Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

It’s Time to Get Spooky – Enter the 2023 Ghost Story Challenge

Submissions Accepted at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries September 1 – 30

Get an early start on Halloween and enter the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries Ghost Story Challenge 2023! The Ghost Story Challenge began in 2018 at the Solvang Library, and now in 2023 all three libraries, Goleta Valley, Buellton and Solvang, are participating. Members of the public are invited to submit a scary or mysterious story related to the supernatural; all entries must be the original work of the submitter, with a maximum length of 500 words. The Challenge is open to all local writers in three age categories: Adult (18+), High School (9th-12th grades), or Middle School (6th-8th grades).

A panel of professionals will judge the entries, and winners will be announced on October 26th. Afterwards, submissions will be made available for the public with the permission of the authors. Adult prize categories include: Scariest, Best Plot, Most Original, Writer’s Craft, and Best Overall; Teen prize categories include the above and two additional categories, Best Dialogue and Best Setting. Prizes include horror genre books, including some signed by the judges, gift certificates and more.

Our Panel of Judges:

Stephen Graham Jones is the New York Times best-selling author of more than thirty books and several hundred short stories (plus a few graphic novels), including such modern horror classics as The Only Good Indians, My Heart is a Chainsaw and Don’t Fear the Reaper.

Gabino Iglesias is a writer, book reviewer, editor and translator whose work has appeared in The Los Angeles Review of Books, The San Francisco Chronicle and on NPR. He is the author of Zero Saints, Coyote Songs and most recently, The Devil Takes You Home.

Both Stephen Graham Jones and Gabino Iglesias are recipients of the Shirly Jackson Award and the Bram Stoker Award, among others.

Sadie Hartmann reviews horror for Scream magazine and Cemetery Dance Online, is an active voting member of the Horror Writers Association, and is editor-in-chief of her own horror fiction imprint, Dark Hart. Hartmann is the author of 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered, released in August of 2023 from Page Street Books.

Award-winning writer and filmmaker Gary Robinson (Choctaw/Cherokee descent) has worked most of his life to create Indigenous content in dozens of Indigenous educational, informational, and documentary television projects. He is the author of sixteen books, including most recently Billy Buckhorn: Book of Spells, the first in a teen/young adult fantasy adventure series.

Shobha Rao moved to the United States from India at the age of seven. She is the author of the short story collection, An Unrestored Woman, and the novel, Girls Burn Brighter. She is the winner of the Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Fiction, and her story “Kavitha and Mustafa” was chosen by T.C. Boyle for inclusion in Best American Short Stories 2015.

Anne Mai Yee Jansen is a literature and ethnic studies PhD. who currently teaches writing in Cal Poly’s Ethnic Studies department. She loves a good haunting and is an avid consumer of horror, magical realism, and pretty much any “weird” fiction. Find her articles on Book Riot!

Craig Clevenger is the author of the The Contortionist’s Handbook, Dermaphoria, and most recently Mother Howl. He is also the moderator of the Goleta Valley Library’s Writers’ Workshop, which is open adults and teens who write in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. The workshop meets on the first Saturday of each month to share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

“The Ghost Story Challenge celebrates the craft and imagination involved in writing a story, as well as the thrill experienced for the reader. We hope the short format encourages novice writers to give it a try – and also tests the skills of the more experienced,” said Clevenger.

Submission Guidelines:

Submissions will be taken beginning September 1st. The DEADLINE is September 30th at 5:00 p.m.

Send your story in the body of an email (no attachments please) to goletavalleylibrary@cityofgoleta.org. Include in Subject line:  GHOST STORY [and “Goleta” or “Santa Ynez Valley” for student submissions]. Include in the body of your email:

  • Full Name of Author
  • Phone Number
  • Age Category: Adult (18+), High School (9th-12th grades), or Middle School (6th-8th grades)
  • Name of School if submission is part of a school assignment

Don’t forget to title your story! Entries received without full names or as a Google link cannot be accepted.

There is always so much going on at the Goleta, Buellton and Solvang Libraries. Learn more at www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org.

Green Room: Back To School Waste Free

A new academic year brings with it the need for supplies, clothing, and various essentials. Embracing a sustainable approach to this annual ritual can positively impact the environment and your budget. Let’s explore creative ways for students of all ages to be eco-conscious and mindful consumers. 

Secondhand Supplies and Thrifted Fashion: Instead of rushing to buy new supplies and clothing, consider thrift stores, online marketplaces, or local buy-and-sell groups for secondhand options. Many thrift stores offer a treasure trove of gently used notebooks, stationery, backpacks, and clothing. Opting for pre-used items reduces demand for new production and helps divert usable items from landfills. 

Repair and Upcycling: Consider repair or upcycling before discarding old supplies or clothing; a torn backpack or a worn-out binder can often be given a new lease on life with simple repairs or creative embellishments. YouTube tutorials and online guides can provide step-by-step instructions for DIY repairs. 

Zero Waste Lunch Essentials: When it comes to packing lunch, reusable options are key. Invest in a sturdy, reusable lunch box or bento container to minimize single-use packaging. Reusable napkins, cutlery sets, and stainless-steel water bottles help reduce waste and promote a greener lunch routine. 

“Do Your Best” Disposal Approach: Sometimes, it’s inevitable to dispose of items. Aim to do so responsibly when it’s time to bid farewell to old spiral notebooks, used paper products, or outdated electronics. Check with your local recycling facilities to learn how to recycle or dispose of these items properly. Many communities have designated drop-off points for electronics recycling and paper products. 

Goleta’s Sustainable Solutions: There are several options to responsibly dispose of common school supplies and textiles for Goleta residents. The South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station, located at 4430 Calle Real in Goleta, is a central hub for waste disposal and recycling. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s a great place to drop off paper products, electronics, and textiles for proper recycling. This facility is also a valuable resource for responsibly disposing of items like furniture, appliances, and construction debris. Remember to check their guidelines for accepted items.

In the spirit of “Do Your Best,” the Community Hazardous Waste Collection Facility is another place where you can safely dispose of hazardous materials, such as batteries and electronics, that should not go in regular waste bins. It is located on the UCSB Campus on Mesa Road at Building 565. Residents can bring items by on Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., or by appointment – call 805-882-3602.

Thanks for doing your part for our planet. Remember, even small actions can make a big difference.

 

NatureTrack Film Festival Lineup & Ribbon Cutting

Lights, camera, action! Here is the lineup for the NatureTrack Film Festival coming to Goleta for the first time October 6-8. The three-day festival celebrating nature and outdoor adventure will be at the Metropolitan Fairview Theater located at 225 N. Fairview Avenue. The diverse films chosen by co-directors Francisco Lopez and Mitchka Saberi include one dozen features and 30 shorts. There will also be two panels. Check out this trailer to for a taste of what you will see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErrXDNyDxf4. Learn more and view the lineup here: https://naturetrackfilmfestival.org/.

Besides watching the films there is a lot more to look forward to including a grand opening night at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, VIP Pass holder and filmmaker mixer on Saturday, and an Awards Ceremony with a closing Party on Sunday – both at The Leta Hotel.

You are also invited to a Field Trip early Sunday morning, October 8, to Lake Los Carneros to get an up-close look at the birds that call this place home. Festival goers can experience what NatureTrack, the founding organization, has been doing since 2011 for more than 35,000 kids K-12 in Santa Barbara County to generate interest in becoming stewards of nature for future generations.

To welcome the Festival to Goleta, a ribbon-cutting was held on August 24 in front of the Metropolitan Fairview Theatre. The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber organized the event which had a great turnout. Mayor Pro-Tempore Kyle Richards, 2nd District Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín, 1st District Councilmember James Kyriaco, and City Manager Robert Nisbet attended the special event.

Tickets are on sale at https://naturetrackfilmfestival.org/tickets/.


Feature film “The Way of the Cheetah”


Short film “Ice Merchants”


Ribbon cutting event

Goleta Lemon Festival Sep. 30 & Oct. 1

Proclamation at City Council on September 5

The Goleta Lemon Festival is coming up on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1 at Girsh Park in Goleta and it’s an extra special one. The festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary! Here at the City, we are preparing our booth area and excited to see you there. Stop by and say hello and spin the wheel for a prize.

The Goleta Lemon Festival is an important tradition for our community and on September 5, 2023 ,the Goleta City Council will proclaim September as Lemon Month in the City. Make sure to wear yellow and eat your favorite lemon-flavored food all month long.

The Goleta Lemon Festival, put on by the South Coast Chamber of Commerce, celebrates the rich history and role lemon harvesting has in the region. Around 1875, Sherman Patterson Stow, of Goleta’s Rancho La Patera, planted the first known commercial lemon orchard in California, numbering 3,000 trees. In this way, lemons became the first irrigated agricultural commodity of the Goleta Valley.

What started as a small street festival in 1949, The Goleta Lemon Festival has grown to attract more than 40,000 people. The festival is Goleta’s largest community event of the year, hosting over 80+ booths featuring local non-profit organizations, crafts, lemony foods and beverages, and lemon-themed souvenirs.

There is so much to enjoy. You can shop, enjoy live entertainment with a wide variety of musical styles, including Rock, Country, Blues, R&B, and more.  Don’t miss the headliner, Area 51 on stage Saturday afternoon.

Grab an all-inclusive activity wristband for endless rides and games for the kids including archery tag, inflatable bubbles, and obstacle courses. Pre-purchase your activity wristband for a $5 savings at https://lemonfestival.com/activities-entertainment/.

The festival also features the largest interactive display of Fire, Police, and Emergency Services in the County at Safety Street. Meet the people who help keep us safe and get an up-close look at their state-of-the-art vehicles and technologies. Attendees are also invited to meet the Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Unit.

Saturday only, the festival will feature the 16th Annual Goleta Fall Classic Car Show showcasing a variety of cool classic cars ranging from Corvettes and Camaros to trucks and pick-ups along with motorcycles and bicycles. Enjoy refreshing lemon ale or lemon meringue pie while admiring these classics. If you have a classic car you would like to enter, register at https://lemonfestival.com/goleta-fall-classic/.

The festival could not happen without the many volunteers, ages 14 and up, who spend time planning the festival and lending a helping hand over the weekend. Applications for volunteers are now being accepted online, go to https://lemonfestival.com/get-involved/volunteers/.

For more information, visit LemonFestival.com.

Support LEAP’s Diaper Bank

National Diaper Awareness Week September 18-24

Having a baby is one of the joyful events in one’s life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy by any means. One overlooked challenge is that millions of parents across the United States are struggling to afford diapers. According to the National Diaper Bank Network 2023 Diaper Check survey, 1 in 2 families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy in 2023. This shocking number marks a dramatic increase of diaper need from previous years.

This need isn’t only affecting low-income caregivers, it is widespread and cuts across income levels. According to the survey, 66% of families were categorized as low income, 28% as middle income, and 6% as high income.

In Santa Barbara County, families have to make hard choices. With high rent, inflation and increased food costs, parents and caregivers are struggling to cover the costs of basic needs, including diapers. Sadly, the only government assistance program that can be used to cover the cost of diapers is TANF, but few families qualify and those that do hardly receive enough funds to cover rent and utilities.

When caregivers don’t have enough diapers, babies are at greater risk of toxic stress and going to the hospital for diaper rash and UTI’s. In addition, small children cannot attend daycare or early education programs without diapers, resulting in parents having to forgo work and essential income.

Fortunately for Santa Barbara County residents, one local nonprofit is working to ensure families have access to this essential need.

“It was one of the needs in the community, and we decided to step up and provide diapers for families in need and become part of the diaper bank. We are helping our families feel less stressed, and have one less thing to worry about,” said Ana Maya, Director of the Family Resource Center at LEAP.

LEAP, which stands for Learn, Engage, Advocate, Partner, is a Goleta-based nonprofit that provides high quality childcare and family support services. The agency runs the only Diaper Bank in Santa Barbara County.

“I’m a legal guardian of three beautiful granddaughters. Without the support of the diaper bank it would have made it very difficult with the cost of diapers and wipes. Raising children has many challenges, knowing I could count on the support from the diaper bank defused the financial stress,” shared LEAP client, Maria Arroyo.

“Since we opened the Diaper Bank back in 2021 we have distributed more than 100,000 diapers and wipes to families in our community,” said Ana Maya. “Some families come all the way from Santa Maria and Lompoc. Diapers are one of the most requested services we see at the Family Resource Center.”

While the pandemic may be over, the need for diapers continues to grow. LEAP’s Diaper Bank remains open thanks to the generosity of donors and partnerships with other organizations, like the City of Goleta.

Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Supporting the LEAP Diaper Bank program was an easy decision for the City to make. We are happy to support LEAP’s efforts that promote infant health while reducing families’ financial challenges.”

With National Diaper Awareness week right around the corner, September 18-24, here are a few things you can do to help address Diaper Need:

  • Make a gift to support a diaper bank. Currently diaper banks are one of the only sources of help for families facing Diaper Need. To make a gift to LEAP’s Diaper Bank, visit leapcentralcoast.org/donate/ and select Diaper Fund.
  • Donate diapers and wipes. Host a diaper drive with family and friends or simply purchase packs of diapers to donate to LEAP’s Diaper Bank.
  • Contact your state and local officials and ask what they are doing to help families in your communities who are facing diaper need. Check out the National Diaper Bank Network Advocacy Toolkit for resources.
  • Spread the word! Most people have no idea that this problem exists. Tell your friends and family about Diaper Need, and like, follow, and share diaper banks on social media. #EndDiaperNeed #BasicsArentBasic

Need Diapers?

  • LEAP’s Diaper Bank provides families with diapers and wipes free of charge. For more information about making an appointment, email Ana Maya at anam@leapcentralcoast.org.

Pictured: Diaper Bank volunteers

September Happenings at Goleta Valley Library

There is always something happening at the Goleta Valley Library, and that is especially the case this month. Check out all the things there are to do in September. Enjoy!

Baby & Me Storytime
Fridays September 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Join us for a relaxed storytime with happy songs, lap bounces, a short story, fun bubbles, and parachute play. This fun program has a focus on bonding with your child and building community. Best for ages 0-12 months / pre-walkers.

Free Ice Skating Admission at Ice in Paradise with Your Library Card!
Sunday, September 3rd, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Ice in Paradise has generously donated free skating admission on the first Sunday of every month in 2023 to patrons of the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries! Present your Goleta Valley Library or Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card at Ice in Paradise to receive free skating admission on the dates below. Skate rentals are not included. One library card per skater is required. Skaters must be ages 3+. Thank you to Ice in Paradise for this generous gift to our patrons!

Celebrate Grandparents’ Day
September 5th – 10th, All Day
Let’s celebrate Grandparents’ Day! Drop by the Goleta Valley Library and make them a lovely greeting card!

Wiggly Storytime
Wednesdays September 6th, 20th and 27th, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Join us for Storytime with Miss Nicole! Best for ages 15 months-5 years old. We’ll do a short story, songs, a dance party and bubbles.

Goodland Yarn Works Knitting and Crocheting for Charity
Wednesdays September 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
This fun group knits and crochets useful items for local and national charities. If you know how to knit or crochet, this group is for you! No registration required. Join us for fun and friendship!

Senior Happy Hour
Thursday, September 7th, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Join us for a fun craft and great company! This month we will be weaving coasters from yarn. You may bring your own yarn or use all of our supplies needed to make a simple useful coaster. This event is free and all supplies are provided. Senior Happy Hour is the first Thursday of the month.

Live Online Author Talk with Lidia Bastianich: Life, Love, Family, and Food
Thursday, September 7th, 4:00 p.m.
Register here
You’re invited to an intimate evening with award-winning television host and bestselling author Lidia Bastianich as she talks about her memoir My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food. Born in Pula, on the Istrian peninsula, Lidia grew up surrounded by love and security, learning the art of Italian cooking from her beloved grandmother. But when a communist regime annexed Istria, Lidia’s family fled to Trieste, where they spent two years in a refugee camp waiting for visas to enter the United States. When she finally arrived in New York, Lidia soon began working in restaurants, the first step leading to her becoming one of the most revered chefs and businesswomen in the country. Heartwarming, deeply personal, and powerfully inspiring, My American Dream is the story of Lidia’s close-knit family and her dedication and endless passion for food.

Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, September 9th, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
The GVL Writers’ Workshop is open to adults and teens who write in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. The workshop meets on the first Saturday of each month to share work, exchange feedback, offer mutual support and discuss the tools of the trade.

Rosh Hashanah Storytime
Wednesday, September 13th, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Join us for a fun and educational storytime for all ages to learn about the holiday of Jewish New Year, with special guest Shterna Kudan, Youth Director at Chabad of S. Barbara.

Bookworm Bingo
Friday, September 15th, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Join us for a book-themed bingo night at the library! Have fun and earn fabulous prizes.

Help the Librarians Find Curious George on the Shelf!
Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th, All Day
Curious George is bananas for books but he’s gone MISSING in the library! Help the Librarians find Curious George on the shelf – drop by the Goleta Valley Library, find Curious George on the shelf, get a fun prize, and enter to win Curious George book bundles and plushies as we celebrate his birthday weekend.

After School Crafternoon: Talk Like a Pirate Day
Tuesday, September 19th, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Let’s get crafty at the library on “Talk Like a Pirate” day! Drop yer anchor and sail over to the Goleta Valley Library for pirate themed: crafts, scavenger hunt, activity table, photo booth and more! You’ll have a swashbuckling good time!

Live Online Author Talk with Adam Alter: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most
Wednesday, September 20th, 11:00 a.m.
Register here
Join us as we chat with New York Times bestselling author Adam Alter about his new book Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most. Almost everyone feels stuck in some way. Whether you’re muddling through a midlife crisis, wrestling with writer’s block, trapped in a thankless job, or trying to remedy a fraying friendship, the resulting emotion is usually a mix of anxiety, uncertainty, fear, anger, and numbness. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Anatomy of a Breakthrough is the roadmap we all need to escape our inertia and flourish in the face of friction.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Party
Saturday, September 23rd, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Save the Date! You’re invited to the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Party. Celebrate our readers who have read 1,000 books before kindergarten! The fun includes a certificate ceremony, bubbles, prizes and a special storytime. Plus: sign up for the program and take home your next reading log! For children under 5 and their families.

Teen “Bring Your Own” Book Club
Sunday, September 24th, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Bring a book, any book, to share and discuss with the group. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Community service opportunities available – attend the meeting to learn more!

Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, September 26th, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Join us as we discuss this month’s pick: The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh. Description: Emma loves her husband Leo and their young daughter Ruby: she’d do anything for them. But almost everything she’s told them about herself is a lie. And she might just have got away with it, if it weren’t for her husband’s job. Leo is an obituary writer; Emma a well-known marine biologist. When she suffers a serious illness, Leo copes by doing what he knows best – researching and writing about his wife’s life. But as he starts to unravel the truth, he discovers the woman he loves doesn’t really exist. Even her name isn’t real. When the very darkest moments of Emma’s past finally emerge, she must somehow prove to Leo that she really is the woman he always thought she was . . . But first, she must tell him about the other love of her life. Copies of the book are available in a variety of formats through the library catalog.

Live Online Author Talk with Amor Towles: Writing Three International Bestsellers
Wednesday, September 27th, 5:00 p.m.
Register here
Born and raised in the Boston area, Amor Towles graduated from Yale College and received an MA in English from Stanford University. As well as Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow, and The Lincoln Highway, Mr. Towles is also the author of the ebook You Have Arrived at Your Destination, part of Amazon’s Forward collection. He also edited and wrote the introduction for The Mysterious Bookshop Presents The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2023 (Mysterious Press/Penzler Publishers, September 19, 2023). His next book, Table for Two, is a collection of short stories to be published in April 2024. Mr. Towles is the 2023 Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished  Author Award recipient. Having worked as an investment professional for over twenty years, Mr. Towles now devotes himself full-time to writing in Manhattan, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Autumn Tree Craft for Adults and Teens
Saturday, September 30th, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the incoming season by getting crafty! Make an enchanting tree with whimsical 3D leaves and create some beautiful fall décor. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot at the front desk or call (805) 964-7878. All supplies provided.

Tech Tutoring
Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Are you looking for more information about GVL’s online resources? Do you need assistance with your electronic or mobile device? All you have to do is fill out this form and one of our friendly staff will reach out to meet your needs! You will be contacted by a staff member to schedule a 30-minute in-person appointment at the library.

View the full Goleta Valley Library calendar here.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program & Party

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, special way to introduce your children to the wonderful world of reading. This popular early literacy program encourages parents and caregivers to read to their children, which helps prepare them for school readiness and lifelong success by building a strong foundation for later reading and writing.

How it Works

At the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries, the program is open to all families whose children are below kindergarten age. To get started, stop by the library to pick up your first reading log and a free book! As you read to your child, mark off a circle for each book you read. You can mark off a circle for each time you read the same book, too, as repetition is an important part of learning to read. When you’re finished, you and your child can bring the completed log back to the library to receive a prize and your next reading log. Once you have completed all ten logs and read 1,000 books, we will contact you with an invitation to our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten graduation party.

It’s Party Time!

The community is invited to our next 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Party on Saturday, September 23rd from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Goleta Valley Library Multipurpose Room (500 N. Fairview Avenue). Join us as we celebrate the young readers who have read 1,000 books before kindergarten. We will read a story, hold a brief ceremony, enjoy a dance party, and for the grand finale we’ll end with a bubble party! Families are welcome to attend to learn more about the program, sign up, and take home their next 1,000 Books reading log. Each finisher will receive a book, a personalized certificate, and a goody bag, and everyone in attendance will receive a special sticker for coming to the party. We hope to see you there to celebrate the magic of reading!

Thank you!

Program materials and prizes at Goleta Valley Library are generously provided by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library and First 5 Santa Barbara County. To learn more or to become a Friend, visit https://www.friendsofthegoletavalleylibrary.org/.

Green Room: Pollutant of the Month, Lead

Lead is a dangerous pollutant that can cause detrimental health effects when consumed. Lead (Pb) was banned from most consumer products in the 20th century. However, some products containing lead still exist in our households and communities. Learn more about what products contain lead below.  

What is lead?     

Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is both sturdy and malleable. This makes it a prime material for consumer products, such as pipes/infrastructure, batteries, children’s toys, paint, and gasoline. Lead can be found in air, water, and soil, as lead dust can broadly travel through the environment.  

Why is lead dangerous?     

Lead has similar properties to the biologically important element, calcium, which regulates many processes in the body, notably in the brain. When lead is inhaled or ingested, the element can travel into the brain using the same transport pathways that calcium uses. However, when lead enters the brain, it can cause serious neurological problems and developmental delays. Children are particularly susceptible to the deleterious effects of lead, due to their low body weight (less lead required for toxicity), under-developed status (brain and body still growing and developing), and certain behaviors such as hand and mouth activity. In children, negative health impacts of lead exposure include behavior and learning problems, lower IQ and hyperactivity, slowed growth hearing problems, and anemia. Adult exposure to lead can result in cardiovascular effects, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues.  

What laws exist to protect my family from lead exposure? 

Fortunately, the United States government has largely recognized the dangerous health impacts of lead, and many lead-containing products have been federally banned. In 1978, the US banned lead paint, and in 1986, the US banned the use of lead pipes. However, developments built prior to these dates may still have legacy lead paint, plumbing or fixtures, so it is important to have an environmental professional test your home if you live in a pre-1970s/80s structure. 

In 1995, the US banned the use of leaded gasoline. However, many pre-1995 roadways are still polluted with leaded runoff, which can serve as a source of lead exposure for neighboring communities.  

California has also passed extensive lead regulations. In 1986, the State passed the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, otherwise known as Proposition 65. Proposition 65 enacted many safeguards against toxic exposures, including warning labels to be placed on all materials that could cause significant exposure to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm. Thus, if a product could contain lead, the business is required to include a warning label to inform customers of potential adverse impacts.  

What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to lead, and/or I have additional questions?  

If you believe you or someone in you home has been exposed to lead, talk to your doctor. Furthermore, if you suspect that your home may contain lead-based materials, consider hiring an environmental specialist to collect samples from your home and conduct laboratory analyses. To learn more about lead and lead exposure, please consult the following US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Center for Disease Control (CDC), and California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) resources, which were used to develop this article:  

Proposition 65 – OEHHA (ca.gov) 

Lead | US EPA 

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program | CDC 

Lead and Lead Compounds – OEHHA (ca.gov) 

#TeamGoleta Job Opportunities

Looking for a rewarding career at an awesome place? The City of Goleta is looking for great people to fill some of our current job vacancies. Take a look at the list below to see if there is a fit for you!

  • Accounting Specialist
  • Event Monitor / Building Attendant at the Goleta Community Center
  • Library Director
  • Parks & Open Space Management Analyst
  • Principal Civil Engineer/Senior Engineer

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

September Observances

We hope you will join us in recognizing some significant dates on the calendar this September:

  • Labor Day, on September 4, is an annual commemoration of social achievements of workers in the United States. This day honors the workers who have labored away tirelessly to improve to the quality of life for American workers.
  • Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15, celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The Hispanic/Latino population of the US is the largest ethnic or racial minority in the country. 
  • There are also two Jewish holy days this September. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on September 15 and is the celebration of the Jewish New Year followed by Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, which begins at sundown on September 24. Yom Kippur is the most widely observed Jewish holiday of the year.