Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Green Room: Clean Water Act

Do you know about the Clean Water Act? It is a law that regulates discharges to waterways in the United States. First passed in 1948 and rewritten in 1972, the Clean Water Act fundamentally changed the ways in which water pollution is regulated, monitored, and mitigated in our nation. The City of Goleta understands the importance of the Clean Water Act and hopes to educate the community on how this law protects our health and environment. 

What is the purpose and goal of the Clean Water Act? 

The Clean Water Act was enacted to preserve the environmental integrity of our nation’s waters. The Act is designed to preserve local habitats and ecosystems, as well as protect Americans from the detrimental public health impacts associated with degraded water quality.  

How does the Clean Water Act regulate and manage pollution? 

Point Sources

To regulate point source pollution, the Clean Water Act introduced a new permitting system called the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This system requires point source dischargers, such as industrial facilities, municipal governments, and some agricultural facilities, to be permitted. Under the Clean Water Act, these entities cannot discharge into surface water without a NPDES permit. To hold an NPDES permit, the discharger must meet specific standard for pollution control technologies.  

Furthermore, The Clean Water Act also regulates point source dischargers by requiring they adhere to water quality standards. Compliance with water quality standards may require the discharger to acquire additional technologies to protect specific water bodies with degraded water quality.  

Non-Point Sources 

The 1972-version of the Clean Water Act was relatively vague on the permitting requirements for some non-point source discharges, including agricultural and urban stormwater runoff. Initially, stormwater runoff was largely exempt from permitting requirements. However, in the 1980s, the U.S. conducted a nationwide study of water quality impairments due to urban stormwater runoff. After much research, policy design, and litigation, the Water Quality Act of 1987 addressed urban stormwater pollution by specifying municipal separate storm sewer systems (often called “MS4”) and other industrial stormwater dischargers were point sources. Now, these entities are considered dischargers, and required to obtain NPDES permits. The City of Goleta is considered a small MS4, as defined by the Act, and therefore is required to adhere to permitting regulations and deadlines.  

To learn more about the difference between point source and non-point source pollution, please see the June Green Room Article, entitled “Point Source vs. Non-Point Source Pollution”.  

What human health impacts are associated with exposure to water contaminants? 

Many of the most common water toxicants are associated with dangerous, and sometimes lethal, health impacts. Contaminants can be physical (suspended particles, etc.), chemical (lead, nitrates, pesticides), or biological (bacteria, viruses, parasites) agents. These agents can cause acute and chronic toxicological impacts, such as neurological diseases, renal (kidney) diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, reproductive conditions, and developmental delays/abnormalities.  

Disadvantaged communities often face the highest burden of disease due to environmental pollution. Often, these communities lack adequate resources to capital and information to mitigate exposure to contaminants, as well as disease progression. Epidemiological studies have found correlations between socioeconomic status and environmental health risk, illustrating that the communities most vulnerable to the ills of water pollution are those of disadvantaged status. 

How does the recent Supreme Court ruling (Sackett v. EPA) impact the Clean Water Act?  

On May 25, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled on Sackett v. EPA, a case which questioned how the Clean Water Act regulated certain wetland areas. An Idaho couple (the Sacketts) sought to build on a boggy wetland area, but the EPA prohibited this construction, stating that this development would violate the Clean Water Act. According to the EPA legal team, the Clean Water Act protects “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), which includes wetlands, interconnected or otherwise. The Supreme Court disagreed with the EPA’s definition of WOTUS and ruled in favor of the Sacketts. Through this ruling, the Supreme Court made it clear that the Clean Water Act does not regulate permitting/development on wetlands without navigable waterways (lakes, rivers, etc.). This decision significantly narrowed the scope of the Clean Water Act, as many wetlands are now exempt from this regulation.  

How can I reduce stormwater pollution in the City of Goleta?  

To learn more about sources of water pollution, and strategies for mitigating pollution, please take a look at our brochure, entitled “The Ocean Begins on Your Street” in English and Spanish. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at EnvironmentalServices@CityOfGoleta.org. 

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Library Hosts Record-Breaking “Stuffies” Sleepover

Check Out the Photo Gallery

Our stuffed animal friends who have helped people of all ages fall asleep had a chance to take time off and let loose thanks to the creative team at Goleta Valley Library. This year’s Summer Reading Program theme is “All Together Now” and that is exactly how the adventures unfolded for the approximately 300 “stuffies” who were dropped off at the library on Friday, July 7th and picked up on Sunday, July 9th. View photos from the sleepover here.

While there were some stuffed animals who were a bit nervous about spending two nights away from home for the first time, the Goleta Valley Library team of staff and volunteers made sure to take care of everyone who participated.

Following the success of last year’s Stuffed Animal Sleepover that garnered international acclaim, the Goleta Valley Library staff knew that this year’s event had to be even more special.

Goleta Valley Library Assistant Linda Hori said, “It was an incredible joy to see familiar faces and new ones bring their beloved stuffies to the library for our annual summertime stuffie extravaganza. We look forward to this tradition every year and are very grateful that so many members of our community enjoy it too.”

If you heard about the sleepover last year, you know it was anything but restful! The stuffed-animal friends had quite an adventure at the library where they were whisked away through the magical lands of their favorite stories and explored every hidden and not-so-hidden gem the library has to offer.  This year’s fun included trying out the library’s new copy machine, using the ever-popular self-checkout machines, crossing a suspension bridge between bookshelves, racing one another in book basket cars, climbing a display tower like mountaineers, and much more! The toys were so inspired by all the books they had available that they finished their sleepover with a special group story time with Miss Linda.

We want to send a sincere thank you to everyone who participated and extend a special thanks to the library staff who made this event memorable, along with the help of more than 20 adult and teen volunteers.

There is always something fun and interesting happening at the Goleta Valley Library. Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org to learn more.


Goleta Valley Library Assistant Linda Hori holding storytime with the stuffies


Stuffies at self-checkout


Stuffies having a dance party

Join #TeamGoleta

Looking for a rewarding career at an awesome place? The City of Goleta is hiring. We are looking to fill the following positions:

  • Assistant Planner in Advance Planning
  • Custodian at the Goleta Community Center
  • Event Monitor / Building Attendant at the Goleta Community Center
  • Library Director
  • Parks & Open Space Management Analyst
  • Principal Civil Engineer/Senior Engineer

Learn more and apply at www.CityofGoleta.org/Jobs. Not seeing a fit for you? Check back later as job opportunities are regularly posted.

Successful Second Coffee and Community Event

Watch Video Slide Show

City of Goleta residents care about their community as was evidenced by the great turnout on July 15, 2023, for the City’s second neighborhood Coffee and Community (Café y Comunidad) event. More than 60 people gathered at the Goleta Valley Library for coffee and conversation. Check out our video slideshow to see photos from the memorable morning.

This bilingual event with live Spanish interpretation was a great opportunity for neighbors in the 1st District and beyond to meet each other and share their thoughts, ideas and concerns with Mayor Paula Perotte, 1st District City Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín and a cross-section of Goleta City staff.

Attendees enjoyed coffee, champurrado (chocolate flavored drink) and fresh pan dulce (breakfast pastries) thanks to Cristino’s Bakery. Councilmember Reyes-Martín welcomed everyone and addressed some topics she knew would be of interest to residents in District 1, such as the City’s first inclusive playground to be installed at Stow Grove Park, the condition of Cathedral Oaks Road, the City’s new Plastic Reduction Ordinance and the upcoming Beautify Goleta event this Saturday, July 22.

Mayor Perotte also welcomed attendees and encouraged them to stay connected with the City and to feel free to reach out any time. City staff from various departments answered questions from the public on a wide range of topics. In addition to the group Q&A time, community members also had time to ask their questions directly to the Mayor, Councilmember Reyes-Martín and attending staff. 

It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Thanks to everyone who participated!

The City held the first Coffee and Community (Café y Comunidad) on January 21 in Old Town with Mayor Perotte and District 2 Councilmember James Kyriaco. The City plans to hold the next one in October. Stay tuned for details. For questions, call or email the City’s Spanish Engagement Specialist Marcos Martinez at (805) 562-5500 or mmartinez@cityofgoleta.org.

Pictured above: Mayor Paula Perotte and District 1 City Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín


Councilmember Reyes-Martín speaking to a community member


Coffee & Community (Café y Comunidad) Audience


Owner of Cristino’s Bakery Lorena Casas holding up pan dulce (breakfast pastries)


City of Goleta Staff and Council from left to right: Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling, Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover, General Services Director Matthew Fore, Environmental Services Manager Melissa Nelson, 1st District Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín, Sustainability Manager Dana Murray, Mayor Paula Perotte, Goleta Valley Library Supervising Librarian Elizabeth Saucedo, and Director of Neighborhood Services Jaime Valdez

Beautify Goleta Volunteers Clean Up More than 240 Pounds of Trash

Almost 3,000 Pounds of Bulky Items Collected at Drop Off Location

More than 40 community members took time out of their Saturday morning on July 22, 2023, to pick up trash around Winchester II Open Space (located at Calle Real and Jenna Drive). In all, 248 pounds was collected during the clean-up event. Some volunteers showed up with family members, others on their own or with a group. We were especially pleased to see kids participating this time and wearing our new youth-sized Beautify Goleta t-shirts.

Beautify Goleta is made up of individuals and organizations who show leadership in their community by helping captain events, and volunteers who spend their free time helping to clean up their neighborhoods and keep them beautiful. This event had many new and repeat volunteers, and was captained by former City Councilmember Roger Aceves, who founded the program in 2016. The Evening time Goleta Rotary Club, who has been one of the program’s biggest supporters, brought numerous volunteers, as they have for every event this year. The City was pleased to also welcome Home Depot, who not only brought volunteers for the event, but donated cleanup supplies to the program. Dedicated captains and volunteers are what make this program successful, and the City is seeking more! Please sign up here if you are interested in hosting or volunteering for future events.

Besides the satisfaction of giving back to their community, volunteers were also shown appreciation with waste-free themed prize giveaways. Prizes included stainless steel bento boxes, insulated lunch boxes, Plastic Free Goleta reusable cutlery sets, and more. These new giveaways highlight easy changes each of us can make to have a waste-free packed lunch and avoid single-use plastics.

The free Bulky Item Drop Off portion of the Beautify Goleta event was successful as well. There were more than 30 vehicle drop offs at Goleta City Hall for an estimated total of 2,967 pounds of bulky items collected. Learn more about Beautify Goleta’s Cleanup Data online. Thank you to MarBorg Industries, Big Green Cleaning, and the Caltrans Clean California program for their ongoing support! 

To find out about future Beautify Goleta events go to www.cityofgoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.


Group photo at Winchester II Park


Home Depot volunteers ready to pick up trash


Roger Aceves with volunteers at Winchester II Park


Bulky Item Drop Off event

 

Library Hosts Creek Week Art Contest

All Ages and Skill Levels Invited to Participate

We want to see your creativity! In honor of Creek Week (September 23-30) the Goleta Valley Library is hosting the Second Annual Creek Week Art Contest. Community members are invited to submit original artwork inspired by our creeks, watersheds, and ocean using this year’s theme, “Goleta the Goodland, Thriving Habitats.” Artwork may be submitted at the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue) September 1 – 8, during regular business hours.

The Art Contest is open to all ages and skill levels and will have three categories: adults (18 +), teens (7th-12th grade), and children (6th grade and below).

Artwork will remain on display for the community to enjoy September 11 through October 1. Mayor Paula Perotte will judge the artwork and award a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place along with Honorable Mention for each category. Winners will be announced at a reception on September 27th which all of the participants, along with community members, are invited to attend. Stay tuned for more information.

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.

Thank You Parks Team!

The City of Goleta has an amazing team of people working in our Parks and Recreation Division and Parks and Open Space Division, and we want to show our gratitude for all they do. July 21 was Parks and Recreation Staff Appreciation Day, a nationwide celebration to recognize and thank all the dedicated professionals who build strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. Our team works together to deliver high-quality experiences and keep our parks and open spaces clean, safe, welcoming, inclusive and ready to use. Please join us in thanking them for the great benefit they provide to our community all year long!


City of Goleta Parks and Recreation and Parks and Open Space Divisions (not all pictured)

Splash Pad Project Delayed

New Projected Opening in Spring of 2024

The much-anticipated Splash Pad Project at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park has been delayed due to the ongoing challenges of supply chain demands. Construction was set to begin with an anticipated completion date in mid-October when the project team was notified of a manufacturing delay that would significantly impact the completion of the Splash Pad.  To avoid portions of the popular park and valuable parking needlessly closed this summer with little to no construction happening, the decision was made to take down the project fence and resume the project operation at the end of October.

City of Goleta’s Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer stated, “Pausing the project allows our Goleta families to enjoy the park this summer. We know that this news is disappointing for all of us and how eager our residents are to have this long-awaited splash pad and other park improvements.  We look forward to delivering the project as soon as possible and for the time that we can celebrate opening day.”

Once the project is complete, the Splash Pad will nestle between the basketball court and one of the picnic shelters. Other park improvements include additional fencing for basketball and pickleball, shade structures over the picnic areas by the soccer field and more. The basketball court will also be resurfaced.

The good news is the delay is not impacting the construction of the City’s first Community Garden project at nearby Armitos Park or the extension of the Multi-Purpose path which are both underway.  The garden will be constructed in the undeveloped area of the park, south of the playground. The design includes raised garden plots, a picnic area with a pizza oven, a gathering/education area, tool sheds and more. The playground will also receive a refresh that includes the addition of swings, sand features, music elements and a new play structure.  The multi-purpose path adjacent to Jonny D Wallis Neighborhood Park will be extended to Armitos Avenue. 

In preparation for the operation of the Community Garden, the Parks and Recreation Commission had its final review of the garden procedures at its regular July 12th meeting and the documents will be finalized at a future City Council meeting.  Applications for garden plots are expected to be available to the public in September of this year.  Stay tuned for more details on how to secure a garden plot for you and/or your family.  For questions on either project, please contact JoAnne Plummer, Parks and Recreation Manager/Project Manager at jplummer@cityofgoleta.org or 805-562-5505.

We look forward to having both first time Goleta projects open to our community soon and appreciate your patience as we work to get them completed as soon as possible.

State Funding Received for First Inclusive Playground

Playground to be Located at Stow Grove Park

A universal playground is in the City of Goleta’s future thanks in large part to two local legislators. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget in July which included providing $750,000 in State funding to go towards the City’s first inclusive playground to be located at the historic Stow Grove Park. Assemblymember Gregg Hart and Senator Monique Limón requested the funding after meeting with Mayor Paula Perotte, City Councilmembers Stuart Kasdin and James Kyriaco, and City staff at the League of California Cities City Leaders Summit in Sacramento in April 2023. While the design for the playground is yet to begin, the community can expect a park that serves the ‘whole child’ – physical, social/emotional, sensory, cognitive and communication.

Assemblymember Gregg Hart said, “We are very fortunate to have high quality parks and open spaces in our community. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues to secure funding for the Stow Grove Park playground project. Once built, this new playground will be enjoyed by our local youth and families for many years to come.”

“I am grateful that Assemblymember Gregg Hart championed this funding in the Assembly for this community project,” said Senator Monique Limón. “Investing in our recreational and open spaces is an important step to ensuring all of our community members have places to enjoy the beauty of our district.” 

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “We can’t wait to see children of all abilities playing together and enjoying this beautiful historic park that is a treasured location in our City. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Assemblymember Hart and Senator Limón for prioritizing funding for this project and recognizing the importance of providing a safe, fun place for all children to play and develop new skills.”

The playground is part of a larger plan to revamp Stow Grove Park which has been a public park since 1920 and was deeded to the County in 1964. The City of Goleta assumed ownership of the park from the County of Santa Barbara upon incorporation in 2002. The Stow Grove Park Master Plan is currently going through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process. Once that is complete, the Draft Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND) will be made available for review. As soon as the IS-MND is final and adopted, the project will move into the design phase, including the design of the universal playground.

The park currently has a variety of play features, in three different spaces. The City’s Stow Grove Park Draft Master Plan combines these three separate spaces into one large play space that will be able to accommodate a variety of play elements. Fundamentally, inclusively designed play environments are a statement about a community’s social values and every child’s right to play. The goal is to innovate play experiences and provide quality outdoor play for people of all ages and abilities which develop the whole child, the whole environment, and ultimately, benefit the whole community. 

Stay tuned for updates as plans for the inclusive playground are developed. For more information on the Stow Grove Master Plan visit our website here. For questions, contact our Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer at jplummer@cityofgoleta.org. 

We can’t wait to have this important resource available in our community.


Governor Newsom signing the bill into law

Buena Tierra Opening Fall 2023

Housing Assessments at Showers of Blessings Site on Thursdays from 11am to 1pm

This fall, 59 people living on the streets or in shelters will have a new home at Buena Tierra, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara’s (HASBARCO) Permanent Supportive Housing development located in Old Town Goleta. The Housing Authority is accepting applications through Santa Barbara County’s Coordinated Entry System. The Coordinated Entry System verifies eligibility for housing programs and assists in matching persons experiencing homelessness to housing and services. To make it easier for potential applicants, a site is open in Goleta where people can go in person and start the housing assessment process. The site is located at the Showers of Blessings center at St. Athanasius Church (300 S. Sumida Gardens) on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said “We are heartened to learn that this October the transformation of the former Super 8 Hotel into Buena Tierra will be complete. We are also pleased that people experiencing homelessness in Goleta can access a Coordinated Entry System site to be connected to services.”

Buena Tierra is located at 6021 Hollister Avenue and is a 60-unit permanent supportive housing development for people experiencing chronic homelessness, homelessness and homeless youth or youth at risk of homelessness. It will include one unit to house an onsite property manager, plus five existing units that will be converted to community space in which a robust offering of services will be provided.

  • Thirty-six units are reserved for persons experiencing chronic homelessness. Chronic homelessness is defined as an individual with a permanent disability and has been homeless for at least 12 months.
  • Fifteen units are reserved for youth (persons ages 18-24) that are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness

For more information on the Coordinated Entry System and housing process for Buena Tierra or other housing opportunities, please call a Housing Specialist at 805-519-1302 to speak to someone in English, or 805-518-2679 to speak to someone in Spanish. For more information on the Coordinated Entry System, go to https://www.countyofsb.org/447/Coordinated-Entry-System.

To learn more about the City of Goleta’s response to homelessness, contact Chuck Flacks, Homelessness Services Coordinator, at cflacks@cityofgoleta.org.

Background

Buena Tierra will be run by the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara, which received almost $19 million in State Funding for the project. The funding, announced on April 13, 2022, by Governor Gavin Newsom, is a part of $70 million in State awards for six new Homekey projects throughout California.

This state funding includes rental subsidy and operating costs. Generous additional funding has been reserved for this development by the County of Santa Barbara and City of Goleta. Under recent State law (AB 140 and AB 2162), supportive housing projects funded through the Homekey program are automatically deemed consistent and in conformity with local General Plan and zoning requirements and allowed by right as a permitted use.