Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Public Health Updates to COVID-19 Guidance

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is following the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated guidance for residents. With the end to California’s COVID-19 state of emergency, state health officials have announced updates to several pandemic-era public health orders and guidelines related to vaccines, masking, isolation and quarantine will take effect in the coming days and weeks.

CHANGES: CDPH is making the following changes to existing COVID-19 guidance.

Masking in High-risk and Health Care Settings

Beginning April 3, masks will no longer be required in indoor high-risk and health care settings. This includes health care, long-term care, and correctional facilities as well as homeless, emergency, and warming and cooling centers. This change takes effect on Monday, April 3 to allows individual health care facilities to develop and implement plans customized to their needs and local conditions to continue to protect residents through the end of the winter virus season. Recommendations for the use of face masks for individuals remain unchanged. See masking guidance. ​CDPH OSHA

Vaccine Requirements for Health Care Workers

Beginning April 3, with federal rules continuing to ensure that most health care workers remain vaccinated for COVID-19, the state will no longer require vaccination for health care workers including those in adult care, direct care, correctional facilities, and detention centers. This change takes effect on Monday, April 3 facilities to develop and implement plans customized to their needs and local conditions to continue to protect residents through the end of the winter virus season. CDPH  OSHA

Reduced Isolation Time After Positive COVID-19 Test

Beginning March 13, a COVID-19 positive person may end isolation after five days if they feel well, have improving symptoms, and are fever-free for 24 hours, with less emphasis on testing negative. This change aligns with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and CDPH recommendations and takes effect today Monday, March 13. CDPH OSHA

RESOURCES REMAIN AVAILABLE: Access to Vaccines, Testing and Treatment

COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatment continue to be available through providers and some pharmacies and at some sites within local communities. Visit MyTurn to find services in your area. Individuals who are uninsured or can’t get timely treatment can call 833-686-5051 or visit sesamecare.com/covidca.

Treatment publichealthsbc.org/test-to-treat/

Vaccines publichealthsbc.org/vaccine/

Testing publichealthsbc.org/testing/

Additional Resources

Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 regulations took effect on February 3, 2023. 

CalOSHA FAQs for COVID-19 Prevention regulations adopted on February 3, 2023.

K–12 Guidance 2022–23 School Year (ca.gov)
Note: One big change that will impact schools is reduced isolation time for individuals recovering from COVID-19. Beginning March 13, a person who has tested positive needs to isolate at home for just five days rather than 10 — regardless of testing — as long as they’re feeling well, have improving symptoms and are fever-free for 24 hours. 

Zip Books Program Resumes at Goleta Valley Library

We are excited to announce that Zip Books are back!

What is the Zip Book Program? Let us share the latest way that you can get books that aren’t in our collection.

Patrons with a Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries card in good standing can complete a form to request books, large print books, or books on CD to be mailed directly to their home from an Amazon bookseller. Zip Books are purchased with grant funds made available through the California State Library, so payment is not required for your requests.

To be eligible for the Zip Book Program, your request must meet this criteria:

  • Title is not already owned by the Goleta Valley Library, Solvang Library, Buellton Library or Isla Vista Bookvan
  • Title must be available from Amazon for less than $50 in print or large print formats, or less than $75 in book on CD format.
  • Requests are limited to FIVE books per household per month. There is no due date; items should be returned in-person to your home library when finished reading with a note that says “Zip Book Return.” Please do not return Zip Books in the book drops.

Ready to get started? Complete our Zip Books Request form here.

Questions? Email zipbooks@cityofgoleta.org

Happy reading!

This Project is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

Goleta Valley Library’s First Director Retires After Long Career

After 37 years of library work, 15 of those at the Goleta Valley Library, Director Allison Gray has retired; her last day was March 24, 2023. The City of Goleta wants to express its sincere appreciation to Ms. Gray for the positive impact she has made during her tenure.

Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Her commitment to the importance of literacy and accessibility will continue to benefit Goleta for generations to come.”  

Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez said, “Words don’t do justice to her magnificent career. Ms. Gray is incredibly bright and caring for her staff, the library, and our community.”

Corinne Horowitz, President of the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library group, said, “Allison has been a wonderful Director. She is very understanding of and responsive to the needs of the patrons, and always been helpful to the Friends and our group of volunteers.”

Ms. Gray’s passion for public libraries has always been a life-long affair. She said, “My mother was a public library director in East Hampton, New York, and I am proud to have followed in her very big shoes. That’s 59 years of being backstage in libraries.”

Ms. Gray’s library journey began in 1987 as a Library Assistant in East Hampton. After receiving her Masters Degree in Library Science, she found work on Long Island as the Head of Children’s Services and Assistant Director at South County Library in Bellport, New York. Following this, she became Library Director for the John Jermain Memorial Library in Sag Harbor, New York, until moving to California in 2008. After a brief time in Palmdale, she joined the Goleta Valley Library as Branch Supervisor, a role she held for 10 years until being promoted to Library Director.

A staunch advocate of youth literacy and user accessibility, Ms. Gray also served on various committees that included the 2001 Newberry Award Committee, 2009 Caldecott Committee, Notable Children’s Books Committee, Notable Children’s Audio Recordings Committee, Batchelder Award for Best Children’s Book Translated from a Foreign Language, Best Books for Reluctant Readers (Teens), and also chaired the 2023 Excellence in Non-Fiction for Teens Book Award.

Ms. Gray’s experience and dedication helped lead the Goleta Valley Library System through the COVID-19 closures. She was recently presented with a City Tile at the Library’s 50 Years at Fairview Celebration event on March 11, 2023.

At her last City Council meeting on March 9, 2023, Ms. Gray said, “I know that the library will continue the tradition of excellent customer service. I really appreciate having had the opportunity to work for the City of Goleta and help carry the library services forward.”

On behalf of the City of Goleta and the lives you have impacted, we want to wish Allison Gray a well-deserved retirement. 


Pictured left-to-right: Library Director Allison Gray with her City Tile, Mayor Paula Perotte, and Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez

Golden Celebration for Library’s 50 Years at Fairview Event

Watch Video Highlight Reel of the Milestone Event

While Saturdays are typically a popular day at the Goleta Valley Library (GVL) located at 500 N. Fairview Avenue, Saturday, March 11, 2023, was especially busy. Patrons of all ages gathered for the GVL’s 50th at Fairview celebration. Throughout the two-hour event, patrons came to pay tribute to a library that has given so much to the community over the past five decades. Watch a recap of the special afternoon here: https://youtu.be/oA7e1cSK7PQ.

Mayor Paula Perotte, joined by the entire Goleta City Council, issued a proclamation for the GVL in recognition of its golden birthday and rich history of serving the community. She said, “It’s a pleasure to see so many people here today and so many different faces and ages. Why? Because you all enjoy and love this library. It’s more than just a library with books, it’s a library of things. It’s a safe place, a safe environment, for anyone to come and mingle and gather. We are so very fortunate to have this library.”

Community leaders with special connections to the GVL who shared their thoughts on this meaningful occasion included Santa Barbara County Supervisors Joan Hartmann and Laura Capps, Ethan Bertrand from Assemblymember Gregg Hart’s Office, Library Advisory Commissioner Lori Goodman, Friends of the Goleta Valley Library President Corinne Horowitz, Goleta Union School District Superintendent Diana Roybal and Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martin whose 1st District includes GVL. The speakers all echoed the importance of having access to a public library and the impact it can have not just on one’s life, but the community as a whole. They praised the work of the Library staff and the more than 100 volunteers who keep the place running smoothly.  

A highlight of the event was finding out that one of the guests attending, Judy Arbuckle, took part in moving books into the library 50 years ago when it opened. She received a round of applause from the audience and shared some of her memories.

Another special moment came when Mayor Perotte and Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez presented outgoing Library Director Allison Gray, who is retiring on March 24, 2023, with a City Tile. After 36 years of working in library service including 15 years at the GVL, leaving is bittersweet for Ms. Gray. Many guests wore the color gray in honor of her.

Jaime Valdez said, “Allison is a gem of a person. She really wants to leave the library in good shape when she leaves because that is the kind of person she is. She is making sure we are prepared for the next 50 years.”

Allison Gray, said, “What makes this library great are three things. The staff who care so much about the people who come to the library. The volunteers, without whom we would be sunk. Thirdly are the users. We are so glad we have been able to provide such great customer service to you. I look forward to joining you as a patron soon.”

Following the tributes, the attendees sang Happy 50th Birthday to the library and cheered with sparkling apple cider and mini-cupcakes.

Guests were entertained throughout the event by library staff member Nicole Lvoff and Joe Woodard. Attendees also participated in a “My Favorite Thing about the Goleta Valley Library” activity, photo station, scavenger hunt and signature frame.

“50 Years at Fairview” commemorative bookmarks were also handed out. If you were unable to attend, you can still pick up a bookmark at the library while supplies last.

Thank you to everyone who attended this special event and for your support of our Goleta Valley Library.

Group photo (left-to-right): GUSD Superintendent Dr. Diana Galindol-Roybal, Ethan Bertrand (Assemblymember Gregg Hart’s representative), 1st District Councilmember Luz Reyes- Martín, Library Director Allison Gray, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez, 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps, Mayor Paula Perotte, Friends of the Goleta Valley Library President Corinne Horowitz, Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards, 2nd District Councilmember James Kyriaco and Library Advisory Commissioner Lori Goodman


Library Director Allison Gray with her City Tile


Nicole Lvoff and Joe Woodard performing


Photo station


“My Favorite Thing about GVL” activity


Judy Arbuckle, original GVL at Fairview staff member


“Cheers to 50 Years” group toast

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Get Off Your Apps!

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Goleta Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s handsfree cell phone law.

“Holding your phone and using it while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” Sergeant Noel Rivas said. “Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat. Anywhere you can’t reach.”

According to the 2022 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 72% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued nearly 56,000 citations for distracted driving.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle or even at a red light. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call, text, email, or in a situation with other distractions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.

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

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.

City’s Parking Permit Program Returns for Deltopia

April 7 – 9 in Neighborhoods Closest to Isla Vista

The City of Goleta’s parking permit program returns for Deltopia, Isla Vista’s unsanctioned street party. Deltopia is usually held the weekend after students return from their Spring break and is anticipated for Friday, April 7th through Sunday, April 9th. Over the past several years, a temporary permit-only on-street parking program for residents near Isla Vista was implemented and deemed successful in dissuading partygoers from parking in the Goleta neighborhoods closest to Isla Vista and easing the impacts felt by residents. 

Parking permits are issued for the Goleta neighborhoods closest to Isla Vista: University 1 and University 2 neighborhoods, including the Cannon Green Condominium complex. The boundaries are: Cannon Green Drive to the west, Hollister Avenue to the north, Storke Road to the east and Whittier Drive to the south.

Affected households will have received two passes in their mailbox. The parking permits are required to be taped to the inside of the vehicle’s driver’s side window during the restricted hours (see below). Signage will be posted on the streets in advance to remind drivers, and electronic message boards will be at several entrances to the University 1 and 2 neighborhoods. Vehicles not displaying the appropriate permit will be subject to ticketing and/or towing. Parking restrictions are for Friday and Saturday nights, when most party-goers are expected to be in the area:

  • 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2023; and
  • 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 2022, to 7:00 a.m. Sunday, April 9, 2022

Should Deltopia move to the following weekend, the restrictions will be in place from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 14 to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, April 15 and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 to 7:00 a.m. Sunday, April 16.

The overnight parking restrictions will not affect those visiting Girsh Park. If you have any questions, please contact the City of Goleta Neighborhood Services Department at 805-961-7558 or lmendoza-diaz@cityofgoleta.org.

Frequently Asked Question’s can be found here: https://cityofgoleta.org/parkingrestrictions and a map of the restricted area is below.

April is National Earthquake Preparedness Month

Living in California, earthquakes are always a possibility you should be ready for. In honor or National Earthquake Preparedness Month, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is encouraging residents to take the time to update their emergency plans and to download the MyShake App. So many things in life may catch us off guard, but now, earthquakes don’t have to!

Here are some of the ways to receive earthquake warnings:

  • MyShake App. An app that can be downloaded for mobile devices at no cost from Google Play and the Apple App Store. App users can set up a “HomeBase” location to receive earthquake warnings without having location services turned on.

  • Android Earthquake Alerts. Included in new or updated Android devices, the system uses the same technology as the MyShake App.

  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Text-like messages from the government during emergency situations. This includes Presidential, Imminent Threats (fire, earthquake, floods, etc.), and AMBER alerts.

When an earthquake warning is issued from any of these sources, you should act quickly and take protective actions to stay safe, such as dropping to the ground, covering your head with your arms, and holding onto your neck with both hands until the shaking stops. Do not stand in doorways or near glass windows.

There are moments to act if you receive a warning or feel shaking. There may be circumstances where a warning is issued, but no shaking occurs. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to earthquakes. Share this information with friends and family to help spread the word about the technology available to help keep them safe.

Please visit earthquake.ca.gov for more information.

Celebrate Arbor Week Year-Round

Arbor Week (March 7 – 14) has come and gone, but you can celebrate it all year long. The City recognized the special week with a proclamation (view it here!), a tree planting at Stow Grove Park, and the planting of 25 new trees along Hollister Avenue in Old Town. The City received approval from the Public Tree Advisory Commission to plant three species of trees: Ginkgo Biloba, Arbutus Marina “Madrone”, and the Chinese Pistache. These trees were planted along Hollister Avenue, stretching from Fairview Avenue down to the Highway 217 overpass.

Fun facts:

  • The Goleta Public Works team manages more than 14,000 publicly owned trees along our streets and parks.
  • Goleta is home to the world’s largest California sycamore and North America’s largest Australian willow. 

We encourage everyone to plant and maintain trees year-round to promote the well-being of Goleta.


Pictured left-to-right: Goleta Parks and Open Space Manager George Thomson, Public Tree Advisory Commission Chair Jessie Altstatt, Mayor Paula Perotte, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Deborah Williams and Public Works Maintenance Supervisor Jorge Flores planting trees at Stow Grove Park


Pictured left-to-right: Parks and Open Space Manager George Thomson, Mayor Paula Perotte and Public Tree Advisory Commission Chair Jessie Altstatt hold City of Goleta Arbor Week Proclamation at March 7, 2023 City Council Meeting

Successful Induction Cooking Demo

Local clean energy provider 3C-REN teamed up with Southern California Edison and the City of Goleta for an induction cooking demonstration at Goleta Valley Library (GVL) on Friday March 17th. The event was the first of two demonstrations that weekend, the second taking place at Carpinteria Community Library on Saturday March 18th. Attendance was high at the hour-long event. Representatives from Goleta’s Sustainability division were present to oversee the demonstration, and to promote the City’s upcoming reach code and plastic policies.

The demonstration was led by Oliver Ta and Brian Choi from SoCal Edison, who presented information on the many merits of induction cooktops, from safety features to energy savings. For example, induction cooktops will only transfer heat to iron pans, and will turn off if no pan is detected. Many induction cooktops come with timing features and can keep a pan at a consistent temperature to avoid burning or getting too hot. 

The demonstration was facilitated by Serena Gu, CivicSpark Fellow for the County of Santa Barbara, who organized the event.

Induction cooktops and 3C-REN’s DIY Home Energy Savings Toolkit are available to check out from GVL’s Library of Things.

Household Hazardous Waste and the Goleta Recycling Center

Looking for a convenient and eco-friendly way to recycle some of your household hazardous waste? Look no further than MarBorg’s Goleta Recycling Center. This facility offers a variety of services and programs that allow you to dispose of items such as antifreeze, batteries, oil, paint (both oil and water-based), fluorescent light bulbs, and electronic waste (E-waste). Remember that these items are considered hazardous waste and should not be put in your general trash disposal. Instead, recycle them the safe way for free! Recycling these items properly not only keeps our community and watersheds clean, but also reduces the environmental impact of waste. 

Zero Waste is a philosophy and goal that aims to reduce the amount of trash generated in our society. It involves designing products with their entire lifecycle in mind, and creating a loop where waste from one product is used as a resource for another. The ultimate goal is to redirect as much waste from landfills as possible, with a 90% reduction seen as a reasonable goal. To achieve this goal, individuals can follow The Five R’s of Zero Waste, which prioritize refusing and reducing waste over recycling and composting. 

In addition to hazardous waste, the Goleta Recycling Center also offers the CRV (California Refund Value) program, which pays you when you recycle beverage containers. This eco-friendly program accepts plastic beverage containers marked with CRV (with all caps removed), aluminum bi-metal, and glass. The minimum refund value for eligible beverage containers is 5 cents for each container under 24 ounces and 10 cents for each container 24 ounces or larger. 

The Goleta Recycling Center is located at 20 David Love Place and open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For added convenience, they also offer a 24-hour free drop-off program for items such as aluminum cans, glass (no plate or window), newspaper, cardboard, magazines, office paper, scrap metals, tin cans, and plastic bottles that held a liquid (with the cap removed). This program is available to all Goleta residents. 

The Goleta Recycling Center service facility that provides an easy and effective way to dispose of your waste in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. If you have other hazardous waste items, the Community Household Hazardous Waste Center at UCSB can help (www.ehs.ucsb.edu/programs-services/hazardous-waste/community-household-hazardous-waste). Be sure to take advantage of these free programs and dispose of your waste properly. For more information, call (805) 963-1852.