Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Support for Local Green Businesses

Are you interested in becoming a Certified Green Business or already a member of the Green Business program of Santa Barbara County? The Santa Barbara Green Business Alliance (SBGBA) is here to help you build connections with other certified businesses to save money, market your business, and receive recognition. Through its cooperative network of businesses, organizations, and local leaders who are committed to the practice and promotion of environmentally and socially responsible business practices, SBGBA provides tools and resources that support local green certified businesses by:

  • Increasing capacity building through continued resource sharing, and exposure to educational opportunities and materials, pertinent legislation and other community issues.
  • Creating an integrated network of information and contacts for successful implementation and execution of green business practices.
  • Assisting in the promotion of green business development and expansion of the certified green business network.

SBGBA members gain the opportunity to network and form relationships with like-minded businesses and groups, enjoy positive exposure to the public as a responsible business, and share ideas as to how to further improve the environmental impact of their operations.

For more information on joining the Green Business Alliance and upcoming events, contact Frances Gililand at (805) 729-3472 or email coordinator@greenbizsbc.org. To become a Certified Green Business, visit www.GreenBizSBC.org.

Free Homework Help at the Library

New this year, the Goleta Valley Library will be offering free Intergenerational Afterschool Homework Help on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 – 6:15 p.m. starting October 15, for children in Kindergarten – 5th grade. Volunteer tutors and Library staff will be on hand to help kids with their homework along with the assistance of an online product called Brainfuse HelpNow, which provides access to live tutors who can help answer problematic questions. No reservations are needed, this is a drop-in program. The Library will try to pair up the same tutor with the same student so that they can build a relationship that goes beyond homework help. For more information, or if you are a senior citizen and would like to volunteer to be a tutor, please call the Library at 805-964-7878.

Brainfuse HelpNow can also be accessed here on the Library’s website (have your library card number handy). Live online tutoring is available from 1:00 – 10:00 p.m. daily.

City Hall Goes Green

The City of Goleta took a big step forward to reduce the carbon footprint in our City offices.  On September 1, 2019, we implemented a ban on single-use plastics at City Hall, the Corporation Yard, and at our libraries – Goleta Valley Library, Buellton Library and Solvang Library. Kitchens are now equipped with washable plates, metal utensils, plate scrapers and dish towels, just like at home. We are no longer ordering plastic utensils, and instead employees are bringing dishes from home or using what is provided in the kitchens. To help kick off our Single-Use Plastics Elimination, a mug contest was held. While there were many creative entries, Accounting Manager Tony Gonzalez took home the prize for best mug!

Plastic pollution has a huge negative impact on our oceans, animals, soils, food chain, and public health. Single-use plastic items are items used one time and thrown away, such as plastic forks, knives, spoons, and stirrer straws. They fill up our landfills and do not break down easily over time. When they do break down, they create a toxic sludge. Non-recyclable items like paper plates and paper cups with coating also fill up our landfills.

It’s amazing and refreshing to see how, even in just one month, the difference our Single-Use Plastics Elimination has made in reducing the amount of trash we typically generate. It feels good to be part of helping to make a positive change for our environment. None of this would have been possible without the work of our Green Team. A big thanks to Sophie Barragan, Dana Grossi, Paul Medel, Darryl Mimick, Cindy Moore, Andrea Moreno, Kim Nilsson, Sandra Rodriguez, Dominique Samario, and Francie Townes.

Holding Pattern for Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans

On September 3, 2019, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) presented a draft of the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans to the Goleta City Council. The plans are for all Santa Barbara County airports, including Santa Barbara Airport. At this time, the project is in a holding pattern until SBCAG and member agency staff, including in particular the City of Goleta and Santa Barbara County, can resolve outstanding issues regarding the draft plans that were presented.

The Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (ALUCP) designates compatible land uses around public use airports in Santa Barbara County and has an important role in assuring safety around airports. However, the plan in its draft form would have significant impacts on allowable land uses within City of Goleta limits, and would have the practical effect of rendering many existing uses non-conforming to the current General Plan or zoning requirements. In limiting future development potential, the draft ALUCP would also have the effect of displacing growth and planned residential density contemplated by the City’s General Plan to other areas.  

On September 19, 2019, the SBCAG Board delayed any action to approve Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans to allow time to resolve some of the outstanding issues.

There’s No Place Like Home

City Hall is in the final stretch of securing a permanent home. The City is in escrow to buy the entire two-story building where we are currently renting at 130 Cremona Drive. Once the transaction is complete, the City will acquire a portion of an existing 5.3 acre parcel. That portion of land will become its own 2.3 acre parcel as a result of the transaction and include the two-story building which is approximately 39,718 square feet. The City currently occupies about 66% of that space and will be undergoing a space needs analysis to determine how to best use the additional 13,323 square feet. Future plans for the building will include the installation of an elevator. The purchase price under the original agreement was $11,515,400, however the actual purchase price will be slightly less at about $11,476,700 as a result of a property condition credit to the City.

The acquisition will put the City in the position of owning a sizable asset as an owner rather than the obligation of lease payments owed to a private property owner as a tenant. The cost of purchasing versus leasing is estimated to save the City about $64,000 in the first year and the savings would continue to increase in the future. While there are a few details that need to be ironed out, escrow is expected to close by November 15, 2019. We will keep you posted and hope to officially announce 130 Cremona Drive as our permanent home soon.

Boo! Parking Restrictions Return for Halloween

Halloween not only brings trick-or-treaters to areas of Goleta, but also extra visitors to Isla Vista. To ease the impacts on residents, the City’s resident-only parking program will return from Thursday, October 31, to Sunday, November 3, for the neighborhoods closest to Isla Vista. Since Halloween is on a Thursday this year, the permits will be valid for an additional night. The parking permit program has been in effect since 2014, and has been a success thanks to the collaboration of residents, law enforcement, and the City.

Households in the affected areas will receive two permits in their mailbox by October 22, 2019. Affected areas include: University 1 and University 2 neighborhoods, including the Cannon Green Condominium complex. The boundaries are: Cannon Green Drive to the west, Hollister Avenue to the north, Storke Road to the east and Whittier Drive to the south. The parking permits are required to be taped to the inside of the vehicle’s driver’s side window during the restricted hours (see below). Signage will be posted on the streets in advance to remind drivers, and electronic message boards will be at several entrances to the University 1 and 2 neighborhoods. Vehicles not displaying the appropriate permit will be subject to ticketing and/or towing. Parking restrictions are for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, when most party-goers are expected to be in the area:

  • 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2019, to 7:00 a.m. Friday, November 1, 2019
  • 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2019, to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2019
  • 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2019, to 7:00 a.m. Sunday, November 3, 2019

The overnight parking restrictions will not affect AYSO soccer games or others visiting Girsh Park over Halloween weekend. If you live in the area designated to receive a parking permit, and do not receive yours by October 22, please contact the City of Goleta Neighborhood Services Department at 805-690-5119 to make arrangements for a replacement.

For a map of the affected area and additional information, please visit http://tinyurl.com/halloweenparking.

Celebrate Goleta’s Newest Recreation Area Tomorrow, October 2!

A new recreation area is coming to Goleta! Join the City tomorrow, Wednesday, October 2, for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovated multi-purpose athletic field behind the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) and next to the Boys & Girls Club. Join us from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for activity stations, information booths, and speeches from Mayor Paula Perotte, the Project Team, and stakeholders. 

Gophers had made the field a popular hangout spot for themselves, so the City decided to take it back for the community’s use. The renovation was made possible through a Housing Related Parks Program grant worth just over $250,000 from the State of California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, and nearly $250,000 in City funds.

The City broke ground on this one-acre project on June 19, and we can’t wait for people to begin using it! The project includes a new natural grass turf with gopher mesh for the field, new irrigation, a walking perimeter path, and a fitness station. This new recreation space is a great addition for the entire community, the hundreds of children who attend the Goleta Boys & Girls Club each day, and those who use the Goleta Valley Community Center.

We hope you can join us for this family-friendly event!

Homeless Encampment Clean-Up in Goleta

The City of Goleta coordinated a multi-agency effort in September to clean-up homeless encampments, trash, and debris found within the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) owned rail corridor. The rail corridor goes through Goleta City limits, spanning just west of the Cathedral Oaks Overpass to Patterson Avenue. Over the four day operation, more than 12 roll off dumpsters full of debris were removed.

The clean-up efforts are consistent with the goals to reduce fatalities, safety hazards and future fires from occurring in and around the railway corridor going through Goleta, as found in the recent Santa Barbara County Grand Jury Report on Railway Safety. This is accomplished by closely working with property owner Union Pacific Railroad and allied agencies including: UPRR Police, Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, Goleta Police Department/Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, MarBorg Industries, Homeless Services within the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, and the City of Goleta’s Public Works Department. 

Representatives from Santa Barbara County Behavior Wellness were present during the clean-up effort to offer shelter and services to homeless individuals they came into contact with. The City is working on our first ever Homeless Strategic Plan which will be finalized by next summer. We will be reaching out to the community for input, so stay tuned.

Goleta City Council Meetings Now Beginning at 5:30 p.m.!

Beginning tonight, October 1, Goleta City Council meeting times will start at 5:30 p.m. Closed session will be held at 4:00 p.m. Meetings will remain on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Previously two sessions were held on meeting dates: afternoon (1:30 p.m.) and evening (6:00 p.m.), there will now only be one evening session (5:30 p.m.). The City is hopeful that holding City Council meetings after normal business hours will encourage more people to attend and participate in local government.

Attend meetings in person at Goleta City Hall Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive, Suite B). If you are unable to come in person, you can watch meetings live or at your convenience on the City’s website at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaMeetings. Council meetings are also aired live on Channel 19, and rebroadcast Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Find out ahead of time what Council will be discussing during the meeting. Sign up here to have agendas sent to your inbox or cell phone. Confirm the meeting date ahead of time on the City Calendar.

We hope to see you at an upcoming City Council meeting!

Photo: Linda Blue Photography
Back row left to right: Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Councilmember James Kyriaco, Mayor Pro-Tempore Kyle Richards
Front row left to right: Councilmember Roger Aceves and Mayor Paula Perotte

 

Prepared, Not Scared

This September’s theme for National Preparedness Month is Prepared, Not Scared. Preparing yourself and loved ones for an emergency can be overwhelming. FEMA’s annual National Preparedness Month wants to help. Weekly themes for 2019 are:

  • Week 1: Save Early for Disaster Costs
  • Week 2: Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters
  • Week 3: Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters
  • Week 4: Get Involved in our Community’s Preparedness

Here are some things you can do right now to prepare for an emergency:

  • Sign up for emergency alerts from the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) at www.ReadySBC.org.
  • Sign up for emergency information from the City of Goleta at http://tinyurl.com/goletaemergency.
  • Make an evacuation plan.
  • Have a battery-powered radio ready to listen to local radio stations if the power goes out. 
  • Be familiar with 211. Santa Barbara County’s 2-1-1 Helpline is the first point-of-access to all community services, including emergency information. A live person is available to answer questions 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, and in multiple languages.
  • Finally, know your neighbors and look out for each other. Share verified information from trusted resources.

Follow the City of Goleta on Facebook (@CityofGoleta) and Twitter (@GoletaPIO) for tips throughout the month and visit www.ready.gov/september for more information.