Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Sheriff’s Office Provides Safety Training to Community

The Sheriff’s Office Training Bureau cadre has been partnering with local business and schools to offer active attacker training to their staff members. As a result of increased public awareness, many citizens have asked what individuals can do protect themselves and reduce the dangers faced during an active attacker event. 

The Sheriff’s Office Training Bureau, which is normally tasked with providing internal training, pivoted their focus to meet these requests for training from the public. In recent months, Training Bureau staff have provided 90-minute training presentations based on the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) curriculum from Texas State University to staff at local schools, childcare centers, and businesses.

Recently, Training Bureau staff visited the Teledyne FLIR campus in Goleta where they presented the ALERRT training to their employees. At the conclusion of the training course at FLIR, the Sheriff’s Office was presented with a generous gift of two Scout III thermal monocular cameras which will be used in by patrol to help with searches for missing persons and wanted suspects. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank FLIR for their generous donation and all our community partners who have invited us to train their staff members so that, together, we can keep Santa Barbara County safe.

You can find more information about the Sheriff’s Office Training Bureau, including their contact information on the website SBSheriff.org. The Sheriff’s Office would also like to share this training video from ALERRT titled Avoid | Alert | Defend that highlights an easy to remember method for individuals to follow during active attacker events.

Opioid Addiction and Fentanyl: Know Early Signs and How to Get Help

By Maria Zate for Cottage Health

Opioid addiction and fatal overdoses are rising at an alarming rate in the state and Santa Barbara County, fueled by the potent synthetic opioid, fentanyl.

“Fentanyl on its own and paired with other illicit drugs is the biggest problem we are seeing right now,” said Layla Farinpour, director of clinical care for Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at Cottage Health. “We have not seen this level of overdose crisis before.

“Fentanyl is so powerful and extremely addictive. It is leading the increase in overdose deaths in our area.”

In Santa Barbara County there were 133 overdose deaths between January 2021 and January 2022, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office report “The Changing Overdose Crisis in California: A Community Needs Assessment of Santa Barbara County.”

Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin, and 100 times stronger than morphine. A lethal dose of fentanyl is about the size of three grains of sugar.

When prescribed, fentanyl is used for pain relief and can be found in tablet form, nasal spray and patches. Some people are introduced to opioids as a prescription for pain relief after surgery or serious injury, Farinpour said.

Those who use recreational drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines may have been exposed knowingly or unknowingly to fentanyl, which is being mixed with other drugs ending in deadly results. Individuals who have used other opiates, such as heroin, have begun using fentanyl instead because of its more powerful effects.

Early signs of a problem with opioid medications can include taking prescribed drugs for longer than recommended, needing higher doses to get the same pain relief, and seeking medications from other people or illegally on the streets.

An opioid use disorder can lead to behavioral changes such as isolation from family and friends, increased conflicts in relationships, problems at work or school, money issues or selling of possessions. 
 
“Opioid use disorder is a medical illness. It’s not a character defect. It can happen to anyone. Treatments are available and recovery is possible,” Ms. Farinpour said.

Cottage offers an inpatient medically supervised detox unit at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, as well as a traditional residential program known as Cottage Residential Center, plus intensive outpatient programs in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

“The most important thing is to take that first step to say something and reach out for help if someone you care about has an opioid use problem. Early intervention and treatment can make a big impact,” Farinpour said.

“There are also resources available in the community, such as Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness and 12-Step Programs,” she said.
 
She added that NARCAN, the drug that is used to save someone who is actively overdosing, is available and free at several locations in the county.

Cottage offers NARCAN (naloxone) free to anyone requesting it at all three of their hospital emergency departments (Goleta, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley), no questions asked.

“If someone you know is struggling with opioids, you may consider learning how to use NARCAN and having it readily available. You can save someone’s life, ” she said.
 
For more about Cottage Residential Center, call 805-569-7422, or visit www.cottagehealth.org/crc.

Community resources: https://opioidsafetysb.org/treatment-providers/; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgQqCaqTIXo

Free NARCAN available at:

Welcome New Community Resource Deputy Rauch

The City of Goleta is pleased to introduce our new Community Resource Deputy, Ehren Rauch.  Having been born and raised in the Good Land, Deputy Rauch has strong connections to the City of Goleta and has already hit the ground running with his new assignment which began August 8.  On August 11, he visited a local Goleta preschool to talk to the children about safety tips.

Former Goleta City Manager Michelle Greene said, “I am impressed with Deputy Rauch’s sincere desire to improve the community where he was raised. Based on his background, demeanor, and approach to the position, I am confident that Deputy Rauch will do an excellent job as our Community Resource Deputy. “

Deputy Rauch said, “As a Patrol Deputy, I have really enjoyed interacting with the community members in Goleta. I feel a special connection being able to help those in my hometown and I am looking forward to giving back to the community where I was raised. This position will allow me the opportunity to focus on assisting those in the City of Goleta. It also gives the community a direct point of contact to the Deputies who serve their community. I am excited to work directly with the Goleta community members to come up with unique ways to address concerns that may arise.”

Deputy Rauch has eight years of law enforcement experience and was most recently assigned to the Goleta Valley Patrol Division. He started his law enforcement career at the Santa Barbara Airport Law Enforcement Division, and after a year moved on to the UCSB Police Department, where he spent five years. He then took a position at the Sheriff’s Office, where he has served as a Deputy for nearly two years.

Deputy Rauch was introduced to the Goleta City Council at its August 16 meeting. The Council also thanked Senior Deputy Ben Sandu for his service to our community for the past two years as the Community Resource Deputy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior Deputy Sandu continues to serve the Goleta community on patrol in the Goleta Valley.

We wish Senior Deputy Sandu and Deputy Rauch great success in their new assignments and thank them in advance for their service. 

 
Deputy Ben Sandu (former Community Resource Deputy) and Community Resource Deputy Ehren Rauch


Community Resource Deputy Ehren Rauch at Somerset Preschool

Caltrans QuickMap Push Notifications Now Available

New App Feature Alerts Drivers to Nearby Road Closures and Emergencies

Caltrans has launched a new push notification feature on its QuickMap app that allows drivers to automatically receive real-time notifications about nearby road closures, emergencies and other traffic updates.  

“With this new QuickMap upgrade, Californians now can receive instant traffic notifications based on their location,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “Drivers can use this information to adjust their plans when needed, compare route options, save time and travel safely to their destinations.”

Caltrans’ QuickMap is a mobile app and website available to the public at no cost for travel planning. QuickMap provides immediate traffic information, including traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities, emergency incidents, electronic highway message sign content, rest area locations, camera snapshots, and active chain control requirements.

The new QuickMap push notification feature allows travelers to opt-in to receive location-based alerts on their mobile devices. When a device with the QuickMap app enters an area within 10 miles of a road closure or other traffic-related event, a pop-up message will appear alerting travelers of the incident, including time, location and reason for closure.

Caltrans reminds drivers to use their mobile device responsibly, including only in hands-free mode when operating a vehicle. Using your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. In California, drivers 18 and older can only use their phones in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it.

For more information, and to use the new feature, download the QuickMap app onto your phone or visit QuickMap.dot.ca.gov.

Amazing Programs at Your Library this September

You are invited to discover free, fun programming for all ages at your local library this September! We are very excited to announce the return of community favorites and to highlight some exciting new special events taking place next month. As September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, there is no better time to explore the incredible free resources available at the Goleta Valley, Buellton, and Solvang Libraries. Read on to discover the many opportunities that await at your library!

Goleta Valley Library

  • Creek Week Art Contest – Create a piece of art with the theme “Creek Week” to promote awareness of the habitats, watersheds, and critters of our creeks during 9/1 – 9/14/22! Pick up an application and submission guidelines at the library. Submission deadline is 9/14/22.
  • Baby & Me Storytime – Storytime for babies 0-12 months, held every Friday at 10:30 a.m. starting on 9/2/22.
  • Writers’ Workshop – Adults and teens are invited to share their work, exchange feedback, and discuss tools and techniques of the craft the first Saturday of the month. Our next meeting is on 9/3/22 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
  • Grandparents Day Cards – Kids can color a special card to send to their grandparents! Supplies will be available in the children’s area from 9/6 – 9/11/22
  • Nursery Rhyme Dance Time – Enjoy a music and movement class with Sean Lynn Crawford from Inspire Dance SB, held the first Wednesday of every month at 10:30 a.m. starting on 9/7/22.
  • Wiggly Wednesdays – Storytime for toddlers, held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. starting on 9/14/22.
  • Rosh Hashanah Storytime – Learn about the holiday of Jewish New Year with special guest Shterna Kudan from Chabad of S. Barbara on Thursday 9/22/22 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Homework Help – Free tutoring help with homework assignments for K-6 students, every Thursday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. starting on 9/22/22.
  • Paper Marbling Craft (Adults) – Join us for a fun and beautiful craft on 9/23/22 from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Space is limited, sign up at the front desk!
  • Mystery Book Club – Join us on 9/27/22 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss The Cage by Bonnie Kistler.
  • Tech Tutoring – Receive help with the library’s resources and your tech needs on Tuesdays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. (starting 9/29/22), Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Click here to request an appointment.
  • Teen Volunteer Opportunities – Teens, become a Homework Help Tutor or a Tech Tutor and earn community service hours! Turn in your application at the front desk to get started.

Buellton Library

  • Buellton Bookworms – Join us for our first in-person meeting on 9/16/22 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
  • Craft Kits – Stop by to pick up a 3-D hot air balloon craft kit anytime this month!
  • Tech Tutoring – Receive tech help every Tuesday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Call Buellton Library at (805) 688-3115 to make an appointment.

Solvang Library

  • Outdoor Storytime – Join us for stories under the Sycamore tree every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
  • Memory, Coffee and Compassion – This support group led by memory care expert Lauren Mahakias meets on the library patio on the second Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Call Solvang Library at (805) 688-4214 to reserve a spot at the 9/8/22 meeting. 
  • Investors’ Roundtable – Meetings with economist Ken Harwood will resume the second Saturday of each month, starting on 9/10/22 at 3:00 p.m. Novice and veteran investors welcome.
  • Outdoor Book Sale – Join us for a book sale on 9/10/22 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on the lawn in front of the library.
  • Book Club for Kids – Readers ages 8-11 will meet online on 9/14 and 9/28/22 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss The Dreamer by Pam Muñoz Ryan. The first 10 kids to register will receive a free copy!
  • Craft Kits – Make your own tiny windmill in honor of Solvang’s Danish Days, celebrated this year 9/16 – 9/18/22. The free kits will be available in the library hallway all month.

For full program information, please visit the online Events Calendar on our website. Explore GoletaValleyLibrary.org for up-to-date information about our services, programs, and special events.

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries would like to thank the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, The Friends of the Buellton Library, and The Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley for their year-round support of our community programs.

Councilmember Richards Joins Complete Streets Champions Institute

In support of the Active People, Healthy Nation℠ Initiative, Smart Growth America (SGA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity announced that Goleta City Councilmember Kyle Richards will be part of the third class of the Champions Institute. The program was created to help motivated local elected officials equitably define, design, build, and evaluate Complete Streets in their communities. Councilmember Richards was selected as one of the many local elected officials from across the United States (and its territories).

“We are pleased to welcome Councilmember Kyle Richards to the third class of the Champions Institute,” said John Robert Smith, Senior Policy Advisor at Smart Growth America, and the former 16-year mayor of Meridian, Mississippi. “As we emerge from the confines of the pandemic, Councilmember Richards’ commitment to a healthier and more connected hometown was compelling. From his position as a Councilmember, envisioning a more accessible, equitable, and economically viable community for all residents is a winning strategy.”

Councilmember Kyle Richards said, “I’m honored to have been selected for this opportunity, and I hope to use what I learn to make Goleta a safer place for all forms of active transportation.”

Over the next nine months, participants in the Champions Institute will attend virtual learning sessions that will make them experts in equity-based principles and train them on the fundamental steps to take to achieve Complete Streets in their community, from envisioning to implementation. Participants will also learn about best practices and challenges from across the country, as they grapple with different strategies in a collaborative and supportive peer-learning environment.

Local leaders who are selected for the Champions Institute will have the opportunity to learn from a broad array of national experts and former local elected officials in the areas of public health, policy, street design, and project implementation. At the completion of the program, the Champions will be experts in promoting community reforms to create safer streets for all users including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists. Champions will be prepared to support plans, policies, and funding that promote the CDC’s Active People, Healthy Nation℠ Initiative of expanding activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations, in their communities.

After participants complete their work in the Champions Institute, SGA will provide continuing support to the local champions as they serve their communities. Newly minted Complete Streets Champions will act as emissaries to other local leaders, sharing their expertise and ideas to grow a network of more Complete Streets Champions across the country who will build and expand activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations across the country.

This program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. This program is designed to support the Active People, Healthy Nation initiative through developing more activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations.

ABOUT

Smart Growth America envisions a country where no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient. We empower communities through technical assistance, advocacy, and thought leadership to realize our vision of livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity. For more information visit www.smartgrowthamerica.org.

Active People, Healthy Nation℠ Initiative is a national initiative led by CDC to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027. Increased physical activity can improve health, quality of life, and reduce health care costs. These improvements can help reduce the risk of at least 20 chronic diseases and conditions and provide effective treatment for many of these conditions. Other potential benefits include better school performance and improved military readiness. Building active and walkable communities can help support local economies, result in less air pollution, and create more cohesive communities. Learn more here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity protects the health of Americans at every stage of life by encouraging regular physical activity, good nutrition, and healthy weight. Through support of state and community partners, they provide data, programs that work, and practical tools so that Americans have the best possible chance to achieve healthier lives and avoid chronic diseases.

Last Chance to Apply for the New Historic Preservation Commission

There is still time to apply for one of the five open seats on the City’s newest commission – the Historic Preservation Commission! Applications are due by September 9. This commission an important next step in the implementation of the Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources Ordinance enacted by the City Council in April 2022.

The goal of the Historic Preservation Ordinance is to preserve and protect resources that, once lost, cannot be replaced or replicated. Responsibilities of the Commission include but are not limited to:

  • Making recommendations to the City Council regarding the designation of eligible properties as Historic Landmarks, Historic Districts, and Points of Historical Interest within the City and Mills Act requests.
  • Making recommendations to the City Council regarding the rescission of or amendment to a historic designation.
  • Reviewing and making recommendations to the Design Review Board on projects involving alterations to historic resources.
  • Reviewing historic resources surveys and making recommendations to the City Council on periodic updates to the City’s Historic Resources Inventory.
  • Making recommendations on any proposed design guidelines that may be developed by the City for project review or review of appropriate alterations or new construction within Historic Districts.
  • Acting as an advisory board to the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, City Manager, and all City departments on all matters related to historic preservation.

Five members will be appointed to this Commission by the Mayor. The first group of members selected will term out in varying years (June 2024, 2025, and 2026). After that, terms will be for four years, with no limit on the number of terms to which members may be appointed. A majority of the members must be residents of the City. Meetings are tentatively scheduled for the 3rd Monday of every other month, subject to the agenda calendar.

The City is looking for both professional and lay members with demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation. Commission members may be appointed from among the following disciplines: architecture, history, architectural history, planning, archaeology, or other related disciplines, such as American studies, landscape architecture, cultural geography, or cultural anthropology, to the extent that such professionals are available in the community. Commission members may also include lay members who have demonstrated special interest/expertise, competence, experience, or knowledge of Goleta history and historic preservation, and/or are members of local Chumash tribal group(s).

Don’t miss this historic opportunity! Apply for the City’s first Historic Preservation Commission at www.CityofGoleta.org/BoardsCommissions. Applications due by September 9, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. For questions contact cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County

Did you know that some of our Goleta businesses have taken the extra step to be “Green” certified? The City of Goleta is a part of The Green Business Program of Santa Barbara County (GBPSBC), which is a part of the statewide California Green Business Program. The GBPSBC provides resources, assistance, and evaluations to businesses that are interested in incorporating sustainable practices to help conserve resources, which leads to a “Green Business” certification that is valid for three years.

We are fortunate to have business owners in our community who have joined the GBPSB (including the City of Goleta!) and we wanted to let you know who they are. Click on the link to read more about how they’ve been able to become a certified Green Business:

We encourage our residents to keep their shopping and business local and we hope you can support our Green Business Network as well!

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Green Business, you can check out the benefits of joining the program here. Or, if you’re ready to make the move to being green, you can head here to start the Certification process.

If you are looking for more tips on how to Go Green, the City of Goleta has resources online.

Green Room: Zero Waste Events

School is back in session and the holidays will be here before we know it. Whether you’re looking to throw a birthday party with friends and family, or you’re a business that wants to host a banquet for employees, we encourage you to incorporate Zero Waste principles into your next event. Not only does it show your commitment to helping your community, in some cases reducing your event waste is a requirement. For example, SB 1383 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a variety of measures including waste diversion (meaning trash that would have gone to a landfill is recycled or composted instead). So, it’s important to consider how much and what kind of waste may be generated, and to have a plan to minimize and sort it properly. 

If you’re planning for an event, no matter the size, check out our tips and resources below so you can help keep Goleta healthy and beautiful.

If you are a resident that is planning a party or event:

  • Let your guests know ahead of time that your party is inspired by Zero Waste principles. You can even start by using online invitations instead of paper ones or sticking to a text/phone call.
  • If possible, rent or borrow tables and chairs instead of purchasing ones that may not be used again. If you do want to buy furniture, check out your local Nextdoor neighborhood, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift store first to see if you can find any good deals.
  • If you need table centerpieces, use things that can be taken home by guests at the end of the event, such as potted plants (this works well for large events, too!).
  • Find ways to cut down on single-use plastics:
    • If guests will be bringing presents, encourage them to use newspaper, cloth, or reused gift bags instead of wrapping paper. You can even have a competition to see who can come up with the most creative Zero Waste wrapping!
    • You can drastically reduce your waste by opting for reusable cups, plates, silverware, and napkins.
    • Avoid using balloons – they are one of the most found pieces of trash during beach cleanups, and they are harmful to marine wildlife. Check out these recommendations for balloon alternatives.
  • Keep your recycling, food scraps, and waste bins next to each other, clearly labeled, and easy for your guests to get to.
  • Have a plan for your leftovers. Beeswax wrap and compostable bags makes a great alternative to single-use plastic bags. If you or a friend has a compost pile, you can also leave your food scraps there. If you can’t find a composting option, it’s ok! Our local ReSource Center automatically sorts through all of waste to pull out organics for composting. 

If you are a commercial business that is planning a larger event:

  • In the early planning stages of your event, make sure all event coordinators are aware that Zero Waste principles should be considered when deciding on venues/vendors.
  • Although vendors should already have waste reduction practices built into their service agreements, it’s good practice to double check for any oversights. Read Plan a Zero Waste Event from LessisMore.org for suggestions of appropriate vendor language.
  • Educating your guests before and during the event is crucial:
    • Be sure to include Zero Waste language in your event invitations (online invites are preferred to paper). Also include Zero Waste reminders on your website and accompanying social media posts.
    • Have clear signs for your recycling, compost, and waste bins. Appropriate signage helps ensure that waste gets sorted correctly – it’s also a chance to promote your business/event as being environmentally conscious.
    • Announce your waste diversion efforts during the event. For example, “[Event Name] is helping to reduce our impact on the environment by diverting at least (50% or 75%) of our waste from the landfill. Help us reduce waste by using the Resource Recovery Stations around this event to compost and recycle. Thank you for contributing to a greener [Community Name]” (from the Zero Waste Planning Event Guide)
  • If your event includes handing out gifts, aim for giving reusable and durable items, like tumblers or canvas tote bags.

We encourage all residents and businesses to get creative with how they reduce and eliminate trash from their events. With a little extra planning, events of any size can follow Zero Waste practices and help keep Goleta beautiful.

Want a refresher on Zero Waste? Check out Zero Waste 101, or get a head start on your Zero Waste Spring Cleaning!

Goleta Tackles Plastic Pollution with New Ordinance 

The Goleta City Council will consider the second reading and adoption of an ordinance at its September 6 meeting that will reduce the prevalence of single-use plastics and polystyrene pollution in Goleta, and in turn reduce plastic pollution litter in Goleta’s neighborhoods, waterways, and beaches. 

Protecting the environment is one of Goleta’s core values. The ordinance is part of the City’s Plastic Free Goleta campaign to eliminate the use of a variety of single-use plastic items to protect our environment and the oceans. It is estimated that there are over five trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean, and that by 2050 plastic will outweigh fish in the ocean. Tiny plastic fragments in the ocean are eaten by marine wildlife and enter the food chain, creating adverse effects on the environment.  

The ordinance the City is considering is a comprehensive plastic reduction policy that will improve the health and safety of the Goleta community and environment. The ordinance provisions include: 

  • Regulations to reduce the use, distribution, and sale of certain polystyrene products like foodware and packing materials (for example, styrofoam cups and packing peanuts).  
  • A prohibition of the sale and distribution of Mylar balloons and the release of balloons in the City to prevent power outages, as well as reduce marine debris and impacts to wildlife.  
  • Regulations to prohibit food service vendors from providing single-use plastic disposable foodware accessories to consumers and requiring that single-use foodware accessories be made of non-plastic and non-polystyrene materials.  
  • Requiring reusable foodware for dining on premises at restaurants to limit waste from single-use items.  
  • A prohibition on the use, sale, and distribution of single-use plastic bottles at City facilities.  

The ordinance has an extended implementation date of June 1, 2023, to give businesses and residents time to prepare and adjust. The City will develop an application process by which extensions for compliance may be applied for by local businesses for up to six months after the implementation date. A public education and outreach campaign will be implemented to spread awareness of the regulations and the importance of the reduction of plastics in advance of June 1. 

We encourage the Goleta community to join us in going plastic-free! If you want to learn more about Goleta’s recent plastics initiatives, and ways you can help the environment and wildlife, please visit Goleta’s single-use plastics webpage.