Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

City of Goleta Adopts Vision Zero Approach

Council Also Receives Update on Traffic Safety Improvements 

The City of Goleta is now a Vision Zero City. The Goleta City Council approved the adoption of the Vision Zero approach to governance at its February 20, 2024, meeting. The philosophy maintains that serious collisions on public roadways are preventable and that while collisions cannot be avoided altogether, there are steps you can take to avoid deaths and serious injuries.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Vision Zero policies promote building more safety and livability into a city’s circulation system for walkers, bicyclists, and motorists.  Our City has already taken significant steps to improve our safety and enjoyment, and even more enhancements are on their way.”

Supporting Vision Zero would prioritize more coordinated work efforts designed to eliminate traffic deaths and severe collisions in Goleta. The focus would be on Engineering, Education and Enforcement.

Increased speeds increase the likelihood of serious injury or death in a traffic collision. Consequently, engineering solutions tend to focus on a combination of speed reduction and stronger separation of people who are biking, walking, and driving.

Vision Zero originated in Sweden in 1997. As of 2020, the number of traffic-related deaths in Sweden has been reduced by over 65%. Sweden had 204 traffic-related fatalities in 2020, a record-breaking low, and a decrease from 772 deaths in 1990, even while the number of miles driven during the same period had grown.

Over 45 U.S. cities have adopted Vision Zero programs to reduce the number of fatal crashes occurring on their roads. California cities lead the way, with Alameda, Berkeley, Fremont, La Mesa, Los Angeles, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Watsonville having adopted Vision Zero strategies, and others are actively considering adoption.

The Council also received an update on the steps the City has taken to improve traffic safety including complete streets initiatives, intersection improvements, and improvements to the bicycle and pedestrian networks.  The presentation included a comprehensive update on the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Mater Plan and the Goleta Traffic Safety Study. 

The staff report is available here: http://tinyurl.com/52x889a4.

City Holds Second Bilingual LEAD Goleta Academy

Congrats to the 31 Graduates Who Completed Six Week Program – Brighten Your Day by Watching our Recap Video

Relive the City’s second bilingual LEAD Goleta Academy with our recap video and photo album. This is the 4th LEAD Goleta Academy the City has held, and the second time the program included Spanish interpretation and translated materials. LEAD stands for Learn, Empower, Advocate, and Discuss. For six consecutive weeks, 31 participants, including six Spanish speakers, met for two plus hours and learned about how the City of Goleta is run. On February 15, 2024, the group completed its final class which included participants receiving a graduation certificate and a City of Goleta pin from the Mayor and City Council. For the first time the graduation ceremony was held at the Goleta Community Center and included family and friends of the graduates.

Mayor Paula Perotte applauded the group for their participation and said, “I hope you will take what you learned and share it with your neighbors, friends, and loved ones, and consider being on a Board or Commission, running for City Council, and staying engaged.”

Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “This was a very special class. They came in the door every week eager to learn and ready to get to know the City and each other. They were incredibly social, enthusiastic and asked great questions. We all learned a lot together during our time. We will miss seeing their faces every week but know they will stay connected.”

There was a lot to cover over the six-week class. The program began with participants hearing from the City Manager, Mayor and City Council. Additional weeks covered the other facets that make up a City. There were presentations from the City Attorney’s Office, City Clerk’s Office, Finance, Planning, Sustainability, Environmental Services, Neighborhood Services, Homelessness, Emergency Services, Goleta Police, Goleta Valley Library, Public Works, Park and Recreation, Parks and Open Space and Community Outreach. Besides getting a behind the scenes look at each of these divisions, the participants also participated in a Mock City Council meeting and took tours of the Goleta Valley Library and Goleta Community Center. The last class also featured a Goleta Trivia Game where the graduates got to put their knowledge to the test.

The diverse group of LEAD Goleta participants came from all different backgrounds and walks of life but had one thing in common, a love for Goleta and wanting to learn about how they can make their community a better place. The group included high school and college students, retirees, business professionals, community partners and overall Goleta enthusiasts. All were drawn to participate for different reasons.

Before receiving their certificates, the graduates went around the room and expressed what they enjoyed most about the Academy. Here are just a couple of the comments:

Gareth Kelly who played the role of Mayor in our Mock Council said, “I joined the LEAD Goleta Academy to learn more about our city and how it all works. These past weeks have been both eye-opening and rewarding. Even though Goleta is still a young city it’s clear it has an amazing group of staff and leaders who care about the city, its people, and its natural and open spaces – things that also matter to me. Learning about what goes into running a city has been fascinating, and I would recommend the LEAD Goleta Academy to everyone.”

Myah Mashhadialireza played the role of City Attorney in the Mock Council meeting. She said, The LEAD program was exceptional! I’ve learned a lot about how Goleta operates behind the scenes, the projects they work on and the people that make it happen.”

A huge thank you to our Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez and to our Spanish interpreters Viviana Marsano and Hugo Santos for making this bilingual LEAD Goleta Community Academy possible.

If you are interested in signing up for a future LEAD Goleta class, please email jshaw@cityofgoleta.org to be notified when applications are available.


LEAD Goleta 2024 graduating class with the Goleta City Council


Spanish-speaking participants with City of Goleta Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez and interpreters Viviana Marsano and Hugo Santos


Mock City Council meeting participants

Green Room: Updated Bulky Item Pickup Services 

You now have more free bulky item pick-ups from MarBorg Industries thanks to an updated agreement with the City. Say goodbye to clutter and use free services included in your solid waste rates.

Goleta’s updated bulky item pickup services enable residents to proactively manage clutter with enhanced access to more free pickup services. With convenient, no-cost collections and a comprehensive list of accepted items, residents can make a positive impact on their community and the planet throughout each year.

Updated Services 

From that old sofa to outdated electronics, Goleta’s Bulky Item Collection Program has got you covered. Under this program, both single-family homes and multi-family residences can enjoy additional FREE bulky item collections throughout the year. Single-family homes also have access to unlimited white good and electronic waste pickup services. 

Single-Family Customers: 

  • Bulky Item Pickups include up to four FREE on-call collections annually, each accommodating five bulky items or boxes. 
  • Unlimited collections of White Goods. 
  • Unlimited collections of Electronic Waste.
  • *Prior to November 2023, single-family customers had up to two FREE on-call collections annually as well as unlimited collections of white goods and electronic waste. 

Multi-Family Customers: 

  • Bulky Item Pickups include collections matching the number of dwelling units in the complex annually, all at no extra cost. Each dwelling unit’s annual collection accommodates five bulky items or boxes. Pickups can be scheduled by each tenant or the property manager. 
  • *Prior to November 2023, multi-family customers had up to two FREE on-call collections per property annually that could only be scheduled by a property owner or property manager. 

How To Schedule 

Call MarBorg Industries at 805-963-1852 to schedule your bulky item, white good, or electronic waste pickup today! These cleanups must be scheduled in advance. 

Bulky Items, White Goods, and Electronic Waste 

Wondering what qualifies as a bulky item, a white good, or electronic waste? 

Bulky Items are large hard to deal with materials. Think old furniture, mattresses, box springs, couches, tables, chairs, and more. 

White Goods are major home appliances. Think refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, stoves, and more. 

Electronic Waste is anything powered by a battery or a cord. Think microwaves, televisions, radios, vacuums, DVD players, video game systems, and more. 

Any questions or feedback about your updated bulky item services can be emailed to EnvironmentalServices@cityofgoleta.org.  

To schedule your next pick-up call MarBorg Industries at 805-963-1852.

Sundays at the Ranch

Spend your Sundays at the Ranch. Join the Goleta Valley Historical for a free community event every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Rancho La Patera & Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road). Fun for the whole family! Interact with the barnyard animals (goats and chickens), take a tractor ride, enjoy the outdoors, even bring a picnic.

On the first Sunday of the month, stay afterwards (2:00 – 4:00 p.m.) for a free concert. Check the website for details: https://goletahistory.org/sundays-at-the-ranch/.

You can also check out the Museum Store and Visitors Center which is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Find out more about the Goleta Valley Historical Society and all their great events at https://goletahistory.org/.

March 5 is the Presidential Primary Election

March 5 is the last day to vote in the Presidential Primary election. Ballots may be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day, March 5), returned in person to one of Santa Barbara County’s three election offices (locations listed below), to any polling place on Election Day or to an official ballot drop box.

County Elections has 30 secure ballot drop boxes in various locations throughout the County. Drop boxes are available 24 hours a day until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, March 5. A list of drop box locations in Santa Barbara County is included with the ballot and posted on the website at www.SBCVote.com.

  • Ballots may also be returned to the County Elections offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc or to a polling place on Election Day before 8 p.m.
  • Voters may mail their ballot with no postage required, postmarked by Election Day, March 5, in the preprinted return envelope provided with the ballot. The Postal Service advises voters to mail their ballot early to allow time for it to arrive at the Elections Office.

Voters must sign the ballot envelope. The signature on every returned voted ballot envelope will be compared to the signature on the voter’s registration card before it is counted.  If a voter thinks that their signature has changed over time, they should contact the Santa Barbara Registrar of Voters at 800-722-8683 or re-register online at www.registertovote.ca.gov. The DMV signature may be utilized with online voter registration.

Santa Barbara County Elections Offices are open Monday through Friday and located at:

  • Santa Barbara Elections Main Office (4440-A Calle Real) – 8 AM to 5 PM.
  • Santa Maria Elections Branch Office (511 Lakeside Parkway, Ste. 134) – 8 AM to Noon and 1 PM to 5 PM beginning February 5.
  • Lompoc Elections Branch Office (401 E. Cypress, Suite 102) – 8 AM to Noon and 1 PM to 5 PM beginning February 29.

All three election offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc are available to assist with registering to vote, updating a voter’s registration, and obtaining voter-related materials. In addition, the offices offer services for those with disabilities.

Santa Barbara County Elections can be reached at SBCVote.com or by calling 800-722-8683.

March Observances

The City of Goleta wants to spotlight some of the awareness days and campaigns this month. These align with the City’s commitment to fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.

Women’s History Month:

  • Congress designated the month of March as Women’s History Month in 1987. The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.

International Women’s Day – March 8

  • International Women’s Day is a global day that has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. The day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme for 2024 is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

Development Disabilities Awareness Month

  • Each individual, regardless of their abilities, has the right to be respected, embraced, and provided with opportunities to thrive. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month serves as a profound reminder of these principles, emphasizing the value, rights, and aspirations of those with developmental disabilities.

Employee Appreciation Day – March 1

  • First created in 1995, the event is celebrated the first Friday in March each year. It focuses attention on employees in all industries and is an opportunity for employers to give thanks or recognition to their employees.

Ramadan – March 10 – April 9

  • Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, the holy month of fasting, and the most important month of the Islamic calendar. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon and the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset.

Deaf History Month – March 13 – April 15

  • Deaf History Month is an awareness month for the deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in the U.S. first designated in 2006 by the American Library Association and the National Association of the Deaf. The month celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of people who are deaf or hard of hearing and raises awareness for the Deaf community. 

Easter – March 31 (Good Friday March 29)

  • Easter marks one of the holiest day in the Christian calendar. The holiday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Easter bunny and Easter eggs originated as pagan symbols of spring and rebirth. Over the centuries, the two traditions have merged together to become what some celebrate today.

Cesar Chavez Day – March 31

  • A U.S. federal commemorative holiday proclaimed by President Obama in 2014. The holiday celebrates the birth and legacy of the civil rights and labor movement activist Cesar Chavez on March 31 every year.

Join us as we come together to make a positive impact in our community! Let’s learn, acknowledge, and honor various cultural and awareness observances each month, creating a more inclusive and welcoming Goleta for all.

Together, we can make a difference!

City Staff Receive Pins for Milestone Years of Service

Congratulations to a group of City of Goleta staff who received pins and certificates for milestone years of service at the Mayor and Council Staff Appreciation Breakfast on February 22, 2024. There were 17 five-year pin recipients, three ten-year pins to Current Planning Manager Lisa Prasse, Office Specialist Francie Townes, Supervising Senior Planner Kathy Allen, and one historical, first-ever 20-year pin recipient given to City Clerk Deborah Lopez.

If you are looking for a rewarding career with the City of Goleta, we are always looking for outstanding people to join our team! See openings at www.CityofGoleta.org/Jobs.

Pictured above: City Clerk Deborah Lopez with her 20-year certificate


Five-Year Pin Recipients


10-Year Pin Recipients, pictured left-to-right: Current Planning Manager Lisa Prasse, Office Specialist Francie Townes, Supervising Senior Planner Kathy Allen


City Council at the event, pictured left-to-right: Councilmember Kyle Richards, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Pro-Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), and Councilmember Stuart Kasdin

Free Homework Help Available at Goleta Valley Library

Students in grades K-6 can stop by the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue) every Thursday afternoon from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for free, one-on-one help with their homework! Knowledgeable and encouraging teen volunteer tutors meet with students to provide assistance with assignments in a variety of subjects. All tutoring sessions are provided on a drop-in basis, so there’s no need to call ahead to make an appointment.

For academic support around the clock, visit the Online Learning & Resources page of the library website to access Brainfuse HelpNow, an online resource that provides many tools to support student success.

HelpNow’s features include:

  • Homework Help: Interact with live tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests.
  • Skills-Building: Choose your topic to receive real-time help.
  • Personalized eLearning Tools: My File Sharing, My Session Replay, My Tutoring Archive, My Tests Archive, and more!
  • 24-Hour Writing Lab: Submit essays and other forms of writing for constructive feedback.
  • Homework Send Question: Submit homework questions for expert guidance.
  • Adult Learning Center: Access a library of rich adult learning content (GED) and live, professional assistance in resume/cover letter writing, U.S. citizenship prep, MS Office Essential Skills Series, and more!
  • Foreign Language Lab/Spanish-Speaking Support

Goleta Valley Library is here to help our local students finish the school year with success!

Community Garden Plots Still Available

Now is the time to put in your application for a plot in the City’s new Community Garden at Armitos Park. There are only a handful of plots remaining so don’t hesitate if you want to secure a spot. A lottery was held for those who turned in their application before the February 15, 2024, deadline. The garden has space for 50 plots (40 small and 10 large). Community members can still apply for the remaining plots on a first come first served basis. After all plots are accounted for, a waiting list will be started (capped at 25).

The Community Garden is located in the undeveloped area of Armitos park, south of the playground. In addition to the 50 garden plots, there will be a picnic area with a pizza oven, a gathering/education area, tool sheds and more. Construction is expected to be completed in early spring.

The project includes a new playground for 5–12 year-olds, with the addition of swings, sand features and music elements. Once open, the San Jose Creek Multi-Purpose Path adjacent to Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park will extend to Armitos Avenue, connecting the two parks and providing more connectivity throughout Goleta. A Splash Pad is currently under construction at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park with hopes of opening in time for summer.

The cost for a garden plot is $120/year with a $25 refundable security deposit. The annual rate can be paid in one lump sum, quarterly or monthly installments. Fees are due at the time of application.

Learn more and apply at www.CityofGoleta.org/ArmitosPark. For questions related to the project or the application process, please email communitygarden@cityofgoleta.org.

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Saucedo Promoted to City Librarian

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce that a familiar face is now the new City Librarian for the Goleta Library Zone System which includes the Goleta Valley Library, Solvang and Buellton branches, and the Book Van, and represents Goleta in the Black Gold Cooperative Library System. After a comprehensive hiring search, the City promoted Supervising Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo to this top leadership position.

City of Goleta’s Neighborhood Services Director, Jaime Valdez, said “Elizabeth is the perfect choice for this position. She possesses a unique combination of expertise and experience with our treasured library, is highly respected by our wonderful staff, and has a deep commitment to providing excellent customer service to our patrons.” 

Elizabeth Saucedo said she is honored to have been selected. She said, “Libraries play an essential role in their communities by bringing people together and connecting them with important resources that enrich their lives. The opportunity to lead the fantastic team at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries in providing these programs and services to our valued patrons is an incredible honor. I look forward to this exciting next chapter!”

Elizabeth has been with the Goleta Valley Library for over five years. She began as the Children’s Librarian in 2018, leading many of the library’s popular programs including the annual Summer Reading Program, storytimes for early learners, and classroom field trips for local schools. In early 2022 she assumed the role of Interim Supervising Librarian before taking over the position full time in May 2023, where she has overseen the daily operations, staffing, and collection needs of the library.

The City Librarian role is the new classification for the former Library Director title that was last held by Allison Gray, who retired in March 2023 after 15 years of service to the Goleta Valley Library.  Interim Library Director Diane Satchwell has assumed the position during the transition and will continue to stay on as Executive Extra Help—Retired Annuitant to assist with the transition.

Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth on this exciting promotion!