Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Volunteers Needed: Study Examines New Ways to Fund Transportation Infrastructure

California’s roads are deteriorating at a faster rate than they can be fixed.  The state’s transportation infrastructure is no longer able to keep up with the system’s needs.  Using a large, statewide study, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) will be looking at driver data to consider whether a road user fee is a sustainable long-term alternative to the current gasoline tax.

The California Road Charge Pilot program is seeking 5,000 volunteers representing California’s diverse drivers for a nine-month study launching this summer.  Volunteers will have a variety of options for tracking and reporting their mileage to the study.  Participation is free, and no actual fee will be collected during the study.  Instead, participants will submit simulated payments.  Interested participants can sign up at www.CaliforniaRoadChargePilot.com.

As California’s roads, bridges and highways continue to deteriorate rapidly, a new option to pay for transportation infrastructure is needed.  The main source of funding for road repairs is the 18 cents per gallon gasoline tax which was last raised over 20 years ago in 1994. Today, adjusted for inflation, it is only worth about 9 cents per gallon.  This comes to about $762 annually per driver and will lead to a multi-billion dollar shortfall in funding.

This information provided courtesy of the League of California Cities.

 

Stay Connected with the City of Goleta

Keep up to date on what is happening in your community by subscribing for email or text notifications from the City of Goleta. With over 30 topics to choose from, you will always be well informed on the things that interest you.  Subscribe to as many categories as you want, including City Council Meetings, Monarch Press Newsletter, Goleta Valley Community Center, Planning & Environment Review Updates, Emergency Notifications, Public Works Updates and Old Town information.  If you are already a subscriber, please check for new topics that you may want to be added to.  Click here to sign up today!  For more ways to stay connected, please click here.

Share the Road This May: Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Month

With the exceptional weather we experience living in Goleta, many of us ride our bicycles and motorcycles year-round. As sharing the road becomes even more prominent throughout the upcoming spring and summer months, so does the importance of both cyclist and driver safety.

In recognition of May as Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Month, the California Office of Traffic Safety offers some important safety tips for both drivers and cyclists alike.

Motorists:

  1. Perform regular checks for cyclists – Cyclists are not always easy to spot.  Slow down, remain cautious and check mirrors and blind spots regularly – especially when changing lanes or pulling out of driveways and parking lots.
  2. Alert cyclists of intentions – Before changing lanes or merging with traffic, drivers should always alert nearby cyclists by utilizing their turn signals.
  3. Maintain safe following distance – Cyclists require more time to maneuver around obstacles or stop in an emergency. Take extra caution and allow a minimum of three to four seconds when following a cyclist.

Cyclists:

  1. Increase visibility with brightly colored protective gear – Cyclists should not assume they are fully visible to drivers, even in the daylight. Whether on a bicycle or motorcycle, wearing brightly-colored, reflective gear will aid in remaining visible to motorists at all times.
  2. Use hand and turn signals – Cyclists should always alert drivers of their intentions by utilizing hand or turn signals before making a turn or lane change.
  3. Adhere to traffic laws – Cyclists maintain the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, and should obey all traffic laws. Among other rules of the road, cyclists are required to follow traffic signals and stop signs, signal intentions and travel with the flow of traffic.The California Office of Traffic Safety encourages all drivers and cyclists to work together to make our roads a safe place for all.  For more tips on bicycle and motorcycle safety, or to learn about OTS’ additional efforts, log on to www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS or www.twitter.com/OTS_CA, or visit www.ots.ca.gov.

Reduce Your Natural Gas and Electricity Usage

Southern California may experience electrical service interruptions this summer. As part of the aftermath to the Aliso Canyon natural gas leak, all of Southern California could see up to 14 days of scheduled blackouts this summer, and more throughout the year, due to a shortage of natural gas. These findings are based on an action plan released by the state’s energy regulators and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Southern California Edison (SCE) will work hard to minimize the impact, but residents must reduce their electric and natural gas consumption as well. SCE will expand customer programs to reduce the use of electricity when needed and they are exploring contracts for electricity resources outside of Southern California. To learn about the programs SCE has in place to address potential electric emergencies, please click here.

To learn how residents can participate in energy conservation and efficiency programs, please click here.

Free Seminar! How to Avoid Scams Targeting Seniors

Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, the City of Goleta, and the Contractors State License Board invite seniors, their families and caregivers, to attend a FREE Senior Scam Stopper seminar. Held on May 13th from 10am – 12pm at the Goleta Branch Library Multipurpose Room (500 N. Fairview Ave.), attendees will learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones from scams.

Hear from a panel of experts who will speak on identifying, preventing and protecting older adults from various scams. A question and answer period will follow. Space is limited. To reserve your seat, please contact Senator Jackson’s office at 805-965-0862. To view the flyer, please click here.  For additional information on the seminar, please visit the Contractors State License Board website.

Public Works Community Event on May 19th

The City of Goleta Public Works Department will be holding their annual National Public Works Week community event on Thursday, May 19th from 3pm – 6pm at the Camino Real Marketplace (7004 Market Place Dr.) in the amphitheater by the food court. Public Works Week will be celebrated May 15 – 21.

City staff will be available to answer questions and discuss programs and projects happening in Goleta.  Engineers and project managers will also be in attendance with the latest updates on capital improvement and environmental projects around Goleta.  Kids will love the educational activities, including a skid steer loader they can climb on.  There will also be cookies, lemonade and giveaways.

Residents are invited to come learn about the important role Public Works plays in the community and the impact it has on daily life.  Every time you travel on a city street, take a stroll on the sidewalk, or spend some time at one of the many parks and opens spaces in our City, you are surrounded by the services provided by the Public Works Department.  From constructing, cleaning, repairing, and maintaining city streets and sidewalks to creating and maintaining the urban forest, parks and open spaces, Public Works is all around you. Public Works also administers the Capital Improvement Program that creates needed infrastructure within the community. Please click here for more information on the City of Goleta’s Public Works Department and please come celebrate with us on May 19th.