Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Conserve Energy During Heatwaves

We have had some exceptionally warm days this summer. It’s an important time of year to be aware of the potential for rolling power outages and to understand how you can help prevent them from happening.

Here’s how it works. When it gets hot, the California Independent System Operator (or CAISO) makes sure that the power grid is reliable. Power companies, like Southern California Edison (SCE), work with CAISO to achieve this goal.

CAISO makes sure that there is enough energy in a big emergency. When everyone uses power at the same time, such as turning on the A/C when it’s hot, energy companies can’t make as much energy as people are using up. If too much energy is used, CAISO steps in.

Should the power grid ever get too close to not have enough energy reserves, CAISO has the ability to declare an emergency alert. This means that they will protect the power grid by telling power companies like SCE to conduct rotating power outages in the communities they serve.  These rotating power outages typically last one hour in one area before moving onto the next area. The City of Goleta wants to make sure residents know about this possibility.

We can work together to prevent these outages by turning off electronics or other appliances when not in use. By collectively powering down and conserving energy, we will not put as much stress on the power grid and CAISO will not need to issue an emergency alert for rotating outages.

Creek Week Art Submissions Accepted Sep. 1 – 8

There is still time to show your love for our creeks and watersheds through art! The Goleta Valley Library is hosting the Second Annual Creek Week Art Contest. Community members of all ages and skill levels are invited to submit original artwork inspired by our creeks, watersheds, and ocean using this year’s theme, “Goleta the Goodland, Thriving Habitats.” To be included in the contest, bring your artwork to the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue) beginning this Friday, September 1. The last day to submit artwork is September 8.

All ages and skill levels are invited to participate. There will be three categories: adults (18 +), teens (7th-12th grade), and children (6th grade and below). Mayor Paula Perotte will judge the artwork and award a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place along with Honorable Mention for each category. Artwork will be on display for the community to enjoy September 11 through October 1.

Winners will be announced at a reception at the Goleta Valley Library on September 27th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. which all participants, along with community members, are invited to attend.

Participation Details:

  • Participants may only submit one piece of art. 
  • All artwork that represents the theme “Goleta the Goodland, Thriving Habitats” will be accepted.
  • Art must be original, completed solely by the participant. 
  • All mediums allowed (photography, painting, drawing, collage, etc.). 
  • Artwork is not required to be framed but must have the participants name and category on the back. 
  • Art must be no larger than 42 inches any direction (including frame) and have a way to be hung on the wall. 
  • The art will be scored on relevance to the theme, overall appearance, and originality. 

For any questions, please contact Library staff member Sharon Nigh at snigh@cityofgoleta.org.

We can’t wait to see your creations.

Let’s Celebrate Creek Week

Watch Video Promo

Creek Week is coming up September 23-30. Now is a great time to plan how you will get involved in the annual celebration of our creeks, watersheds, and the ocean. There are many different ways you can participate this year. Watch this video promo highlighting Creek Week activities in Goleta: https://youtu.be/J_iMqRqa83k. The video is also available in Spanish here: https://youtu.be/qqRMDxwJwVA.

  • Saturday, September 23: Coastal Cleanup Day, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
    Join people across the globe for this event and make an impact here at home by helping to clean up our local beaches and waterways. It’s a great way to get outside, enjoy nature, and kick off Creek Week. Hosted by Explore Ecology, Goleta locations include: Ellwood Bluffs and Beach, Haskell’s Beach, and San Jose Creek. To sign up and see the full list go to https://exploreecology.org/coastal-cleanup-day/.

  • Saturday, September 23: Beautify Goleta FREE Bulky Item Drop Off, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    Get rid of items you no longer want by disposing of them the right way! Bring them to the City’s Bulky Item Drop off along Phelps Road between Cannon Green Drive and Pacific Oaks Road. Acceptable items include, but are not limited to: mattresses and box springs; wood and metal furniture; plastic tables, desks, and chairs; and wood pallets and tires. Electronics, hazardous waste, and medications will not be accepted.

  • Thursday, September 28: Devereux Creek Tour, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
    City of Goleta Parks & Open Space Manager George Thomson will lead this tour of Devereux Creek. Meet at Santa Barbara Shores Drive and Sea Gull Drive. Please RSVP to gthomson@cityofgoleta.org to reserve your spot.

  • Friday, September 29: San Jose Creek Tour, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    Join City of Goleta for a “Green Streets, Clean Creeks: San Jose Creek Tour.” Meet at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park (170 S. Kellogg Ave) for a tour with City of Goleta Environmental Services Manager Melissa Nelson and Brian Trautwein of the Environmental Defense Center. Reserve your space by emailing environmentalservices@cityofgoleta.org.

For more information on Creek Week, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/CreekWeek. Check back as new activities may be added closer to the start of Creek Week. For a full list of Creek Week events throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast, visit www.SBCreekWeek.com.

NatureTrack Film Festival Coming to Goleta in October

Early Bird VIP Festival Passes on Sale till August 18th

The City of Goleta is pleased to be the location for the NatureTrack Film Festival which is taking place October 6-8 at Metropolitan Fairview Theatre (225 N. Fairview Ave). This is the fifth year for the Film Festival, but the first year it will be held in Goleta. The three-day festival includes an opening night celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara with a film about the world’s best kayaker. Opening Night tickets are on sale. Early Bird VIP Film Festival Passes are available until August 18th.  Individual tickets will be on sale once the full film lineup is released.

NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) is a celebration of nature and outdoor adventure through film. Since it began in 2018 in Los Olivos, the festival has showcased hundreds of national and international filmmakers’ works. The event typically includes more than 40 films with panels and parties. View festival teaser here.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said she is thrilled to see NTFF coming to Goleta. She said, “Goleta is the perfect fit for this film festival. The Good Land is full of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts and it’s wonderful to have a film festival that celebrates the natural world in our own backyard.”

NatureTrack Founder Sue Eisaguirre said coming to Goleta makes perfect sense. She said, “NatureTrack has been exploring the trails and beaches of Goleta with K-12 children since 2011. Thus, it was an easy decision to bring the only nature-centric film festival to the ‘Good Land.’  With its’ surrounding natural beauty, picturesque coastal landscapes, and scenic mountain views create an ideal backdrop for celebrating and appreciating nature through film. Moreover, Goleta’s vibrant community of nature enthusiasts and environmentally conscious individuals offers the perfect audience.”

While the schedule of films has yet to be announced, organizers have released that “Wild Waters” will be shown on opening night, October 6 at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara. The new documentary is about a female kayaker, Nouria Newman, who is making a name for herself. There will be an after-party with lively conversation, live music, and light appetizers.

The festival continues October 7 & 8 at the Metropolitan Fairview Theatre with screenings on everything from nature documentaries to outdoor adventure films to narrative and animation films. Also look for panels, Q&A’s, a few parties, and an awards presentation on Sunday evening. In addition, the following weekend NTFF will present the Best of the Fest screenings in Los Olivos. 

For more info go to naturetrackfilmfestival.org. To purchase tickets, go to naturetrackfilmfestival.org/tickets. Follow the festival on Instagram @naturetrackfilm. 

The NatureTrack Foundation is a 501c3 Non-Profit. All proceeds from the NatureTrack Film Festival will support NatureTrack in introducing school children and wheelchair users to outdoor spaces from the seashore to the inland oak woodlands of Santa Barbara County by providing cost-free outdoor field trips.

Number one kayaker in the world, Nouria Newman in action in the “Wild Waters” documentary set to open the NatureTrack Film Festival in Goleta


Environmental Document for Stow Grove Park Master Plan Project Ready for Review

Public Comment Period Open Now through August 31

Plans to revamp Stow Grove Park has reached the next phase in the process. The environmental document for the Stow Grove Park Master Plan Project is ready for public review and comment. Community feedback continues to be an important part in planning for the future of this beloved park located at 580 N. La Patera Lane. View the Draft Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND) here. The public has until August 31, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. to provide comment on the document.

The Stow Grove Park Draft Master Plan envisions improved, new, expanded, and renovated active and passive recreational park amenities at Stow Grove Park. Improvements include installation of a new restroom, interactive gardens, fitness trail loop, nature/play area, trash enclosure, and refurbishment of the parking lot, maintenance facility, horseshoe area, playgrounds, multi-use fields, walking/running paths, volleyball courts, picnic areas, park entrances, and redwood grove/walking trails.

To submit comments on the Draft IS-MND email Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer at jplummer@cityofgoleta.org. Comments can also be mailed to the City of Goleta ATTN: JoAnne Plummer, 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, CA 93117. Again, all comments must be received no later than Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

Following this public comment period, a Public Hearing to consider and take action on the Final IS-MND will be scheduled before City Council, the decision maker for this project. The date for this hearing has not been determined and additional notice will be provided accordingly.

For more information on the Draft Master Plan, visit the project webpage at www.CityofGoleta.org/StowGrovePark.

Summer Reading Program Wraps Up at Goleta Valley Library

The 2023 Summer Reading Program concluded on Saturday, July 29th with a grand finale performance by world-record-holding juggler David Cousin! Almost 150 patrons attended the awe-inspiring show at Goleta Valley Library, which celebrated all of the fantastic reading that participants completed since the program launched in early June. To recognize your accomplishment, we wanted to share a few of our final numbers with you and to thank our community for bringing this year’s theme – All Together Now – to life!

  • Over the course of seven weeks, more than 60 teen and adult volunteers worked with staff to host events, listen to readers report on their books, and award prizes generously donated by 37 local businesses and organizations
  • 1,870 community members attended 11 events sponsored by the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library
  • 1,551 children and teens registered for the Summer Reading Program, more than double our 2022 program
  • Adults read 821 books, a 4% increase from last year
  • Our Stuffed Animal Sleepover had a record-breaking 300 stuffies spend the weekend at the library

Thank you to our community for spending the summer with us! We look forward to seeing you at the library again soon. Be sure to check our online calendar and visit our website at www.goletavalleylibrary.org to stay in-the-know on all our services and upcoming programs!

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2023 Summer Reading Program: Albertsons, Birkholms Bakery, Blenders in the Grass, The Book Loft, California Pizza Kitchen, Casa Cassara Winery & Vineyard, Chipotle, Chomp!, Creation Station, The Elverhoj Museum, Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, Goleta Depot, Golf ‘N’ Stuff, Kyle’s Kitchen, Ice in Paradise, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates, Isla Vista Food Co-op, Islands Burgers, Los Arroyos, Mother Hubbards, MOXI Museum, Mystic Merchant, Nathalie’s Dollhouse, New Frontiers Natural Marketplace, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ocean Nails & Spa, Old Town Coffee, Pattibakes, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Parks-Janeway Carriage House, Senshin Center Aikido, Solvang Bakery, South Coast Deli, South Coast Montessori, Stuart C. Gildred YMCA, The Wildling Museum, and Woodstock’s Pizza.

Photos from 2023 Summer Reading Program















Stuffie sleepover story time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Luce Puppet Co. performance



 

 

 

 

 

 


Wildlife Care Network presentation

August Programming at Goleta Valley Library

Our Summer Reading Program may have ended, but there are still fun activities for all ages to enjoy this month at Goleta Valley Library!

Senior Happy Hour: Mini Art
Thursday, August 3rd, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Come join us for a fun social hour and easy crafts. We will be making mini art to display at the library or to take home and enjoy. This event is free and all supplies are provided. Senior Happy Hour takes place at the Goleta Valley Library on the first Thursday of every month. Come check us out, all ages welcome!

Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, August 5th, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
The 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.

Free Ice Skating Admission at Ice in Paradise with Your Library Card!
Sunday, August 6th, 1:30 – 4:30 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. Skate rentals are not included. One library card per skater is required. Skaters must be ages 3+. Ice in Paradise is located at 6985 Santa Felicia Drive, Goleta, CA 93117.

Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt
August 15th – 31st
Join us for a fun scavenger hunt in the children’s area at the library! Search for back-to-school themed clues and bring your completed form to the front desk for a prize.

Mystery Book Club
Tuesday, August 22nd, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Join us as we discuss this month’s pick. The Mystery Book Club meets the fourth Tuesday of every month.

Tech Tutoring
Sundays, Tusedays and Wednesdays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Saturdays from 12:00 p.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 the online Tech Tutoring Request 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.

Goodland Yarn Works
Wednesdays 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!

Please note: Children’s classes such as crafts and storytimes will be on-pause from August 5th – 31st as we plan our fall programming. Storytime will resume Friday, September 1st.

For all your library needs, please visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org. 

Revised Goleta Housing Element to be Submitted to State

Includes Sites for Rezoning from Joint City Council and Planning Commission Study Sessions

The City Council and Planning Commission held three Joint Study Sessions (July 20, 25, and 31) to receive feedback regarding rezoning of parcels within the City to increase the amount of land available for housing. After many hours and extensive public comment at all three study sessions, staff will proceed with adding rezone sites to the Housing Element 2023-2031 for public and State review.

The City had submitted its adopted Housing Element 2023-2031 to the State for review in January 2023. On March 20, 2023, the State issued a letter requesting that the City revise its Housing Element and consider rezoning land to address the State’s required Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).

Staff will update the Housing Element 2023-2031 with the rezone sites, post the revised Housing Element for public review and submit the revised draft Housing Element for a 60-day California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) review. The updated Housing Element will be available on the City’s Housing Element webpage in mid-August.

After that review, staff will address any comments received and proceed to the Planning Commission and City Council for adoption of the revised Housing Element 2023-2031.

The study sessions are available to watch on the City website:

For more information on the City’s Housing Element Update project, go to https://cityofgoleta.org/HousingElement. If you have any questions about the project, please email City staff at HousingElement@cityofgoleta.org. For inquiries in Spanish, please contact Marcos Martinez, Spanish Engagement Specialist, at (805) 562-5500 or mmartinez@cityofgoleta.org.

August Observances

Please join the City of Goleta this August in recognizing and celebrating two significant days this month:  International Day of the Word’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9th and Women’s Equality Day on August 26th.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is an opportunity to celebrate these communities and their knowledge. Indigenous Peoples live in all regions of the world and own, occupy or use some 22% of global land area. Numbering at least 370-500 million, Indigenous Peoples represent the greater part of the world’s cultural diversity and speak an overwhelming majority of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures. Many Indigenous Peoples continue to be confronted with marginalization, extreme poverty and other human rights violations.

2023’s theme for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is “Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination”. The goal is to highlight the role that indigenous youth must occupy in decision-making while recognizing their dedicated efforts in climate action, the search for justice for their people, and the creation of an intergenerational connection that keeps their culture, traditions, and contributions alive.

Women’s Equality Day was first celebrated in 1971 and formally designated by Congress on August 26th, 1973. The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote as a culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women since 1848.

Today, Women’s Equality Day celebrates the achievements of women’s rights activists and reminds us of the unique daily struggles that women face. The holiday also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. Workplaces, libraries, organizations, and public facilities across the nation participate with Women’s Equality Day programs, displays, video showings, or other activities.

The City of Goleta encourages our Goleta community to join us in the celebration and appreciation of these two important days and recognize their continued perseverance towards equality.

Libraries Closed August 24 for Staff Training

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries as well as the Isla Vista Bookvan will be closed on Thursday, August 24, 2023, for an all-staff training. The bookdrops will remain open at the libraries. Regular hours of operation will resume on Friday, August 25.

Library card holders have access to amazing online resources 24/7. Visit the e-Library to download and stream free online eBooks, audiobooks, music, TV shows, movies and more.

Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org to see everything your library has to offer.

If you have questions, please call 805-964-7878.