Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Free Digital Skills Classes Offered at Goleta Community Center

Looking to improve your computer skills? Whether it’s to learn the basics or to help grow your business, there is something for you in our next round of free bilingual digital skills training classes. The City of Goleta is pleased to partner with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) once again to offer two training courses to Santa Barbara County residents through the Upskill Training Program. Even better, the cohorts are located at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue), so don’t hesitate, spread the word and sign up today!

Here are the classes being offered:

New to Tech Computer Basics (English and Spanish cohorts) – A 6-week course that teaches adult learners essential computer skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world. View the flyer here. A flyer in Spanish is also available here.

To sign up, contact Fabi Torres at (805) 275-1508. Encourage your friends and family to attend as well.

  • Saturdays May 4 – June 8, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (English instruction with Spanish interpretation available)
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays May 7 – June 13, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Spanish instruction only)

Learn more at https://www.digital-upskilling.edcollaborative.com/new-to-tech/. 

Get Your Small Business Online (Spanish cohort) – A 9-week course that teaches business owners and entrepreneurs essential digital skills needed to get online. Participants will learn how to set up an effective website, identify the best digital marketing channels, and increase their online presence. View the flyer here.

  • Wednesdays May 15 – July 8, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Spanish instruction only)

Sign up now at https://www.wevonline.org/es/classes-resources/pon-tu-pequeno-negocio-en-linea/ and click the “Now Enrolling” blue circle.

Pictured: Photo from the current “Get Your Small Business Online” English cohort at the Goleta Community Center

Teen Volunteers Needed for Summer Reading Program

Goleta Valley Library’s Summer Reading Program “Adventure Begins at Your Library!” will kick off this year on Saturday, June 15th and run through Saturday, July 27th – and we need your help to make it a success! We are looking for motivated, book-loving teens (ages 14-17) to volunteer during our Summer Reading Program. Teens will be able to earn community service hours by awarding prizes to youth participants, helping with special events, and getting involved in their community!

To apply to become a teen volunteer, simply complete the application packet online or pick one up in person at 500 N. Fairview Avenue during open hours. Completed applications can be emailed to goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org or dropped off at the circulation desk.

Then, attend one of our orientation sessions at the library to receive volunteer training:

  • Saturday, May 25 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 28 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 1 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

For more information, visit the Volunteer page of the library website or ask for our friendly Children’s Librarian, Kaeley Christensen.

Council Proclaims DMV / Donate Life Month

There is nothing more impactful than hearing a real-life story to inspire you to take action. That was the case on April 16th when two local transplant survivors, Scott Burns and Priscilla Marchus, visited City Council to accept a proclamation for DMV/Donate Life Month.

The two, as they have done many times throughout the past decade, shared their powerful stories of survival and encouraged everyone to consider becoming an organ donor.

Scott, a kidney transplant survivor, expressed his gratitude for his donor, Vivian Buetel. He said, “I’ve been here for 10 years, and today I’m here to honor Vivian Buetel, my kidney donor.” Vivian was also honored at the Donate Life float at the Rose Bowl Parade earlier this year.

Priscilla, a liver transplant recipient 16 years ago, shared how her bonus years have allowed her to spend time with her granddaughter and new grandson. “I was a liver transplant recipient 16 years ago,” said Priscilla. “I call these my bonus years – I’ve gotten to be with my granddaughter who is now 11 and a new grandson that’s just over one year old.”

Their experiences shed light on the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on individuals and their families. Currently, there are more than 110,000 individuals nationwide and over 23,000 in California on the national organ transplant waiting list. Last year, organ donors saved more than 46,000 lives – the highest number ever recorded.

The City of Goleta’s proclamation was one of many on display at the Donate Life Run/Walk on April 27th in Azusa.  Thank you Scott for taking it there to show the City’s support of this effort to help save lives.

You can become an organ donor by indicating interest when applying for or renewing a driver’s license or I.D. card at the DMV, or by visiting: https://register.donatelifecalifornia.org/register/lifesharingdmvdonatelifemonth.

Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes–Martín (District 1), Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Mayor Paula Perotte, Priscilla Marchus, Scott Burns and Councilmember Kyle Richards

Priscilla Marchus holding the proclamation and Scott Burns with a t-shirt that has his donor Vivian Buetel on it

Point in Time Count Preliminary Results

We now have updated data on the number of people experiencing homelessness in our community. Preliminary results from the 2024 Point in Time (PIT) Count were released on April 18 and presented to the Board of Supervisors on April 23. Conducted on January 24, 2024, by the Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care (CoC) with the assistance of the Santa Barbara Alliance for Community Transformation (SBACT), the count is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and serves as a snapshot of homelessness in the county on a single night.

Countywide, 2,119 people experiencing homelessness were counted, which represents a 12% increase from the 2023 PIT count of 1,887 people experiencing homelessness. The number of people counted increased from 2023 to 2024 across all count sectors.

Point in Time Count by Sheltered and Unsheltered

 

Year

 

Sheltered

 

Unsheltered

Total People Counted Experiencing Homelessness

2020

674

1,223

1,897

2022

595

1,367

1,962

2023

685

1,202

1,887

2024

787

1,332

2,119

Key Insights

  • The number of people reporting that they were experiencing homelessness for the first time increased from 849 of those surveyed in 2023 to 1,114 of those surveyed in 2024.
  • The number of people counted living in vehicles increased from 611 in 2023 to 710 in 2024.
  • The number of families with minor children experiencing homelessness increased from 93 families (272 people) in 2023 to 125 families (364 people) in 2024.
  • Contributing factors to the number of families, people living in vehicles, and people experiencing homelessness for the first time include the lack of affordable housing; stagnation of wages versus rent costs; and the end of COVID-inspired eviction moratoriums, emergency housing vouchers and rental assistance programs.

The County of Santa Barbara and SBACT recruited more than 450 volunteers to assist at 5:30 a.m. to canvas 89 census tracts across the county. The methodology used since 2019 has remained consistent and is in alignment with national best practices and relies on geographic coverage over a 4-hour period to reduce duplication. A mobile application provided real-time data to logistics centers from volunteers out canvasing and counting. Sheltered population data comes directly from the Homeless Management Information System and data submitted by shelter providers.

The County of Santa Barbara uses mapping software to assist outreach teams in identifying encampments throughout the region and we partnered with New Beginnings Safe Parking Program to ensure a thorough vehicle count. The robust nature of this method and data allowed teams to more accurately count and interview those living unsheltered in previously hard-to-reach locations and vehicles in 2024.

Point in Time Count Population by City/Area

City/Area

2020 Total

2022 Total

2023 Total

2024 Total

Carpinteria

39

21

23

42

Goleta

166

92

136

148

Santa Barbara

914

822

787

987

Isla Vista

69

112

88

96

Lompoc*

142

215

158

155

Buellton/Solvang/Santa Ynez Valley

2

12

20

6

Santa Maria

382

457

472

424

Guadalupe

3

2

8

0

Unincorporated North

119

153

122

116

Unincorporated South

61

76

73

145

Totals

1,897

1,962

1,887

2,119

*Lompoc numbers do not include the Bridge House shelter, located just outside the city limits. 2020-2024 numbers have been adjusted to capture Bridge House shelter counts in Unincorporated North.

The Point in Time Count and Housing Inventory Chart Report will be presented to the Continuum of Care on May 2, 2024. Results were submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). PIT numbers are used by both the State of California and HUD for funding allocations.

Jaime Valdez Promoted to Assistant City Manager

Long-time City of Goleta employee and Goleta local, Jaime Valdez, is now the new Assistant City Manager. He was chosen following an extensive search that included applicants from across the country. Mr. Valdez began his new role on April 8. Before that he was the City’s Director of Neighborhood Services.

City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “I am thrilled that Jaime proved his abilities against a very strong candidate pool and has happily and enthusiastically accepted this position. His knowledge of City operations, skillset and interpersonal communication make him the right person for this job.”

“I pride myself on developing and nurturing important relationships to improve collaboration in the workplace and in my personal life,” said Mr. Valdez. He added, “As a Goleta native raising a family in the Good Land, I genuinely care about Goleta and its future. I look forward to giving my all to this position and the City of Goleta.”

Mr. Valdez, who is bilingual, has worked for the City of Goleta for over 16 years and spent the last three years as Director of Neighborhood Services. He was first hired as a Management Analyst for the City in 2007 and the following year was promoted to Senior Management Analyst. In 2012 he was selected to be the City’s Economic Development Coordinator where he served for six years before being promoted to Senior Project Manager and eventually to Principal Project Manager in the Neighborhood Services Department. He assumed the role of Director of Neighborhood Services in December 2021 after serving as Interim Director for nine months.

Throughout his time at the City, Mr. Valdez has taken on numerous important projects and endeavors, including the acquisition of City Hall, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office public safety contract, and its recent extension, and most recently, the Goleta Train Depot project. 

Jaime attended Kellogg Elementary School, Goleta Valley Junior High School, and is a proud graduate of Dos Pueblos High School. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts from UC Berkeley and work in the Bay Area until attending and graduating from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government with a Master of Public Policy. Following graduate school, he returned to Goleta and has been here since 2006.

Thank you for serving Goleta in this new leadership role, we know you will do great!

Don’t Forget to Go Green Goleta!

Watch Video for Steps YOU can Take to Make a Difference

Earth Month may be over, but going green is something you are encouraged to do year-round. If you haven’t already, make sure to watch the City’s Go Green Goleta video with tips from City staff on the many ways you can help our environment now and for the future.

Go Green Goleta video: https://youtu.be/hwhvBbw_C0o
Vamos Verde Goleta video: https://youtu.be/4dUsr15g4pc

The video is part of our Go Green Goleta/Vamos Verde Goleta campaign which launched at the beginning of Earth Month and includes light post banners and A-frame signs around town.

Go Green Goleta is a call to action to protect our Goleta now and for the future. The tag line for the campaign says it all, “Our Tomorrow is Today.” The City is taking steps to protect our environment including six programs in the Go Green Goleta umbrella. This campaign aims to not only educate you about these programs but to motivate you to do things in your everyday life to make a difference. Learn more at www.GoGreenGoleta.org.

Thank you for taking time to learn about and support our Go Green Goleta efforts. Together, we can ensure that Goleta remains the best place to live, work and play.

Click here to watch our Go Green Goleta video

Goleta City Hall Receives Green Business Certification

Reaches Innovator Level

Goleta City Hall officially has its Green Business Certification. The Santa Barbara County Green Business Program recognized Goleta’s City Hall for reaching the Innovator Level of its Green Business Certification. That means that the City has gone above and beyond to meet the highest standards of sustainability set by the California Green Business Network.

Santa Barbara County Green Business Program Director Kori Nielsen was at Goleta City Hall on April 16 to present the recognition award to City Council and City of Goleta Sustainability staff. Nielsen shared that, “The Green Business Program evaluates environmental practices of local businesses by assessing each area of their environmental impact and certifies businesses that adopt industry-leading best environmental practices. The assessment focuses on the solution areas of energy, solid waste, wastewater, pollution prevention, transportation, community, and water conservation.” She also thanked the City for supporting the Goleta business community and being at the forefront of environmental sustainability.

Some of the major accomplishments that helped Goleta achieve this recognition include launching the Plastic Free Goleta initiative to reduce single-use plastics, installing solar panels at City Hall to power the building with renewable energy, utilizing best practices for energy efficiency in facilities, having an active employee transportation demand program, and implementing the Creek and Watershed Management Plan.

The City’s Sustainability Manager, Dana Murray, shared that, “the Green Business Program offers local businesses the opportunity to save water, electricity, money, and the environment! We are proud to achieve Innovator-level certification for City Hall, and look forward to furthering energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy, and waste reduction at other facilities in the City.”

We are proud of all the work that goes into making our Goleta a cleaner, greener city. You can help by taking action and being part of the City’s new Go Green Goleta campaign. Our tomorrow is today! Find out how you can help at www.GoGreenGoleta.org.

City Council and staff receiving the recognition award at the April 16 Council meeting.
Pictured left-to-right: Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Mayor Paula Perotte, Sustainability Analyst Angeline Foshay, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Santa Barbara County Green Business Program Director Kori Nielsen, Sustainability Manager Dana Murray, Councilmember Kyle Richards, and Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof

Record-Breaking Beautify Goleta Earth Day Event Results

Watch the Slideshow Recap 

The results of the 2024 Beautify Goleta Earth Day event are impressive. The well-attended event held on Saturday, April 20th brought the community together to celebrate Earth Day in Goleta with action and purpose. You can watch a slideshow recap of the event here: https://youtu.be/j328lNv5m4E

Here are the record-breaking numbers. More than 75 dedicated volunteers turned out to participate and took to the streets, parks, beaches, and open spaces, with a mission to clean and protect our environment. At the Free Bulky Item Drop Off Event at Brandon Elementary School, 60 vehicles dropped off a record-breaking 16,768 pounds of bulky items. The collective cleanup effort at Bella Vista Park and Ellwood Beach resulted in the remarkable collection of over 680 pounds of trash, a testament to the community’s commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city for all.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every individual who lent their time and effort to make this event a resounding success. A special shout out goes to our young volunteers from the Montessori Center School of Santa Barbara, who demonstrated that the passion for environmental stewardship knows no age.

Our appreciation also goes to MarBorg Industries for its logistical support, Elubia’s Kitchen for providing nourishing meals to our volunteers, and Considered Coffee for keeping everyone energized with its sustainable brews.

These events reflect what we can achieve when we come together as a community. The success of the Beautify Goleta’s Earth Day 2024 event is not just measured by the pounds of trash collected, but by the strengthened bonds within our community and the shared vision for a greener future.

We look forward to continuing this tradition of service and sustainability, and we invite everyone to join us in our upcoming initiatives. Together, we can make every day Earth Day.

About Beautify Goleta

Beautify Goleta is a community-led initiative focused on environmental conservation and beautification efforts in the City of Goleta. Through volunteer-driven events, educational programs, and partnerships, we aim to foster a culture of sustainability and civic engagement. Beautify Goleta’s next event is scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2024. If you’d like to sign up as a volunteer or join us as a Captain, please email us at EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.org

Montessori Center School of Santa Barbara hosts Bella Vista Park spotlight cleanup location

Volunteers help cleanup Ellwood Beach

Montessori Center School participants celebrate their cleanup weigh in

Bulky Item Drop Off event

The Goleta Community Center Reopens

Watch Video Recap of Celebratory Ribbon Cutting Event

The Goleta Community Center (GCC) is officially back open to the public following a memorable ribbon cutting event held April 4, 2024, at the steps of the 97-year-old historic building. After being closed for more than a year for seismic retrofitting (the auditorium and dining room having been closed since 2021) excitement was in the air as the beloved Goleta Community Center started a new chapter. More than 100 people turned out to see the ribbon cut including Congressman Salud Carbajal, Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, the City of Goleta Mayor and Council, numerous stakeholders, and residents – all with their own story and connection to the GCC. Watch a recap of the event here.

City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover emceed the event and welcomed the group by saying, “We are so excited to cut the ribbon and officially mark the reopening of this important facility that means so much to Goleta.”

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte was the first to give her remarks and said, “While the GCC is located in the heart of Goleta, here in Old Town, it’s important to note that this facility is here to serve people throughout Goleta. We know this is an important gathering spot and we are committed to making it a vital hub for residents to meet, learn and enjoy.”

The Mayor took the opportunity to thank the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for grant funding that covered 75% of the $5 million-dollar seismic retrofit project.

District 2 Councilmember James Kyriaco said, “As our Goleta Community Center starts a new beginning today, I look forward to all the new ideas that start here, the new friendships that will be made here, and all the services that will be provided here. But above all, the memories that will be created here.”

A huge round of applause went to U.S. Congressman and proud Goleta resident Salud Carbajal who, along with Senator Monique Limón, helped to obtain the FEMA funding and an extension to the deadline to expend the grant. Congressman Carbajal was also instrumental in securing $3 million dollars for the next phase of construction – the accessibility upgrades. He said, “This is a true partnership to ensure that this community treasure continues to exist. Accessibility, especially to public spaces, is critical to making our community better for all residents. And the future upgrades will help make that goal a reality.”

Santa Barbara County 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann spoke about the important role of a community center. She said, “You are creating community spaces where people are rubbing shoulders with people they don’t know very well but gives us a tremendous sense of belonging and connection to each other and that’s what makes a really strong community.”

The final speaker was City of Goleta Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer who said, “This is such an amazing day. You will see a plethora of activity returning to this location. We are thrilled to bring our community safely back to this treasured facility. Thank you for being here to celebrate with us.”

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees got the opportunity to look inside the facility which was bustling with activity for a Senior Expo that was underway. 

The Goleta Community Center is now available for the community to rent for an event or class. The City has a new web-based reservation software system to make it easy to check availability and book online – go to www.CityofGoleta.org/GroupPicnic to check it out. You can also use this online system to book a picnic or recreation space at City parks.

To learn more about the Goleta Community Center including its history, please visit www.CityofGoleta.org/GCC.

Audience

Mayor Perotte speaking at the event

Congressman Carbajal making remarks

Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer speaking

Senior Expo in the auditorium

Memorable Goleta Community State of the City

Highlight Video, Sizzle Reel and Full Recording Available

The State of Goleta is strong according to Mayor Paula Perotte. The Mayor gave her 2024 State of the City Address on April 10, 2024, at the newly reopened Goleta Community Center. Approximately 150 people turned out including community leaders, stakeholders, residents and City staff. It was a memorable and informative event from start to finish and a great opportunity for those who attended to connect with each other and learn how the City is doing and what the future holds. The event included live music, city information tables, mingling, refreshments, presentations from the Mayor and City Manager and questions from the public.

If you missed it, we have good news for you! Watch our highlight video to get a flavor of how Goleta’s biggest night of the year went. You can even watch the memorable event its entirety at https://youtu.be/XWtQ1AMhoKM.  

The Community State of the City also saw the premiere of our Good Times in the Good Land video which highlights the impressive public engagement we had last year at the many memorable Goleta events that took place.

For those of you who were able to attend, thank you for coming and we hope you too will relive the great night we had by watching these videos and also checking out the photos from the event.

Read the full press release to learn more: https://tinyurl.com/mrxfu5te. 

We look forward to next year, in the meantime, thanks for watching the recap video!

Mayor Paula Perotte delivers the State of the City presentation

City Manager Robert Nisbet giving an update at the Community State of the City

Question & Answer portion of the event

Group Photo (left-to-right): Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig, Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín, former California Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Councilmember Kyle Richards, and Goleta Chief of Police Services, Lt. Rich Brittingham (not pictured 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps)

Audience at the 2024 Community State of the City

Spanish interpreter Viviana Marsano and Community Relations Assistant Jaime Shaw at State of the City welcome table

Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band performing in the gazebo at the Goleta Community Center