. Avoid applying manure before or during rainstorms or in quantities large enough to contribute to nutrient pollution.

Do Your Part-It’s Easy, Quick, and Makes a Big Difference

Your small daily actions help protect Goleta’s creeks, beaches, and oceans. By picking up after your pet, properly disposing of waste, and following responsible animal care practices, you’re contributing to a cleaner, safer, and healthier community.

For more information on pets and the beach in Goleta, check out our Dog Owner’s Guide in English and Spanish.

Help Write the Next Chapter at Goleta Valley Library

Four Convenient Ways to Contribute to the Capital Campaign Available Now

Library love is shining bright! Goleta Valley Library’s first‑ever capital campaign is going strong, as together we work to raise the remaining $708,000 to complete our $1.7 million vision for fresh, accessible, patron‑ready spaces that will welcome and delight our community for decades to come. Thanks to abundant community generosity, our campaign is already at 58.32% of its goal, with four convenient options for gifts available through December 2026. Read on for all the details of this historic moment for Goleta Valley Library and learn how you can help us write the next chapter.

About the Project:

The main Goleta Valley Library location at 500 N. Fairview is temporarily closed for construction related to the Building Forward infrastructure improvements that will bring the facility up to current standards and regulations. The interior design team is seizing the opportunity while the library is closed and vacant to create a more modern and accessible environment while retaining the charm and warmth of this treasured space.

The interior design improvements will include updated seating for all ages, private study pods for reservable use, upgraded shelving to support the library’s broad collection, an enhanced children’s area with interactive and flexible spaces, a designated teen zone, technology upgrades, refreshed common spaces, and more – take a look at the latest renderings on our capital campaign webpage.

About the Capital Campaign:

The campaign, which is fiscally sponsored by The Santa Barbara Foundation, runs through December 2026 and launched with $764,105 of this goal already secured through two milestone gifts from the John C. Mithun Foundation and the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library.

There are four convenient options for library supporters to contribute to the campaign:

  1. Santa Barbara Foundation: The fiscal sponsorship fund at the Santa Barbara Foundation, “Goleta Valley Library: Writing the Next Chapter”, is facilitating all donations, offering various convenient methods including credit card, check, wires, stock, or other assets, as well as donor advised fund contributions. To make a tax-deductible contribution:
    • Credit Cards: Visit the project listing page at https://sbfoundation.org/gvlibrary/ to make a secure gift transaction.
    • Checks: Make payable to Santa Barbara Foundation, with “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the memo line. Mail to: Santa Barbara Foundation, 1111 Chapala St #200, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
    • Gifts of Stock or Other Assets: Contact Jessica Sanchez, Senior Director of Donor Relations, at (805) 880-9366 or jsanchez@sbfoundation.org for details.

  2. Friends of the Goleta Valley Library: The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library continue to be incredibly supportive partners during our campaign. They have agreed to collect gifts toward the capital campaign and disburse them to Goleta Valley Library. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please specify that your donation is intended for the capital campaign through one of the options below:
    • Credit Cards: Donate securely via the Friends website at friendsofthegoletavalleylibrary.org and include “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the notes field.
    • Checks: Make payable to the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, with “GVL: Writing the Next Chapter” in the memo line. Mail to: Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, P.O. Box 635, Goleta, CA 93116-0635.
    • Other Options or Questions: Contact the Friends directly at friendsofthegvlibrary@gmail.com.
       
  3. City of Goleta: Donations can be made to the Library directly. Please contact City Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo at esaucedo@cityofgoleta.gov for details.

  4. In-Person at GVL Express: Donations via credit card, cash, or check can be accepted at the service desk at GVL Express (6500 Hollister Avenue, Suite 105). The completion of a brief donation form will be requested for tracking purposes, and anonymous donations are also welcome.

We would be honored if you would consider making a gift to support these interior design renovations. Donations of every size bring us closer to creating a space that reflects the needs and values of our patrons.

If you would like to discuss the project, or if there is an opportunity for us to present to your board or organization on the areas of the library we plan to improve, we would be happy to arrange for an in-person or virtual meeting to share our project details with you.

Donor Recognition Program:

The generosity of campaign supporters will be recognized through our formal Donor Recognition Program, which will be shared with the community later this year.

Thank you to each of the incredibly generous donors who have already contributed gifts toward this special project! To share the campaign with others and to see the latest updates, visit us at goletavalleylibrary.org/writingthenextchapter.

The Santa Barbara Foundation is the 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor of the “Goleta Valley Library: Writing the Next Chapter” capital campaign.  As such, Santa Barbara Foundation receives all donations to the program and oversees funds are distributed in the manner intended by the committee. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Goleta Valley Library – July Programs

Summer Read-A-Palooza is Happening Now

Over 1,500 library patrons are participating in Read-A-Palooza so far this summer! There is still a month left if you would like to register, track your reading, participate in activities, attend programs, and enter prize drawings. 

For a full calendar of Summer Reading Program events and more info on Read-A-Palooza, go to www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org/Summer.

We have library programs scheduled throughout July:

All Ages 4th of July Tie-Dye Craft (Senior Happy Hour Crossover)
Thursday, July 2, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Goleta Community Center Gazebo out front
Join us for a Patriotic Tie-Dye Party! You can bring your own shirt to tie-dye (must be 100% cotton, pre-washed) or get one from us (while supplies last). The dye could stain clothing and shoes. This is a MESSY craft, so please dress accordingly!

Science Heroes
Tuesday, July 7, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m., Goleta Community Center Auditorium
Unearth your curiosity as we learn about pressure, energy, physical vs. chemical changes, the effects of physical explosions, angles, trajectory, and more. If you didn’t already love science, you’ll really ‘dig it’ after experiencing Science Heroes!

Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, July 11, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m., Goleta Community Center – Room 3
Share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Beach Book Club
Sunday, July 12, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Goleta Beach Park near the playground
Thursday, July 23, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Goleta Beach Park near playground
Bring your beach chair and your book or grab one from the Bookvan and join us for a chill reading session on the beach! 

Film Club: The Princess Bride (1987)
Thursday, July 16, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Goleta Community Center – Room 3
Join us for our next Film Club feature starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, and Robin Wright. Stay for a lively discussion, trivia & fun facts after the movie. As you wish!

Hula Anyone Performance
Saturday, July 18, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Goleta Community Center Auditorium
Come and experience the mesmerizing dancing of Hula Anyone, dedicated to the preservation of Hawaiian hula and Tahitian dance traditions. This show will include traditional hula dancing, Tahitian dancing, and audience participation.

Poetry Club
Sunday, July 19, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., Goleta Community Center – Room 3
Read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the voices of others in this welcoming space.

Mystery Book Club: The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper
Tuesday, July 28, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Goleta Community Center – Room 3
Come discuss this month’s selection.

Goodland Yarn Works
Every Wednesday, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Goleta Community Center – Room 3
If you know how to knit or crochet, this group is for you. Join us for fun and friendship!

Cómo utilizar los servicios de TU BIBLIOTECA/ How to use the services at YOUR LIBRARY
Every Wednesday, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Goleta Valley Library Express 
Bilingual library staff will be available Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm to help our community members learn how to use the free services offered at the library.

Baby & Me Storytime
Every Friday, 10:00 – 10:30 a.m., Rotating Parks
Join us for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, lap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play.

Wiggly Storytime
Every Friday, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m., Rotating Parks
We’ll do stories, songs, a dance party, and bubbles. Best for ages 15 months-5 years.

Tech Tutoring
Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., by appointment at Goleta Valley Library Express
Please call 805-964-7878 to schedule a 30-minute in-person appointment at the library with one of our helpful volunteers.

Library staff look forward to welcoming you to our programs this month! For all programming and events, visit the Calendar of Events at www.goletavalleylibrary.org/calendar.

See you at the library!