Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

New Narcan Distribution Program

Latest county overdose statistics shared

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is sharing its latest data on overdose death statistics in the county, which reveals that the situation continues to escalate. A total of 168 overdose deaths occurred in 2022, with 115 of them being related to fentanyl. This compares to 133 total overdose deaths in 2021, with 78 related to fentanyl. In 2020, there were 113 total overdoses with 37 related to fentanyl.

In light of these alarming statistics, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is taking action. The Sheriff’s Office and Project Opioid, a diverse coalition of community leaders from various disciplines, are committed to addressing the opioid crisis and saving lives. To this end, they are supporting the distribution of Narcan, a drug that reverses the often-lethal effects of an opioid overdose.

Sheriff Bill Brown said, “Narcan is a harmless, yet miraculous drug that reverses the often lethal effects of an opioid overdose. Simply put, it’s easy to use and it saves lives. Making more Narcan available to community members will help us lower the unacceptably high rate of overdose deaths we are seeing in our community and across the nation.”

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a FREE Narcan Distribution Program through the Department of Health Care Services, Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) at the following locations:

  • Sheriff’s Headquarters (4434 Calle Real, Santa Barbara)
  • Carpinteria substation (5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria) 
  • Santa Maria substation (812 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria)

This program aims to distribute Narcan to members of the public and increase awareness about the opioid crisis and the importance of Narcan in saving lives. Members of the public can come to the lobby of one of these three stations during business hours, obtain information about a short instructional video and receive Narcan. This program is free to the public and members of the public are not required to provide personal information to participate.

Tsunami Preparedness

Tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. Out in the depths of the oceans, tsunami waves do not dramatically increase in height. A tsunami gains its height as it travels closer to land and the depth of the water decreases. A majority of Goleta is safe from tsunamis as the city is high enough and far enough away from the ocean to not be severely affected. Where Goleta is vulnerable from tsunamis is at our beaches.

With approximately 110 miles of coastline, Santa Barbara County is susceptible to the impacts of tsunamis. The County of Santa Barbara recognized March 27 through March 31 as Tsunami Preparedness Week.

Being prepared before an emergency is critical and tsunamis are no exception. The County recommends community members take the following actions to prepare:

  • Know the tsunami hazard zones for areas you live and/or visit.
  • People living, visiting, or working in a tsunami hazard area must be aware of the warning signs that indicate potential tsunami activity including a strong earthquake, the ocean withdrawing or rising rapidly, or a loud, roaring sound coming from the sea.
  • Identify an evacuation location that is on high ground or inland, away from the water and accessible by foot. Evacuation sites should be accessible by walking and not dependent on a vehicle. Note: Some beach areas have tsunami evacuation route maps onsite.
  • Practice walking your evacuation routes to make evacuation quicker and easier.
  • Register for emergency alerts from local public safety officials: County of SB and City of Goleta

Although it can be tempting to want to observe tsunami activities or be in the water, it is important to stay out of the water and away from the tsunami hazard zone until public safety officials have deemed it safe to return. The first wave may not be the last or the largest and the danger may last for hours or days.

There are three levels of notifications that exist for tsunamis. People living, visiting, or working in a tsunami hazard area must be aware of the warning signs that indicate potential tsunami activity; there may not be time for public safety officials to send a notification before the effects of a tsunami are felt. Nevertheless, beachgoers should familiarize themselves with the following notifications and follow directions from public officials:

  • Tsunami Watch: A tsunami may later impact the area.
  • Tsunami Advisory: A tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves is imminent, expected, or occurring.
  • Tsunami Warning: A tsunami with the potential to generate widespread inundation is imminent, expected, or occurring. Evacuations of identified tsunami inundation areas will be required.

To learn more about tsunami safety and steps you can take to prepare, visit  https://www.readysbc.org/597/Tsunami. You can also view a California tsunami map at https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/tsunami/maps.

Senior Programs at the GCC

Come check out the Senior Programs available at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue)! Open to anyone 55 and over, there are a number of activities and opportunities you can get involved with including dance, music, fitness, counseling, and food services. View the monthly calendar on the City website at www.CityofGoleta.org/GCC. 

The City of Goleta assumed interim management of the Goleta Community Center on January 1, 2023, in anticipation of the upcoming seismic construction. Due to the construction project, the Goleta Valley Community Center organization had placed senior program on a hiatus until further notice. This past January, the City of Goleta stepped in and coordinated a mini expo to share resources and program opportunities with the seniors of the Goleta Valley and had an amazing response.

If you would like more information, or would like to receive the calendar directly, please contact Kelsey Hamilton, Recreation Supervisor at khamilton@cityofgoleta.org or 805-967-1237.

Pictured: Tai Chi at the GVCC Senior Program in 2022

Splash Pad and Community Garden Coming Soon

The moment many have been waiting for is here. Construction is scheduled to begin this month on two highly anticipated projects in Old Town. Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park will receive an upgrade with the installation of the long-awaited splash pad as well as a few other upgrades such as additional fencing for basketball and pickleball, shade structures over the picnic areas by the soccer field and more. The intent is to keep portions of the park open during construction, when it is safe to do so. 

Just up the street, Armitos Park will soon be home to Goleta’s first Community Garden. 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 and music elements. The entire area will be fenced and open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to sunset every day. In addition, the multi-purpose path adjacent to Jonny D Wallis Neighborhood Park will be extended to Armitos Avenue. 

The contracts were awarded at the City Council meeting on March 21, 2023. If you have any questions about these projects, please contact Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer at jplummer@cityofgoleta.org or 805-562-5505.

How Modernizing Infrastructure Can Help to Capture More Storm Flow

Special from California Department of Water Resources

The series of atmospheric river storms that brought record-breaking amounts of rain and snow in January had many Californians asking if our existing water infrastructure is able to capture and store flows from these extreme weather events. With climate change resulting in stronger storms carrying more water and the possibility of major flooding, the answer is more complicated than one might think.

“As the world gets warmer as a result of climate change, we see a change in the distribution of rain and snow,” said State Climatologist Michael Anderson. “This results in more runoff during the storm event itself, potentially creating a flood hazard and leaving less to run off from the snowpack in the spring for storage in our reservoirs.”

Whether it falls as rain or snow, the majority of that water flows through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta – the center of California’s water distribution system – on its way to the San Francisco Bay. From state and federal pumping facilities in the south Delta, water is lifted into the aqueducts that carry it to the Bay Area, Central Coast, Central Valley and Southern California, to be delivered to 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland.

Regulations govern how much water may be diverted to the aqueducts in order to protect water quality and fisheries. These regulations are based in part on the physical location of the facilities.

The Delta Conveyance Project is a proposed infrastructure modernization project outlined in Governor Newsom’s strategy to adapt California’s water supply for a hotter and drier future. The project is an essential climate adaptation strategy that will help adapt to climate change and aid in ensuring the State Water Project can capture, move and store water during extreme weather events like the nine atmospheric rivers experienced in January.

For example, if the Delta Conveyance Project had been operational during the high rain events of January this year, the modernized conveyance system could have moved 228,000 acre-feet of water into San Luis Reservoir while still meeting fishery and water quality protections and regulations. That’s enough water to supply about 2.3 million people for an entire year and is equivalent to approximately 40 percent of the total State Water Project exports in water year 2022. 

As encouraging as the recent rainfall and snowpack statistics are, state water managers note that drought conditions persist and it will take years to replenish groundwater basins. While the winter season has been positive, the most important measurement of the year will be April 1 when the snowpack is typically at its highest.

“These storms made clear the importance of our efforts to modernize our existing water infrastructure for an era of intensified drought and flood,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “What we need to be positioned to do in California is move water when it’s available because moving and storing that water is going to help California weather longer and deeper droughts.”

View the Santa Barbara County Fact Sheet here.

Economic Development Community Forum April 19

5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers and via Zoom

A thriving economy is a critical component to the success of a city.  That’s why the City of Goleta is developing a new Five-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan and wants community input. Please join us for a hybrid Community Forum on April 19 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive) and via Zoom. We will be reviewing the Draft Plan and want your input. Specifically, we want to know: Is there anything that is missing? Should anything be adjusted? Which elements are on the right track?

For the past year we have been working with a community-led strategic planning team to develop the Draft Plan. Economic development is attracting and growing businesses, creating, and retaining jobs, and making our communities a better place to live.

In September 2022, the City released a survey to gather input and ideas from businesses, non-profits, organizations, residents, visitors and everyone who has a stake in the economic future of Goleta. Feedback received was incorporated into the Draft Plan. The perspectives and ideas of the community and stakeholders are essential for the creation of the plan and will help inform and guide the development of not only the City’s long-term economic vision, but actionable strategies and initiatives.

We hope to see you on April 19. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ryan Kintz, Assistant to the City Manager, at rkintz@cityofgoleta.org.

GVAA Celebrates 60 Years of “Bringing Art to the Community”

The Goleta Valley Art Association (GVAA) celebrated 60 years of “Bringing Art to the Community” with a special luncheon on Saturday, March 11, at the Glen Annie Golf Club. More than 50 local artists and guests attended, highlighted by a presentation of a proclamation honoring the anniversary presented by Goleta Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards.

The program portion of the event featured highlights of the organizations past 60 years, including its founding by a small group of artists in 1963, led by Warren Fuller, who mounted their first showing at a bank in Goleta. Douglass Parshall was elected as the first president that year.

GVAA president Elizabeth U. Flanagan said, “We are delighted to be able to gather with fellow members and friends in the community for our first annual luncheon since 2019 to celebrate 60 years of fulfilling our mission to bring art to the community.” Flanagan is one of 46 to serve as president over the organizations 60 years. Flanagan began her service as president in 2017.

The organization’s first meeting place was the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce office with 16 members. More recently, the organization has had showings at the Goleta Valley Library (GVL), Faulkner Gallery at the Santa Barbara Public Library, La Cumbre Plaza, Camino Real Marketplace and various galleries in Santa Barbara. Show sponsors have included Art Essentials, Limousine Link, Voice Magazine, La Cumbre Plaza and Camino Real Marketplace.

With a current membership of more than 200 local artists, GVAA maintained its activity during the first years of the pandemic by presenting shows and sales on their website, www.thegoletavalleyartassociation.org.   

For many years prior to the pandemic, members of GVAA provided after-school art instruction to students in the Goleta Union School District. As the community continues to return to this type of pre-pandemic activity, members are hoping to resume their volunteer roles in providing this important instruction to young people in the community.

GVAA resumed in-person shows in 2022 at both libraries. A current exhibition/sale is at the Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Ave) April 1 – 26. Library/show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

A unique activity of the GVAA is a critique presented by the juror of each show providing specific professional guidance to each artist.  

“These critiques, provided through the generosity of our jurors, amount to nothing less than master classes with some of the best artists in our region,” stated Terre Martin Sanitate, vice president who oversees the organization of the exhibitions. “They are an invaluable resource for GVAA members.”

For more information about the organization and how to join, visit www.thegoletavalleyartassociation.org.

Pictured above: Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards presenting the proclamation to GVAA President Elizabeth Flanagan


GVAA Celebration


GVAA Board Members

Celebrate Earth Day with Beautify Goleta on April 22

Over 4,000 Pounds of Trash Collected at March Beautify Goleta Event 

Save the date for the City’s next Beautify Goleta on April 22 to coincide with “Earth Day.” We hope you will volunteer for this community wide clean-up event. The Spotlight area is Stow Grove Park and surrounding neighborhoods, but you can volunteer to help beautify Goleta anywhere throughout the City. A special thanks to our Spotlight Captains Goleta Rotary Club and Community West Bank.

Beautify Goleta will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22. All volunteers will get to take home a “Plastic Free Goleta” reusable utensil kit. The Spotlight area includes a bulky item pick-up from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. where nearby residents can drop off large items they no longer want.

Our last Beautify Goleta event on March 25 was very successful with over 4,000 pounds of trash collected! Forty-eight volunteers collected 257 pounds of trash as part of the community cleanup. Volunteers collected a wide range of items including bottles, cans, bottle caps, cigarettes, plastic bags, straws, wrappers, and take out containers.  

The Bulky Item Drop Off event was in Old Town at the Community West Bank Parking lot (5827 Hollister Avenue). There were 14 vehicle drop offs, resulting in 3,857 pounds of bulky items being collected.

A special thank you to our Beautify Goleta Captains including Amanda Cobb with Habitat Santa Barbara, Jerry Lucera with Waypoint Church, and City of Goleta Public Engagement Commissioner Susan Klein-Rothschild. We also want to thank our partners at MarBorg Industries, Big Green Cleaning, and the Caltrans Clean California program for their ongoing support. 

Please help us make the April 22nd Earth Day event even better and volunteer with us! The City is also looking for more Captains. Captains can be clubs, businesses, community groups, or individuals that help keep a group of volunteers organized on event day. For more information on being a Captain please email EnvironmentalServices@CityOfGoleta.org. To learn more about Beautify Goleta and sign up to volunteer on April 22, go to www.CityofGoleta.org/BeautifyGoleta.

Spotlight Captain Amanda Cobb with Habitat Santa Barbara gets Goleta Rotary Club volunteers ready for action; photo courtesy of Habitat Santa Barbara

Help Us get a Clean California Grant to Beautify Old Town

Take Our Survey by April 14 to Provide Feedback

The City of Goleta needs your help in obtaining a Clean California Local Grant. The City would use the grant funds for projects to reduce trash and pollution and beautify Old Town Goleta. We are seeking community input on the types of projects the City should do if we receive the grant, such as adding additional free bulky item picks up, planting drought tolerant plants, putting up art installations, and more. Tell us your preferences by completing our survey by Friday, April 14, 2023.

Caltrans developed the Clean California Local Grant Program to beautify and improve local streets and roads, tribal lands, parks, pathways, and transit centers. Through the combination of adding beautification measures and art in public spaces along with the removal of litter and debris, this effort will enhance communities and improve spaces for walking and recreation.

The goals of the Clean California Local Grant Program are to:

  • Reduce the amount of waste and debris within public rights-of-way, pathways, parks, transit centers, and other public spaces.
  • Enhance, rehabilitate, restore, or install measures to beautify and improve public spaces and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
  • Enhance public health, cultural connection, and community placemaking by improving public spaces for walking and recreation.
  • Advance equity for underserved communities.

After the survey closes, the City will submit a grant application to Caltrans. We will be notified if we receive the funds in the fall.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Provide Input on the City’s CDBG Action Plan

Public Review Period is Open now through April 17th

Every year the City of Goleta looks forward to helping those in our community in need using funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The Draft Action Plan outlines the City’s strategy for pursuing the overall goals of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide decent housing; to establish and maintain a suitable living environment; and to expand economic revitalization opportunities. The Action Plan also contains identifiable benchmarks for measuring progress through goals, objectives and community development strategies to meet the City’s housing needs and to provide services to the low-income, homeless and special needs populations within the City. The Draft 2023-2024 Action Plan also sets forth funding allocations for the 2023-2024 planning period. The review period provides an opportunity for the public to offer their views and recommendations to the City on the subject of CDBG funded housing and community development related activities. The draft Action Plan can be viewed here. For more information on the CDBG program, go to www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/neighborhood-services/grants/.

Comments on the draft Action Plan are being accepted during a 30-day public review period which began on March 17, 2023, and will end on April 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Comments should be submitted to: City of Goleta, Neighborhood Services Department, Attn: Shanna Dawson, 130 Cremona Drive, Goleta, CA 93117 or emailed to sdawson@cityofgoleta.org.

About the Community Development Block Grant

On an annual basis the City receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the CDBG program which is intended to be used to assist low-income citizens, people experiencing homelessness, youth and seniors with essential services such as medical and dental care, food security, counseling, homelessness assistance and prevention, case management and other needs.

The City also uses the majority of its CDBG allocation on capital projects that will benefit low- to moderate-income people and the disabled. Projects have included renovating City facilities and parks to meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) access standards, install sidewalks in areas where they are lacking, and adding crosswalks.