Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Get Ready for Creek Week

SB Creek Week (September 21 – 28) is an annual celebration of our creeks, watersheds, and the ocean, with many organizations hosting events to help build awareness and stewardship of the natural treasures of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria. 

Creek Week begins with Coastal Cleanup Day on September 21, an international effort to clean up beaches on a global scale. There are multiple opportunities to get involved with Creek Week in Goleta, through participation in Coastal Cleanup Day, FREE Bulky Items Collections, Creek Week Art Contest with the Goleta Valley Library (September 6 – 26), a Goleta Creeks and Watersheds Lunch and Learn on September 27th, volunteer plantings at Ellwood bluffs on September 28th, a creek tour, and more! Additionally, many exciting events are happening County-wide. Stay tuned for county-wide details at SB Creek Week, and for Goleta-specific details on the City’s events calendar and social media (@cityofgoleta).

Combined Coffee & Community and Beautify Goleta Recap

The City’s first combined Coffee & Community and Beautify Goleta event drew approximately 100 community members to Berkeley Park located behind Kellogg School on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Thanks to everyone who took time out of their morning to come have coffee and conversation with us and those who stayed and helped clean up the area as Beautify Goleta volunteers. Want to see for yourself how memorable this event was? Check out our photo gallery here https://bit.ly/3LxKclp and go to our social media pages on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @cityofgoleta to watch a reel.

The morning started with a welcome from Mayor Pro-Tempore Luz Reyes-Martin (District 1) who said, “These coffee and community events which are held throughout the year throughout the city are a great opportunity for neighbors to get to know the Councilmember from their district, Mayor and staff at the City. Thank you so much for being here.” 

Mayor Paula Perotte introduced City staff from different departments who were in attendance and available for one-on-one time with attendees, some who came to the event with specific questions. She said, “It was a relaxed atmosphere where people felt comfortable asking questions. Whether they lived in the Berkeley Park neighborhood or were from other areas of Goleta, it was a wonderful opportunity to be together in a casual setting.”

A highlight of the event was when the Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tempore recognized the Kellogg Ocean Guardians who were the first school in the Goleta Union School District, and the one of first in the state, to replace single-use plastic utensils with reusable metal sporks for its students. The students present received Certificates of Recognition for their “commitment to the protection and conservation of local watersheds, the world’s ocean, and national marine sanctuaries.”

Twenty-two volunteers stayed afterwards for Beautify Goleta and collected over 50 pounds of trash. A Bulky Item Drop Off took place nearby at Good Shephard Lutheran Church and Preschool and saw 39 vehicle drop-offs, totaling over 6,600 pounds.

A special thanks to Valerie Voorhees and Karina Trejo from Mission Refill who, in the spirit of Plastic Free July and Plastic Free Goleta, filled empty glass containers with a total of almost three gallons of unscented hand soap. 

Thanks also to the Goleta Valley Library who brought sidewalk chalk for the kids, signed people up for free library cards and provided some great summertime reading books.

As always, thanks to our wonderful community for showing up and supporting our events. 

Pictured above: City staff at event


Mayor Pro-Tempore Luz Reyes-Martin and Mayor Paula Perotte at Berkeley Park


Kellogg Ocean Guardians Recognized


Mission Refill Free Hand soap Distribution


Father and son Beautify Goleta volunteers


Sidewalk Chalk Artist 

Ellwood Mesa Access Road Reopens

The Ellwood Mesa Emergency Access Road is back open. It had been closed since February 4, 2024, due to impacts from a severe winter storm which washed out the existing 72-inch diameter pipe culvert and severely damaged the emergency access road.

The Ellwood Mesa Emergency Access Road provides trail and beach access to City staff for maintenance, emergency vehicles and pedestrians at the end of Santa Barbara Shores Drive. The access road is an important part of the overall trail system for the Ellwood Mesa.

The repair work began on June 26, 2024. The City-hired contractors successfully installed a 72-inch diameter reinforced concrete culvert, bank erosion control, and a concrete roadway to reconnect the trail across Devereux Creek. The work was completed on July 15, 2024.

Other storm repairs throughout the City are ongoing or anticipated to begin in the next few weeks.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Project Manager Michael Winnewisser at (805) 690-5120 or mwinnewisser@cityofgoleta.org. 

Pictured above: Newly Opened Ellwood Mesa Emergency Access Road


Work being done on the Ellwood Mesa Emergency Access Road

Pavement Rehab Underway

New Online Interactive Pavement Map Now Available

The City of Goleta’s Pavement Rehabilitation Project is underway. Construction began on July 29 on Phelps Road. More work will take place on August 6th and 7th when Phelps Road will be closed from Mills Way to Storke Road.

The Project is part of the City’s ongoing effort to maintain and improve the City’s road network by restoring and resurfacing the existing pavement to prevent further damage and extend its lifespan. The work will also include installing new striping and markings to improve visibility for drivers and accessibility compliant curb ramp upgrades.

Phelps Road is one of eight roads that are part of the 2023 Pavement Rehabilitation Project. Below are the roads scheduled for construction, which are expected to be completed by November 2024.

  • Phelps Road (Pacific Oaks Road to Storke Road)
  • Hollister Avenue (Cathedral Oaks Road to City Right of Way)
  • Caroldale Place (Caroldale Lane to cul-de-sac)
  • Caroldale Lane (Camino Laguna Vista to La Patera Lane)
  • Storke Road (Hollister Avenue to US 101 On-Ramp)
  • North Fairview Avenue (US 101 On Ramp to Calle Real)
  • Colusa Drive (Del Norte Drive to Calle Real)
  • Cathedral Oaks Road (Winchester Canyon Road to Evergreen Drive)

Residents and motorists can expect minor disruptions during construction, including lane closures and detours. Please plan your routes accordingly and follow all traffic signage and instructions from construction crew workers.

An interactive map of pavement projects in Goleta is now available on the City’s website at www.CityofGoleta.org/Pavement, or to go directly to it, click here. This interactive feature highlights roads that have been previously paved along with the treatments applied, as well as future roads that are proposed for repair.

The City constructs an Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Project as part of its Pavement Management Program (PMP). The PMP uses a critical point management approach to select and prioritize which streets will be considered for treatment. The critical point approach incorporates pavements from all parts of the deterioration curve, not just the best or worst. This approach optimizes every budget dollar by seeking to apply the right treatment to the right pavement at the right time. Pavement treatments range from pothole repair and crack sealing to slurry seals, overlays, and reconstructions.  

If you have any questions on the Pavement Rehabilitation Projects, please contact us at pavement@CityofGoleta.org or 805-562-5504, or visit www.CityofGoleta.org/Pavement.

Spanish Interpretation at City Council

We are off and running with live in-person simultaneous interpretation at our City Council meetings. The July 16, 2024, Council meeting included an historic moment when the Mayor opened up the Council meeting to announce this important resource will now be a part of all of our Council meetings moving forward.

The Mayor introduced our interpreters for this first meeting, Hugo Santos-Gomez and Regina Santos, who explained how the simultaneous interpretation process works with the use of headsets. Two of our Bilingual LEAD Goleta Academy Graduates, Mary Viurquez and Leonardo Dominguez, were there to express their gratitude.

“I want to thank you for giving all Spanish speakers the opportunity to participate in our City Council meetings.” said Mary Viurquez “This resource, like the Bilingual LEAD Academy, it shows us that the City is a place where Spanish speakers also have a right to let their voice be heard”.

“Thank you to the Mayor, Council, and City for taking note of us,” said Leonardo Dominguez. “It’s important for Spanish speakers to be aware of what happens in our City.”

Agendas are available in Spanish. You can find them here in advance of meetings: https://www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.

We hope the addition of Spanish interpretation at Council meetings and Spanish agendas will be a valuable resource for the community for years to come. Please help us spread the word that this resource is available to our community.


Mary Viurquez providing public comment (pictured with interpreter Regina Santos)


Leonardo Dominguez providing public comment (pictured with interpreter Regina Santos)

Hollister Ave Old Town Interim Striping Update

Watch Back-In Angled Parking Video

The Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping Project is nearing completion and is expected to wrap up this month. Remaining tasks include the installation of 90-minute parking signs, back-in only signs, and a lane separation system. We appreciate your patience during traffic delays during construction. Information about anticipated traffic impacts can be found on the project webpage: www.CityofGoleta/ProjectConnect.

As part of the project, a total of 53 back-in parking spots were installed on the north side of Hollister Avenue. This created 15 more parking spots in Old Town on this side of the street. We know back-in angled parking is new to Goleta. Watch this short tutorial for some helpful tips.

The Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping Project is part of Project Connect, a multi-year project that includes the installation of two roundabouts on Hollister Avenue at the State Route 217 ramp intersections, which are scheduled to be completed in late 2026. An additional roundabout will be constructed at the Ekwill Street at Pine Avenue intersection, which is anticipated to be completed in 2025.

The Hollister Avenue construction site is a focal point for much of the Project Connect work, as it is the only road that crosses San Jose Creek south of the freeway and serves as the main crossing point for most utilities.

The Ekwill Street Extension, which will run from Kellogg Avenue to Fairview Avenue across Old Town Goleta, will relieve regional congestion, enhance bicycle and pedestrian circulation, and improve access to the airport. The extension is anticipated to be constructed in 2025. For information on the project, click here.


Watch tutorial in English here.


Watch tutorial in Spanish here.

Goleta’s Best Dam Dinner is Coming Up August 17

Join Us from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Lake Los Carneros Dam

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is almost here! We hope you will join us on August 17 for this free community event that brings together friends and neighbors in a beautiful setting. The Dam Dinner takes place the last Saturday in summer before school starts at the Lake Los Carneros Dam from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Watch our video invite in English (https://youtu.be/gFsIXymsZ3A) or Spanish (https://youtu.be/S4_eNCj8dmA).

Here’s what to expect:

  • Everyone sits together at tables and chairs set up by the dam with beautiful views of Lake Los Carneros and the mountains.
  • Listen to live music from local bluegrass group the Salt Martians.
  • Bring your own picnic dinner or purchase food from Mylestone BBQ.
  • Kona Ice will be providing free shaved ice.
  • Kids will enjoy face-painting and cornhole.
  • The popular Dam Dinner t-shirts will be available for purchase.

As a reminder, the City has a plastic reduction ordinance in place, and we ask you to please not bring single-use plastics. As a free gift to you, attendees will receive a reusable travel utensil set to use and keep courtesy of the City of Goleta. These were a huge hit last year – feel free to bring your set back with you! Learn more about Plastic Free Goleta here: www.cityofgoleta.org/plasticfreegoleta. #GoGreenGoleta

To get to the event, enter off N. La Patera Lane or Stow House at 304 N. Los Carneros Road. Wear walking shoes and bring a jacket in case it gets windy. Please do not bring pets, service animals are allowed.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is organized by the City of Goleta and Goleta Valley Historical Society with special thanks to Big Hammer Lures, Creekside Restaurant & Bar, Devereux, Fuel Depot, MarBorg, the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and the Water Store.

See you August 17 at the #BestDamDinner!


2023 Dam Dinner Group Photo


The Salt Martians performing at the 2023 Dam Dinner

 

Stay Safe and Cool this Fourth of July

Excessive Heat Warning and Fire Watch

Get ready! It is going to be a hot and dry Fourth of July. Here is some information to help make sure your holiday is a safe one.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Excessive Heat Warning that includes Goleta from July 4 at 11:00 a.m. to July 6 at 6:00 p.m. and a Fire Watch that will be in effect from July 4 at 6:00 p.m. to July 6 at 6:00 a.m. More info here.

Please note that conditions can easily change and impact areas differently. Detailed weather forecasts are available at https://www.weather.gov/lox/. Stay updated by signing up for alerts from Santa Barbara County at https://www.readysbc.org/.

Please take good care of yourself and your loved ones during this heat wave. Click here for some precautions and tips.

The Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue) is a great place to stay cool. It is open Tuesday – Sunday and will be closed on July 4th.

Considering the hot and dry conditions, the City also wants to issue a strong reminder regarding the dangers of setting off illegal fireworks. Watch this safety message with Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig and Goleta Chief of Police Services Lt. Rich Brittingham. The video is available in Spanish.

To report illegal fireworks, call the non-emergency dispatch line at 805-683-2724.

We wish you and your family a safe and happy Fourth of July. 

Pictured left-to-right: Goleta Chief of Police Services Lt. Rich Brittingham, City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, and Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig

Nomination Filing Period Opens for Mayor and Council Districts 3 and 4

July 15 – August 9, 2024

The General Municipal Election is just four months away on Tuesday, November 5, and the nomination filing period for Goleta City Council candidates in Districts 3 and 4 and the Mayor (at-large) begins on Monday, July 15, and closes Friday, August 9 at 5:00 p.m. To be eligible to run, candidates must be 18 years or older as well as reside and be a registered voter in the district in which he or she seeks election at the time nomination papers are issued. Those running for Mayor can live anywhere in the city as it is an at-large position.

This is the City’s second by-district election. The first was in November 2022 where District 1 and 2 residents voted for a Councilmember.

Residents interested in running for office must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk’s Office to receive and/or file nomination papers. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, contact Deborah Lopez, City Clerk at 805-961-7505 or cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

To find out what district you are in, view the map below or use this interactive map. Simply type your address into the top left-hand search bar and click on the search icon. The results will show your address within the map.

For information on the 2024 General Municipal Election go to www.CityofGoleta.org/elections.

Goleta's District Elections Map
District elections map for the City of Goleta

Fiesta Ranchera Highlights

Viva La Goleta! Fiesta Ranchera kicked off Fiesta on June 20 at Rancho La Patera and Stow House. This is an annual collaboration between Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society. It was a lively evening with performances by the 2024 Spirit of Fiesta Georgie Taupin and Junior Spirit Aleenah Soriano, musical entertainment including Area 51 and delicious food and beverages from local vendors. Our Goleta City Council was pleased to attend and welcome partygoers to the City of Goleta. The Spirits also performed in Council Chambers at the June 16 Council meeting where they received a proclamation. If you missed it, you can catch them dancing at the upcoming Meet Me in Old Town event on Thursday, July 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Magnolia Avenue in Old Town.

We are looking forward to a great Fiesta 2024 and appreciate the opportunity to get the party started in Goleta. For information on the upcoming Old Spanish Day festivities go to https://www.sbfiesta.org/.


Spirit of Fiesta Georgie Taupin giving a performance to Council at the June 16 meeting


Junior Spirit Aleenah Soriano dancing at the June 16 Goleta City Council meeting