Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

City of Goleta Assists Homeless Population During COVID-19 Crisis

The Coronavirus adds a new challenge for people experiencing homelessness in and around Goleta. The City is partnering with local agencies to assist houseless residents during this difficult time.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “While there is still much work to be done to ensure the health and safety of Goleta’s houseless residents and the community at large, the City is committed to doing what it can to support the well-being of all its residents.”

The City is partnering with New Beginnings Counseling Center’s Safe Parking and Rapid Rehousing Program to provide parking lots for people living in their vehicles and needing to shelter in place. Monitored parking lots allow participants to remain in a consistent location both day and night during the stay at home order and access restrooms and hand washing stations. In addition, the City is providing access to drinking water, charging stations, and wi-fi.

In partnership with Goleta Union School District, Goleta Valley Community Center, United Boys and Girls Clubs at the Goleta Club and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, food distribution and school lunches are being shared with community members via drive-thru and walk-up service to all who are in need, no questions asked. Also provided at the Goleta Valley Community Center are two temporary, portable restrooms, including an ADA accessible unit, which are available for daytime use and thoroughly sanitized daily.

While the community may see encampments in new locations, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines say that in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 communities should not clear encampments at this time unless you can provide an individual room for each person. This is to protect inhabitants, the community, and public safety personnel. To address the issue, the City is notifying outreach teams from County Behavioral Wellness and Home for Good about any new encampments so that service workers can perform safety checks and educate people regarding ways to stay safe during this time. The City is also working with both outreach teams to provide essential items to those currently experiencing homelessness. This includes bags of food, socks, and hand sanitizer. Reports of homeless encampments should be directed to the City of Goleta’s new Community Resource Deputy Ben Sandu by calling 805-335-4238 or by emailing dbs4260@sbsheriff.org.

Additionally, as part of the regional COVID-19 Homeless/Housing Task Force, the City is working with Santa Barbara County to find hotel/motel partners willing to provide rooms to people at high-risk of contracting COVID-19. If any hotels or motels are interested in learning more about partnering with the County on this effort, please contact Dominique Samario with the City of Goleta at 805-690-5126 or by emailing dsamario@cityofgoleta.org.

In the summer of 2019, the City of Goleta began the process of developing a Homelessness Strategic Plan. Once adopted, it will help guide and coordinate efforts to prevent and address homelessness within the City of Goleta. A draft is expected to be brought before the City Council for discussion this summer.  Learn more by going to https://tinyurl.com/GoletaHomelessnessPlan.

New! Goleta Valley Library is now Offering Free Children’s Craft Kits

The library is excited to announce that patrons of the Goleta, Buellton and Solvang libraries can sign up to receive free craft kits for kids! All you need to do is fill out a brief form on the Goleta Valley Library’s website and the library will send craft kits to your home!  Each month you may request up to two craft kits for each of your children. For some of the craft kits, you will need to provide items such as glue, crayons, etc… The kits are yours to keep. Please remember that some of the kits have quite small pieces so younger children should be monitored at all times. Library staff think kids will really enjoy these kits, so be sure to sign up here!

“We miss doing programs for area children, so between these craft kits and our virtual programming we feel a bit closer to our library users. I think kids will enjoy the wide variety of crafts we will be sending to them,” said Library Director Allison Gray.

For more activities for your children, stay in touch with the Goleta Valley Library on their Facebook page (@GoletaValleyLibrary). You will find recorded and live programs such as Wriggly Storytime, Family Storytime, craft programs and more. The Buellton and Solvang Libraries also have programming on their Facebook pages as well: Buellton and Solvang.

As always, please visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org for a list of ideas on “How to Keep Busy at Home for all Ages” and digital resources.

Live Tech Tutoring Now Available at Goleta Valley Library

Now more than ever, people are relying on technology for work, staying in touch with friends, and general entertainment. The Goleta Valley Library knows this and is moving its in-person tech tutoring to live video chat or over the phone in order to continue to support the community during the COVID-19 crisis and stay at home order. Library patrons can receive personalized one-on-one help with their laptop, tablet, cell phone, smart TV, etc… Assistance is available for general usage as well as how to access the library’s numerous downloadable options providing free e-books, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, graphic novels, and magazines to patrons.

Library Director Allison Gray said, “I am very excited to be able to offer this new service to the community. We want to make sure everyone feels connected at this time and is able to take advantage of the library’s different online offerings. We encourage anyone who needs help with their technology to take advantage of this new program.”

Live one-on-one Tech Tutoring is available with a trained library staff member Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. by appointment. Sessions are 30 or 60 minutes depending on the help needed. Fill out the Library’s Live Tech Tutoring Request Form on the library website and a staff member will confirm your date and time. You can also call (805) 964-7878 to schedule an appointment. Spanish language support is also available; complete the form in Spanish here.

If you don’t have a Goleta Valley or Santa Ynez Valley Library card, and live in those areas, you can still get one that allows you access to downloadable services by going to the Black Gold eCard Registration webpage.

For access to all of the library’s FREE electronic resources, programs, and activities please visit GoletaValleyLibrary.org. Remember to “like” us on Facebook (@GoletaValleyLibrary) and follow us on Instagram (@goletavalleylibrary) for more updates and to view live programming.

The libraries will also continue to offer personalized reading lists. Fill out this form, providing information on the type of books you like and don’t like, and a staff member will put together a reading list for you. Patrons can also order books or audiobooks not owned by the library for home delivery by filling out a Zip Books request form.

Like almost everyone, library staff are now working from home. They are still available to answer questions via email at goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org.

Coming soon, the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley libraries will be offering a phone check-in service to keep connected with the community. A friendly library staff member will reach out with a phone call to those who are interested. Stay tuned for more information!

Wildfire Preparedness

The threat of wildfires is always a concern and now is a great time to take some important safety precautions. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department along with the U.S. Forest Service – Los Padres National Forest is reminding the public that in the event of a wildfire, the effort you place on preparing yourself and your property will greatly enhance your safety and your property’s survivability.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department offers the following tips to help you prepare:

  1. If you live near natural vegetation, clear brush back 100 feet from structures to create a “defensible space” for firefighters
  2. Assemble emergency
  3. Prepare a wildfire action plan.
  4. Determine evacuation
  5. Monitor weather conditions when a fire might occur or to know if there is danger from a wildfire that is already
  6. If a wildfire is already threatening one’s home, go and evacuate

The U.S. Forest Service – Los Padres National Forest reminds residents that fire restrictions in the forest will soon be elevated and dispersed campfires will be prohibited. Santa Barbara County residents should also be familiar with “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire” principles that include ensuring your vehicle is properly maintained and that tow chains are secured, and that lawn mowers and weed whackers are used only in the mornings and late afternoons.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds people that fire season is now year round. What you do now can increase your home’s survivability later. Please visit www.sbcfire.com Ready! Set! Go! program for more information on preparing your personal wildfire action plan.

All Santa Barbara County Fire Department News Releases are available at www.sbcfire.com

Photo courtesy of Photographer Mike Eliason with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

City of Goleta Census 2020 Self-Response Rate Continues to Climb

The City of Goleta is pleased to report that over 68% of all Goleta households have filled out their 2020 Census. As a comparison, the final response number for the City of Goleta in the 2010 Census was 75.3%. The City of Goleta is encouraging community members to Make Goleta Count and fill out their census NOW if they have not already.  We need your help to achieve our goal of 100% participation in the 2020 Census!  The City is proud of our Make Goleta Count campaign which has helped spread the word about the importance of filling out the census. Please watch and share our Make Goleta Count video.

Mayor of Goleta Paula Perotte said, “I am so proud of our community for Goleta’s strong response so far but we have more work to do to make sure everyone is counted. If you have not completed your census yet, please take just a few minutes to do so. Also, it’s important that you encourage others to complete their census as well. Let’s get everyone counted!”

This is the first year you can fill out your census on-line at www.My2020Census.gov. If you did not respond to a postcard invitation to participate on-line, you should have received a paper copy of the census. If you need help filling out your census, you can call the toll-free number at (844) 330-2020. 

When filling out your census, please remember to count everyone in your household even if they are not family members. Also, don’t forget to count children even if they are babies.  It’s estimated that one in 10 children under age five were missed in the last census.  That is more than two million uncounted children. Also, it’s important to know that the 2020 Census is confidential and your personal information, by law, can’t be shared.

Emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic are precisely why the government needs accurate 2020 Census Data. Your response to the 2020 Census shapes decisions about how billions of dollars in federal funds flow into communities each year for the next ten years.

The following items are at stake for Goleta if there is an undercount in the 2020 census:

  • Loss of revenue for TEN years
  • Federal funding for Community Development Block Grants
  • Library funding
  • Gas tax related revenue for road repairs
  • Special funding based on population
  • District election boundaries

You can track the Census completion rate for the City and other areas by using the Response Rate Map. 

Learn more about the 2020 Census on the City’s census webpage and on Santa Barbara County’s census website. Information in Spanish is also available on the City website and Santa Barbara County website. 

Warning Regarding Scams Targeting Public During COVID-19 Crisis

It is hard to understand how anyone could take advantage of people during this pandemic but unfortunately some scammers are using this crisis to cash in on people during a time where they may be vulnerable.  The City of Goleta wants to warn our community to be on the lookout for potential scams and to NEVER give any personal or financial information to anyone unless you have verified the request is legitimate. 

SoCalGas is warning customers of a scam where the caller informs the resident that they have a delinquent payment and that their service will be shut off if they don’t pay over the phone immediately. SoCalGas wants customers to know they do not call customers seeking payment. Southern California Edison (SCE) is reporting a similar scam.

SoCalGas is sharing the following tips on how to recognize and respond to these scams.

Be on the lookout for these common scam tactics:

  • Caller ID spoofing with calls that appear to be coming from SoCalGas. The caller may try to sell products, collect personal information, or collect payment on your gas bill. Please note that SoCalGas will never ask for payment through the phone.
  • Phishing emails, texts and social media posts with malicious attachments asking you to send personal information or money to another entity.
  • Utility imposters appearing at your place of residence or business demanding payment.

How to protect yourself:

  • Never provide your personal information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, or share names and passwords with anyone claiming to be a utility representative.
  • Always ask to see a SoCalGas photo ID badge before letting someone inside your home. All SoCalGas employees on company business are required to carry a badge.
  • Customers are encouraged to verify the employee’s uniform and identification. Most of our authorized employees will always be in a uniform with our company logo, carry an official employee badge, and drive a company car. SoCalGas employees will always be happy to wait while the customer confirms their identity.
  • Customers can always check the status of their SoCalGas account or pay their latest bill by logging on to My Account.

More information is available on the SoCalGas website.

Southern California Edison is also warning customers about scams. Click here to see their tips.

Please report scams to the non-emergency Sheriff’s Office Dispatch line at 805-683-2724.

Meet Our New Chief of Police Services and Community Resource Deputy

The City of Goleta is pleased to welcome two new faces to the Goleta Police Department.  Lt. Rich Brittingham is the City’s new Chief of Police Services and Deputy Ben Sandu is our new Community Resource Deputy. 

City of Goleta City Manager Michelle Greene said, “These are key public safety positions for the City and we are pleased to partner with both of these experienced law enforcement professionals to help maintain a safe community and provide a high level of service to our residents.”

Director of Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Vyto Adomaitis said, “The City of Goleta and the Sheriff’s Office enjoy a mutually respectful and collaborative working partnership.  I am excited to work with both Lt. Brittingham and Deputy Sandu on the chief concern of the City which is public safety.”

Lt. Brittingham is a 17-year veteran of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience. He has held a number of assignments during his career including as a patrol deputy in the City of Goleta and as a detective with the Special Investigations Bureau.  In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served the county areas of Carpinteria and Isla Vista.  In 2016, Lt. Brittingham was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Bureau.  On April 6, 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant and was subsequently assigned to his new role as Chief of Police Services for the City of Goleta.

Lt. Brittingham said, “I am looking forward to serving the citizens of Goleta.  I am eager to help build a strong team, working together to foster great relationships that promote a safe community and improve the quality of life.”

Deputy Ben Sandu served in the Marine Corps for four years before being hired by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in 2008.  He has spent most of his career on patrol and also worked as a bailiff. Deputy Sandu is an Arrest and Control Officer, a Field Training Officer and on the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Team.  He has also served on the Sheriff’s Dive Team.

Deputy Sandu is a firm believer in community policing and the philosophy that “Police are the public and the public are the police.” He said, “Goleta is a thriving community and my favorite place to work. It is my natural disposition to reach out and make new relationships and connections with those around me. Combine that with 11 years of experience, and I’m presented with a great opportunity to do what I enjoy and work in the Goodland.”

We wish both Lt. Brittingham and Deputy Sandu a great chapter ahead with the City of Goleta and thank them in advance for their service.

National Police Week starts on Sunday May 10th and runs through Saturday May 16th.  This is a time where we can remember law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. It’s also a great opportunity to thank the Goleta Police Department, and all of the men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, for all they do to protect the City of Goleta.  

Connected 2050 Launches: A Long-Term Plan on Transportation, Housing, and Jobs

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) in partnership with the Community Environmental Council (CEC) seeks the public’s input on Connected 2050 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP-SCS). Connected 2050 is an update to Santa Barbara County’s long-range regional transportation plan and sustainable communities strategy. Connected 2050 RTP-SCS will help guide future planning efforts and policy decisions that affect transportation and its relationship with housing, jobs, and land use to reduce greenhouse gas gases from light-duty vehicles that contribute to climate change. SBCAG is expected to adopt Connected 2050 in August 2021. 

“The recommendations of Connected 2050 will influence Santa Barbara County’s long-term growth and development for the next 30 years,” said Marjie Kirn, Executive Director of SBCAG. “We cannot deny the impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency on our daily lives for the foreseeable future, we need the public’s participation in this process as it will have tremendous influence on how to build a better and more sustainable community in the future. We will be asking residents and businesses about safe and affordable housing, how essential goods like medicine and food are transported, and how far we travel to reach our jobs or schools.”

The public is encouraged to get involved with Connected 2050 by texting “CONNECT” to (833) 956-0921 or sign up for updates at Connected2050.org, or Conectados2050.org for a Spanish-language version. There will be multiple opportunities for residents and businesses to share experiences and ideas on housing, jobs and transportation through October 2020. 

Connected 2050 RTP-SCS will help create communities where people can live, work, play and prosper. At its core, Connected 2050 RTP-SCS is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emission that contribute to climate change while helping achieve a number of important local and statewide goals. Connected 2050 will identify goals and objectives developed by public participation to guide the development of recommendations addressing five core topics like such as the environment, mobility & system reliability, equity, health & safety, and a prosperous economy.

SBCAG updates the Sustainable Communities Strategy with their Regional Transportation Plan every 4 years. The last RTP-SCS update was completed in 2017. Between now and early October 2020, SBCAG will use technical analysis and community input to create several different future scenarios. Each of the scenarios that SBCAG develops will represent a different vision for future development, growth, and transportation in the Santa Barbara. CEC is supporting SBCAG’s outreach goals for Connected 2050 by helping to connect with a wider range of stakeholders who can share their vision for their community’s future. Just Communities is working with SBCAG and CEC to create a multilingual community outreach process for Connected 2050, using best practices from their Language Justice Initiative to ensure that everyone’s voices are truly heard and included in the final Connected 2050 plan.

A final version of Connected 2050 RTP-SCS will be adopted by August 2021.

Stay Active at Home with Virtual Recreation Ideas

The Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department (NSPS) encourages you to check out our new Virtual Recreation Page to help residents stay active during the current Stay at Home Order. This page was created to assist families with ideas for projects and activities to do at home, including ways to stay active. One highlight is a virtual scavenger hunt which is updated weekly. As a reminder, the Goleta Valley Library has also put together a page on how to keep busy for all ages, which can be found here.

The City has also revamped our Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces pages. These include updated amenities and park information. Check out our Pickleball page for important information and guidelines during COVID-19. 

Goleta’s Newly Adopted Zoning Ordinance is Online

We are pleased to report that the City’s New Zoning Ordinance (NZO) is now available online for use. The NZO, now referred to as Title 17 of the Goleta Municipal Code, went into effect in April 2020, replacing old zoning regulations. The online, codified Title 17 is searchable and includes internal hyperlinks. There are also external hyperlinks to other government code citations. Navigating our land use regulations with this online platform is simplified and easier than ever before! Click here to check it out. Learn more about the City’s New Zoning Ordinance at http://www.goletazoning.com/.