Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

K-8 Live Online Homework Help Now Available

Schedule a Free Virtual Session to Help Your Students Succeed!

Students are now able to schedule free, online one-on-one appointments with knowledgeable coaches to receive personalized help with their homework, all from the comfort and convenience of their homes!

Homework Help sessions are offered by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sessions are either 30 or 60 minutes long and can be scheduled through the online form on the Goleta Valley Library website Request Homework Help page. Once you schedule an appointment, a friendly library staff member will send a confirmation email containing your reservation details and a link to the secure meeting room for your session. Appointments are held using the free meeting platform GoToMeeting, which allows students to video chat with homework coaches directly and share their screen for an interactive learning experience.

During Homework Help sessions, students can get help with their homework assignments or receive general subject-specific practice to boost their skills in science, math, language arts and social studies. From assisting with math problems to looking over English essays, our coaches are happy to provide students with the support they need to complete their homework with success. Students can also learn to use the library’s free online homework help resources for additional research and learning, including BrainFuse HelpNow!, ProQuest Homework Central and Britannica School, which can be accessed through the library website anytime for around-the-clock academic support.

The library’s Homework Help coaches are caring volunteers who are excited to help our area youth, and many are community members with years of experience in education and working with children. All of our coaches have received training and background checks and are looking forward to helping students reach their goals.

A Goleta or Santa Ynez Valley Library card is not required to request a Homework Help appointment, although one is needed to use BrainFuse HelpNow! and ProQuest Homework Central. Click here to sign up for an eCard, or stop by the Goleta, Solvang, or Buellton libraries in person to register for a physical card during Sidewalk Service hours on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

If you would like to volunteer as a coach in the Homework Help program, please contact Goleta Valley Library Supervising Librarian Brent Field at bfield@cityofgoleta.org or (805) 690-5137 for details and to receive an application.

For more information on programs and events at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, view the online calendar at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

The Homework Help program is funded by the California Adult Education Program grant.

Goleta Police Offer Tips to Prevent Mail and Package Theft

With recent mail thefts occurring in our County, the Goleta Police would like to offer some tips to prevent package theft as well as theft of mail used for fraud. The mailbox at your house is often an easily accessible place for thieves to steal checks, credit cards, gift cards and information that can easily make you the victim of identity theft. Just like we take steps to help secure our homes and businesses, you can take steps to help foil mail theft. Here are some tips to help prevent mail theft:

  • Set up electronic billing. This avoids paying bills by checks that can be intercepted, altered and cashed. Many banks and companies offer automated services that can be set to a scheduled reoccurrence.
  • Consider going paperless. You can sign up for electronic statements so there is nothing in your mailbox for identity thieves to steal and use.
  • Consider using a post office box for all important mail. It is difficult for your mail to be compromised if it is secured and locked in a post office.
  • Opt-out of credit card offers by going to OptOutPrescreen.com where you can halt prescreened credit card and insurance offers.
  • Sign up for delivery notifications. The United States Postal Services offers a free service called Informed Delivery that gives you the ability to preview images of your mail and manage your incoming packages.
  • Install a locking mailbox. Most mail thefts are from unlocked, standard mailboxes. There are several locking mailbox options available at local hardware stores and more customized and decorative options found on-line. Make sure you get one that is Approved by the Postmaster General and have it properly installed at the correct height and accessibility for your mail carrier.
  • Mail thieves target groups or clusters of unlocked mailboxes. Consider getting together with your neighborhood to set up a locking group or cluster mailbox. This option will require coordination with your local Post Office.

Pictured: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Deputy sorting through stolen mail (Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department photo)

Carbajal Urges Protection of Monarch Butterflies

Rep. Salud Carbajal is taking action to help protect Monarch Butterflies which are historically an important part of our Goleta area.

Rep. Carbajal, Rep. Jimmy Panetta, and Sen. Jeff Merkley wrote to the Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressing concern with the recent decision to forego listing the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act and urging substantial investments in monarch conservation efforts so this crucial pollinator does not go extinct before protections are in place.

This monarch butterfly faces growing threats from the loss of milkweed and habitat, global climate change, and disease. The most recent population count for monarch butterflies shows a 99.9% decline in population for monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains, which overwinter in California. Just two decades ago, roughly 1.2 million monarchs overwintered in California. This year, that number is down to 1,914. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service itself estimates that there is a 96-100% probability that the population of western monarch butterflies will collapse within 50 years. On December 17, 2020 the Service announced that listing the monarch as endangered or threatened was warranted but was precluded by higher priority species. This decision effectively puts the monarch butterfly on a waiting list but denies the species immediate protection. Some species have been on the waiting list for decades and, in fact, 47 species have gone extinct while waiting for their protection to be finalized.

“If the monarch’s precipitous decline continues, the Service must make prompt use of its emergency listing procedure to ensure its survival,” the lawmakers wrote. “To ensure the monarch does not become the 48th species to go extinct while on the candidate list, we urge the Service to make substantial investments in bold conservation actions that not only prevent the butterfly from further decline but also ensure long-term population stability.”

The letter garnered support from 43 conservation organizations, including the Center for Biological Diversity.

“We’re so grateful for the leadership of Reps. Carbajal and Panetta and Senator Merkley, who recognize that time is running out for America’s most iconic butterfly,” said Stephanie Kurose, a senior policy specialist with the Center for Biological Diversity. “Monarchs can no longer afford inaction. Without emergency help, these beautiful orange and black butterflies are on a sure path toward extinction. We need to be doing everything we can to save them and fight the extinction crisis. This letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes that urgency.”

Full text of the letter can be found here.

Rep. Salud Carbajal represents California’s 24th congressional district, encompassing Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and part of Ventura County.

The Green Room: Beach-Going the Green Way

Did you know that we cleaned up 3,888 lbs. of trash in total for our County during Coastal Cleanup Month last September? While that is impressive, there is still more to be done – please continue to help keep our beaches clean.

You may have heard about “Pack it in, Pack it out” or “Leave No Trace” principles. Although rooted in backcountry camping, we can still apply the Leave No Trace principles to our favorite environment: the beach!

By taking care of our beaches we help the health of our oceans, marine life, promote positive tourism, and sustain a clean and safe environment for all to enjoy.

Here are some tips to enjoy an eco-friendly Leave No Trace beach day:

  1. Clean up any trash on the beach or in the water – bring a reusable bag or bucket. You can even decorate your trash bucket with fun stickers and inspire people around you to do the same! If we all made a small effort and picked up a few pieces of litter, we truly could make the beach and the ocean a cleaner place.
  2. Remember to clean up your trash too and “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” what you can. Recycle the cans and glass bottles that you do use.
  3. Pack it in, pack it out. Even though we have waste bins for your use, please use them as a last resort. Trash can blow out of waste bins and make its way into the ocean.
  4. Bring your own eco-friendly water bottle or tumbler to the beach. Plastic water bottles and bottle caps are ranked as the second and third most collected items on our beaches. What’s a possible solution? Bring your own eco-friendly water bottle or tumbler! Not only is this solution easy, it is also economical.
  5. Pack lunch in reusable containers. Choose reusable utensils, as well as sandwich and snack bags, and ditch the plastic straws, utensils and bags. Pack items in a cooler, insulated lunch bag, or use reusable grocery bags.
  6. The sand is not an ash tray – Cigarette butts are the number 1 piece of trash picked up from our beaches. Ensure cigarette ash and butts go in the trash and don’t end up in our oceans.
  7. Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints.

Thank you for doing your part to protect our beaches.

Electric Vehicle Rebates and Incentives

With new technology, infrastructure, rebates, and incentives, purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle (EV) is more affordable and easier than ever before.  EVs are a great solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment! The transportation sector currently accounts for about 40% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Santa Barbara County and 50% of GHG emissions in California. In an effort to combat this issue Governor Newsom has adopted an executive order stating that by 2035 all new vehicles sold in California must be Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). As we continue to combat climate change and transition from fossil fuels, one way residents can get involved is by switching to an EV. 

Why Get an Electric Vehicle?

Cost savings – The average American spends about $2,000 on gas each year, while the average fuel savings of an EV owner is approximately $1,500 each year. EVs also have lower maintenance costs, as they don’t require oil and filter changes.

Technology development – As consumer demand increases, automakers have begun to offer more models and options resulting in lower EV costs. There are now over 40 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on the market in California and over 95,000 public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) ports in the United States, with numbers continuing to rapidly grow as technology develops.

Environment – Fossil fuel cars create smog and pollute the air we breathe. Driving an EV is a great way to lower your carbon footprint, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and keep our air clean.

Can I Afford It?

Many California organizations have partnered to offer incentives with the goal of making clean vehicles accessible and affordable to all California residents. Record-low lease pricing, rebates and incentives can be combined to get new or used EVs for low or no cost, depending on the income of the driver.

California Clean Vehicle Assistance Program – California Climate Investments provides grants and affordable financing to help income-qualified Californians purchase or lease a new or used hybrid or electric vehicle.

California Clean Vehicle Rebate Program – California residents can get up to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of a new, eligible zero-emission or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

California Clean Fuel Reward – The California Air Resources Board, in partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE), offers up to $1,500 off the purchase or lease of an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Federal Tax Credit – U.S. taxpayers can qualify for up to $7,500 as a credit on next year’s taxes with the purchase of an eligible battery electric vehicle.

Consumer Assistance Program – The Bureau of Automotive Repair offers eligible consumers vehicle retirement options of either $1,500 or $1,000 to retire or replace an older, high-polluting vehicle to help improve air quality.

Old Car Buyback Program – The Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District offers a similar incentive designed to take older vehicles off the road. The District will pay $1,000 for your older vehicle if it meets the program requirements.

SCE Nissan Leaf Deal – Nissan is offering SCE customers up to $6,000 cash back on a 2020 Nissan Leaf or Leaf Plus and up to $3,000 on 2021 models.

For more information on qualifying for these incentives please read here or watch videos here.

City’s New Streamlined Permit Portal to Launch March 16

The City of Goleta is launching a new public portal for the community to apply for and track permits and licenses. ­­Peter Imhof, Planning and Environmental Review Director said, “Goleta’s new Permit Tracking System Public Portal will make our permit process easier, more efficient and more accessible for everyone. Goleta residents, property owners and businesses will now be able to apply directly online for all permit types and business licenses. Through the Public Portal, anyone can also check permit status and access permit records by parcel. We are excited to make the new capabilities of the Public Portal available.”     

The Magnet Permit Tracking System Public Portal launches March 16, 2021, and will allow the community to:

  • Apply for a Planning Permit
  • Apply for a Building & Safety Permit
  • Apply for a Public Work Permit
  • Apply for a Business License
  • Renew Your Business License
  • Case Status
  • Inspection Requests
  • Mapping
  • Report an Issue
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Brian Hiefield, Associate Planner, said, “Having worked on this project for the better part of my career at the City of Goleta, I am so happy to finally see all the hard work come to fruition. I look forward to using this system every day for many years to come. I want to extend many thanks to everyone who had a hand in making this happen, most especially Ahmad Zahedi and the entire CSI Magnet consultant team. They really got to know us and our processes very well over the years and as a result we have a great system for everyone to use.”

Lisa Prasse, Current Planning Manager said, “I am very happy that the City has reached this milestone and that we are able to share this useful tool with the community. I want to thank and acknowledge the work of Associate Planner Brian Hiefield and the CSI Magnet team for the incredible effort that has transpired to accomplish this monumental task. Having a publicly accessible permit tracking system is beneficial to aid in improving service and providing information.”

Stay tuned for more information.

Meet Our New Motors Sgt. Rivas and Thanks to Lt. Maxwell

The City of Goleta is pleased to welcome veteran law enforcement professional Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Sergeant Noel Rivas to the Goleta Motors Unit. Sgt. Rivas’ first day with the City was on Monday, February 22nd.  He took over for Sgt. John Maxwell who was just promoted to Lieutenant and has moved on to a new assignment. 

Sgt. Rivas, a life-long resident of Santa Barbara County, is bilingual and comes to the City with 40 years of law enforcement experience.

City Manager Michelle Greene said, “We are excited to have Sergeant Rivas join the Goleta Motors Unit. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position and will be an asset in increasing traffic safety in Goleta.”

Sgt. Rivas said, “I am truly excited to become the new City of Goleta Traffic Unit Motor Sergeant. I had my first interaction with a motor officer when I was in second grade and I knew I wanted to ride a motorcycle. In my 29 years with the Santa Barbara Police Department I worked on/off on a motorcycle for 23 of those years.  I feel like I’ve come full circle and I am honored to serve the Goleta community.”

Sgt. Rivas moved to Santa Barbara when he was four years old. He attended local schools including Harding Elementary, La Colina Junior High, San Marcos High School, Santa Barbara City College, and UCSB. He began his career as a Corrections Officer/Reserve Deputy with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office four days shy of his 19th birthday. He was then hired at the Santa Barbara Police Department retiring after 29 years. During his time with the SBPD, Sgt. Rivas held several different positions, including Field Training Officer, Gang Enforcement, School Resource Officer, Beat Coordinator, Motor Officer, Patrol Supervisor, Detective Supervisor, Traffic/Motors Supervisor and Motor Sergeant.  During his past eight years with the Sheriff’s Office, he has been assigned to every station in South County and worked as bailiff for the Santa Barbara Superior Court.

In addition to welcoming Sgt. Rivas to Goleta, we want to take this opportunity to thank Lt. Maxwell for his two and a half years of service to the City. Lt. Maxwell has spent the majority of his 19 years at the Sheriff’s Office working in and around the Goleta Valley.

Lt. Maxwell said, “I can honestly say that the opportunity to work so closely with the City of Goleta over the past few years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I will miss working with City staff, and the community, to help keep Goleta the amazing place to live and work that it is.”

Best of luck in your future endeavors Lt. Maxwell and welcome Sgt. Rivas, we wish you a great chapter ahead in your new assignment.


Sergeant Noel Rivas


Lieutenant John Maxwell

City Tile Presented to Vyto Adomaitis and Interim NSPS Director Announced

Goodbyes are never easy and this one was especially difficult for the City. After almost 19 years of service to our Goleta community, Director of Neighborhood Services and Public Safety, Vyto Adomaitis, announced he would be leaving the City. The Goleta City Council honored Vyto with a City Tile at its February 2, 2021, City Council meeting. Vyto had been with the City since its incorporation in 2002 and spent the last 15 years as Director of Neighborhood Services and Public Safety. He is now working as the Community Development Director for the City of Oxnard.

We wish Vyto well in his new endeavors and are pleased to announce that Jaime Valdez is serving as Interim Neighborhood Services & Public Safety Director. Jaime was most recently Principal Project Manager in the Neighborhood Services & Public Safety Department and has been with the City of Goleta for nearly 14 years.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the City of Goleta in this new capacity as Interim Director of the Neighborhood Services & Public Safety Department. It is my hope that my experience and history with the department will help ensure continuity until a permanent director is announced.”


Vyto Adomaitis with his City Tile


Jaime Valdez

Next Steps for Goleta’s Strategic Plan

Thank you to everyone who provided input on the City’s 2021-2023 Strategic Plan. Goleta City Council conducted a workshop to update the plan to reflect completed work tasks, updated priorities and current issues, and new direction from the City Council. View the staff report here from the Council Workshop.

A strategic plan identifies the priorities and goals of an organization in order to create a roadmap, guiding future decision making. Goleta’s Strategic Plan is driven by its mission statement which describes the community, key attributes, and values. 

Mission statement: “Goleta is a beautiful, safe, and diverse community of residents with family-friendly neighborhoods that values the environment, agriculture, and open space while encouraging housing, recreation, and business opportunities.”

The City’s first Strategic Plan was adopted in 2007. The Strategic Plan was last updated in 2019 and covers a two-year period that runs concurrent with the City’s Two-Year Budget Plan, and receives regular updates to keep current with the City’s priorities and to ensure the living document continues to be dynamic and reflective of the goals of City Council and the Goleta community. View the 2019-2021 Strategic Plan here.

The Plan will be adopted by City Council at a future Council meeting. We will keep you updated.

Provide Input on Santa Barbara County’s Recreation Master Plan

Santa Barbara County is seeking your feedback on parks, trails, open spaces, and recreational facilities through the Countywide Recreation Master Plan. To create a Recreation Master Plan that suits the needs of the entire community, the County is calling on its residents to fill out a brief survey. The survey takes minutes to complete and offers an opportunity for the public to address access to neighborhood parks and recreational facilities. There is also a kids’ survey meant to capture the needs of the County’s youngest residents.

While many cities and communities have created recreation master plans in the past, a Countywide plan will address needs in often-overlooked small or low-income communities. The Master Plan will include coordination and cooperation between the County, cities, agencies, and non-profit and private recreation service providers in Santa Barbara County.

The survey is just the first of many opportunities to get involved in the Recreation Master Plan. Check out the Recreation Master Plan website for project updates and upcoming public outreach events. Take the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/sbcrecplan. [Link has now expired.]