Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Next Stop…New & Improved Goleta Train Station!

The City of Goleta is excited to share that we were awarded a $13 million grant for the Goleta Train Depot in partnership with Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). The City and SBCAG sought grant funds from the Transit & Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to meaningfully improve passenger experience. The funds will help construct a new full service train station adjacent to the existing train platform, make significant bicycle and pedestrian access improvements to enhance access to the station, and substantially expand the number of parking spaces for passengers. The project centers around the City of Goleta’s purchase of the old Direct Relief International warehouse, which allows the City to redevelop the property to create a welcoming train station for travelers to the region.

To learn more about the funding allocations, visit the California Transportation Agency’s website.

SB 1 Helps Fund Upcoming Road Improvements

California Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) was signed into law in April 2017 and provides more than $5 billion annually to make road improvements, fill potholes, repair local streets, freeways and overpasses and invest in public transportation throughout California communities. SB 1 funds come from an additional gas tax introduced at the pump, making it a tax that the people who use the roads pay for. The State requires each City to put its funds into a Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) to ensure that the money is used for its intended purpose. The City of Goleta is thrilled to have this additional source of revenue for paving our roads. 

For fiscal year 2017/18, the City of Goleta is expected to receive $176,451 from SB 1 funds. In this upcoming fiscal year, the City is scheduled to receive an estimated $526,000. The additional funds Goleta and other cities receive from SB 1 provide the ability for cities to make necessary road improvements that we otherwise may not have had the general fund money available for.

Goleta’s first project with SB 1 funds is the Cathedral Oaks Pavement Rehabilitation project. SB 1 funds will be used, along with other gas tax funds and funds set aside in the City’s budget, to pay for pavement rehabilitation of Cathedral Oaks Road from Fairview Avenue west of Carlo Drive to the San Pedro Creek bridge, and budget permitting, Cathedral Oaks west from Los Carneros Road to the Los Carneros bridge. The project approval is expected to be on the Council’s consent calendar on May 15, 2018. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the project is expected to begin work in early fall. SB 1 funds will also be used on the next phase of the project, which includes Evergreen Drive (between Cathedral Oaks and Brandon Drive), Hillview Drive and Forest Drive. The anticipated start date is spring 2019 to avoid the rainy season.

For more information on SB 1, please go to http://rebuildingca.ca.gov.  

Piers 421

California State Lands Commission Community Town Hall

We know many of our residents are interested in the status of Platform Holly, Piers 421 and the Ellwood Onshore Facility. We want to share with you that the California State Lands Commission is holding a Community Town Hall to provide updates on May 14 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Goleta City Hall Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive, Suite B). Attendees will hear about the State Lands Commission’s efforts to plug and abandon the oil and gas wells at Platform Holly and Piers 421 and begin the decommissioning process for the facilities. Commission staff will also provide a status update on Venoco, LLC’s bankruptcy proceedings and the Ellwood Onshore Facility. Please visit www.slc.ca.gov for more information. Click here to view a flyer.

Boards & Commissions New Page

Get Involved! Join a City of Goleta Board or Commission

Do you want to make a difference in your community? Do you have skills that can help Goleta? Get involved by joining one of the City’s Boards or Commissions. There are currently vacancies for the Planning Commission and Design Review Board. Click here to apply online. For questions, please contact Deborah Lopez, City Clerk, at (805) 961-7505 or dlopez@cityofgoleta.org.

Planning Commission Vacancy
The Planning Commission consists of five members who each serve a four-year term. The Planning Commission sits as a decision-making body on land use issues for the City. The Planning Commission’s role is to review and take appropriate action on discretionary development applications and to make recommendations to the City Council regarding any proposed legislative actions, including the General Plan and its implementation, as required by law. The Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month starting at 6:00 p.m. Compensation is $100.00 per meeting. If this is of interest to you, please apply by 5:00 p.m. on April 9, 2018. To be eligible, one must reside within City limits and be a qualified elector.

Design Review Board Vacancy
The Design Review Board (DRB) is a seven-member body whose responsibility is to encourage development exemplifying the best professional design practices in order to enhance the visual quality of the environment and prevent poor quality of design. The DRB has one vacancy for a licensed architect who resides within City limits. To be eligible to apply, candidates must be a qualified elector.  Members of the DRB are appointed to a three-year term. The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m., and the position is compensated $50 per meeting. The position is open until filled.

More information on City Boards and Commissions is available at www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/city-clerk/boards-commissions.

Leash Your Dog – It’s the Law

The City is aware that residents have very strong feelings about the topic of dogs on and off leash. We would like to remind everyone that as part of our Goleta Municipal Code (section 12.15.470), dogs are required to be on a leash and under their owners control at all times while in a public space unless otherwise posted. This includes the Ellwood Bluffs. Off-leash dogs can cause harm to people, other animals and property. Citations will be issued to dog owners who choose not to follow the law.

For those that want a space for their dogs to be off leash, please visit these nearby dog parks and follow the posted rules: Patterson Open Space Off-Leash Dog Area (500 block Cathedral Oaks to 500 block Ribera Drive to 5100 block University Drive to 500 block Calle Aparejo), Tabano Hollow Neighborhood Open Space (5100 block University Drive to 5100 block Tabano Way), or Kiwanis Meadow at Tucker’s Grove Park (entrance at intersection of Turnpike and Cathedral Oaks Roads). For a complete list of off-leash dog parks in Santa Barbara County visit www.countyofsb.org/parks/dog.sbc.

Deltopia Parking Restrictions Reminder

Deltopia, the unsanctioned Isla Vista street party, is planned for April 7, 2018. The City will continue its temporary parking restrictions program as it has done in the past for both Deltopia and Halloween. In an effort to minimize the impacts of Deltopia on Goleta residents, the City implements parking restrictions in the areas most affected: Hollister Avenue to the southern City limit (Whittier Drive), from Cannon Green Drive (including the cul-de-sac streets on the west side of Cannon Green Drive) to Storke Road. Those who live in the affected areas should have already received their parking permits in the mail.

Parking restrictions in this area are from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 6th to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, April 7th and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 7th to 7:00 a.m. Sunday, April 8th. (Should Deltopia move to the following weekend, the restrictions will be in place from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13th to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, April 14th and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14th to 7:00 a.m. Sunday, April 15th.) Residents with valid permits are able to park on the streets during the affected times. Residents are encouraged to park in their garages and/or driveways as well. Vehicles without permits will be cited and towed at the owner’s expense.

A map and FAQs can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/goletatempparking.

Be Part of Goleta’s Walking and Biking Future

Anyone interested can attend the Tuesday, April 3, evening City Council session which starts at 6:00 p.m. City staff and our consultants will provide an update on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (BPMP) to Council. Please join us the following evening (April 4 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.) for a community workshop at the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). The workshop will review and allow for input on draft versions of chapters 1 – 4 of the plan (including an introduction to the project, existing conditions and analysis, public outreach and recommendations). There will also be a list of recommended policies and improvements for attendees to provide feedback on. Read chapters 1-4 before the meeting here.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is the future of biking and walking in Goleta. It aims to expand and improve the pedestrian and bicycle network in the City of Goleta making it easier to walk and bike around town. It also promotes public health by encouraging people to walk and bike, reduces automobile usage and fuel consumption, and promotes transportation equity. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/GoletaBPMP.

You’re Invited to the Community State of the City!

The City of Goleta is hosting its Second Annual Community State of the City on Tuesday, April 10 at 6:00 p.m. at the Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue). This is your opportunity to hear from Mayor Paula Perotte and City Manager Michelle Greene on topics important to you and ask questions of the City. It’s free to attend and open to the public. Spanish interpretation will be available.

If you are unable to attend, the event will be rebroadcast on Goleta TV (channel 19/104.148) and will also be posted on the City’s website at www.cityofgoleta.org. A broadcast schedule will be available after the event. 

Local Parking Restrictions for Deltopia

Deltopia in Isla Vista is planned for April 7, 2018. The City will continue its temporary parking restrictions program as it has done in the past for both Deltopia and Halloween. In an effort to minimize the impacts of Deltopia on Goleta residents, the City implements parking restrictions in the areas most affected: Hollister Avenue to the southern City limit (Whittier Drive), from Cannon Green Drive (including the cul-de-sac streets on the west side of Cannon Green Drive) to Storke Road. Those who live in the affected areas will receive two parking permits in the mail by March 31.

Residents with valid permits will be able to park on the streets in this area from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 6th to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, April 7th and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 7th to 7:00 a.m. Sunday, April 8th. (Should Deltopia move to the following weekend, the restrictions will be in place from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13th to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, April 14th and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 14th to 7:00 a.m. Sunday, April 15th.) Residents are encouraged to park in their garages and/or driveways as well. Vehicles without permits will be cited and towed at the owner’s expense.

A map and FAQs can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/goletatempparking.

Avoid the Traffic – Take the Pacific Surfliner to Work!

Beginning April 2, 2018, the morning hours of Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will change to better accommodate commuters in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. With the new schedule, the Pacific Surfliner will arrive in Santa Barbara at 6:47 a.m. and Goleta by 7:16 a.m. The southbound afternoon train will continue to depart at its current time, leaving Goleta at 4:25 p.m. and Santa Barbara at 4:40 p.m. To help people get to their workplace after arriving at the Santa Barbara and Goleta train stations, Santa Barbara MTD will run free shuttle buses to worksites in downtown Santa Barbara and Goleta, including Cottage Hospital locations. Anyone looking to bike to work from the train station can use the free bike lockers that will be available. Those interested in riding the train can take advantage of Santa Barbara County Association of Governments’ (SBCAG) special pricing instead of paying normal Pacific Surfliner fares. In addition, SBCAG Traffic Solutions is offering a free trial 10-ride or monthly pass throughout the month of April 2018. Get more information at www.trafficsolutions.org/Commute-by-Train.