Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Family Travel Safety

With summer coming up, many of you are probably planning a vacation.  The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office offers the following travel and tourist crime prevention tips. Follow these tips to help you stay safe while traveling, and click here for a complete list of tips.

Preventing crime during family travel starts with making sure your home is protected while you’re away. The key is to make it look like you never left (i.e. stop mail and newspaper delivery, keep blinds in their normal position…).

Planning ahead can decrease the chances of crime joining you on your journey. Clean out your wallet and take only essential credit cards. Pack as lightly as possible and in inconspicuous bags so as not to draw attention. Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage and keep valuables (medicine, jewelry) in a carry-on that stays with you.

While you and your family are traveling, it’s important to remember that tourists make tempting targets for thieves. Often lost or distracted, weighed down with bags, and carrying cameras, plane tickets, money, and other valuables, unsuspecting travelers can attract crime like a magnet. The best advice for you and your family is to do all you can to blend in with the crowd and don’t act like a tourist (i.e. check the map before you go out). If you are traveling with children, come up with a plan in case anyone gets lost or separated.

 

Goleta Valley Historical Society Celebrates 50 Years of Preservation for Our Community

Goleta Valley Historical Society had a modest beginning – a dream to “collect and promote our unique history.”  This is the mission of the Society, whose journey began on April 13, 1966.  Forty civic-minded guests attended that day at Bray’s Restaurant, many of them decedents of Valley pioneers.  It was a day that would change the course of history in the Goleta community.

After some discussion, it was decided that the ‘saving of Stow House’ should be the Society’s first project.  After a successful community campaign, in April 1967 George Adams submitted a report to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, which led to a lease agreement for Goleta Valley Historical Society to care for the interior of Stow House.  A dedication ceremony in September of 1967 brought to life the dream to preserve the historic ranch for future generations.

Today, in partnership with the City of Goleta, the Society is the steward of the Stow House, the gardens, the ranch area, and other historic structures that have been carefully restored.  The gathering place, once a home to the Stow family, has become a home to the community, a place to celebrate our history and all that is good in this wonderful city. This majestic landmark offers a rare opportunity to experience what life was like during the golden era of California ranching.  The Ranch is open Saturdays and Sundays 1-4pm and by appointment.

In celebration of 50 years of dedication to our mission to “collect, preserve, interpret and foster research of Goleta Valley’s history through exhibits, programs, and stewardship of the historic Rancho La Patera, home to the Stow family” the Society is embarking on two ambitious projects.  The first, an exhibition “Good Land Gold: GVHS Celebrates 50 Years,” to open June 1, 2016 and run through spring 2017, which will highlight the organization’s founding and first years.  The second project is an exciting commemorative reprinting of Goleta: The Good Land (1966), by Walker Tompkins.

Summer Fun in Goleta

With summer right around the corner, there are lots of exciting activities to add to your calendar. Here is just a sampling:

4th of July Celebrations

  • Old Fashioned 4th of July (Rancho La Patera & Stow House) – Come celebrate Independence Day from 11am – 4pm at a hometown festival featuring live music and entertainment, hayrides, delicious BBQ, games, local artists, classic cars, old engine show and plenty of family-friendly fun.
  • Elks Lodge Family Fun Fair (150 North Kellogg) – Head on over from 11am – 5pm and enjoy great food, live music and entertainment for the whole family. There will be Bingo, pull-tabs, a raffle and a kids’ area with activities like face painting, jumpers and pony rides.
  • Goleta Fireworks Festival – Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Goleta Noontime and The Rotary Club of Goleta, this annual fireworks festival at Girsh Park is a must on the 4th. From 4pm – 9:30pm enjoy family-friendly activities such as free games, face painting, live music, dancing and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Fun in the Sun

  • Music at the Ranch (Stow House) – Summer evenings are made sweeter by the sound of music in the gardens. Pack a picnic and listen to some of the best bands in our area every Tuesday evening from 5:30-7:30pm, July 12 – August 16.
  • Dam Dinner – Goleta’s fourth annual Dam Dinner is Saturday, August 20, from 5-7pm at the Lake Los Carneros. Join your friends and neighbors for this fun community event in a beautiful venue. Bring your own dinner or purchase food from the on-site food truck. Dessert is potluck, so save room! There will be live music, and water, beer and wine will be sold. Your registration helps us plan for setting up enough tables and chairs. Please look for more information on our Facebook page or email JShaw@CityofGoleta.org. We hope to see you there!
  • Goleta Railroad Days – August 20-21 hop aboard at the South Coast Railroad Museum. A great family outing, the Museum offers free admission 11am-4pm, and for a nominal fee guests will be treated to miniature-train, handcar and speeder rides.

Summer Reading Programs at the Public Library

The Santa Barbara Public Library System invites children and teens to keep reading skills strong by signing up for the annual Summer Reading Program. This year’s children’s theme is “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!” and the teen theme is “Exercise Your Mind. Read”.  Both summer reading programs are available at all libraries in the County, including the Goleta branch, and run from Tuesday, June 14th through August 6th.  To participate, children and teens sign up at their local library.

For the children’s program, children earn prizes when they visit their local Library Branch, read books and talk about them.  Prizes are both tangible (a small toy from the treasure chest) and experiential (free and discounted coupons to visit local museums and businesses) to further encourage summer learning and affordable family outings. Through the support of the Friends of the Libraries, all libraries present free weekly family performances featuring guest musicians, magicians, storytellers, puppeteers, and more.  The more a child reads, the more prizes they earn. Children of all ages can get their own library card with a parental signature.

The Teen Program welcomes junior high and high school students to read, visit the library, complete fun activities and earn prizes. Upon reading a book and completing an activity, teens return to the library to choose either a grab bag prize or a chance to win a drawing for exciting incentives provided by local businesses.  Activities such as “suggest a good book to a friend” or “hula hoop for 30 seconds” encourage participation and start conversations. Teens will also have the opportunity to participate in movie nights, an open mic night, and an Instagram contest.

For more information on the summer reading program and other library activities, including volunteer opportunities, visit SBPLibrary.org.

Upcoming Changes to Residential Electric Rates

Last year, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a new residential rate structure designed to make rates simpler and more cost-based. Beginning June 1, residential tiers will collapse from four to three. The new rates will shift costs more fairly among all residential customers based on energy usage. The bill impacts for most customers will be relatively small. Additionally, residential customers will see an increased benefit through the California Climate Credit, which will be increasing from $29 to $38. This credit appears in the April and October bills. Southern California Edison (SCE) has developed an FAQ document to help answer additional questions.

SCE is conducting extensive outreach to make sure customers are aware of these rate changes and how they can control their energy costs.

  • Email or written communications are being sent directly to all residential customers. (Click here for samples.)
  • The Customer Call Center is available to speak with customers about the rate changes and tools available to help manage energy costs: 877-287-2145.
  • Outreach to media outlets.
  • The website has up-to-date information on rate changes and includes tools where customers can get customized bill impact estimates: on.sce.com/ratechange.
  • SCE’s social media platforms will provide information about the rate change and respond directly to customer questions. Follow SCE on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
  • SCE is educating community-based organizations that provide services to low-income customers in your area.

Regardless of how much energy customers use, SCE has many existing programs to help customers manage their energy costs.

  • Energy efficiency programs and incentives are available to help customers conserve energy, protect the environment, and save money: on.sce.com/residential
  • Budget Assistant is a free program where customers can set a spending goal, track usage and avoid high bill surprises. Customers receive updates on their bill by text, email or phone and so they can modify their usage before their bill is finalized. More information: on.sce.com/ba.
  • There are special rates available to help low-income customers: sce.com/careandfera.
  • Later this summer, SCE will introduce an online rate analysis tool to help customers determine if one of the new time-of-use rates would be more cost effective for them: on.sce.com/rates.

Severe Drought Continues – Goleta Water District Provides Answers to Your FAQ’s

The severe drought continues in the Goleta Valley, and the Stage III Water Shortage Emergency remains in effect.  The lack of rainfall over the last several years means that as we enter the summer months, fire season has already begun.  Please help conserve water for public health and safety.

For a full list of current drought restrictions, including mandatory outdoor water restrictions, and assigned watering days and times click here.

Frequently Asked Drought Questions

Q: How much rain did we receive this winter, and how has that impacted Lake Cachuma?

A: Goleta received only 61% of average rainfall this winter.  After five consecutive below average years, Lake Cachuma has fallen below 15% capacity.  Despite the lake being at record lows, levels at Cachuma are predicted to continue to drop over the summer.

Q: Where will water come from to serve customers?

A: The Goleta Valley is fortunate to be able to depend on the Goleta Groundwater Basin.  Groundwater stored in the drought buffer will continue to serve as the primary source of supply for customers, with state water, water stored in the lake from previous years, supplemental purchased water and recycled water providing the rest of the supply.  While the District can meet projected customer demand, saving water continues to be critical.

Q: Is the District planning to declare a Stage IV drought emergency?

A: Due to availability of groundwater, state water and purchased water the District does not plan to move to more severe restrictions before 2017.

Q: What can I do to save water?

A: Since over half of all water used in the Goleta Valley is attributable to outdoor irrigation, the easiest way to save water is to limit outdoor watering. Prioritize watering drought tolerant plants and trees.  If you have a lawn, consider mulching it over and replanting after the drought ends. Rebates for water efficient irrigation equipment are available.  Tips, resources and information are provided online at www.goletawater.com, or by visiting our regional partner www.WaterWiseSB.org.

Building an Inexpensive Emergency Kit

Emergency kits don’t have to be expensive, but being prepared can save your life. First, create a family emergency communication plan. This should include phone numbers and meeting places. Phones may not work, so all family members, local emergency contacts and out-of-state emergency contacts should be listed. Everyone in the household should know where to meet and who may need to be picked up from school or work. Write this information down and keep it in the emergency kit. Each member of the household should have a copy as well (it can be kept in wallets, backpacks, etc…).

Kit basics include:

  • Water (one gallon of water per person per day); it is recommended to keep 5-7 days’ worth
  • 5-gallon water container
  • Food (non-perishable items that can be eaten cold such as canned food, granola bars, etc…)
  • First-Aid kit (Band-Aids, gauze, scissors, pain relief products, safety pins, Q-tips and cotton balls)
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Blankets
  • Radio and batteries
  • Cash (ATM’s may not work)
  • Wrench (used to turn off the gas main and the waterline to your hot water tank)
  • Hammer
  • Small handsaw (can be used to cut up wood to make a fire)
  • Plastic zip-lock bags (to make things waterproof)
  • Eye protection
  • Dust mask – N95
  • Work gloves
  • Trash bags
  • Hygiene products – travel sizes (i.e. deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, feminine products)
  • Rope
  • Duct tape
  • Large backpack/duffle bag/old suitcase
  • Toilet paper (min. 2 rolls)
  • Rain poncho/coat
  • Matches or lighter
  • Extra clothes

The above are only suggestions to get you started. Each emergency kit will be specific to your household. For example, if you have a pet, then you need to pack extra water and pet food. If there is a baby in the household, don’t forget diapers and baby food.

For training and education opportunities on emergency preparedness by the City of Goleta please click here.

Council Looks More Closely at GVCC Facilities; Enhanced Programming

The Goleta City Council met last month to discuss the Goleta Valley Community Center facility infrastructure needs for this old school building and the future management of the Community Center.  The City took ownership of the property in 2013 but the Center has been managed and operated by the nonprofit organization, Goleta Valley Community Center (GVCC) for many years.

During the 5+ hour workshop, the Council reviewed a great deal of information which can be found here.  While no final decisions were made in the workshop, Council provided direction to staff on what information it would like to see so that they can make decisions to maintain progress on this project. Outcomes from the meeting include:

  • The Council reaffirmed its commitment to the Community Center’s original goals of primarily serving non-profits organizations which support all segments of our community with a special emphasis on seniors.
  • The Council expressed an interested in enhanced recreational opportunities and programming on the site.  The Council directed information be obtained to allow them to determine how best to address structural needs of the facility to assure it remains available for the community into the future.
  • The Council reiterated a desire to maintain a management relationship with a nonprofit organization to run the facility.  The Council asked staff to solicit proposals from a number of organizations which may have interest in managing the facility.  In the interim, the City will work with the GVCC to continue its management. This will give the City the opportunity to choose the best operator for the facility which can support the Council’s vision as a center which offers recreation activities, serves as a meeting place for non-profits, and supports activities and programming for all age groups – from infants to seniors.  City staff will work with existing GVCC Board of Directors to create a transition agreement for Council consideration with the goal to minimize any interruption in service.

If you would like to be added to our email/text notification list on this topic, please visit our website at http://www.cityofgoleta.org/community/stay-connected, click on the very first link (REGISTER) and check the box for the Goleta Valley Community Center.

If you have any questions, please contact Community Relations Manager Valerie Kushnerov at (805) 961-7507 or vkushnerov@cityofgoleta.org.

City Council Chambers Artwork Submission – “Go Goleta”

The City of Goleta wants you to share what makes you “Go Goleta”. A new photography exhibit with this theme will be on display in the City Council Chambers at 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, this summer.

Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit up to three photographs showcasing why a visitor would want to visit the Good Land.  For consideration in the “Go Goleta” exhibit, please submit your artwork by Friday, May 20.  Artists whose work is chosen to appear in the City Council Chambers will be notified by May 31.

Submissions for “Go Goleta” should be emailed to jshaw@cityofgoleta.org.  You will receive an email confirmation after your images(s) have been received. If you do not receive a confirmation within 48 business hours please resubmit. All images must be in jpeg format and at least 300dpi for high-resolution printing. The City will print selected photos at various sizes up to 16”x20.”  Photos may be cropped to fit the printed size.

COPYRIGHT: In submitting photography for this contest, artists retain ownership of and copyright to their pictures. However, in entering this contest, artist acknowledges the City of Goleta may use the photography in its online and print publications.

Please submit the following information with your photograph.

  • Contact information (photographer name, phone number, email address)
  • Title of submission
  • A few sentences about why the piece represents “Go Goleta”