Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Hollister Ave Old Town Interim Striping Project Special Council Meeting

Join Us October 27 In-Person, Participate Via Zoom or Watch Live Broadcast

The City of Goleta is holding a Special City Council meeting on the Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping Project on October 27, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. Join us for this important discussion on traffic conditions in Old Town, how the Hollister Avenue Old Town Interim Striping Project addresses area traffic issues and whether to move the project into the final design and construction phases. There are many ways you can participate. Join us in person at the Goleta Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive), via Zoom or Watch Live on www.cityofgoleta.org or Goleta TV Channel 19.

At a well-attended community workshop held at the Goleta Community Center on September 30th, the City presented information on traffic volumes, speeds and safety. Staff also presented the plan created to address parking, speed, and safety concerns in Old Town, which includes:

  • One vehicle and bike lane in each direction
  • A non-traversable painted median
  • Back-in angled 90-minute parking along the north side of the street
  • Parallel 90-minute parking along the south side of the street
  • Traffic signal equipment and timing upgrades

Meeting participants asked questions and provided input. Based on the turnout at the workshop and the positive feedback received, the City plans to expedite the project by converting the second planned community meeting into a Special City Council hearing. The City Council hearing will continue to be a forum for members of the public to receive project information and to voice their opinions. After public discussion, City Council will direct staff on how to continue with the project. Combining the community meeting and City Council hearing could potentially save months in the project schedule, if approved by the City Council.

For more information on this project, please visit: https://cityofgoleta.org/hollisterinterimstriping.

Instructions on how to participate in the Special Council Meeting will be available in the agenda. The agenda is posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings.

Pictured: Hollister Ave in Old Town

Know Your Goleta Ballot

There is a lot for Goleta voters to consider this upcoming election on November 8, 2022. Not only is it the City’s first By-District election, but there are also two ballot measures. Measure B2022 is for a 1% Sales and Transaction Use tax and Measure C2022 is for a Flavored Tobacco Ban Ordinance. 

To help voters know what to expect on the Goleta November 2022 Election, the City sent a Know Your Goleta Ballot mailer to all registered voters. To view it, click here. For more information on the upcoming election, visit the City website at www.CityofGoleta.org/Elections.

Important Dates:

  • October 11: Registered voters should receive a ballot on or around this date
  • October 24: The last day to register to vote in this election; register now at https://www.registertovote.ca.gov/
  • November 8: Election Day

Drop Box Locations:

There will be over 30 secure Ballot Drop Boxes located throughout the County to safely return your ballot directly to the Registrar of Voters. The drop boxes are open for 24 hours beginning 29 days before a federal or state election through 8:00 pm on Election night. There will be two locations in Goleta:

  • Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive)
  • Goleta Valley Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) – at end of parking lot in front of building

An interactive map of the Ballot Drop Box locations in the County is available here.

Wildfire Preparedness Expo October 14 & 15

Event held at the Direct Relief Building in Goleta

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department would like to invite the community to attend the second 2022 Wildfire Preparedness Exposition October 14-15, 2022.

Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council in partnership with the UCSB Wildfire Prevention and Policy Lecture Series is hosting the Exposition. The Event will be held at the Direct Relief building, 6100 Wallace Becknell Road in Goleta. There will be family friendly exhibits, activities, presentations, and will feature a panel of speakers.

Friday October 14th, 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Opening Reception with Speakers and Exhibits. “Why Have Humans Lost Control of Wildfire in the Western United States?” Keynote Speaker Dr. Park Williams.

Saturday October 15th, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Speakers, Exhibits, Activities & Food. Come see your local firefighters, engines, bulldozers, hand-crew, and helicopter.

This event is funded by a Fire Prevention Grant and is part of the Regional Wildfire Mitigation Program (RWMP).

For more information, visit the websites of the Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council and the Regional Wildfire Mitigation Program. See you there!

 

Calling All Jedi! Celebrate Star Wars Reads Month at Goleta Valley Library

October 15th Jedi Party to feature characters, crafts, prizes and more!

This October, Goleta Valley Library is celebrating one of its favorite annual traditions: Star Wars Reads Month! This month-long celebration of literacy encourages readers and Star Wars fans to celebrate the stories that bring their beloved characters to life. Younglings and Padawans are invited to a Jedi Party on Saturday, October 15th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. to meet real-life clone troopers, a tie reserve pilot, a Jawa, and a Jedi Librarian! Young fans can explore the make-your-own-lightsaber station, themed crafts, fun games, fabulous prizes, and much more.

Plus, Jedi of all ages are invited to stop by the library all month long to check out Star Wars books, graphic novels, and movies from our displays for children, adults, and teens. While you are here, enjoy the most fantastic decorations in the galaxy! The library is currently bedecked with life-size droids, giant light sabers, and vibrant posters featuring your favorite heroes and villains from the Star Wars universe.

We look forward to celebrating this special month with you!

Character meet-and-greets are generously provided by the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion groups:

The 501st Legion is an international costuming organization dedicated to celebrating Star Wars through the creation and use of quality costumes that portray the villainous, morally ambiguous, or non-partisan characters from the Star Wars universe. The Legion promotes interest in Star Wars and facilitates the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributes to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work.

The Rebel Legion is a Star Wars based costuming fan club. The Rebel Legion’s members create and wear costumes of the hero characters from the Star Wars saga, which includes but is not limited to the films, comics, books, games, and television shows based on the Star Wars saga. The Rebel Legion gives back to the community through works of charity and volunteerism.

Goleta Valley Library would like to thank the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library for their year-round support of our community programs.

Explore GoletaValleyLibrary.org for up-to-date information about our services, programs, and events.


Goleta Valley Library decorated for Star Wars Reads Month

United Boys & Girls Club Members Receive Gold Cards

Congratulations to the nearly three dozen United Boys & Girls Club Goleta members who were recognized at the October 4, 2022, Goleta City Council meeting. In addition to receiving a special certificate of recognition, these United Boys & Girls Club members were also awarded with a special Gold Card that celebrates their impeccable attendance record, having reached an incredible 105 days of attendance in the program. Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County CEO Michael Baker joined Mayor Paula Perotte and Councilmember Roger Aceves in handing out the special certificates and gold cards to the children as proud parents joyfully watched. Heartfelt applauses and excited whispers of “We get to meet the Mayor!” filled the room as participants proudly took home their awards.

National studies show that kids who make it to the 105 day attendance mark in one calendar year are twice as likely to graduate high school on time and twice as likely to lead a healthy lifestyle. The Gold Card gives the kids special privileges at the club and recognition by the City of Goleta.

Congratulations to all of the Gold Card recipients, Goleta is proud of you!

United Boys & Girls Club Gold Card recipients with the Goleta City Council

United Boys & Girls Club Gold Card recipients with their certificates of recognition

 

San Jose Creek Bike Path Project Moves to Next Phase

The San Jose Creek Bike Path Project is on to the next phase following Council’s approval of the environmental document (Mitigated Negative Declaration) at its October 4, 2022, meeting. More than 15 speakers turned out to the Special Council Meeting to voice their support for the project and a petition with more than 700 signatures urging councilmembers to approve it in time to meet grant deadlines was submitted. With Council’s approval, the project has now reached the end of the environmental review and conceptual design phase. Now the project will move to the design phase which includes permitting, design, and right of way.

At the meeting, staff provided additional information regarding the impact to the trees and the riparian habitat in the project corridor. The information included the results of an arborist lead tree survey. Staff also provided additional information regarding the overall project costs. 

To view the meeting go to https://goleta.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=1777.

The San Jose Creek Bike Path Project is an important component of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as it will provide a critical connection between existing bike routes north of U.S. 101 and the Atascadero Creek Bike Path to the south. It will connect bike routes north of Calle Real all the way to the Coast Route, that connects to Goleta Beach, UCSB, and into Santa Barbara. This is a complex project that has involved close coordination with various agencies including Caltrans and the County of Santa Barbara. A project map is available here.

The public can review the final environmental document here for the project. The project will be going to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) at its December meeting to request allocation of Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant funding for the design and right of way phase. 

For more information contact Teresa Lopes (Tlopes@cityofgoleta.org) Or visit our project webpage for more information.

Ellwood Onshore Oil and Gas Facility (EOF) in the City of Goleta (photo courtesy of the California State Lands Commission)

Trucks Remove Oil from EOF as Part of Decommissioning Project

Since the California State Lands Commission assumed operation of Platform Holly and the Ellwood Onshore Oil and Gas Processing Facility (EOF) in 2017, the Commission has processed limited amounts of oil and gas from the Platform that is coming up from between casing strings (steel pipes in the wells) in order to manage pressure within the well. This limited stream of oil will continue until the wells on Holly have been completely plugged and abandoned. The oil and gas is treated at the EOF to remove the toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from the gas stream and oil.

Although the amount of oil processed as a result of this routine pressure management is minimal, over the past several years it has accumulated and been stored in tank vessels at the EOF. Those vessels are nearing capacity. Now, the Commission plans to remove the oil from those vessels and has entered into an agreement with the Phillips refinery to take the oil by truck to their facilities in Santa Maria. The Commission anticipates transporting approximately 3,500 barrels of oil in total.

This notice is to let you know that there will be one or two trucks a day removing the oil from the EOF on the short section of Hollister Avenue between the EOF and the 101 Freeway “on ramp” (north). The operation began on October 5 and should take about two weeks. The Commission thanks you for your support as we decommission the Venoco facilities and appreciates your patience while we work to protect the community and the environment during this process.

Please contact Sheri Pemberton, the Commission’s External Affairs Officer at (916) 477-0691 or sheri.pemberton@slc.ca.gov if you have any questions or would like additional information.

Pictured: Ellwood Onshore Oil and Gas Facility (EOF) in the City of Goleta (photo courtesy of the California State Lands Commission)

Take Creek and Watershed Survey

The City of Goleta is in the next phase of its Creek and Watershed Management Plan (CWMP) and is seeking your valuable input. Please take our survey (available in English and Spanish) to let us know what is important to you when it comes to creeks and watersheds in Goleta. Your input will help us to determine how to prioritize work efforts and limited funding among the many important unfunded projects included in the CWMP.

The survey will remain open through October 31, 2022.

Melissa Nelson, City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Manager said, “Our community has clearly expressed how important it is to protect our creeks and coastal waters from pollution. Our goal now is to plan our priorities and focus areas, evaluating existing funding and other funding opportunities, and seeking community input as to how the City should prioritize projects. Maintaining the quality of life in the city and keeping the Goodland good – even fantastic – is important to us all.”

The Creek and Watershed Management Plan, adopted in December of 2020, includes detailed information on the dozen creeks that run through our community, identifies impairments to these creeks, and outlines programs and specific future actions to address identified impairments. It also outlines best practices to provide habitat for fish and wildlife, accommodate wildlife movement corridors, convey stormwater runoff and floodwaters, and furnish open space and passive recreational areas for City residents.

Based on outreach the City did during the development of the CWMP and outreach conducted in the years after its adoption, Goleta residents consistently and passionately voiced support for protecting and enhancing the City’s creeks.

The Creek and Watershed survey was initially released at the Goleta Lemon Festival September 24th and 25th. Thank you to everyone who came out to the City of Goleta booth area and took time to fill out the survey and talk about why creeks are important to you and your community. We learned a lot from everyone. We look forward to continuing the community engagement – so stay tuned for more opportunities.

Goleta Businesses Sign Up for GoodLandGoodShopping!

In anticipation of the holiday season, the City of Goleta is promoting our digital gift card marketplace, GoodLandGoodShopping.com, to encourage the community to shop local. Merchants should sign up NOW for your FREE listing. There is no catch, this is our gift to our awesome businesses. We will be promoting GoodLandGoodShopping in November and businesses are encouraged to get on board now. It’s easy, just go to goodlandgoodshopping.com/signup or call Giftbar, the City’s gift card commerce partner, at 866-989-5580. We currently have 37 merchants on-board, help us make GoodLandGoodShopping a success and sign-up today!

Now for the members of the public. Instead of shopping on-line for the holidays, shop local by going to GoodLandGoodShopping.com to purchase gift cards from Goleta businesses. As a bonus, gift cards can be emailed or texted instantly with personalized messages and/or video, creating a unique virtual gift or care package.

Check out the website and watch our video in English and Spanish to learn more.

The City partnered with Giftbar, a vendor based in San Luis Obispo, with the experience and expertise in gift card commerce to launch GoodLandGoodShopping last fall as a way to help our businesses recover from losses suffered during the pandemic. Giftbar hosts businesses on its platform with the technology for businesses to sell and redeem e-gift cards.

We need your help to make this a successful program. Here’s what you can do:

  • 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, Community Relations Manager/PIO at PIO@cityofgoleta.org.

Help the City Evaluate its Accessibility

Community Members and Organizations Invited to Take Survey by November 4

As part of the City of Goleta’s efforts to serve all members of the community, the City is in the process of updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The City’s accessibility plan provides a comprehensive plan for individuals with disabilities to access City facilities, programs, services, activities and events offered to the public.

All members of the community are invited to take our survey to provide input. Your feedback will assist in addressing and prioritizing current and future accessibility needs. There are two surveys available in both English and Spanish. One survey is intended for input from the general public and is open to everyone who accesses City services. There is also a second survey designed for organizations and agencies that assist persons with disabilities.

One or both surveys can be completed, as appropriate, using the links below. To take the survey in another language, use the drop-down at the top of the survey. The survey will be available from today, October 3 through November 4.

The survey is also available to download and print on our website at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/public-works/disability-services. Hard copies can also be picked up at:

  • Goleta City Hall (130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, CA 93117) during regular business hours (Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.).
  • Goleta Valley Library (500 N. Fairview Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117) during regular business hours (Tuesday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.)

Please return all hard copy surveys to Julie Jang, City of Goleta ADA/504 Coordinator, at the City Hall address listed above. For any additional feedback, please contact Julie by phone at (805) 690-5121, by TDD through California Relay at 7-1-1, or by email at jjang@cityofgoleta.org.

Thank you in advance for helping with this important input.