Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Know Your District 2024

Election day is only a couple months away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This is another historic election for Goleta as registered voters who live in Districts 3 and 4 will have the opportunity to elect City Council members from the District in which they live for the first time. The 2022 election was the first By-District Election for the City where Councilmembers in District 1 and 2 were elected.

Watch this short video from City Clerk Deborah Lopez on the upcoming election. The video is also available in Spanish with the City’s Spanish Engagement Specialist.

Take a moment right now to find out what district you live in. It’s easy – click here for an interactive map that will show you what district you live in. Just type in your address in the search bar on the upper left-hand side of the screen.

No matter which of the four districts you live in, ALL Goleta residents will vote on the Mayor’s seat and on a City sponsored ballot measure (G2024).

Measure G2012 Agricultural Land Initiative Extension Measure.
Shall the measure be adopted extending the term of Measure “G2012” (“Heritage Farmlands Initiative”), requiring a majority vote of the people to redesignate or change the intensity of use for agricultural parcels within the City of Goleta of ten or more acres, by twenty additional years upon the expiration of the term of Measure “G2012” and to take effect on December 31, 2032?

Thank you for caring about the future of your City and doing your part to make your voice heard.

Learn more about the ballot measures and other election information www.CityofGoleta.org/Elections.

National Suicide Prevention Month

Out of the Darkness Community Walk at Goleta Beach on Sep. 28

The County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness invites the community to join in recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month by participating in events aimed at raising awareness and fostering support.

Among the key events this month is the Out of the Darkness Community Walk on September 28th at Goleta Beach. Sponsored by the Department of Behavioral Wellness in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, this FREE event is part of a nationwide effort to unite communities in the fight against suicide. It offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals affected by suicide to come together, share their experiences, and raise awareness for suicide prevention. Together, we are stronger.

Suicide remains a critical public health issue, claiming over 47,000 lives annually in the United States, including more than 4,000 in California and 45 in Santa Barbara County in 2023 alone. National Suicide Prevention Month serves as a crucial reminder that, while suicide prevention is a year-round effort, this month provides a special opportunity to connect individuals with resources, spread hope, and reinforce the message that no one is alone—help is always available.

Despite strides in awareness, stigma surrounding mental health and suicide continues to be a barrier for many seeking help. It is the responsibility of every community member to help dismantle these barriers, engage in open dialogue, and support those in need.

Community Events in September:

  • September 10th: Suicide Prevention Virtual Vigil, sponsored by HopeNet Carpinteria. Log on at hopenetofcarp.org.
  • September 10th: Suicide Prevention Month Resolution at the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, Santa Barbara. View online here.
  • September 28th: Out of The Darkness Walk at Goleta Beach, sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Free to walk but registration must occur. Register to walk here.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Lifeline. Alternatively, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273- 8255, text TALK to 741741, or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

For more information about the County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, visit https://www.countyofsb.org/274/Behavioral-Wellness. For assistance accessing Behavioral Wellness services, call the 24/7 Crisis Response and Services Access Line at (888) 868-1649.

Dos Pueblos Little League All-Star Recognition

A group of talented local baseball players is starting high school with a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Goleta. The Dos Pueblos Little League (DPLL) Junior Division All-Star Team was honored at the City Council meeting on August 20 for advancing further than any other team in the organization’s 50-year history!

During its historic run, the team became District Champions, Section Champions, and Southern California State Champions before moving on to the Western Regionals in Bend, Oregon, the last stop before the Little League All-Star tournament.

Mayor Pro-Tempore Luz Reyes-Martin, a DPLL mom herself, had the honors of reading the name of each player and handing them their certificate followed by a handshake from Mayor Paula Perotte.

DPLL League President Jeff Palmer thanked the community for its support during the team’s historic season. He also addressed his players and said, “I congratulate them for staying focused, trusting the process, teamwork, and for surpassing their goals and expectations.”

A big round of applause goes out to the players, coaches, volunteers, and everyone who played a role in the team’s accomplishment.

The All Stars became Southern California State Champions with a record of 13-1 before advancing to the Western Regionals. At the Western Regionals, they represented the Southern California Region in games against teams from Nevada, Idaho, and Hawaii.

The team is managed by Jacob Pepper with coaches Dan Brennan, Jeff Palmer and Dave Robertson.

The DPLL Junior Division All-Stars consist of: Matt Brennan, Holden Brey, Max Cruse, Charlie Douglas, Gabe Estrella, Grady Felix, Oliver Gesswein, Isaac Guttierez, Adan Macias, Seth Orozco, Kian Palmer and Jonah Pepper.

What a way to end their last year of little league before starting high school! Best of luck in the future and thanks for making us proud!


Dos Pueblos Little League All-Star Team receiving recognition from Goleta City Council

 

Last Chance for NatureTrack Film Festival Early Bird Tickets

Early Bird Tickets on Sale through Sunday, September 8

The NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) is thrilled to announce the first round of highlights for its 6th annual event, happening at the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta, October 11-13, 2024. With the full program release just weeks away, now is the time to secure early bird tickets before they’re gone! 

Opening Night: Friday, October 11th
The festival kicks off with the Central Coast Theatrical Premiere of “Jane Goodall’s Reasons for Hope.”

“Drawing on decades of work by the world’s most famous living naturalist, “Jane Goodall’s Reasons for Hope” is an uplifting journey around the globe to highlight good news stories that will inspire people to make a difference in the world around them.” 

Opening Night will also include World Premieres of two short films: “Open Space” by local filmmaker Cody Westheimer and “Otter Space,” directed by Michael Love. To close the first official event of the 2024 NatureTrack Film Festival, VIP attendees and opening night ticketholders will enjoy a celebratory reception in the official Festival Hub, located inside the old Pier One retail space at the Camino Real Marketplace. The Festival HQ will be a place for festival attendees to connect with attending filmmakers and fellow nature advocates and meet the NatureTrack team ahead of the whirlwind weekend schedule

Saturday Night: October 12th
On Saturday, the festival will host the World Premiere of “Animal Pride,” a remarkable new PBS film exploring queer animal behavior and its history through the eyes of naturalist Connel Bradwell. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with director Rio Mitchell and Bradwell himself to learn about this new piece of storytelling showcasing an underrepresented aspect of the natural world. 

Additional film features for this evening include the World Premiere of UCSB’s Coastal Media Project short film, “Ploverize,” and the Southern California Premiere of “399: Queen of the Tetons.” Saturday will conclude with a lively party at the Festival Hub, featuring live music from the Brasscals and opportunities to meet the day’s attending filmmakers. 

Sunday Night: October 13th
The festival will close with the World Premiere of “Tagliamento—The King of Alpine Rivers,” from Austrian national public broadcaster ORF. Attending the festival for the world premiere will be director Giuseppe Bucciarelli and producer Matthias Ninaus who will introduce the film.  The 2024 Awards ceremony will follow, followed by a final party for pass holders. 

Early Bird sales will end September 8th, so this is the last chance to secure VIP passes for the full weekend at the best price. With exclusive premieres, engaging Q&As, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature in the beautiful setting of Goleta, NTFF2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience. Secure your passes now to be part of a weekend dedicated to experiencing the rich diversity of nature through the power of film.

Early Bird Passes are on sale through Sunday, September 8. Visit the NatureTrack Film Festival website to purchase.

We Need You!
As we gear up for our festival weekend we are looking for both interns and volunteers. Please contact Managing Director, Gareth Kelly for more information. 

The 6th NatureTrack Film Festival would like to thank the Natalie Orfalea Foundation & Lou Buglioli, and YARDI for their generous sponsorship of this year’s Festival. The Festival team is also grateful to Honda of Santa Barbara for their support.

Lemon Festival September 28 & 29 at Girsh Park

It is that time of year where you find something yellow in your closet and get ready to have some fun! The Lemon Festival, put on by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and presented by Rusty’s Pizza, will be held on September 28 and 29 at Girsh Park.

This Goleta tradition, which has been going on for 31 years, celebrates the region’s rich history and role lemon harvesting has played dating back to around 1875 when Sherman Patterson Stow of Goleta’s Rancho La Patera planted the first known commercial lemon orchard in California.

The Goleta Lemon Festival has grown to attract more than 40,000 residents, visitors, community leaders, nonprofits, and elected officials, celebrating the Good Land’s zest. The festival is Goleta’s largest community event of the year, hosting over 80 booths featuring local non-profit organizations, crafts, lemony foods and beverages, and lemon-themed souvenirs. Applications for vendors are now open. Visit LemonFestival.com/vendorapplications.

The Goleta Lemon Festival is a family-friendly event for kids of all ages. An all-inclusive activity wristband will get you endless rides and games.  Save $5 pre-purchasing your activity wristband at LemonFestival.com.

The festival also features the largest interactive display of Fire, Police, and Emergency Services in the County at Safety Street.  Meet the people who help keep us safe and get an up-close look at their state-of-the-art vehicles and technologies. 

On Saturday only, the festival will feature the 17th Annual Goleta Fall Classic Car Show, showcasing a variety of cool classic cars ranging from Corvettes and Camaros to trucks and pick-ups along with motorcycles and bicycles. If you have a classic you would like to enter, registration is now open. Visit LemonFestival.com/goleta-fall-classic.

The festival could not happen without the many volunteers ages 14 and up who spend time planning the festival and lending a hand over the weekend. Visit Visit LemonFestival.com/get-involved to sign up! to sign up!

The Goleta Lemon Festival is from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, September 28, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, September 29. For more information, visit LemonFestival.com.

Lace Up Your Sneakers for the Lemon Run on Sep. 22

Celebrating Elementary Education in the Goodland with the Goleta Education Foundation

Join the Goleta Education Foundation (GEF) for the return of its annual Lemon Run to be held on Sunday, September 22! This year’s race and festivities will be held at the beautiful Lake Los Carneros. Beginning at 8:00 am with the 10K Grand Prix, followed by the 5K Jr. Grand Prix at 9:30 am and the 1K Fun Run at 10:30 am, the Lemon Run is a community event for all ages and abilities. The 10K and 5K courses will wind runners through the many trails and picturesque scenery around the lake, while the 1K will take place in front of historic Stow House. With prizes from local businesses, art for all ages, food from local farms and businesses, you definitely want to lace up your shoes for this Goodland tradition.

The Goleta Education Foundation (GEF) helps all nine elementary schools in the Goleta Union School District (GUSD) by providing auxiliary funding to help ensure equity in education. GEF’s Educator Grants for Innovation and Professional Development puts money put directly into the hands of GUSD educators to help them better teach all levels and kinds of learners and promote innovation.

Youth Scholarships for the Lemon Run are available for elementary-age children. Please contact info@goletaed.org to register your child for FREE, or come by the Deckers Brand Showcase, located at 6601 Hollister Avenue, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 11 am until 2 pm where bib pickup will be happening.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have fun, see friends and make new ones, and support the Goleta Education Foundation and the children and families of the Goleta Union School District at Lemon Run 2024!

For more information and to register, go to https://goletaeducationfoundation.org/goleta-lemon-run/. Parking is at The Stow House located at 304 N. Los Carneros Rd. There will also be overflow parking adjacent to the Stow House. 

The Goleta Education Foundation engages the community to invest in and enhance an excellent educational experience for all students attending schools in the Goleta Union School District. The Goleta Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. To learn more or make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.goletaeducationfoundation.org.

Mexican Independence Day Festival

New Location at Goleta Community Center

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 14 from 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. and get ready to experience a vibrant cultural celebration at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Ave). The Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the City of Goleta, is proud to present this festive Block Party to commemorate Mexican Independence Day. This event aims to bring the community together to celebrate Mexican culture while supporting the local businesses that contribute to the unique charm of Old Town Goleta. 

Last year’s festivities on Pine Avenue drew hundreds of people throughout the day, and this year promises even more excitement. Attendees will enjoy a Saturday filled with live entertainment, authentic cuisine, and vibrant Mexican traditions.  

Here is what you can look forward to:  

  • Consul General of Mexico leading the traditional “El Grito” 
  • Vendor booths from Old Town Businesses 
  • Live Music  
  • Ballet Folklorico 
  • Mariachi Performance 
  • Talent Show 
  • Live • Work • Play giveaways from the City Booth 

Admission to the event is FREE! Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day of cultural immersion, festivities, and community. 

Thank you to everyone who is a part of helping organize this new Old Town tradition.   

We encourage you to walk or bike to the event. We’ll see you there! 

September Observances

This September, the City of Goleta wants to note two holidays and cultural observances that take place this month, Labor Day and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Labor Day is always the first Monday in September. It pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. We want to take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of individuals who have contributed to the well-being of our society.

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. It showcases the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Hispanic and Latino families in the US.

The City is excited to once again partner with the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to host the Mexican Independence Day Festival in Old Town Goleta. This special event will take place at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) on Saturday, September 14. The celebration will feature live music, dancing and performances, delicious Latin cuisine food, and more. We hope to see you there.

The City of Goleta encourages you to learn about diverse holidays and observations year-round to help create a warm and welcoming community for all.

Join #TeamGoleta

Do you have a passion for local government? Are you looking for a career where you can give back to your community? Then check out the openings with the City of Goleta! The City is looking to fill a variety of positions:

  • Code Compliance Officer
  • Intern
  • Library Assistant – part-time (Goleta Valley Library)
  • Project Manager (Environmental Services)
  • Supervising Librarian (Goleta Valley Library)
  • Coming soon! Recreation Manager

Learn more about the positions and apply here. Check back regularly for new postings.

Meetings at a Glance – September 2024

Stay informed with what is happening at the City of Goleta by attending or watching our Council, Board, Commission and/or Standing Committee meetings. All meetings are held at Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive).

View the calendar on our website here: www.cityofgoleta.org/connect/events-calendar. Please note, meetings can be added and cancelled. For the most up-to-date information, check the website.

Here’s what is coming up: