Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Thank You Councilmember Aceves

Aceves Presented with City Tile and Photo Memory Book

Our hearts are full of gratitude for Councilmember Roger S. Aceves, the longest serving councilmember in the history of Goleta. At the December 6, 2022, City Council meeting he was honored in a memorable way for 16 years of distinguished service to the City of Goleta. Those who have worked with Councilmember Aceves over the years, including former Mayors, stakeholders, staff and community members packed Council Chambers to show their heartfelt appreciation to all Councilmember Aceves has done for Goleta during his long and impactful tenure. Aceves was presented with a City Tile, photo memory book and gratefully listened as the Council and speakers lined up to share their favorite memories of what they appreciated most about him. He received a standing ovation followed by time for photos, sparkling apple cider and his favorite dessert, carrot cake. The presentation and remarks are available on our website here. Look for photos on the City’s Facebook page.

At the meeting, Councilmember Aceves thanked the community for the honor of serving them, for the ability to work alongside outstanding Goleta staff, and to his family for supporting a long career in public service. He stressed the importance of hearing “both sides of the coin”/different viewpoints in order to make the best decisions. He also expressed his optimism for the future of Goleta. He said, “I think that great things will come. We are a small city, but we do things in a big way and every time we do something we raise the Goleta flag.”

Councilmember Aceves was first elected to the Council in 2006, and was reelected in 2010, 2014 and 2018. He served as Mayor in 2009 and again in 2012. During his tenure, Aceves never missed a City Council meeting. He was the City’s first Latino Councilmember and Mayor.

Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “When you have had a career like Roger’s it is nearly impossible to capture and recognize all he has done to leave a positive impact on Goleta. We are so grateful for his countless hours of service and steady leadership during the vast majority of the City’s first 20 years of existence.”

During his tenure, Aceves has been most passionate about public safety and prioritizing city infrastructure while maintaining a strong financial position. While he has accomplished so much during his years of service to Goleta, some of the highlights include:

  • Approving and codifying the first City of Goleta Municipal Code in 2009
  • Purchasing a permanent building for City Hall
  • Acquiring a site for and initiating design of Fire Station 10 in Western Goleta
  • Forming an independent municipal library
  • Creating the Beautify Goleta program
  • Creating the Motor Unit for the Goleta Police Department
  • Establishing a Public Engagement Commission
  • Developing a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) plan and establishing and serving on a DEI committee
  • Hiring of a bi-lingual and bi-cultural community engagement specialist
  • Renovating the Goleta Community Center and initiating construction of the Goleta Train Depot
  • Establishing a Parks and Recreation Commission
  • Constructing Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park
  • Completing a Parks Master Plan
  • Adopting the Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan
  • Completing Phase I of the San Jose Creek Flood Capacity and Fish Passage Project
  • Adopting a Historic Preservation Ordinance
  • Approving a new Zoning Ordinance
  • Adopting a Strategic Energy Plan
  • Maintaining Goleta’s status as one of the safest cities in California

Aceves has also given back to his community for years through his work with the United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County. As the former 2001 El Presidente for Old Spanish Days he created Goleta’s “Fiesta Ranchera” event which is now a cherished Goleta tradition. He also served as the President of the Board of the Earl Warren Showgrounds for four years. He was selected for the Goleta’s Finest “Man of the Year” award in 2017.

Prior to serving on the Council, Aceves worked in law enforcement for over 32 years and retired in May of 2007. He began his career at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and finished his law enforcement career at the Police Department for the City of Santa Barbara. Aceves is a graduate of the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Aceves has lived in Goleta for 40 years and has been married to his wife Debby for 46 years. He is most recently enjoying being a first-time grandpa. We wish him a great retirement and chapter ahead in all of his future endeavors.

If you would like to send Councilmember Aceves a note of appreciation, you can send him an email until December 20th to raceves@cityofgoleta.org.

Pictured above: Councilmember Aceves holding the photo memory book he received from staff as a gift


Councilmember Aceves with former Goleta Councilmembers (left-right) Tony Vallejo, Michael Bennett and Eric Onnen


Group photo from December 6, 2022, City Council Meeting Honoring Councilmember Aceves


Councilmember Aceves accepting his Goleta’s Finest Award for Man of the Year (2017)


Councilmember Aceves visiting the State Capitol to meet with Senators Feinstein and Boxer (2013)


Councilmember Aceves taking over duties as Mayor of Goleta (2012)

Pavement Rehabilitation Work to Begin Next Week in Western Goleta

Pavement rehabilitation work is scheduled to begin the week of November 7th on various roadway sections in the Cannon Green and Covington Neighborhoods, Armstrong Road and Cathedral Oaks Road from Alameda Avenue to Evergreen Drive. The roadwork is part of the 2022-2023 Pavement Rehabilitation Project and is expected to take six months to complete.

Construction will begin with concrete work, which consists of the reconstruction of concrete gutters, adjacent curb ramps to meet ADA standards, and miscellaneous concrete repairs. This work will be followed by asphalt roadway work, then striping and signage.

The City constructs an Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Project as part of its Pavement Management Program (PMP). Following the PMP ensures the most efficient use of available funding for maintaining the City’s roadway network. The PMP consists of tracking the condition of the pavement and based on the condition, developing periodic pavement maintenance activities and projects. Pavement maintenance ranges from pothole repair and crack sealing to slurry seals, overlays, and reconstructions. The PMP is also a critical planning tool that assists staff in establishing a list of priority roadways to be included in the City’s annual pavement rehabilitation projects. In addition to the PMP recommendations, the paving priority list is developed based on public input and staff’s experience and understanding of the roadways.

It’s important to note that the City of Goleta has a backlog of deferred roadway pavement maintenance, and it has been many years since the City has been able to fully fund its pavement program.  The backlog as well as the recent significant increase in the cost of construction makes it extremely challenging to maintain pavement condition goals.  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we do our best to address the pavement needs in the City with current resources available.

If you have any questions on the Annual Pavement Projects, please contact Debbie Talarico, Contract Project Manager, at dtalarico@cityofgoleta.org.

Public Asked to Give Input on Unmet Transit Needs

Informational listening session on December 7 seeks public input on how bus systems, dial-a-ride, and paratransit services can better serve residents in Santa Barbara County.

An unmet transit needs listening session will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, via Zoom Webinar hosted by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the two-hour virtual listening session to share comments or concerns about bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services in Santa Barbara County, or express needs for new or expanded services in the county. Spanish language interpretation services will be available during the listening session.

Those unable to attend the December 7, 2022, listening session can take an online survey in English or Spanish until Friday, December 9, 2022. The public can also submit comments in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by email to comment@sbcag.org.

Comments provided at the listening session, on the online survey, or in writing are shared with local decision makers, transit agencies, and the California Department of Transportation to help influence options for transit services and projects. A summary of public input is presented to Santa Barbara County Transit Advisory Committee and SBCAG Board of Directors in early 2023.

WHAT: Unmet Transit Needs Listening Session

WHEN: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 7, 2022 (visit virtually anytime during the two-hour listening session)

WHERE: Zoom Webinar*:

  • Webinar ID: 889 5904 1577; Passcode: 799248; OR
  • Telephone: (669) 900-9128

*Spanish-language interpretation services available

DETAILS: SBCAG is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for this meeting. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodation requests should be made by Monday, December 5 to SBCAG at (805) 961-8900.

Online Survey, www.surveymonkey.com/r/SBCAG_TNA (English); www.surveymonkey.com/r/TNA_ESP (Spanish)

Provide feedback in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by email to comment@sbcag.org.

SBCAG will receive comments on transit needs in Santa Barbara County, as required under Section 99401.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

Keep FOG from Going Down the Drain this Holiday Season

The holidays are almost here and it’s important to remember not to put your fats, oils, and greases (also known as FOG) down the drain.

Goleta West Sanitary District (GWSD) supports efforts to keep its wastewater system free of FOG. Fats, oils, and greases are a byproduct of cooking and are found in such things as meat fats, cooking oil, lard, and shortening, butter and margarine. When grease is washed down the drain, it sticks to the inside of sewer pipes (both on your property and in the streets.) Over time, it builds up and can block an entire pipe.

Garbage disposals do not keep grease out of the pipes, they only shred it into smaller pieces. Commercial additives, including detergents that claim to dissolve grease, may pass it down the line and cause problems away from the source. But the results of a grease-blocked sewer pipe can be sewage overflows in your home or neighborhood resulting in expensive and unpleasant cleanups; possible exposure with disease-causing organisms; or an increase in maintenance costs at GWSD.

How to dispose of your FOG:

  • Pour FOG into a covered disposable container—such as glass, plastic or a sturdy plastic bag. Store it in the freezer and then put it in the trash after it has hardened.
  • Use paper towels to wipe greasy dishes before washing. Put the paper towels in the trash.
  • Use sink strainers to catch food waste.
  • Put food scraps in a compost bin or in the trash.
  • FOG waste should only be put in the trash.

‘Tis the Season for GoodLandGoodShopping.com

Goleta Community Encouraged to Shop Local this Holiday Season with our Digital Gift Card Marketplace

The holiday shopping season is just around the corner, and the City of Goleta wants to remind you about GoodLandGoodShopping.com, a digital gift card marketplace designed specifically to promote Goleta businesses. Anyone who goes to the site can purchase gift cards from Goleta businesses, and merchants can sign up for a FREE listing at any time.

What makes GoodLandGoodShopping.com stand apart from other gift cards is that you can customize your digital gift card by sending the recipient a personalized email, text message and/or video creating a memorable virtual gift or care package. Watch our video in English and Spanish to learn more about how it works.

The goal of the GoodLandGoodShopping.com website is to encourage the public to think Goleta when shopping, dining, or purchasing services this holiday season and beyond. The website was created to boost local spending and help our businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

To create the website, the City partnered with Giftbar, a vendor based in San Luis Obispo, with the experience and expertise in gift card commerce. Giftbar hosts businesses on its platform with the technology for businesses to sell and redeem e-gift cards.

The site features more than three dozen unique businesses, some you may know of and some you may be learning about for the first time. Don’t see your favorite Goleta business featured on the site? Let them know about the program, and that they can sign up for a free listing at GoodLandGoodShopping.com/signup. We are also going to be featuring on the City’s social media channels each of our businesses listed on GoodLandGoodShopping.com, which is free promotion and a way to showcase our awesome businesses. So, make sure the Goleta businesses you love are signed up.

Here is how you can participate and support this effort:

  • Go to GoodLandGoodShopping.com and buy a gift card.
  • Spread the news and promote on social media with #GoodLandGoodShopping.
  • Encourage Goleta businesses you frequent to sign up by going to the website.

For questions about Giftbar and how to participate, email websupport@giftbar.com or call 866-989-5580. If you have questions for the City, email Kelly Hoover at PIO@cityofgoleta.org.

More than 200 “Stuffies” Experience Hogwarts Sleepover at the Library

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend the night at Hogwarts? On Friday, October 28th over 200 “stuffies” got to experience the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter firsthand at Goleta Valley Library’s Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Harry Potter edition! The library staff was well prepared for a great turnout and were thrilled to see a total of 219 stuffed animals dropped off this year for a magic-filled “all-nighter.”

“We were so thrilled to be able to host this event again,” said Linda Hori, Library Assistant at Goleta Valley Library. “Before the event officially started, the line was already out the door with families and children eager to drop off their stuffies at Platform 9 ¾.” While in line, many participants entered the “Guess the Pumpkin’s Weight” contest for a chance to win Harry Potter memorabilia.

The sleepover was anything but restful as our animal friends were whisked away on a variety of magical adventures and shenanigans. All stuffies started off their journey with the Sorting Hat to join their official Hogwarts House. With their scarves in hand, they loaded their suitcases onto the Hogwarts Express, then had dinner in the Great Hall, played a round of Quidditch, and even snuck into the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library! A small group of stuffies arrived late but were able to take Mr. Weasley’s flying car through the Forbidden Forest to make it just in time for the celebration. While all the stuffed animal guests were very well-behaved, there were a couple of House Slytherin stuffies that managed to achieve a bit of light-hearted mischief through the night.

The two-day wizarding event culminated on Saturday with a special Harry Potter celebration. Guests were able to take pictures with Dumbledore and Hedwig, find out their House with the Sorting Hat, become the face of Azkaban’s “Most Wanted,” and take home a collection of photographs from their stuffed animals’ visit to Hogwarts.

Every visitor got to enjoy one final surprise: a personalized acceptance letter from Hogwarts! Their letter included a goodie bag with a wand, glasses, and of course, a bookmark.

As a great wizard once said, “When in doubt, go to the library.”

Thank you to the many families who participated in the library’s second Stuffed Animal Sleepover of the year. And a very special thank you to the library staff who made this magical event so memorable, with the help of 23 terrific adult and teen volunteers.

There is always something fun and interesting happening at the Goleta Valley Library. Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org to check out the Events Calendar to see all of the great things planned, including storytimes, book clubs, crafts, and much more!

Pictured: Photos from the sleepover


Stuffed animals receiving their acceptance letters into Hogwarts


Mr. Weasley’s car stuck in a tree


Stuffed animals waiting for their turn with the Sorting Hat


Stuffed animals eating in the Great Hall

New Disaster Emergency Course for Goleta Residents

Sign Up for a One Hour Course with the City’s Emergency Services Coordinator

Preparing for an emergency is difficult, and where do you start? You can create a go-bag for your car, but what do you put in that bag?

The City is now offering a new service to help Goleta residents answer these questions with its Community Disaster Education Course (or CDE). A CDE is a free, one-hour introductory course that teaches residents how to become more prepared in the event of a disaster. Attendees will learn about multiple topics such as what is expected following a disaster, what they can do to prepare their home and workplace, how to build an emergency bag, and more.

City of Goleta’s Emergency Services Coordinator Michael Baris said, “I’m very happy to be bringing CDEs to Goleta! In my experience, the biggest reason I’ve heard for not having a family emergency plan is that people don’t know where to start. A one-hour course will never replace the value of sitting down with family and talking about who has what responsibility when an emergency happens, but a CDE will give you the best first step to learn about emergencies and eventually have that conversation with family.”

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. Residents can request a CDE by using the form on our website at www.CityofGoleta.org/CDE and a City representative will get in touch to schedule the CDE presentation.

Presentations will be done on a first-come, first-serve basis, and a limited number of CDEs will be available each month. A minimum of 10 people are requested per CDE course. In the future, CDE’s will also be available in Spanish – stay tuned for details. For any additional questions regarding CDEs, please reach out to the City’s Emergency Services Coordinator at CERT@cityofgoleta.org.

Pictured: Michael Baris, City of Goleta Emergency Services Coordinator, with items from his “Go Bag”

Goleta November 2022 Election is Here

The November 2022 election is here! There is a lot for Goleta voters to consider, so let’s go Goleta! Make sure your voice is heard. 

Ballot drop boxes are open 24 hours a day through 8:00 p.m. on November 8, election night. In Goleta, there are two secure official ballot box locations: one at Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive) and one at the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) at the end of parking lot in front of the building. To find official secure Ballot Drop Box locations throughout the County, visit the interactive map here­­­ or view a list of locations here.

In addition to the secure official drop boxes, ballots can also be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day, November 8), returned in-person to one of three Santa Barbara County Election Offices (locations listed below) or to any polling place on Election Day. 

This is an historic election for Goleta as it is our first ever By-District Election. The City is now divided into four districts and registered voters in Districts 1 and 2 will have the opportunity to elect a City Councilmember from the District in which they live. If you live in Goleta, make sure to find out what district you are in. Watch our quick #KnowYourDistrict video in English here: https://youtu.be/ehCrMXI-zQI and in Spanish here: https://youtu.be/LueKsftkhD0. Go to our interactive map and plug in your address at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaInteractiveMap.

Goleta voters city-wide will vote for Measures B2022 and C2022.

For helpful information on the Goleta November election, go to our website at www.cityofgoleta.org/elections. 

Voters can sign-up to track their ballot at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/.

Santa Barbara County Elections Offices are located at:

  • Santa Barbara Elections Main Office: 4440-A Calle Real, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Santa Maria Elections Branch Office: 511 Lakeside Parkway, Ste. 134, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
  • Lompoc Elections Branch Office: 401 East Cypress Avenue, Rm 102, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Voters can check their registration status, look up their polling place, and find their ballot’s status by using the look-up tool at https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ or calling the Santa Barbara County Elections Office at 1-800-722-8683.

For more information, visit the County of Santa Barbara’s election webpage at https://www.countyofsb.org/164/Elections.

Countdown to the Goleta Holiday Parade

The City of Goleta is getting in the holiday spirit for the Goleta Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 3! We hope you will come out to see your City Council traveling down the parade route in vintage cars. You will also be able to catch a glimpse of the popular Goleta Valley Library Bookvan.

The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. and travels down Hollister Avenue in Old Town from Orange Avenue to Kinman Avenue. Hollister from Fairview to Kellogg will be closed to vehicle traffic from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Public parking is available in the Yardi parking area off of Fairview.

Volunteers are needed! Help make this holiday parade a success and learn more about volunteering here: https://goletaholidayparade.org/info/.

If you are interested in being in the parade, submit your entry form by November 18. Apply here online.

We can’t wait to see you all at the parade!

Pictured: Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte at the 2021 Parade

Goleta Resident Helen Modugno Turns 100!

The City of Goleta would like to wish a very Happy 100th Birthday to an inspiring Goleta resident. Helen Grace Barnet Modugno celebrated her centennial birthday, October 20, 2022, with a lovely family gathering. She was excited to receive a Proclamation from the City of Goleta from Mayor Paula Perotte that acknowledged her 100th birthday.

Helen was born on October 20, 1922, in Paris, Texas and has lived a well-traveled life but always maintained her passion for community work and involvement. The youngest of 7, her family survived extreme challenges and together made it through the Great Depression.

Helen moved to Goleta in 1963 to escape an overcrowded Los Angeles scene and her family have been in Goleta ever since. Helen never forgot the poverty of her youth and has always given back to those less fortunate than her.

A life-long women’s rights activist, Helen has been a dedicated community member of the Goodland. She volunteered at St Raphael Church as a Sunday school teacher, served as the Women’s Auxiliary Board President, and a Minister that brought communion to the sick and elderly confined to their home.

Helen raised six children, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Her secret to living to 100? Helen credits her long life to healthy living and her husband Ralph Modugno convincing her to quit smoking at an early age.

Happy Birthday Helen! We wish you health and joy. Your love of Goleta will continue to amaze us!

To read more about Helen’s incredible life, read the tribute that her son Tom Modugno wrote in Edhat: https://www.edhat.com/news/helen-grace-barnet-modugno-s-100th-birthday.

#Goleta #Goodland #Community #HappyBirthday

Pictured: Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte giving Helen Modugno her 100th Birthday Proclamation. Helen is surrounded by family and friends.