Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Goleta on the Ballot – What to Look for Locally

Goleta residents have some important decisions to make when they vote in the November 8, 2016, election. In addition to the national and regional measures, there are two City Council seats up for grabs. Also on the ballot is a measure asking voters how the Mayor of Goleta should be decided. Currently the five elected City Council members annually select among themselves who will be mayor. Measure C2016 asks voters to decide if they want to select the next Mayor of Goleta or continue having the council designate one of its members. Voters will also be asked to decide whether the directly elected mayor’s term shall be two or four years.

For more information, please click here.

Be Part of Goleta’s Walking & Biking Future

It’s an exciting time for Goleta as we embark on our Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan (BPMP).  It was great to hear from the 250 people who stopped by the booth at the Lemon Festival and Camino Real Farmers’ Market to provide input.  This plan will promote public health, reduce automobile usage and fuel consumption, and promote transportation equity.

If you missed us at the Lemon Festival and Farmers’ Market, we still want to hear from you!  Please Give us Five and take our survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoletaBPMP. You can also click here to sign up for updates or text GOLETA BIKEWALK to 468311.  Additional workshops will be held later this fall and in the spring of 2017.

Walk, Bike, Goleta

Come and give your input on the future of biking and walking in Goleta on September 24 and September 25. Look for our booth at the Lemon Festival at Girsh Park (10am – 4pm on 9/24) and at the Farmers’ Market at Camino Real Marketplace (10am – 2pm on 9/25) to take our survey, get more information and ask your questions about where we’re headed.

The City of Goleta is committed to projects that benefit the pedestrian and cycling community. The bicycle and pedestrian master plan (BPMP) will do just that. Funded by Proposition 84, Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program, the BPMP will promote public health, reduce automobile usage and fuel consumption, and promote transportation equity.

The BPMP process involves significant public input opportunities. We hope you will stop by our booth at the Lemon Festival or Farmers’ Market to give us your thoughts. If you can’t make it, be on the look out for the next opportunity to make your voice heard.

Subscribe to our bicycle projects email/text notifications list here. You can also text GOLETA BIKEWALK to 468311.

Venoco Ellwood Onshore Facility Update

On September 20, the City Council will receive a presentation on the status of Venoco’s Ellwood Onshore Facility (EOF) including the pending bankruptcy proceedings and how that affects what the City can do with the EOF. There continues to be public interest in the future of the EOF located in Goleta. The facility processes gas and oil produced at Platform Holly. Due to the 2015 Plains pipeline rupture, the facility is not operating currently and won’t until the pipeline is repaired and certified for operation.

Venoco remains under the protection of the Federal Bankruptcy Court.  While that case is pending, the City cannot act to unilaterally terminate the EOF use.

The agenda for the September 20th meeting will be posted by 5 p.m. on September 15 and can be found here: http://www.cityofgoleta.org/i-want-to/news-and-updates/government-meeting-agendas-and-videos.

Don’t be Sour – Attend the 25th Annual Lemon Festival!

For the past 24 years, the Lemon Festival has been the biggest celebration in the Goleta area and it gets better each year. Join your friends and neighbors September 24 & 25 at Girsh Park (7050 Phelps Rd, Goleta) for the 25th Annual California Lemon Festival.

You’ll find wonderful food, a fantastic family atmosphere, and variety of entertainment and activities that have made this the most anticipated event in the Goleta Valley. The weekend celebration also includes the Goleta Fall Classic Car and Street Rod Show, and the ever-popular ‘Safety Street.’ Don’t miss the pie-eating contests (you may want to start practicing now), or the arts and crafts vendors.

Get Charged Up for the Goodland Drive Electric Car Show

Learn everything you want to know about electric cars at the FREE Goodland Drive Electric Car Show, presented by the Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD). The event takes place Sunday, September 18, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. next to the Farmer’s Market at Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta.

A celebration of National Drive Electric Week, which runs from September 10-18, the Goodland Drive Electric Car Show is a resource for anyone wanting unbiased information about owning and driving a plug-in electric vehicle (EV). Local EV owners will also be on hand throughout the event to share their experience and insights into driving electric. Attendees will learn about the positive environmental impact owning an EV makes, as well as the financial benefits. According to the CEC, replacing conventional automobiles with electric vehicles is one of the most effective steps that people can take to reduce carbon emissions today.

Goleta’s first publically available DC Fast Charger was installed at Camino Real Marketplace last year and can fully charge an electric vehicle in as little as 30 minutes.

Click here to RSVP today. To learn more about driving an electric vehicle visit CECSB.org/choose-electric.

Citizen’s Academy Applications Being Accepted

Applications are now being accepted for the next Citizen’s Academy which is being taught by Community Resource Deputies from the City of Goleta, City of Carpinteria, Isla Vista Foot Patrol and the Community Resource Officer from the University of California Santa Barbara Police Department (UCPD). This exciting, eight-week program begins on Wednesday, September 28, and ends on Saturday, November 12 with a final session, graduation and celebration BBQ. The Academy classes are held every Wednesday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at various locations throughout Santa Barbara County. The Citizen’s Academy is free and only has thirty spots available. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and able to attend all of the sessions in order to participate.

The Citizen’s Academy is a great way for community members to get an exclusive, inside look at what law enforcement does on a daily basis to protect its citizens. The classes will include a voluntary patrol ride-along, active shooter training, use of force, search and seizure law, building searches, force option simulators, arrest and control, and firearms. There will also be a tour of the jail, a presentation by Sheriff Brown and Chief Olson, and the K-9 Unit, just to name a few.

If you would like to participate in the Citizen’s Academy, please turn in an application by September 14.  You can scan and e-mail the application to Senior Deputy Dave Valadez at dmv4120@sbsheriff.org or you can drop it off in a sealed envelope at the Sheriff’s Office Marketplace Substation in Goleta.  For more information, call Senior Deputy Valadez at 805-319-9773.

Cox Digital Transition – Are You Ready?

Cox is transitioning to an all-digital network in its Santa Barbara service area. A fully digital network will lead to even better television service and faster internet speeds for customers. Customers currently using analog format MUST transition to digital format otherwise there will be a loss of service. Those customers transitioning from analog to digital TV service will immediately enjoy better picture and sound quality and, in many cases, access to more channels and an interactive channel guide.

Who needs to take action?
Customers currently using analog service.

How do I know if I am using analog service?
Anyone who connects their television directly into Cox’s cable line is currently using Cox analog service.

I use Cox analog service, what do I need to do?
Analog customers need to add a mini boxTM or an Advanced TV Receiver (or CableCARD if their TV or DVR is CableCARD-compatible) to continue receiving Cox video service. This equipment will allow the customer to experience the benefits of digital service when the transition is complete.

How do I get a mini box or CableCARD?
Customers will have the option to order mini boxes online, over the phone, or in-person at a Cox retail store. Based on eligibility, customers may receive up to two mini boxes free of charge for up to two years. After that, mini boxes will be available for rent at $2.99 per month. The mini boxes will arrive with easy-to-follow instructions for self-installation, however, customers still have the option to schedule a professional installation if they prefer. The same offers will apply to customers ordering CableCARDs instead of mini boxes.

What is the timeline for Cox’s all-digital transition to occur?
Beginning in October 2016, Cox will begin to transition away from dual carriage of channels in analog and digital format. The full evolution to an all-digital network is scheduled to be completed in December 2016. More information will be available from Cox as each transition phase gets closer.

Click here for more information from Cox.

The Best Dam Dinner Yet

Over 300 Goleta residents showed their love for the City by attending the 4th annual Goleta Dam Dinner at Lake Los Carneros Dam on August 20. The weather was perfect as attendees sat outside with family and friends enjoying dinner and music from the Salt Martians. The atmosphere was welcoming as people passed around their desserts to share and played corn hole. T-shirts were in high demand, almost selling out. We are already looking forward to next year which will be the last Saturday before school starts.