Schools Prepare to Re-Open: Need for Testing Remains

After almost one year of remote learning, many local students will have the option to return to school. With the red tier within reach, adjusted case rates and positivity rates trending downwards, Santa Barbara County has reached the level that permits TK through 6th grade with approved safety plans to return to in-person learning.

Goleta Union School District is reopening elementary schools on March 8, 2021. If local metrics continue to trend downward, secondary schools would have the ability to re-open as well. The need for more testing could improve weekly adjusted case rate leading to further reopening and will help move our County into the Red Tier and beyond.

The step forward for TK-6 requires close watch of the safety guidelines for children. Parents and schools will need to ensure many things including daily screening of kids, keeping them home when not feeling well, limiting gathering with people outside of their households, maintaining social distancing outside of their home, wearing face coverings, and following isolation and quarantine guidance when a family member or close contact tests positive.

Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Health Officer, Dr. Henning Ansorg states, “COVID-19 is largely transmitted in the community and not in a TK-6 school setting. When everyone does their part to follow the safety guidelines and protocols, our children can return to school in a safe environment for themselves and for school staff.”

New State guidelines regarding youth and adult sports has been released. High and Medium contact sports can resume in the red tier or in the purple tier if the case rate is below 14. Santa Barbara County is close to reaching that goal and testing is encouraged to help us get there.

Community testing sites are available throughout the county. Many sites are open until 7:00 p.m., allow walk-ins, and have no wait times. Turnaround times for tests have also decreased.  More information on testing locations can be found here: https://publichealthsbc.org/testing/.

Vaccine Distribution Update

Public Health Officials continue the monumental task of getting Santa Barbara County residents vaccinated. This would be ambitious under normal circumstances but due to limited vaccine availability the mission has been much more challenging.

More than 80,000 vaccines and counting have been administered in Santa Barbara County.

Currently residents ages 75 and older, health care workers, long care term staff and residents are still being vaccinated.

With the arrival of additional vaccine supply, first dose vaccine appointments will be available at Public Health vaccination sites for Santa Barbara County residents that are Emergency Services Workers, Grocery Workers, and Phase 1A Health Care Workers. Special outreach for separate clinics for Educators, Childcare, and the Agricultural/Food Industry are also taking place. 30% of the county’s vaccine allocation will be utilized for people in these sectors. Vaccine supply remains very limited.  

The Public Health Department is working with the Santa Barbara County Education Office, local private schools, and partners in the childcare sector to provide targeted opportunities for educators and childcare providers to be vaccinated. First priority will be given to Special Education teachers and those working with medically fragile students.

Eligible residents that are Emergency Services Workers, Grocery Workers, and Phase 1A Health Care Workers can schedule appointments for Public Health vaccination sites here: https://publichealthsbc.org/covid-19-vaccine-appointment-registration/. For assistance with appointment registration, those eligible can reach out to the County Call Center by calling 2-1-1 and selecting option #4. This line is available 7 days a week between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For those 65 years of age and older, vaccine appointments will become available in the coming week at local pharmacies, health care providers, and hospitals.

For information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit https://publichealthsbc.org/vaccine.

The next group in line for vaccine eligibility will be the following sectors: transportation/logistics, industrial, commercial, residential, sheltering facilities and services, critical manufacturing, and congregate settings with outbreak risk.

At this point, Public Health is coordinating with some primary care providers to immunize their own patients. If are you are a patient at a County or Community Health Center, your health center will contact you about scheduling when the vaccine is available to you.

If you are eligible for a vaccine appointment and want to sign up, click here.

Vaccination Sites in Santa Barbara County

Those registered for an appointment should bring:

  • Documentation with your name on it. Does not need to be a government-issued ID.
  • Proof of Santa Barbara County residency

Thank you to everyone involved in helping vaccinate Santa Barbara County.

Recently the state launched MyTurn.ca.gov, an online vaccination appointment and notification platform. The system is not expected to go live in Santa Barbara County until March 31st.  When it is ready, individuals will be able to sign up for a notification when they become eligible for an appointment, schedule an appointment, and be reminded when it is time for a second dose. Although it is not live yet, to register go to https://myturn.ca.gov/.

Life in the Purple Tier

While the Regional Stay at Home Order has been lifted, Santa Barbara County remains in the most restrictive Purple Tier. All businesses in Santa Barbara County, which are open or will be reopening, must follow all State guidance for their industry and self-certify that they are ready to reopen through completing the Online Self-Attestation.

Some additional businesses which may reopen outdoors with modifications in the purple tier include personal care services, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, museums, and zoos and aquariums. For more information about changes in the purple tier, visit https://publichealthsbc.org/purple-tier/

“We are pleased the Stay-at-Home Order has been lifted and that California as a whole is moving in the right direction with decreasing hospitalizations and case counts. Now more businesses will be able to open in Santa Barbara. This is so important for the health of our community. In reference to this virus however, we have more work to do. Our case rates remain high and our ICU capacity is still very low. Please stay the course. Avoid gatherings, wear your face covering, and stay 6 feet from those you do not live with. We are getting closer, but this is not yet over.” states Dr. Henning Ansorg, Public Health Officer for the County of Santa Barbara.

Let’s work together to decrease disease transmission so we can move into the Red Tier.  Tier Updates are provided by the State weekly on Tuesdays. 

COVID-19 Local Vaccination Information

Getting vaccinated is one of the most important ways you can help end the COVID-19 pandemic and get Santa Barbara County’s local economy and our communities back to some level of normalcy while increasing our safety. 

A COVID-19 Vaccine will:

  • Reduce number of people with COVID-19
  • Reduce severity of illness
  • Reduce hospitalizations
  • Reduce deaths

We applaud our local health officials and collaborative partners who are taking on the monumental and historic mission to get everyone in our County vaccinated. The top priority is making sure those most at risk get the vaccine first including those working on the front lines such as our health care workers, paramedics, EMTs, those in long term care settings, and persons ages 75 and older.

Santa Barbara County Vaccination Clinics are focused on making sure those who received a first dose are scheduled to receive a second one. If you did not receive your second appointment along with your first, your provider (pharmacy, doctor or whomever gave you your first vaccine) will contact you to make your next appointment. If you are unsure, call 2-1-1 for additional support.

The next population in line to receive the vaccine are community members who are 65 and older and sectors of the population who are at a higher risk of being exposed to the virus including grocery store workers, educators, agricultural workers and emergency services (i.e. firefighters, law enforcement…).

Santa Barbara County Public Health Department’s vaccine distribution plan & timeline is available here: https://publichealthsbc.org/vaccine/

Santa Barbara County Public Health is asking all residents to sign up for the County COVID-19 Vaccination Newsletter to receive notifications on vaccine distribution and for how to make an appointment. Please note, signing up for the newsletter is not signing up for a vaccination appointment.

If you need help making an appointment, you can call 2-1-1 and select option 4. Questions about COVID-19 vaccinations? Email vaccine@sbcphd.org.

Coming Soon: My Turn, a Centralized Vaccine Website Appointment System

California will soon transition to a unified state network called My Turn that will allow the healthcare system and providers to streamline the vaccine process.  A roll out of the new system is expected soon.

My Turn (myturn.ca.gov) is an on-line registry, that once it is up and running, will be a central site where Californians can register to be notified when it’s their turn for a vaccine and can schedule an appointment.

Right now the system is a work in progress and is only being offered to health care workers and individuals 65 and older in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties.  We will let you know when online appointments are available for Santa Barbara County.

Details will be provided as soon as they become available.

Be a Part of Shaping Goleta’s Strategic Plan

The City is in the process of reviewing our Strategic Plan. 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.

There will be a Special City Council Workshop on Thursday, February 11, at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the Strategic Plan. We want the community to help shape this important document. Watch the workshop on Goleta TV Channel 19 or on our website at www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings, and submit comments to cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

Beware COVID-19 Vaccine Scams!

By Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT, Santa Barbara County, Behavioral Wellness Department

It is sad that in addition to dealing with a worldwide pandemic, we also need to be vigilant about scammers who are trying to cheat people out of their money. During the coronavirus pandemic, scammers are using robocalls, social media posts, and emails to take advantage of fear, anxiety, and confusion about COVID-19. They sell things that don’t work, charge money for things that are free, and steal personal information.

Beware! COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in Santa Barbara County in a fair and transparent way and always at no charge. If someone offers to sell you a chance to get vaccinated before it is your turn, it’s a scam.

Right now, the COVID-19 vaccine is only being offered to front line healthcare workers, people who live in long-term care facilities and those over 75 years of age.  As more vaccine is available it will be offered to everyone.

Information about how to get the vaccine is posted on the Santa Barbara County Public Health COVID-19 webpage: https://publichealthsbc.org/vaccine/

If you have questions, talk to your doctor. COVID-19 vaccine will be given to Santa Barbara County residents at no cost and regardless of immigration status. If someone says they can get you a special, low-cost deal, or get you the vaccine under the table, it’s a scam.

You will not be charged a fee or co-pay to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The doctor or pharmacy may charge a fee for giving the vaccine, but it should be covered by public and private insurance companies. People without health insurance can get COVID-19 vaccines for free.

You will NOT be asked about your immigration status when you get a COVID vaccine. Your medical information is private. Your doctor is not allowed to share it with immigration officials.

A RED FLAG is a warning sign or signal that something might be a scam. Look out for these COVID-19 vaccine scam red flags:

  • Someone offers to move you into an earlier group to get the vaccine for a fee.
  • Someone tries to sell you a place on a COVID vaccine waiting list. There is no “vaccine waiting list.”
  • Someone on the street, online, on social media, or knocking on your door tries to sell you a shot of vaccine.
  • You get calls, texts, or emails about the vaccine. The caller asks for your personal or financial information. It can be your Social Security, bank account or credit card number. NEVER share these numbers or other personal information with an unknown caller or in a text or email.
  • You see ads for fake vaccines or “miracle cures” using vitamins or other dietary supplements. Scammers promote these even though they have not been proven to work. The FDA has issued warning letters to many companies for selling products that claim to prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19.
  • If anyone that isn’t well known in your community (like a doctor, a health care clinic, a pharmacy, a County health program) offers you a vaccine – think twice and check with your doctor.

Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT, is the County of Santa Barbara’s Chief Quality Care and Strategy Officer and is responsible for leadership of Quality Care and Strategy Management within the Department of Behavioral Wellness.  

History Happy Hour at Home

The Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Goleta Valley Historical Society and the South Coast Railroad Museum & Goleta Depot, present History at Home: Building the Southern Pacific Railroad in Santa Barbara. Register here for the event on February 10, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.

Grab a glass and join in for this presentation in the safety and comfort of your own living room as we travel the rails of South Santa Barbara County on a fascinating look back in time to the golden age of railroad building. The railroad’s arrival in Santa Barbara in 1887 had a lasting influence on our community. Architectural Historian, Jean-Guy Dube, will examine not only the railroad’s depots that were built, but other structures such as passenger shelters, a unique baggage room, a private train shelter and Santa Barbara’s signature Spanish style roundhouse with rare photographs, unique maps and period blueprints.

About the Speaker: Jean-Guy T. Dubé is a National Award Winning Draftsman and Architectural Historian. He is the 2017 National Winner of the Leicester B. Holland Prize from the National Park Service and Library of Congress. Mr. Dubé is a listed Architectural Historian with the City and County of Santa Barbara, and has worked at the local architectural firm of Appleton Partners LLP for 12 years.

Online Homework Help Program for K-8 Students

Schedule a Free Virtual Tutoring Session to Help Your Students Succeed!

Thanks to a new program at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, local Kindergarten – 8th grade students are now able to schedule free, online, one-on-one appointments with knowledgeable tutors to receive personalized help with their homework, all from the comfort and convenience of their homes!

Tutoring sessions are offered by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Appointments will be either 30 or 60 minutes long and can be scheduled through a form on the library’s Request Homework Help webpage. 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 tutoring session. Appointments are held using the free meeting platform GoToMeeting, which allows students to video chat with tutors directly and share their screen for an interactive tutoring experience.

During tutoring sessions, students can get help with their homework assignments or receive general subject-specific tutoring to boost their skills in certain areas. From assisting with math problems to looking over English essays, our tutors are happy to provide students with the support they need to complete their homework with success. Tutors will also be able to help students 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 anytime for around-the-clock academic support. A library card is not necessary to receive online homework help, but it is required to access the library’s free homework resources on the website. If you don’t already have a library card, you can sign up for a free library eCard here, 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.

The library’s Homework Help tutors 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 tutors have received training and background checks and are looking forward to helping students reach their goals.

“We are so happy that we can connect local students with our wonderful tutors and provide this valuable resource to help them succeed in school,” says Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo.

If you would like to volunteer as a tutor 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 and Tutoring program is funded by the California Adult Education Program grant.

Let’s Read! Sign Up for the All-Ages Winter Reading Challenge

Read your way into 2021 with great books and fun prizes

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries six-week Winter Reading Challenge for children, teens and adults is currently underway. Sign up at any time to participate! It’s a great way to celebrate the impactful power of books and reading. Since the Winter Reading Challenge launched on January 1, 2021, more than 560 participants have registered and read over 3,000 books, and more than one dozen local organizations and businesses have generously donated prizes to be awarded to readers through weekly drawings.

The challenge will run for just under two more weeks (through Saturday, February 13th), and is being held completely online through Beanstack, a website and app that makes keeping track of your reading quick, simple and fun. Readers who used Beanstack for the 2020 Summer Reading Program can simply log in to their existing Beanstack account and sign up for the Challenge, and new users can get started by creating a free account in just a few minutes. Visit goletavalleylibrary.beanstack.org, or download the free app for Apple and Android devices to log your books on the go.

Every Tuesday during the Winter Reading Challenge, the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries are holding drawings for exciting prizes. Winners can receive prizes such as themed gift baskets, gift cards to local restaurants, stickers, games, art kits, books, movies and more, thanks to the generous support of our local partners, including: Blenders in the Grass, Chili’s, The Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, The Friends of the Library of the Santa Ynez Valley, The Home Depot, Isla Vista Food Co-Operative, Islands Burgers, Madi’s Treasure Box, Mesa Burger, Miner’s Ace Hardware, The Pet House, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s and Woodstock’s Pizza.

Readers are eligible for prize drawings each week that they log at least one book in their Beanstack account. Books of all kind are welcome, including print books, eBooks, graphic novels, and audiobooks, and they can also be borrowed from the eLibrary or through Sidewalk Service. The program theme – Books Like Us – extends an invitation to readers to celebrate diversity and the power of seeing their stories reflected in books by exploring titles from authors with diverse backgrounds.

“It is very exciting to see community members of all ages reading so many books through the Winter Reading Challenge,” says Goleta Valley Library Children’s Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo. “This has been such a fun way to start off the new year together, especially with the amazing prize incentives from our wonderful local sponsors!”

Visit goletavalleylibrary.beanstack.org to sign up for the Winter Reading Challenge. The program runs through February 13th. For more information on programs and events at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, view the online calendar at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Happy reading, Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley!