Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Green Room: Waste Free Valentine’s Day: Celebrate Love and the Planet

Valentine’s Day is a time to express love, but it doesn’t have to contribute to unnecessary waste. In Goleta, let’s make this Valentine’s Day waste free by embracing thoughtful practices that show love to both our special someone and the environment.

Gift Experiences over Material Items
Consider giving the gift of experiences rather than material items. Plan a romantic hike, a day at the beach, or a cozy movie night. These moments create lasting memories without leaving a trail of unnecessary packaging and waste.

Gift Donations
Spread love beyond your immediate circle by making a donation in your Valentine’s name. Support local charities or organizations that resonate with your partner’s values. It’s a meaningful gesture that makes a positive impact on the community.

Homemade, Plastic-Free Valentine’s Cards
Express your feelings with a personal touch. Craft homemade Valentine’s cards using recycled paper, avoiding glitter to keep it eco-friendly. This adds a unique and sentimental touch to your message while reducing environmental impact.

Bulk Candy and Useful Handouts
For those celebrating in schools or offices, opt for bulk candy to reduce packaging waste. Consider more practical handouts like pens, pencils, or erasers that are both useful and eco-friendly.

Dine Out Responsibly
Dining out to enjoy a Valentine’s day dinner does not have to be wasteful. Support your local favorite restaurants, and bring along reusable to-go containers for any leftovers you want to save for later.

Cook a Meaningful Meal
If dining out is not your style, plan a special home-cooked meal. Be mindful of portions to minimize food waste. Be sure to save any extra food that you can use for the next day. Choose locally sourced and organic ingredients for a sustainable and delicious celebration.

Meaningful and Sentimental Gestures
Focus on gestures that reflect thoughtfulness. Write a heartfelt letter, create a personalized playlist, or compile a photo album capturing cherished moments. These gestures are meaningful, sentimental, and waste-free.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s redefine how we express love in Goleta. By embracing waste-free practices, we not only celebrate our relationships but also demonstrate love and care for the environment we all share. Happy, Waste-Free Valentine’s Day! #WasteFreeGoleta #GoGreenGoleta

We Love Our Beautify Goleta Team Captains- Join the Team!

Sign Up Now for Rewarding Leadership Role and Make a Difference

Are you looking for a simple yet powerful way to make a difference where you live? You don’t have to look far. The simple act of picking up trash at your favorite beach, park, open space or in your neighborhood is a great start. Even better, leading a group in that effort is all the more rewarding and needed! In order for the City’s Beautify Goleta community cleanups to thrive as they have been, we need Team Captains. Please watch our short video at https://youtu.be/0HzIAiYeBP4 and sign up here to join!

Captain Benefits:

  • Be recognized in City of Goleta press releases, the Monarch Press monthly e-newsletter, and City social media campaigns.
  • Serve as a steward of your neighborhood and be a leader in your community.
  • Keep your neighborhood clean and beautiful.
  • Get to know your neighbors and network with others.
  • Increase your or your organization’s presence in the community.
  • Participate in volunteer appreciation events.
  • Build pride in your community.

Of course, you don’t have to be a Captain to contribute, you can also sign up here to be a Beautify Goleta volunteer. Our next event is Saturday, March 16, 2024, spotlighting Old Town Goleta. Don’t wait, become a volunteer or Captain today!

As we look for new faces/groups to take on the role of Team Captain, we want to take this opportunity to highlight the ones from 2022 & 2023 and say thank you!

Roger Aceves

Roger Aceves is the founder of Beautify Goleta, former City Councilmember, and the longest-running City Councilmember in our City’s history! He has also participated in Beautify Goleta as a captain, volunteer, facilitator and recruiter. His vision and unwavering commitment have had a tangible impact on our beautiful City. Thank you, Roger, for leading the way.

Rotary Club of Goleta

The Rotary Club of Goleta is a group of our dedicated neighbors who share a passion for community service and fellowship. The Club has been conducting cleanups in Goleta and other public service activities for many years, and officially joined the Beautify Goleta network in 2022. The club has brought many volunteers, participated in every Beautify Goleta event since joining, and captained four events. Goleta is lucky to have such a dedicated organization within our community. Learn more about the club at https://rotaryclubofgoleta.org.

Susan Klein-Rothschild

Susan Klein–Rothschild is an outstanding member of the community who has organized three Beautify Goleta events that have had a positive and lasting impact on our environment and community. The Beautify Goleta events she has led have been shining examples of what can be achieved when a passionate individual takes action for the greater good. Thank you for your outstanding efforts and your commitment to improving our environment for all residents.

Cheryl Washburn-Lander

Cheryl Washburn-Lander for the past two years has been devoting her daily walks along Calle Real, Hollister Avenue, and Cathedral Oaks Road to a noble cause – picking up trash to help keep our community clean and beautiful. She has also led three Beautify Goleta events that have brought our community together for a common cause. Her actions remind us that even small, daily contributions can lead to substantial, positive change.

Habitat Santa Barbara

Established in 2000, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara) is a local nonprofit that helps individuals and families build and improve a place to call home. For the past two years Habitat Santa Barbara has participated in Beautify Goleta and hosted 84 volunteers, contributing 168 hours to neighborhood cleanups! To learn more about the organization, go to www.sbhabitat.org.

Environmental Defense Center (EDC)

The Environmental Defense Center has been doing cleanups in Goleta and Santa Barbara for over 20 years. EDC is a nonprofit public interest environmental law firm which uses education, advocacy, and litigation to protect and enhance the Central Coast environment since 1977. In addition to the many annual creek cleanups EDC leads, EDC has now participated in six Beautify Goleta events. Thank you to EDC for your many efforts to remove trash from the environment and protect our wildlife, creeks, ocean and beaches. Go to www.environmentaldefensecenter.org to learn more about the EDC.

Community West Bank

Community West Bank has been leading clean-up events for seven years now, and recently joined the Beautify Goleta network. An Old Town Goleta marker, they aim to preserve the cleanliness and charm of Old Town Goleta, to ensure future generations will get to enjoy its unique ambiance. They also want to send a message – that this community is one of caring and respect for our shared environment.

We also want to show our appreciation to other captains that led events in prior years: Waypoint Church, Okeanos Swimwear, Goleta Presbyterian Church, Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Al Souma, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, Girl Scout Troop #55531, Mariposa at Ellwood Shores, and The Home Depot.

Be a part of this special group – volunteer to be a Beautify Goleta Team Captain today! Sign up and learn more at www.CityofGoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

Cox Innovation Lab Opens at Goleta Boys & Girls Club

The Goleta United Boys & Girls Club took one step into the future with the exciting unveiling of the Cox Innovation Lab earlier this month. The STEAM-based program marks a new frontier in learning. Virtual reality and video games are not just for fun, they’re helping future generations experience learning like never before. 

Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, District 1 Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín, District 2 Councilmember James Kyriaco (also a Boys and Girls Club alum) were joined at the special ribbon cutting by United Boys & Girls Club CEO Michael Baker, Club Board Chair Roger Aceves, and Kirsten McLaughlin, Vice President of the Santa Barbara Market Cox Communications. 

Most excited of all were the young club members who eagerly attended the event, filled with excitement at the opportunity to explore the brand-new innovation lab and equipment. Members of the Goleta United Boys & Girls Club will all be able to utilize the lab equipment including TVs, improved Wi-Fi, virtual reality goggles, video game systems such as PlayStations, and more.

See the excitement in this short clip of the ribbon cutting.

Thank you Cox Communications for making an investment in Goleta’s youth! 

Getting an E-Bike for the Holidays?

Is an e-bike on your holiday shopping list for you or your family and friends? If so, make sure a helmet is purchased as well. As the popularity of e-bikes continues to skyrocket, so do the number of issues surrounding the safety of this alternative mode of transportation. We hope you will join us on January 16, 2024, at the Goleta City Council meeting for the proclamation of E-Bike Safety Awareness Day. Let’s all be a part of doing what we can to make sure those zipping around town on e-bikes, many of them teens, arrive to their destinations safely. 

Electric bicycles are heavier and faster than standard bicycles and, without the proper safety education and training, e-bike riders have a higher risk of becoming severely injured or killed in a crash. As e-bikes become more commonplace, it’s also important for drivers to familiarize themselves with sharing the road with e-bike riders.

According to preliminary data from the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, there were more than 9,600 bicycle-involved crashes in 2022. At least 225 of those crashes involved an e-bike, including four which resulted in fatal injuries. This reflects a significant increase from the previous year when there were 80 e-bike crashes reported in California.

In case you didn’t know, the California Highway Patrol has an online e-bike safety and training program designed to help riders of all abilities and all ages identify potential hazards, while offering information on safe riding practices and hazard-avoidance maneuvers. Go to www.chp.ca.gov/Programs-Services/Services-Information/Bike-and-Ped-Safety.

The City is planning educational activities surrounding E-Bike Safety Awareness Day, stay tuned for details.

Stay Safe & Healthy this Holiday Season

With the holiday season in full swing, keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy by following these timely tips from your County public safety and health officials.  

Fire safety is a year-round responsibility. Stay aware during these next few festive weeks by doing the following: 

  • When purchasing a live tree, look for signs of freshness. A fresh tree is green, the needles will be difficult to pull from branches and a minimum number of needles should fall off.
  • To keep your tree fresh, cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption, and check the water level daily. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
  • When placing your tree in your home, make sure it is kept away from heat sources like fireplaces or heater vents. 
  • Make sure no exits are blocked by the tree.
  • Check your lights before placing them on your tree. Look for worn or frayed wires and broken bulbs.
  • When you leave your home or go to sleep at night, turn off the lights on the tree.
  • Check your smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly and establish a residential emergency exit plan.

The holiday season is a cheerful time of year, but it’s also a time when busy people can become vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. Here are a few tips to help you this holiday season:

  • Track packages online so you know when to expect your deliveries. Sign-up for email notifications to alert you when your package ships, is in transit and delivered.
  • Try to be home when packages are delivered or have a friend/family member get your packages for you.
  • Use drobox/locker locations to receive packages if you know you won’t be home.
  • While shopping, always be aware of your surroundings when approaching and leaving your vehicle.
  • Place all purchased items in the trunk or out of view and be sure to lock your car.

Protect yourself and others this holiday season by celebrating in ways that limit the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. Find updated vaccines at your pharmacy, health care provider, or by visiting: https://www.vaccines.gov/.

  • Get vaccinated or boosted for COVID-19 and the flu.
  • Consider wearing a high-quality mask in crowded spaces.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19 and are at high-risk for complications, contact your doctor to receive treatment. Stay home if you’re sick and avoid close contact with others. 
  • Don’t forget the basics: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and be sure to cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow, arm or tissue.

Traveling this winter? 

Cold and wet weather conditions may affect your travel plans as you drive around the state and beyond. Be prepared by packing an emergency car kit when traveling. If you cannot get to your destination due to your vehicle being stranded or trapped, stay with your vehicle and wait for help.

Winter Bird Count for Kids

The Santa Barbara Audubon Society is having its 10th Annual Winter Bird Count for Kids on January 20, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Lake Los Carneros.

This is a great way to introduce the young members of your family to the fun of bird watching! The morning includes:

  • A free birding basics event for kids 8-16 with a responsible adult
  • Guided walk around the lake with an experienced naturalist
  • Binocular Boot Camp – bring binoculars or borrow ours
  • Free souvenir bird list and t-shirt (for the first 75 kids)
  • Record and tally the bird species you see
  • Please leave your dog at home

For more information on the event, please visit https://santabarbaraaudubon.org/events/wbc4k/.

About
Santa Barbra Audubon Society protects area birdlife and habitat and connects people with birds through education, conservation and science.

#TeamGoleta Job Opportunities

Come work at a great place! The City of Goleta has a few open positions we are looking to fill. If you are looking for a rewarding job, take a look at the list below to see if anything interests you.

  • Assistant City Manager
  • Event Monitor / Building Attendant at the Goleta Community Center
  • Department Aide – General Services

For more information and to apply, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/Jobs. Check back regularly for new listings.

City Grant Applications Open December 15

Are you a part of a local non-profit serving Goleta residents or know someone who is? If so, the City of Goleta has $250,000 in grant funds available through a competitive application process. Starting Friday, December 15, 2023, through January 26, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., online applications will be accepted for both the Goleta City Grant and Community Development Block Grant programs.

Recipients of this grant may receive up to $10,000 for programs that benefit Goleta residents and the general community. Organizations involved in educational and cultural activities, such as music, art, dance, and recreation, as well as Goleta-oriented special events and regional projects that enhance and support the quality of life in Goleta are encouraged to apply.

Each year, the City of Goleta sets aside a portion of its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support non-profits serving low-income residents, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness. CDBG funds are dispersed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which strictly regulates the use of these funds. The City of Goleta reserves these funds for agencies who qualify for CDBG funding, serve the goals of the City’s 5-Year Consolidated Plan, and apply for a minimum of $10,000. For the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year, the City is distributing approximately $40,000 to public services from its CDBG allocation.

Grant applications for both programs will be accepted online via the ZoomGrants program. Once all applications are received, they will be reviewed by the Human Services, Homelessness Issues, and Economic Development Standing Committees, as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission. These groups will evaluate the applications and make funding recommendations to the City Council. The Council then awards the grants at a meeting in the spring, likely in May of 2024.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to help your non-profit or community group. The City website (https://www.cityofgoleta.org/grants) will be updated with information closer to December 15. For questions on the grant programs please contact Melissa Cure in the City of Goleta Neighborhood Services Department at 805-961-7554 or mcure@cityofgoleta.org.

December Observances

Embracing the spirit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the City of Goleta city wants to take a moment to highlight a few of the December 2023 and January 2024 awareness days and cultural holidays:  

  • International Day of People with Disabilities (December 3, 2023) – Celebrated yearly December 3, promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development. 
  • Hanukkah (December 7, 2023) – Begins at sundown on December 7, 2023, and lasts for eight nights ending on December 15, 2023. The Jewish “festival of lights” is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, the game of dreidel, and tasty foods including latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts). 
  • International Human Rights Day (December 10, 2023) – Marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that sets universal values and a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations establishing equal dignity and worth of every person.  
  • Christmas Day (December 25, 2023) – Is both a religious holiday and a cultural event, with common gift exchanges, dinner, Christmas carols and other celebrations.
  • Kwanzaa (December 26, 2023 – January 1, 2024) – A secular festival observed by many African Americans from December 26 to January 1 as a celebration of their cultural heritage and traditional values culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day.
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 15, 2024) – Observed annually on the third Monday in January, honors the legacy of Dr. King and focuses on the issue of civil rights, highlights the use of nonviolence to promote change, and calls people into public service.

We hope you can join the City of Goleta in acknowledging and learning more about the different cultural and awareness observances every month as we work to foster a more inclusive Goleta for all.

Lions Club Donates to Local Non-Profits

Here is another shining example of #GoodLandGoodPeople. The Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club on November 24 donated more than $8,000 dollars to 10 local non-profits who are making a difference in our community. The amount of funding was announced and presented to the recipients as the annual Donation Checks Presentation Dinner held at the Glen Annie Golf Course. 

Recipients include: 

  1. Dos Pueblos High School Athletics Department 
  2. Dos Pueblos High School Activities Department 
  3. San Marcos High School Athletics Department 
  4. San Marcos High School Madrigal Singers 
  5. Santa Barbara County Foodbank 
  6. Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara 
  7. Goleta Boys and Girls Club 
  8. Page Youth Center 
  9. SB Athletic Round Table 

Thank you to the Greater Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club for finding incredible ways to give back to our community. This group is always looking for generous people to join its team.   

For more info, please visit www.goletalionsclub.org.