Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Celebrate Parks and Rec Month this July

Download the City of Goleta’s Activity Calendar

One of the best parts about living in Goleta is the number of beautiful parks, recreational opportunities, and open spaces for all to enjoy. That’s why the City is especially excited to recognize July as Parks and Recreation Month. This year’s theme — “Where Community Grows” — celebrates the vital role parks and recreation plays in bringing people together, providing essential services and opportunities and fostering the growth of our communities. 

City of Goleta’s Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer said, “National Parks and Recreation Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Goleta’s 16 beautiful parks, the variety of recreation amenities available to the community, and the 14 breathtaking open spaces. Our goal is to get you outside this month especially, to enjoy all Goleta has to offer.”

As a helpful tool to get you outside, the City has created a fun-filled calendar of outdoor activities for July, highlighting an activity or event for each day of the month. Download the calendar in English or Spanish. Activities and events on the calendar are meant as suggestions or ideas but feel free to come up with your own way(s) to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month.

The calendar also includes free clinics for various activities and sports at locations throughout Goleta as motivation to learn something new:

  • Monday, July 3, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. OR Sunday, July 16, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
    Intro Level Pickleball Clinic at the Goleta Community Center     (5679 Hollister Ave)
    Designed for people to get a taste of this rapidly growing sport, local instructor Dave Wilcox will be teaching the two workshops. Please register for only one pickleball clinic. Paddles will be provided, please wear tennis shoes.

  • Friday, July 21, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
    Intro Level Disc Golf Clink at Evergreen Park     (Evergreen Drive & Brandon Drive)
    This is a beginner clinic taught by local instructor Michael Roberts. Discs will be provided; bring comfortable shoes to navigate grassy and dirt terrain. Meet at hole 1, near the tennis courts.

  • Saturday, July 29, 9:00 – 10:30 am.
    Intro Level Tennis Clinic at Stow Canyon Tennis Courts     (6200 Muirfield Drive)
    Local instructor Rey Casillas will be teaching this clinic designed for beginners. Tennis rackets will be provided but feel to bring your own if you have one; tennis shoes required.

We hope you will join us for one of these free clinics! Space is limited so register today! To sign up, send an email to lmendoza-diaz@cityofgoleta.org or call 805-961-7558 and provide your name, phone number and the clinic you would like to sign up for.

July has been recognized as Parks and Recreation Month in the United States since 1985 as a way to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. The Goleta City Council’s adopted Strategic Plan highlights the City’s on-going commitment to Parks and Recreation in multiple citywide initiatives.

Thanks for helping us appreciate our parks, recreation and open spaces and the important role they play in the quality of life we enjoy in Goleta. Keep up-to-date on Parks and Recreation Month by visiting our webpage.

Pictured: Disc Golf clinic (photo courtesy of Emily Hart Roberts)

Café y Comunidad / Coffee & Community on July 15

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Goleta Valley Library

The City of Goleta is holding its 2nd Café y Comunidad / Coffee and Community event on Saturday, July 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue). This is a bilingual event with Spanish interpretation provided along with coffee and pan dulce (pastries). Bring the family and join Mayor Paula Perotte, 1st District City Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín and other Goleta staff members for coffee and conversation.

This is a great opportunity to:

  • Meet your neighbors
  • Connect with the City
  • Get updated on projects in store for Old Town
  • Ask questions
  • Share ideas and concerns
  • Get to know the City better
  • Explore Goleta Valley Library, register for a library card, and sign up for the Summer Reading Program

The goal is for residents to be able to present their questions, concerns, and topics important to them in a comfortable and informal setting so we can work together for the benefit of our community. Opening remarks followed by a time for questions begins at 10:30 a.m.

Children who attend are invited to complete a fun scavenger hunt in the children’s area of Goleta Valley Library and win a prize!

Watch a recap of our first Café y Comunidad / Coffee and Community event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgvzF8w5IpI.

We look forward to seeing you there!

   

Get Ready for Goleta’s Dam Dinner on August 19

Come for the Views and Stay for the Fun!

A favorite local event, the Goleta Dam Dinner is set for Saturday, August 19, 2023. Its popularity has grown over the years, so we are adding an extra hour of fun! Bring your friends and family and join us at the scenic Lake Los Carneros Dam from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Watch this video invite in English (https://youtu.be/0ERI5zReyLU) and Spanish (https://youtu.be/0q5zcYgOJxU) for more info.

The Goleta Dam Dinner is a free community event bringing together friends and neighbors. Tables and chairs are set up by the dam with breathtaking views of Lake Los Carneros and the mountains. Attendees can bring their own picnic dinner and beverages or purchase food at the event.

Local bluegrass music group, the Salt Martians, will be performing once again. Other highlights include facepainting for the kids and 2023 Dam Dinner t-shirts for sale.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “What I really love about the Dam Dinner is that there’s no agenda. It’s just breaking bread with your neighbors and sharing time with your community.”

You can enter the Dam Dinner off N. La Patera Lane or Stow House at 304 N. Los Carneros Road. Wear walking shoes and bring a jacket in case it gets windy.

Please do not bring pets, service animals are allowed.

Goleta’s Dam Dinner is organized by the City of Goleta and Goleta Valley Historical Society with special thanks to Big Hammer Lures, Creekside Restaurant & Bar, Devereux, MarBorg and Santa Cruz Market.

Community Disaster Education Course July 26

Courses Available for Groups of Ten or More in English or Spanish

Preparing for an emergency can be difficult and where do you start? You can create a go-bag for your car, but what do you put in that bag? You are invited to find out answers to these questions and more by attending the City of Goleta’s upcoming free Community Disaster Education (CDE) course at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26th at Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive). In addition, groups of ten or more can request their own CDE class in English or Spanish. Attendees will learn how to prepare their homes and workplace for a disaster and what to expect when an emergency occurs.

The City began offering the one-hour course to groups this past November and since then more than 200 people have participated. Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris credits the successful launch of the program to its simplicity. He said, “The best part is that a CDE can be held anywhere and during most hours: during a lunch break, after hours at a Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting, or at a weekend community gathering.”

A limited number of CDE courses are available each month, are scheduled on a first-come, first serve basis and cannot be held in single family homes. If you want to request a CDE course for your group, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/CDE and submit the short form in English or Spanish, then wait for a City representative to return your message and schedule a time for the CDE. For any additional questions regarding CDEs, please send an email to CERT@cityofgoleta.org.

We hope to see you on July 26th at Goleta City Hall. Thanks for helping us spread the word about this informative course.

Don’t Let the Heat Get to You

The hottest season of the year is approaching and there could be excessive heat warnings in the future. These hot temperatures can lead to multiple different impacts, ranging from heat-related illnesses to sundowner winds that can spark fires. Here’s a little information about both.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two heat-related illnesses that can happen to anyone. The symptoms of both illnesses are similar, and can include dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, and hot skin. Sounds uncomfortable, right? You can avoid these illnesses by simply taking it easy, finding a place out of the sun, drinking cool non-alcoholic liquids, and taking frequent breaks. Listen to your body and stay hydrated!

It’s also important to watch out for anything that could spark a fire. When it’s hot, it’s usually dry too. Sounds obvious, right? But this is exactly the time to be extra careful with anything that carries a flame. Be mindful of candles, grills, cigarettes or other smokables that could be tossed onto the ground (ahem, please don’t litter). Don’t be the person who started a fire due to carelessness.

It’s also important to remember about sundowners. Sundowner winds are common with the high heat, and those winds can feed any spark and start a fire that runs out of control.

Take care with the incoming heat and remember to enjoy the sunshine (when it comes out)!

High Fire Season Declared

It’s officially High Fire Season. That means Santa Barbara County Fire has suspended all burn permits issued for residential burning and hazard reduction, while simultaneously increasing the deployment of vital resources to combat vegetation fires.

During the High Fire Season, it is crucial for residents, workers, and visitors in Santa Barbara County to exercise heightened awareness and prioritize fire safety. SBC Fire underscores the following key measures to ensure public safety:

  • Maintain Vegetation Clearance: Individuals are advised to maintain proper vegetation clearance around structures to minimize fire risks.
  • Review and become acquainted with the “Ready! Set! Go!” wildfire action plan, which outlines crucial steps for preparedness and response in the event of a wildfire. For more details, please visit www.sbcfire.com.
  • Wildfire smoke and ash contain very small particles called particulate matter, which harm the lungs and heart. The best protection against wildfire smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible, ideally in a well-sealed “clean air room” with an air purifier. The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) provides instructions to create a “clean air room” on their website. APCD’s website also provides countywide hourly air quality conditions. People are also encouraged to sign up for Air Quality Alerts issued during wildfires.

SBC Fire urges all community members to remain proactive and diligent in implementing fire safety practices during this High Fire Season. By working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of Santa Barbara County and its residents.

The public is also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org.

Celebrate the Fourth Without Illegal Fireworks

July 4th is almost here , and the City of Goleta is reminding the community to celebrate safely without illegal fireworks. Watch our video message in English or Spanish.

To report illegal fireworks, call the non-emergency dispatch line at 805-683-2724.

Besides being dangerous, fireworks can also cause a great deal of stress for people who are noise sensitive, andcan be terrifying for pets. 

The Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) wants pet owners to plan ahead. Crates are available for loan for free from now through July 4 at any SBCAS shelter location, including the one at Overpass Road in Goleta. Since more pets are reported missing during this period than any other time of year, SBCAS is partnering with CARE4Paws, ASAP, BUNS, SB Humane, and others, to offer 30-days of free microchips across the County. Pet owners can take advantage of this initiative through the end of June by visiting any SBCAS shelter, BUNS or ASAP Cats during regular business hours, or taking advantage of one of the 44 mobile clinics near you. For more information, go to www.sbcanimalservices.org/july4.

If you are looking for something fun to do in Goleta on the 4th, head over to the Goleta Valley Historical Society’s Annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July at the Stow House from 11am – 4pm. For more information visit https://goletahistory.org/old-fashioned-4th-july/.

Thank you in advance for being a considerate neighbor this Independence Day and always.

Pictured left-to-right: Goleta Chief of Police Services Lt. Rich Brittingham, City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, and Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig

DRB to Consider Proposed Changes to SB Humane Campus

Attend or Watch Conceptual Design Review on June 13 at 3:00 p.m.

Santa Barbara (SB) Humane, located at 5399 Overpass Road in Goleta, is requesting potential changes to its facilities on the 3.98-acre site. The Design Review Board (DRB) will conduct a Conceptual Design Review of the proposed project on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. to get feedback on building design and site changes. The DRB Agenda and staff report will be available on or before June 8th at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas.

The property owner is considering demolishing and replacing all existing buildings (10 buildings and 1 barn) except the existing education building (renovation only) and relocating the historic Beck House on-site with the removal of the non-historic addition. The applicant is requesting a parking space reduction from 79 required spaces to 65 spaces. The anticipated grading includes 3,700 cubic yards of cut, 280 cubic yards of fill, and 3,420 cubic yards of export. Of the 55 existing trees, 38 trees are proposed for removal, one is proposed to be relocated, and 16 will be protected in place. The site will be landscaped with 57,087 square feet of new landscaping as well.

To be a part of the DRB meeting, you can attend in person in City Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive) or watch the meeting live on the City’s website or on Goleta TV Channel 19. DRB meetings can be viewed live or recorded on our website at www.cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas. Sign up here to have DRB Agendas sent to your inbox. Written submittals concerning agenda items may be sent to the Design Review Board Secretary email: mchang@cityofgoleta.org. In order for public comments to be disseminated to the DRB for consideration during the DRB meeting, written information must be submitted to the DRB no later than 24 hours prior to the DRB meeting if not attending in person or virtually. Communication received after this time may not be reviewed by the DRB prior to the meeting.

Please direct questions and/or comments regarding this project and the DRB Conceptual Review hearing to Associate Planner Travis Lee at tlee@cityofgoleta.org.


Rendering of Proposed SB Humane Campus

City Conducts Annual Tree Maintenance Operations

The City of Goleta conducts year-round maintenance on public trees along streets and in parks and open spaces. In urban areas, trees require regular care to encourage healthy growth, reduce pest infestations, and limit impacts to private property and public infrastructure. With over 14,000 public trees, annual maintenance cannot be completed entirely outside of the bird-nesting season (typically February through August). In addition, a backlog of deferred maintenance and winter storm damage also require tree work to occur during bird nesting season. It’s important to note that prior to beginning any tree maintenance operation, the City takes necessary precautions to reduce impacts to wildlife, including checking for active bird nests. If an active nest is found, the tree will not be pruned and no work will occur in the vicinity of the tree until the bird(s) have matured and left the nest. For more information about Goleta’s Urban Forest, please visit: https://www.cityofgoleta.org/play/parks-recreation-open-spaces/habitat-stewardship-programs/urban-forest.

Pride Flag Up at Three City Locations

In honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Pride flags are up at three city locations: Goleta City Hall, the Goleta Community Center and the Goleta Valley Library. On June 1, Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, and Pacific Pride Foundation Executive Director Kristen Flickinger were among those that had the honor of being present at the raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall. All three said it was a meaningful moment to be a part of.

Mayor Perotte said, “I am proud to be here today to celebrate and to send a message to our residents and everyone who visits Goleta that we are an inclusive city. We are a city that loves and values the LGBTQ+ community, and we are a city that knows we are stronger when we stand together and when we celebrate together.”

Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards said, “The City of Goleta is proud to recognize and celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month with our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer Community. And as a gay man who represents this City, I am especially proud to be standing with you today to raise this flag at City Hall. As you know there are renewed efforts to: ban books displaying positive depictions of LGBTQ+ individuals; to eliminate and control our healthcare choices; to undermine and erode rights grounded in privacy, including the right of same-sex couples to marry and engage in consensual same-sex relationships; and to denigrate drag performances and other Constitutionally-protected actions. Here locally in Santa Barbara County there have been recent protests at private establishments against drag queens reading to children and hateful attacks such as the burning of Pride flags. More than ever we need to speak up against assaults on our community, and it is important that the City take a stand in support of our LGBTQ residents and against hate. By raising this Pride flag we are letting our community know that Goleta is a City where LGBTQ people are welcomed and treated with dignity and respect.”

Flickinger said, “At this moment, when elected officials are being asked to take a stand for the rights of LGBTQ+ people, the City of Goleta is renewing its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, not only during Pride season, but every day. Pacific Pride Foundation is proud to be a partner in this work.”

We hope you will join us at the June 6 City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. for the reading of the official proclamation recognizing June 2023 LGBTQ and Pride Month in the City of Goleta.

LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States have fought for equal treatment, dignity, and respect, and remain determined to pursue full equality, respect, and inclusion for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Despite being marginalized throughout the history of the United States, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to celebrate their identities, love, and contributions in various expressions of Pride. The City Council encourages the Goleta community to join in celebration and appreciation of the LGBTQ+ community.


Mayor Paula Perotte, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, City Manager Robert Nisbet, Assistant City Manager Kristy Schmidt, Pacific Pride Foundation Executive Director Kristen Flickinger, City Board and Commission members and staff at Goleta City Hall. (Not in order) 


Pride Flag at Goleta Valley Library


Pride Flag at Goleta Community Center