Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Watch Goleta Business Ambassadors in Action

Several members of the Goleta Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have been busy the past few months taking on a new role to help businesses during this ongoing pandemic. The volunteers who are trained to prepare and respond to emergencies are now working as Goleta Business Ambassadors. See how this rewarding work is having a positive impact – watch the video here.

The City of Goleta is pleased that our CERT volunteers are able to help the Santa Barbara County RISE Ambassador Program provide assistance to our businesses. For more information, contact Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris at cert@cityofgoleta.org or (805) 690-5119.  Learn more about the Goleta CERT program at http://tinyurl.com/GoletaCERT.  

Pictured: CERT Volunteer Peter Omoregie with the owner of Choi’s Oriental Market

How to Play it Safe at City Playgrounds, Skatepark and Fitness Stations

It is great to see the community enjoying our playgrounds, skate park and fitness stations again now that they are back open. The City of Goleta wants to make sure we can keep these facilities open and are asking residents to take time out to watch this short video with important safety guidelines. The video is also available in Spanish here.

Thanks for watching and for your cooperation.

As a reminder please see the below safety guidelines:

  • Everyone two years old and older must wear a face covering that goes over their mouth and nose.
  • Maintain physical distance of six feet between individuals from different households and prevent crowding of children.
    • Do not use the playground, skate park, or fitness stations when different households are unable to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet on play structures, swings, and other playground equipment.
  • No food or drink are permitted on the playground, skate park, or fitness stations.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands before and after your visit.
  • Visit a playground at different times or days to avoid crowds and waits (peak hours tend to be weekday afternoons and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
    • To avoid crowding and allow everyone to use this space, please limit your visit to 30 minutes when others are waiting.
  • Elderly individuals and people with underlying medical conditions should avoid playgrounds when others are present.
  • Organized group activities that include people outside of your household are not permitted and should not use the playground.
  • Users of the skate park at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park must comply with all of the new guidelines and the safety guidelines that were in affect prior to COVID-19, which include wearing a helmet and safety pads.
  • Park facilities (playgrounds, skate park, fitness stations) are open during regular park hours: 8:00 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week.

Your safety is important to us. Playgrounds will be cleaned three times per week. Since it is not possible to clean all playground surfaces between every user, please make sure every member of your group washes their hands or uses hand sanitizer before and after each playground visit. In addition to bringing face coverings with you, it is a good idea to bring hand sanitizer and/or disinfecting wipes.

Thank you for complying with these guidelines in order to keep the facilities open.

For questions, please contact Parks & Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer at jplummer@cityofgoleta.org or (805) 562-5505.

Census Deadline Extended to October 31

Equalitech Expands Hours for Computer Station Access to Complete Census and City Launches ‘Everyone Counts’ Drawing Campaign

The City of Goleta is using the extra time following the announcement on Friday, October 2, that the 2020 Census deadline has been extended to October 31.  The City will use this final month to rally and reach community members who still have not responded.  Currently, the City has a 76% self-response rate which is higher than the 2010 self-response rate of 75%. Thank you to everyone that already completed their 2020 Census. If you are one of those who still hasn’t responded, please do so now either online at My2020Census.gov or by phone by calling 844-330-2020. If you get a visit from a census taker, please cooperate. It’s important you do in order to be counted.  

If you need a place to fill out your census, go to Equalitech which is open every Wednesday in October from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the back of the Goleta Valley Community Center at 5679 Hollister Avenue.  Thanks to support from the Goleta Education Foundation, Equalitech extended its hours to provide more opportunity for residents to use the computer stations inside to complete their census.  Executive Director Danny Fitzgibbons said, “Equalitech continues to provide access to computers and internet to the community during these trying times.  Don’t let access issues stop you from completing the census. Come see us any Wednesday and get a free “Make Goleta Count” swag bag. Bilingual staff are present to help answer questions and guide you to a computer station.” 

The City is getting creative this final month and asking for your creativity as well to keep the “Make Goleta Count” campaign going.  Using the “Everyone Counts” theme, draw a picture, take a photo of it and send it to us at PIO@CityofGoleta.org with the name of the artist, a short explanation of the artwork and how it fits into the theme.  You will be entered into a drawing for several prizes. This contest is open to Goleta residents of all ages.  Submissions must be emailed to us by October 30th.  We can’t wait to see your creations!

Also, a big thank you to everyone who visited us at the Camino Real Marketplace Farmers Market on September 13 and had a chance to pick up some “Make Goleta Count” swag and check out the California Census digital truck.

We hope to see our self-response rate increase and look forward to providing you with an update. We are proud to be a part of the Santa Barbara County Complete Count Committee dedicated to making sure we get a complete count in the 2020 Census.

Pictured: Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover at the Camino Real Farmers Market set-up in front of the California Census digital truck.

Earthquake Preparedness

As if we don’t have enough to worry about these days, unfortunately the threat of an earthquake is always present and it’s important we are prepared. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) recently announced the launch of a public awareness campaign to educate all California residents about California’s innovative earthquake warning system — Earthquake Warning California. The campaign, “Don’t Get Caught Off Guard,” directs Californians to no-cost tools, resources, and information, including the smartphone MyShake App, Android Earthquake Alerts, Government Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), and the earthquake.ca.gov website.

International ShakeOut Day is coming up on October 15. The Great Shakeout earthquake drill occurs globally to provide education and training on earthquake safety, awareness, and protective actions. Here are some important reminders to be sure you are ready.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

It’s important to learn to immediately protect yourself after the first jolt… don’t wait to see if the earthquake shaking will be strong! In MOST situations, you will reduce your chance of injury if you:

  • DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.
  • COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand
    • If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter
    • If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows)
    • Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs
  • HOLD ON until 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.

The main point is to not try to move but to immediately protect yourself as best as possible where you are.

Learn more and register at www.shakeout.org/. Additional information on earthquakes, including resources for people with disabilities, is available at www.earthquakecountry.org/.

The Great ShakeOut follows National Preparedness Month in September, and is another reminder to check on (or create!) emergency kits and go-bags (https://www.ready.gov/kit), discuss emergency travel plans with loved ones, and check your home or place of work for earthquake-related hazards (such as unsecured bookcases and high-hanging fragile or heavy frames and decorations).

Celebrating Halloween in the Era of COVID-19

Like many other things in 2020, Halloween will need to be celebrated differently this year to keep people safe. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is providing guidance on how to take part in this holiday in a manner that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Gatherings of people outside of your household are currently not permitted.  Santa Barbara County is in the Red Tier, which means virus transmission remains substantial. There are many ways to celebrate creatively this year! Some ideas include:

  • Watching Halloween movies at home or virtually with others
  • Halloween movie night at drive-in theaters (that comply with the State Guidance for Movie Theaters and Family Entertainment Centers)
  • Virtual costume party or virtual craft projects
  • Decorate your house or apartment inside and out.

Outdoor alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating include:

  • Trunk or treating: This activity is allowed for the purpose of distributing candy only; no other events are permitted. Follow the safety practice guidelines. Park cars at least 8 to 10 feet apart from each Do not cluster in groups. If lines form, keep people at least 6 feet apart.
  • Car parades: Car parades must comply with Drive-In Event Guidance.
  • Plan a socially distanced costume parade: Place treats where kids can pick them up along the parade route (daytime activity). Alternatively, provide a bag of treats at the end of the Be careful not to allow spectators or crowds to gather at these types of activities.

“Traditional trick-or-treating can be a high-risk activity and alternatives are strongly encouraged this year. We must remain diligent during this holiday season and ensure that we are wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, and avoiding mixing with people that do not live in our household,” shared Van Do-Reynoso, Director for the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

For general questions about COVID-19 and precautions currently recommended by Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, residents may call 211 or visit www.publichealthsbc.org.

Thank You Vance!

The City of Goleta has lost a dedicated employee and a big personality.  After 16 years of service to the City of Goleta, Building Technician Vance Johnson decided it was time to turn the page.  Vance was with the City almost since its inception.  He was hired to do Code Enforcement in 2004 and in 2007 transitioned to working as a Building Technician.  In 2010 he was hired by Willdan, which provides Building and Safety services to the City under contract, a job he continued to do until his last day on October 1, 2020.

In addition to being an expert in his craft, Vance was also a colorful character with a gregarious personality who was known to bring a smile to the faces of those he encountered.

Director of Planning and Environmental Services, Peter Imhoff said, “For some 16 years, Vance Johnson has been the bedrock of the City’s Building Division and the public face of the City’s building counter. He has helped countless Goleta residents through the building permit process, always friendly and upbeat along the way. We will miss his offbeat humor and steady, reassuring presence.”

City Manager Michelle Greene said, “It’s hard to imagine the City without Vance. He always had a friendly word for everyone he interacted with and managed to make us all smile even on the most difficult days. He was a fixture at our public counter from the beginning, and it won’t be the same without him.”

Besides his institutional knowledge, City Staff will also miss the legendary dishes he cooked up at employee events including his famous Potato Dish!

Vance says he too will miss both the people he worked with and the people he helped during the course of his work. He said, “I loved coming to work every day, Goleta is a special place.  The small-town vibe is my favorite thing about Goleta.” 

Vance’s motto he lives by, “Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

Thank you, Vance, for all you have done for the City of Goleta.  We wish you the very best in your next chapter of life. 

Go Online for This Year’s Old-Time Fiddlers’ Festival

Fiddle Fanatics, get ready, your favorite event of the year is here! The Goleta Valley Historical Society Presents the 49th Annual Santa Barbara Old-Time Fiddlers’ Festival Close-to-Home Edition on Sunday, October 11, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival is taking place virtually this year. There will be performances, workshops, and a contest! Scheduled performers include: Paul Brown, Nokosee Fields & Ryan Nickerson, Rafe Stefanini, Clelia Stefanini & Eric Frey, Tricia Spencer & Howard Rains, The Horsenecks, Travis Stuart, and SLO County Stumblers. Workshop topics include: Old-Time Fiddle, Banjo & Song, Folk Art Illustration, Mandolin and Old-Time Guitar. There is also an online-contest where participants submit a video of themselves playing old-time music. More information on the Fiddler’s Festival is available at http://fiddlersfestival.org.

Severe Fire and Weather Safety

The U.S. Fire Administration wants to remind everyone that severe weather can happen at any time, in any part of the country. It’s important to be prepared for a severe weather event and to know the risks:

  • Lightning can cause house fires. So, test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Portable generators stay outside. Only use the extension cords made for generator use.
  • Check your gas lines and make sure there are no leaks.
  • If an appliance gets wet, have it inspected by an electrician.
  • Move any debris away from electric lines and transformers.
  • Damaged and downed powerlines are not only a fire hazard, but an electrocution risk. Contact the electrical company or fire department if you see a downed or sparking line.
  • Like downed lines, exposed wiring is a fire hazard and an electrocution risk. Have an electrician inspect any exposed electrical outlets or wiring.

Learn more tips on severe weather fire safety from the U.S. Fire Administration at www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/severe_weather.html.

Pictured: Portable generator located outside of the house.

Almost 4,000 Pounds of Trash Collected during Coastal Clean-Up Month!

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Coastal Clean-Up Month which protects our coasts by cleaning up neighborhoods and natural areas. Due to COVID-19, this annual event was different than previous years. Coastal Clean-Up occurred throughout the month of September in local neighborhoods and using technology to collaborate instead of the usual large gatherings at sites throughout the County on a single day. The City of Goleta partnered on the event with the County of Santa Barbara, local jurisdictions, and Explore Ecology who was the event coordinator. Explore Ecology shared the final numbers, but they only represent the people that reported them, so we know there were lots more volunteers and trash picked up!

  • Total Clean-Up Events: 151
  • Total Volunteers: 771
  • Total Trash Collected: 3,889 pounds; 16,605 pieces
  • Top pieces found: 2,796 plastic pieces; 2,710 cigarette butts; 1,950 food wrappers

Graphic courtesy of Explore Ecology

Goleta Valley Library Now Offering Grab-N-Go Bags

Pick Up a Bag of Paperbacks for Children, Teens and Adults

The Goleta Valley Library is thrilled to offer an additional way for patrons to enjoy reading material with a new Grab-N-Go service available during Sidewalk Service hours. Patrons can stop by the library on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and request a bag of paperbacks from the staff member at the Sidewalk Service station outside the library entrance. Library staff will bring your prepackaged bag of books to the table located outside the library’s main doors.

The paperbacks, which are not checked out to patrons’ accounts and have no due date, may be returned whenever readers are finished with them. Library staff is very excited to offer a variety of genres for different interests, with adult and teen bags separated by genre and children’s bags separated by reading level.

The following Grab-N-Go options are currently available for pickup at Goleta Valley Library:

Adult

  • Mystery/Thriller
  • Romance/Historical
  • Assortment (Fiction/Nonfiction)

Teen

  • Realistic Fiction
  • Fantasy

Children

  • Picture Books (Pre-K and below)
  • Beginning Reader (Grades K-1)
  • In-Between (Grades 2-3)
  • Chapter Books (Grades 4-6) – Realistic Fiction or Fantasy

Safety Guidelines for Pickup

Please note that all visitors to the library must comply with social distancing rules. To receive service, everyone must wear a face covering and line up six feet apart on the sidewalk leading up to the library’s front walkway. Library staff follow public health safety guidelines, wearing face coverings and gloves, and an apron if they are emptying the book drops. Please be respectful of other patrons and do not come to the library if you are feeling ill. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

We hope you enjoy all of the materials you borrow from the library! Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org for updates and information regarding library services, operations, and programming. If you have questions, please contact the library via email at goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org or by telephone at (805) 964-7878.