Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

You are Invited to Goleta Public Works Event on May 24

Community Event May 24, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Camino Real Marketplace

Mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate National Public Works Week (May 21 – 27) with staff from the City of Goleta’s Public Works department! Join us for a free interactive community event on Wednesday, May 24 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Camino Real Marketplace (7004 Market Place Drive). It’s a great opportunity to meet our stellar Public Works team and partner agencies, ask questions and learn about the many upcoming projects in the works. There will be interactive activities, equipment show-and-tell, information tables, giveaways and more.

Public Works is the thread that connects us all, no matter where we live in the world. That’s why this year’s theme, “Connecting the World Through Public Works” is fitting. Public Works professionals strive to improve the quality of life for the community they serve, leading to healthier, happier communities.

We have never been more grateful for our Goleta Public Works team for being there for our community around the clock. A prime example was their response during the recent storms. Goleta Public Works staff went above and beyond to make sure our community was safe with their storm preparation, monitoring, and cleanup efforts.  

It’s never been a busier time for our City of Goleta Public Works department. We encourage you to bring your family and friends and show your support for the great work they do at this fun and educational event!

We can’t wait to see you at the Camino Real Marketplace on May 24th.  

Thank Our City Clerks Team during Municipal Clerks Week

City Clerk Marks 20 Year Milestone

The City of Goleta wants to take this opportunity to recognize and commend our dedicated Goleta City Clerks Division during Professional Municipal Clerks Week which runs from April 30 through May 6. Making this year even more special is the fact that our long-time City Clerk, Deborah Lopez, is celebrating 20 years of distinguished service, 18 of those years in this leadership position. 

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Deborah Lopez has been with the City of Goleta almost since its beginning and our city has flourished under her guidance in this critical government position. Her attention to detail, flexibility and professionalism is beyond what we could ever hope for or imagine. We applaud Deborah and her team for the outstanding work they do day in and day out to keep our city running smoothly.”

City Clerk Deborah Lopez said, “I love my job and feel grateful to have such a great supportive team and to serve as the City Clerk of such a wonderful place.” 

Deborah Lopez started with the City as an Administrative Assistant in 2003. She served as an Accounting Specialist and Deputy City Clerk before being hired as the City Clerk in 2005. Deborah grew up in the Stockton area and worked in the private sector before starting with the City. Deborah is the mother of six and grandmother of 14. She is especially proud that one of her children followed in her footsteps and is also a City Clerk.

The Goleta City Clerks Division team also includes Deputy City Clerks Liana Campos, David Cutaia and Public Records Specialist Blake Markum. If you want to brighten their day and let them know what a great job they are doing, please consider sending an email to CityClerkGroup@cityofgoleta.org. To thank Deborah Lopez, send an email to dlopez@cityofgoleta.org or go to our Facebook page (facebook.com/cityofgoleta) and leave her a comment on this post.

The City Clerks Division is the backbone of any city. The Division serves as the information center for functions of local government and provides a professional link between community members, local governing bodies, and agencies of government at all levels. The Division is also the Historian of the Records, taking care of the recorded history of the City.

The Division is responsible for all City Council meetings, including maintaining a record of the proceedings. The team did a tremendous job of transitioning to hybrid meetings (offering both in person and virtual meetings) since the pandemic and just in the past year has held over 100 hybrid meetings.

The City Clerks Division also oversees all ordinances, resolutions, proclamations, written contracts, official bonds and public records requests. In addition, the City Clerk serves as the election official for the City of Goleta, and the Division was instrumental in the City’s recent transition to District Elections. The Division oversees the City’s seven Council-appointed Boards, Commissions and Committees; and much more.

Learn more about the City Clerks Division at www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/city-clerk.

It’s amazing all that our Clerks Team handles, and we owe each of them a debt of gratitude. 

Pictured at top: City Clerk Deborah Lopez


City Clerk Team (left-to-right): Public Records Specialist Blake Markum, City Clerk Deborah Lopez, Deputy City Clerks David Cutaia and Liana Campos

“Light Up Green” in Honor of Mental Health Month in May

Santa Barbara County will be joining other counties, and our nation, in lighting up buildings in lime green as one of many events occurring throughout the month of May in honor of May is Mental Health Month. Be sure to get out after dark and see the buildings lit up around town! Light Up Green aims to show community members that nobody is alone facing mental health challenges.

For Mental Health Month this year, Mental Health America is encouraging individuals to look around and look within. From your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to mental health. We encourage everyone to consider how the world around them affects their mental health.  Fact sheets which can be downloaded, that support this year’s theme and further explore the environment impact on our mental health, include: Healthy Home Environments, Safe and Stable Housing and The Outdoors and Nature.

A variety of events will be taking place throughout the community over the course of the month, beginning with the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors proclaiming May as Mental Health Month at its May 2 meeting. View more events here: https://tinyurl.com/yvpjuwxa.

What can you do to recognize May as Mental Health Month?

If you are suffering from mental health issues, you are not alone. Help is always available; speak with someone today. 988 is a national crisis line which can be reached by phone or text.  The Behavioral Wellness toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 868-1649 for assistance in receiving services. To learn more about County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, please visit http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.

Check Twice for Motorcycles

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

During May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Goleta Police Department reminds drivers to always look twice for motorcycles.

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

  • Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
  • Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
  • If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.
  • Remember, lane sharing or lane splitting is legal in California.

Motorcyclists

  • Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
  • Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
  • Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
  • Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office provides police services for the City of Goleta.

Goleta Crime Down According to New Crime Stats

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has released the 2022 crime statistics for the communities it serves. Each year the Sheriff’s Office compiles statistics about crimes occurring within the communities it serves and submits this information to the State of California. Reports are broken down into two major categories: Part 1 crimes, which are the most serious in nature, and Part 2 crimes, which includes a number of lesser criminal offenses and some juvenile status offenses.  Part 1 crimes are further broken down into two subcategories: violent crimes and property crimes.  Part 1 violent crimes are offenses that involve force or a threat of force and include criminal homicide, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.  Part 1 property crimes are theft-related offenses that do not involve threats or force against the victim, including burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Here are the Part 1 crime rates for 2022, broken down by unincorporated area or contract city, and compared to the previous year:

  • Goleta: 16% decrease in overall crime; 43% decrease in violent crime (37 less crimes); 12% increase in property crime.
  • Unincorporated areas: 8% decrease in overall crime; 8% increase in violent crime (19 additional crimes); 10% decrease in property crime.
  • Buellton: 35% decrease in overall crime; 40% decrease in violent crime (4 less crimes); 35% decrease in property crime.
  • Carpinteria: 20% decrease in overall crime; 41% increase in violent crime (9 additional crimes); 26% decrease in property crime.
  • Solvang: 11% decrease in overall crime; 33% increase in violent crime (3 additional crimes); 16% decrease in property crime.

After experiencing three years of increasing crime rates, the communities served by the Sheriff’s Office experienced a 12% decrease in overall Part 1 violent crime, which is 6% lower than the preceding 10-year average. The most significant decreases in violent crime, as compared to last year, occurred in homicide (33% decrease), rape (16% decrease) and robbery (18% decrease).

Part 1 property crimes also decreased significantly from the previous year by 13%, which is also a 7% decrease against the 10-year average. Statistically relevant decreases in Part 1 property crime, when compared to the previous year, were seen in burglary (23% decrease), theft (11% decrease), and motor vehicle theft (25% decrease).  Arson cases rose by 157% due to 11 cases more than the previous year.  Many of these cases were generated by city or county Fire Departments who responded to illegal fires within the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction.

Moving to Part 2 crimes, there was a 10% decrease overall when comparing to the previous year (2021), with almost all categories declining or remaining statistically similar. The largest reductions were seen in the areas of Weapons (11% decrease), Drugs (14% decrease), and Liquor Laws (55% decrease).

Sheriff Brown said, “The Sheriff’s Office is pleased to see these overall decreases in the number of reported crimes throughout our county. This is a trend that we welcome and believe is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement and custody professionals, as well as our partnerships with the people we serve and protect. There is still work to be done to ensure that Santa Barbara County remains a safe place to live and work, but we are encouraged by the progress that has been made. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to work diligently to maintain this positive trend.

The Sheriff’s Office is honored to provide policing services for the cities of Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, and Solvang. The Sheriff’s Office attributes its effectiveness in maintaining public safety within each of these cities to ongoing collaboration with their city councils, leadership teams, and residents.

Learn more about the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at www.SBSheriff.org.

Measure A Funding for Goleta Projects

The City of Goleta now has a roadmap on how to use Measure A funding over the next five years. On April 18, 2023, the Goleta City Council adopted a Measure A Five-Year Program of Projects (POP). The City is required to prepare and adopt this five-year capital expenditure program in order to receive its annual allocation of Measure A tax revenues. The POP determines how the revenues will be spent by the City. Over the next five years, the City plans to split its share of the Measure A tax revenues amongst several categories, the largest three being: Maintenance, Improvement or Construction of Roadways & Bridges (20%); Storm Damage Repair to Transportation Facilities (13%); and Traffic Signal Coordination, Intersection Channelization (19%).

Measure A, Santa Barbara County’s local transportation half cent sales tax measure, was approved by 79% of Santa Barbara County voters in November 2008. Measure A is projected to collect $1.6 billion through 2040. With additional state/federal funding leveraged in the fiscal year, over $66 million was invested in voter approved transportation projects and programs countywide. Santa Barbara County Association of Governments recently released its 2022 annual report on Measure A programs and projects in April 2023. Read the report here: https://bit.ly/3Ukc3ZD.

Voters approved a slate of projects and programs for Measure A and spending is divided into three categories: 13.4% to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety on Highway 101 and 43.3% each for North County and South Coast for high priority transportation projects including local street improvements, increasing transportation opportunities for transit dependent residents including the elderly and disabled, building safer walking and bike routes to school and providing increased opportunities for carpool and vanpool programs.

The public can visit www.measurea.net to learn more about Measure A transportation projects and programs and benefits for residents in the region or visit https://bit.ly/3Ukc3ZD to download the 2022 Annual Report.

Monarch Butterflies – How Can We Help?

Special May 12 Event at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History to Focus on Ecology and Enhancement of Monarch Butterfly Habitat

The City of Goleta and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (SBMNH) present a very special event, “Monarch Butterflies – How Can We Help?” on Friday, May 12, from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the SBMNH Fleischmann Auditorium (2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara). This is a free event to provide information to the community on this important topic. Space is limited – RSVP today at www.CityofGoleta.org/butterfly-forum to reserve your seat.

Come learn about monarch butterflies from the scientists working to help them. Brief presentations will be made on the following topics:

  • Monarch Butterflies and the Significance of Ellwood Mesa – Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
  • How Science and Technology Can Inform Habitat Improvements – Althouse & Meade, Creekside Science
  • Ellwood Mesa Stewardship – City of Goleta

Questions from the audience will follow the speakers. Afterward, stay and speak with the presenters and others working to manage natural resources in our region.  Also learn about how you can help monarch butterflies and habitat stewardship at Ellwood Mesa. Additional participants include the City’s monarch habitat consultant team, Santa Barbara Audubon Society, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, and more.

The monarch butterfly event is part of the City of Goleta’s renewed commitment to help the community participate in its efforts to improve habitat, access, and overall stewardship at Ellwood Mesa. The City of Goleta is positioned to be a leader in western monarch butterfly conservation. Ellwood Mesa is one of the premier habitats for the iconic butterfly and the City is proposing large-scale habitat enhancement, including replanting thousands of trees and native plants, while also addressing urgent concerns of high fire risk caused by the recent severe drought.  The City is building a dedicated Ellwood Mesa portal on the City’s website to share information as they move through the permitting process and begin implementing these critical projects. Visitors to the site will find project information, frequently asked questions, and timely updates on the work as it proceeds. In the coming weeks and months, they will add more detailed information, so visitors are encouraged to check back often. Visit the new portal at www.CityofGoleta.org/Ellwood. 

Funding for the implementation of the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan is provided by the California State Coastal Conservancy. The Coastal Conservancy is a California state agency, established in 1976, to protect and improve natural lands and waterways, to help people get to and enjoy the outdoors, and to sustain local economies along California’s coast. It acts with others to protect and restore, and increase public access to, California’s coast, ocean, coastal watersheds, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Its vision is of a beautiful, restored, and accessible coast for current and future generations of Californians.

Funding for fire prevention activities in and near Ellwood Mesa (Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazard Fuel Reduction) is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

Goleta Resident Turns 100!

Each birthday is a blessing, and more so if you are a centenarian. Last month, John Seagoe celebrated his 100th birthday with a special celebration from Welcome Home Military Heroes where he received a proclamation from Mayor Paula Perotte acknowledging the milestone.

Welcome Home Military Heroes helped John’s family organize the event in honor of his 100th birthday. Family, friends, and community members were all in attendance and surprised John with a “Veteran Vehicle Salute”.

John Seagoe was born on April 9, 1923, and is the grandson of Stephen and Agnes Rutherford, whose family is deep rooted in Goleta’s history.

Being a man of “The Greatest Generation,” John enlisted in the Navy to serve during the Second World War where he developed a life-long love of airplanes. After the war, John met and married the love of his life, Ruth, a student at Teachers College in Santa Barbara. John and Ruth settled into a quiet life in Santa Barbara where they raised four children in the home John designed and built in the Hope Ranch Annex area.

In 1970, John invested in a small startup company with his two son-in-laws that became known as Big Brand Tire Company. After retirement, John devoted time as a teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and lay minister. He has always loved the outdoors, including fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and walking around the Maravilla grounds.

John’s legacy includes four children, seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 4.5 great-great-grandchildren who call him “Botzy”.

The City of Goleta wishes John Seagoe a very Happy 100th Birthday and wishes him health and joy on this special occasion.

Decide the Future of Vehicle Charging Stations

Regional transportation planning officials are inviting feedback on the Central Coast Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy through June 9. The draft strategy identifies recommended locations for new vehicle charging stations and unique challenges with zero emission infrastructure in six central coast counties between Ventura, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties.

California announced a requirement in August 2022 that all new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the state must be electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids by 2035.

Insight drawn from over 7,000 visits to an online interactive mapping tool last fall helped shape the central coast strategy.

Santa Barbara County saw a high volume of requests for charging infrastructure at shopping centers, recreation sites, and along the U.S. Highway 101. Participants noted that the lack of charging stations on U.S. Highway 101 Southbound and U.S. Highway 166.

The strategy was also informed by meaningful information gained from in-depth focus groups, designed to gain valuable feedback and ideas on how to move forward.

“It’s clear from the feedback we received in Santa Barbara County that workplace charging infrastructure is lagging behind demand, and this is an issue that needs to be addressed,” said Jenelle Osborne, chair of Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and Lompoc mayor “The absence of charging facilities in multi-family housing developments is also proving to be a significant obstacle for some drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles and highlights the need for investment in more charging solutions which are tailored specifically for these types of living environments.”

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, Association of Monterey Bay Governments, and San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, partnered to develop the Central Coast Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy along with the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey Santa Cruz, and San Benito in the California Central Coast. The strategy will be considered for approval by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors in July.

Central coast transportation planning officials are gearing up to take advantage of the strategy’s recommendations to seek public and private funding that will support the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the region to support the traveling public.

The public is invited to provide feedback and engage in a conversation about the draft strategy during the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors meeting at 10 a.m. on May 18 and July 20 in Santa Maria at the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room at 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Details on how to participate remotely in Santa Barbara and online will be published on the SBCAG Board of Directors agenda at least 48 hours prior to the meeting available at www.sbcag.org

Comments on the draft Central Coast Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy can also be submitted in writing until 5 p.m. on Friday, June 9. Written comments can be submitted via U.S. Postal Service to 260 N. San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110; or electronically by emailing info@sbcag.org. The public can also add comments to the online interactive map, which can be accessed through the project website.

The public can visit www.centralcoastzevstrategy.com for further information and to view the draft strategy and access the online interactive map.

County Launches Climate Resilient Campaign

Helps residents explore actions to reduce carbon footprint

The County of Santa Barbara, in partnership with local cities, is making it easier for residents to take steps to address the climate crisis by launching the Climate Resilient Santa Barbara campaign (www.climateresilientsbc.org). The campaign provides an online platform with a comprehensive list of actions residents can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resiliency and create stronger community connections.  Each action category provides specific steps, educational tools and information on existing programs and financial incentives.

“Local residents want to take action to save our environment but aren’t always sure how. It is challenging to research electric vehicle or heat pump technologies and incentives. Climate Resilient Santa Barbara County provides them with a blueprint,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Das Williams. “The County is transitioning our fleet to zero-emission vehicles, adding solar and storage to our facilities and diverting waste – we call upon our residents to take similar steps to meet our climate goals and we have incentives to help them do so.”

The first step for users is to create a profile and enter information about their home and activities to establish their carbon footprint. Users can then act on their own or create a team or community group and explore actions together.  Action categories on the platform include topics like Clean Energy Home; Be Water Wise; Eat Green & Waste Less; Shift Your Ride; and Resilience. The online platform also tracks individual carbon reductions and financial savings which roll up to community-wide impacts.

“What I love about Climate Resilient SBC is that it empowers community members to become leaders and self-organize to take action on climate,” said Ashley Watkins, County Sustainability Division Chief. “County and city staff will support these efforts by helping to train community leaders and providing topic specific workshops”.

The initiative will help support the work of the County’s One Climate Initiative which includes the County’s 2030 Climate Action Plan among other climate related planning efforts. The County is launching the initiative in partnership with the cities of Carpinteria and Santa Barbara, the Tri-County Regional Energy Network, Central Coast Community Energy, Santa Barbara County Regional Climate Collaborative, Community Environmental Council and Ecology Action.  It is part of a larger six county initiative called Resilient Central Coast that spans from Santa Cruz to Ventura. Residents located in other counties can connect with their local platform at www.resilientcentralcoast.org.

Santa Barbara County residents should check out the Climate Resilient SBC website, the website is also available in Spanish, Explorar acciones en español.