Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

New Electric Vehicle Chargers Installed at Goleta City Hall

Join Us for a Ribbon Cutting in January 2025

The City of Goleta is excited to bring the City Hall Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Project to life. A total of 17 Level 2 PowerFlex chargers are now available to the community at Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive) thanks to the collaboration of the City’s Sustainability Program, Southern California Edison (SCE), PowerFlex EDF Renewables, and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBAPCD).

To celebrate the completion of the EV Charging Project and the success and leadership of the City of Goleta, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at Goleta City Hall in January 2025 (stay tuned for details!).

In September of 2020, the State of California issued an executive order requiring all new passenger vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035. As one of the main barriers to switching from a gas-powered vehicle to one that runs on electricity is lack of access to reliable charging, the City is committed to providing publicly available EV charging at City-owned facilities. With this recent installation, the chargers at City Hall meet Level 2 charging standards – meaning that they have 208-volt to 240-volt plugs, adding 20 to 60 miles per hour of charge.

What is the purpose of the City Hall EV Charging Project?

As the state of California rapidly transitions to electric vehicle use, it is essential that the City accommodate for and incentivize increased electrification. This project furthers our efforts to facilitate a resilient and sustainable electrical grid not fully reliant on fossil fuel use. As part of the City of Goleta’s Strategic Plan to support environmental vitality and spearhead the development of electric vehicle infrastructure, the installation of these chargers at the City Hall campus is a step in the right direction.

To learn about more projects from the City’s Sustainability Division, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/Sustainability.

 

 

 

Green Room: Waste Free Holiday Season

This year, celebrate the holiday season with an eco-friendly spirit, blending festive joy with sustainable practices. The City of Goleta encourages our community to make a collective effort to reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a healthier environment. 

Decorations: 

Opt for sustainable decor by reusing last year’s items or crafting new ornaments from recycled materials. Consider supporting local artisans or businesses that offer eco-friendly holiday decorations. When the season ends, store decorations for reuse in the coming years. 

Gifts: 

Choose thoughtful, eco-conscious gifts over material excess. Consider experiences, subscriptions, or handmade items. If purchasing, buy from local and sustainable businesses. Wrap gifts in reusable materials like fabric or recycled paper. Remember, the sentiment behind the gift matters most. 

Instead of traditional wrapping paper, consider using reusable gift bags or cloth. Support organizations and charities with a focus on sustainability. Many local initiatives provide opportunities to give back, ensuring your generosity extends beyond the holiday season. 

Food: 

Plan your holiday meals carefully to minimize food waste. Buy local, seasonal produce. Encourage guests to bring reusable containers for leftovers, and compost food scraps. Goleta’s composting programs can help turn kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil. Dispose of food scraps in your trash bin for sorting at the Resource Center. 

Energy: 

Illuminate your home with energy-efficient LED lights. Use a timer to reduce electricity consumption and consider solar-powered decorations for outdoor displays. Goleta promotes energy conservation to enhance the holiday glow without compromising the environment. 

Stay Informed: 

Stay informed about Goleta’s recycling programs. Separate recyclables from trash and compost organic waste. Dispose of electronic waste through designated channels, preventing harmful materials from entering landfills. 

By adopting these practices, we can collectively make a positive impact on our community and the planet. The City of Goleta wishes everyone a joyous and environmentally conscious holiday season! 

Learn more about Waste Free Goleta at www.CityofGoleta.org/WasteFreeGoleta.

Gear Up for Goleta’s E-Bike Safety Awareness Week January 20 – 26

Join Us for Proclamation at January 21st Council Meeting

While e-bikes remain a popular method of transportation, especially for youth in our community, so do concerns surrounding the safety of those driving them and those in their path. That’s why the City of Goleta is once again taking a week out in January to proclaim E-Bike Safety Awareness Week which is coming up January 20 – 26, 2025.

This is the third year the City has taken time out to raise awareness about e-bike safety. Join us for a proclamation at the January 21, 2025, City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thank you to MOVE Santa Barbara County for doing a number of e-bike safety education outreach activities at Goleta Valley Junior High, Dos Pueblos High School and San Marcos High School throughout the week.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “We see more kids on e-bikes following the holiday season as many get them as holiday gifts. We want to make sure they know how to ride them and what they need to do to be safe. This also goes for those of us who encounter e-bike drivers on the road. We hope E-Bike Safety Awareness Week will provide an opportunity to educate and remind riders about rules and safety tips.”

To learn about important e-bike Safety tips, watch this video with former Community Resource Deputy Ehren Rauch. 

View a guide to safe riding for e-bikes available here.

Thank you for doing your part to make sure our e-bike riders are safe.

Winter Bird Count 4 Kids

January 25, 9am – 12pm at Lake Los Carneros

The Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) presents, with the support of the City of Goleta, a free educational event for the children in our community: the 11th Annual Winter Bird Count for Kids to be held on January 25th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Lake Los Carneros Park. Registration is from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. on the grounds of Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road).

This 3-hour event offers children ages 8-16 the opportunity to learn from expert birders about the various birds of our region. The first 75 participants will receive a free t-shirt, featuring artwork by Lucy London. A list of target bird species will be provided to each kid as a keepsake.

Children will first learn how to use binoculars, which will be available for loan (one per family) at the event. From 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., children will explore Lake Los Carneros with experienced volunteer leaders, who will show them what to look and listen for. Following the walk everyone will gather at Stow House, where a leader will guide the young birders through a compilation – tallying the number of bird species seen (last year we had 49 species!) During the compilation, educators will display large photos of each species seen.

The main goal of this event is to inspire the next generation of nature-lovers. SBAS offers a host of educational programs throughout the year. At the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, visitors can view SBAS ambassador birds at an aviary, with volunteers bringing them out on a glove several hours a week.  In addition, our “Eyes in the Sky” program provides about 80 off site presentations per year. About half of those make up a three-part “Meet Your Wild Neighbor” program, which currently reaches 16 K-3rd grade classrooms, mostly at Title I schools. The rest are presentations at local elementary schools, retirement communities, community centers, and with partner organizations like the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

The Winter Bird Count for Kids is run entirely by volunteers. For more information about this event and its volunteer opportunities, please visit https://santabarbaraaudubon.org/events/wbc4k/.

Gold Cards Given to Deserving Boys & Girls Club Members

Congratulations to the 47 members of the Goleta United Boys and Girls Club who received Gold Cards for their 105 days of attendance!

Members from the Goleta branch were recognized at the December 3, 2024, Goleta City Council meeting with Certificates of Recognition for achieving this impressive attendance record.

“We want to thank the Goleta City Council and the City of Goleta for your continued support of our organization in honoring our members,” said Christianne Rojo, Chief Operating Officer for the United Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County. “105 days is significant because studies have shown they are twice as likely to graduate on time and twice as likely to have healthy habits and lifestyles as they grow older. We are super grateful for this honor today.”

Congratulations to all the outstanding Gold Card recipients, City of Goleta is proud of you!


Boys and Girls Club members and staff with the Goleta City Council

 

 

 

 

 

Green Room: Green Streets, Low Impact Development, Bioswales

Green stormwater infrastructure is crucial for protecting our local ecosystems. The City of Goleta Environmental Services division would like to share some information with the community on green streets, low impact development, and bioswales. Read on to learn where you can find green infrastructure in our community.

Green Streets

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a green street is one that “incorporates vegetation (perennials, shrubs, trees), soil, and engineered systems (e.g., permeable pavements) to slow, filter, and cleanse stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces (e.g., streets, sidewalks)” (US EPA 2024). By using natural solutions to catch, redirect, and filter stormwater runoff, municipalities can reduce expenditures by avoiding costly underground collection systems. Green streets also provide flood mitigation benefits, and support community health by providing safe, aesthetic pathways for people to walk, run, bike, use a wheelchair/mobility device, or utilize other forms of transportation.

Low Impact Development

Low impact development, or LID, is a critical component to maintaining green street infrastructure. Asphalt, concrete, and other impervious surfaces cause a large volume of stormwater runoff to wash over land at high speeds. This maximizes the amount of trash and contaminants that collect in runoff, and discharge into creeks, watersheds, and the ocean. This creates an unhealthy environment for plants, animals, and humans.

In contrast, low impact development uses pervious surfaces, such as large stones and gravel and concrete pervious pavers, to maximize the infiltration of stormwater and filter pollutants. Not only does this reduce pollutant loads, but also recharges the underground aquifer, which is critical in drought-prone areas like California.

What is a bioswale?

Have you wondered why there is vegetation and pipes in some of the ditches in Goleta? These ditches are called bioswales, and this type of green stormwater infrastructure plays a critical role in removing pollutants from our local environment. Bioswales are channels that collect, transport, and filter stormwater runoff, preventing runoff from flowing down storm drains and polluting local waterways. A perforated, underdrain pipe collects runoff from streets and parking lots, filters contaminants, and conveys outflow. Bioswales can filter a variety of contaminants including organic contaminants (nutrients, oil, bacteria) and heavy metals.

Typically, bioswales consist of several layers, including mulch, soil, and gravel. Bioswales also use native plantings to absorb water and limit erosion. An infographic of a bioswale is displayed on the right.

Where has the City installed bioswales?

The City has built a bioswale near San Jose Creek and is planning to build a bioswale near Armitos Park. These bioswales help to protect the natural habitat in the creek area from runoff. Heavily trafficked roadways, such as Hollister Avenue and US Highway 101/State Route 217, can produce oil, gas, grease, and other pollutants. By installing bioswales in these areas, the City protects local species from the harm these organic contaminants can cause.

The City of Goleta has numerous projects and initiatives that aim at keeping contaminants from harming local waterways, habitats, and the ocean. You can learn more about the projects the City is completing, as part of the Creek and Water Management Plan implementation process, at www.CityofGoleta.org/CWMP.

Works Cited

US EPA. 2024. Lean about Green Streets. Accessed at https://www.epa.gov/G3/learn-about-green-streets

Winter Programming at Goleta Valley Library

Winter Reading Program begins December 17!

Frosty temperatures mean heading into your local library to warm up with some cozy books! Browse our shelves for new releases and old favorites and join us for community and conversation at our variety of engaging programs for all ages. Please note, the library will be closed for the holidays December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st. Visit our e-Library at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org for 24/7 access to eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies, magazines and more for free with your library card.

Read on to plan your winter visits to Goleta Valley Library this December and January.

December

December 3 – December 22
Elf on the Shelf
Ages 12 and under
He’s Back! The Elf on the Shelf is back and up to his usual antics. Children may come to Goleta Valley Library and find him for a prize. He will be on the run all December, so come back weekly to see what mischief he has cooked up.

December 14 – December 29
Winter Scavenger Hunt
Ages 12 and under
Participate in the library’s winter-themed scavenger hunt and enter to win a fabulous bundle of wintry stories! The Scavenger Hunt will change weekly, giving kids a new chance to win each week (3 prizes will be drawn at the end of the month).

December 17 – January 26
Winter Reading Program
All Ages
Community members of all ages are invited to participate in the library’s 13th annual Winter Reading Program! The 2024-2025 theme is “Reading is Cool!” and encourages our local patrons to find some cool books in the library’s vast collection of print and digital materials this winter. Participants will complete one entry slip per book read. Prizes drawings will take place weekly for the age-group categories of Children, Teens, and Adults. The more you read, the better your chances will be of winning!

December 21 from 11am – 2pm
Craftapalooza
All Ages
Come to Goleta Valley Library and get creative! Kids, teens, and adults are invited to make something using one of our designs or come up with your own creation. Make a keychain, picture frame, origami, holiday ornament, gift tags, bookmarks, or greeting cards — the options are limitless! Purchase a gift from the Friends of the Library book sale while you’re here to check some holiday shopping off your list. You won’t want to miss this special community event!

Please Note: Wiggly Wednesday and Baby & Me storytimes be will on winter break from December 18th to January 3rd. We’ll resume on Wednesday, January 8th!

January

January 4 from 12:30 – 2pm
Writers’ Workshop
Adults & Teens
The GVL Writers’ Workshop is open to adults and teens who write in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. The workshop meets on the first Saturday of each month to share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

January 9 from 2 – 3:30pm
Senior Happy Hour
Seniors
Come join us for a fun social hour and easy craft the first Thursday of every month! This event is free, and all supplies are provided.

January 28 from 5:30 – 6:30pm
Mystery Book Club
Adults
Join us as we discuss this month’s pick: The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn. Description: “It isn’t paranoia if it’s really happening … Anna Fox lives alone — a recluse in her New York City home, drinking too much wine, watching old movies … and spying on her neighbors. Then the Russells move next door: a father, a mother, their teenaged son. The perfect family. But when Anna sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble — and its shocking secrets are laid bare. What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this gripping Hitchcockian thriller, no one and nothing are what they seem.”

There’s always so much going on at Goleta Valley Library. View the full calendar of events here.

For more information on the library, go to www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Welcome New Board & Commission Members

The City of Goleta is excited to introduce our newest Board & Commission members! Vacancies were recently filled with new members on five of the City’s Boards and Commissions: Design Review Board, Library Advisory Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Engagement Commission, and Public Tree Advisory Commission.

Thank you to everyone who applied and congratulations to those selected! Our Board Members and Commissioners bring a diverse list of experience, interests, and talents to the position. Here is a little background on each of them and what drew them to get involved.

Design Review Board

Jonathan Eymann was appointed to the Design Review Board to fill an unexpired portion of a term ending February 28, 2026.  A 35+ year resident of Goleta, Jonathan’s three sons, along with his six grandchildren, all still reside in the area. Recently retired as a civil service employee, Jonathan wants to help Goleta move into the future in a way that respects Goleta’s past and distinct character as a community. He believes that a balanced and sensitive approach are key in allowing Goleta to continue to be the “Good Land”.

Jonathan received a BA from the University of California Santa Barbara and a MA in Clinical Psychology form Antioch University. He is also a former member of both the State and Local chapter of the Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

Library Advisory Commission

Anna Jordan was appointed to the Library Advisory Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2027. Anna believes deeply in the role of advocacy for the people that the board serves. Her goal is to help improve systems all while working in a thoughtful and generous capacity alongside her colleagues and peers.

Anna graduated from Westmont College with a BA in English Literature and received her Master of Fine Art from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. For the last seven years, Anna has served as a member of the Brandon Elementary School PTA and was the Vice President in charge of Fundraising for the last four. Additionally, she currently serves on the Westmont College Communications Board and the college Program Review Committee and is also on the Board of Directors for Angels Foster Care.

Krista Rodkey was appointed to the Library Advisory Commission to fill an unexpired portion of a term ending June 20, 2025. A lifelong Goletan, Krista loves her community and wants to contribute her vision to how the city develops. She wants to bring a valuable perspective to the planning process as a non-driving, disabled millennial who grew up in a trailer park residential area.

Krista received her BA Summa Cum Laude from Westmont College, MA from the University of Oxford, and her Doctorate from Indiana University – and is a graduate of the City’s award-winning LEAD Goleta Community Academy!

Parks and Recreation Commission

Alyssa Flores was appointed as a Youth Member for the Parks and Recreation Commission for a two-year term ending on November 30, 2026. Alyssa was inspired by the recent sidewalk improvement projects in the City.

Currently a Sophomore at Dos Pueblos High School, Alyssa is actively involved in many programs and organizations. These include serving as the Class Historian for the Associated Student Body, a member of the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy, a school journalist, working on campus murals, and volunteering for the “Beautify DP” project among others. These experiences have given Alyssa valuable insight into how environment can influence community behavior and improve overall wellbeing.

Public Engagement Commission

Lori Goodman was appointed to the Public Engagement Commission to fill an unexpired portion of a term ending November 30, 2025. Lori is passionate about engaging under-represented and marginalized communities that have been disenfranchised. Lori believes in the importance of engaging all of Goleta’s community members.

Lori is currently the Executive Director of LEAP and is deeply connected to low-income families living and working in Goleta. She is on the Executive Board of the Kids Network of Santa Barbara County, the past chair of the Courage to Lead alumni Committee, and most recently served seven years on the Library Advisory Commission for the City of Goleta.

Sagarika Manian was appointed as a Youth Member to the Public Engagement Commission for a two-year term ending November 30, 2026. Sagarika is hoping to create a lasting impact on the City of Goleta by serving as a proactive youth voice to ensure that everyone’s opinions are heard and validated.

Sagraika is an active member of the community with a long history of involvement in non-profit and community organizations. For the past three years she has served on the Santa Barbara Youth Council and is currently the Second Vice Chair. Her involvement also includes ProgramHers, YouthMuze, student leader for the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy, and the co-founder/copresident of the Self Care Club, and as a volunteer for the Santa Barbara Sea Center.

Public Tree Advisory Commission

Karl Rider was appointed the Public Tree Advisory Commission to fill a portion of a term ending February 28, 2027. Karl wants to preserve and promote the urban forest and promote its value to the community while highlighting the importance of preservation and restoration of our trees.

A professional horticulturist for 25 years, Karl has worked with trees on many levels from propagation and procurement to maintenance and removal. He is vastly experienced in managing landscapes and forest land for aesthetics, restoration and hazard mitigation. His past work also includes training arborists and contracting with diverse specialists on installation, relocation, Plant Health Care and removals in urban and forest situations in New England, the tropics, and Santa Barbara.

To learn more about the City’s Boards and Commissions, and to see available vacancies, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/BoardsCommissions.

Apply for a City Board or Commission as Your New Year’s Resolution

Applications Due January 10, 2025

Start the new year by giving back to your community! Make it your New Year’s Resolution to apply for a vacancy on one of City of Goleta’s Boards or Commissions. Serving on a Commission is a great way to use your talent and time to make a difference and help shape the future of Goleta. It’s also a unique opportunity to learn more about how local government works and have your voice heard.

The City is looking to fill 12 vacancies on five different Boards and Commissions (Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Engagement Commission and Public Tree Advisory Commission). Here is more about each opportunity:

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission sits as a decision-making body on land use issues for the City and consists of five members who each serve a four-year term. Their role is to review and take appropriate action on discretionary development applications and to make recommendations to the City Council regarding any proposed legislative actions, including the General Plan and its implementation, as required by law.

There are three vacancies. Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta and be qualified electors. The Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m.; compensation is $150 per meeting.

Design Review Board

This seven-member body encourages development that uses the best professional design practices to enhance the visual aesthetics of the community and prevent poor quality of design. The Design Review Board (DRB) advises the City Council, Planning Commission, and staff.  

There are three vacancies. Two vacancies are for At-Large members, eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. One vacancy is for a licensed landscape professional (landscape architect); qualified applicants are not required to reside within City limits for this vacancy. Members are appointed to a three-year term. The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Parks and Recreation Commission

This seven-member body advises the City Council on all issues related to parks and recreational opportunities in Goleta, including the acquisition, development, maintenance, and improvement of the City’s public parks, recreational services, and open spaces.

There are three vacancies; eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission holds six regular meetings and may hold additional meetings as needed. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Public Engagement Commission

This seven-member body advises the City Council and staff on matters related to public engagement in City government and governance. The Commission has provided recommendations to the City Council on moving to evening-only meetings, directly electing the Mayor, and district elections.

There is one vacancy to fill an unexpired term through November 2027. Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission holds four regular meetings and may hold additional meetings as needed. Members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Public Tree Advisory Commission

The Public Tree Advisory Commission provides advice to staff and the City Council in developing plans and goals for the Goleta Urban Forest, represents the interests of the community, and informs the community of the Urban Forestry program as directed by the City Council. Urban forests encompass the trees and shrubs in an urban area, including trees in yards, along streets and corridors, in watersheds, and more. Urban forests are important because they are the trees right outside our doors providing air, shade, and beauty.

There are two vacancies, qualified applicants are not required to reside within City limits. The Commission holds four regular meetings and may hold additional meetings as needed; members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Apply Online

Get a head start on your New Year’s resolution and apply now at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. Applications are due by January 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. For additional information, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

Job Openings with City of Goleta

Come work at the City of Goleta! We are looking for passionate people who want to serve their community. Working for local government is a rewarding experience where you can make a difference. We have a diverse range of current positions open:

  • Assistant / Associate Engineer
  • Maintenance Worker I / II
  • Principal Civil Engineer
  • Coming soon: Lead Maintenance Worker (two openings)
  • Coming soon: Library Technician (full-time at Goleta Valley Library)

Learn more about the open positions and apply at www.CityofGoleta.org/Jobs.  Job availability subject to change – check back regularly for new listings.