Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Viva La Goleta! Fiesta Ranchera Fun!

Fiesta may be next month in Santa Barbara, but on June 16, it was all about Viva La Goleta!  On June 8, the Goleta City Council officially proclaimed June 16 as Fiesta Ranchera Day in the City of Goleta. Everyone in Council Chambers and watching at home enjoyed seeing the 2022 Spirit of Fiesta Tara Mata and the Junior Spirit of Fiesta Layla Gocong perform. Both were issued Certificates of Recognition. La Presidente Maria Cabrera, who is a Goleta resident herself, thanked the City of Goleta and the Council for carrying on the great tradition of Fiesta Ranchera at the beautiful and historic Rancho La Patera and Stow House.

Then on June 16, hundreds of people attended the Fiesta Ranchera event. Party-goers danced the night away to local band Area 51, enjoyed delicious food and beverages courtesy of several local vendors and watched stunning performances from the Spirit and Junior Spirit. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this such a memorable fundraising event for Old Spanish Days.

This year marks 14 years of collaboration with Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society to put on this treasured event.

Goleta’s first Fiesta Stow House event was held on August 3, 1968!

 
Spirit of Fiesta Tara Mata dancing in Goleta City Council Chambers


Junior Spirit of Fiesta Layla Gocong dancing in Goleta City Council Chambers

Pictured left-to-right: City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover, Francisco Cabrera, Councilmember James Kyriaco, Mayor Paula Perotte, Old Spanish Days La Presidente Maria Cabrera, Councilmember Roger Aceves and Councilmember Kyle Richards at Fiesta Ranchera on June 16

Goleta’s Draft Housing Element Submitted to the State for Review

The City of Goleta’s Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element is now in the hands of the State for review. The City of Goleta was pleased to submit this defining document after unanimous approval from the Goleta City Council on June 28, 2022. Goleta’s Housing Element is important because it establishes City policies and programs for maintaining and improving existing housing, as well as accommodating development of new housing to meet the City’s assigned share of housing needs under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment.

City of Goleta’s Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof said, “The transmittal of the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element is an important milestone for the City as it moves us one step closer to adoption before the State deadline of February 15, 2023. Implementing the Housing Element will help us address many of Goleta’s unique housing needs and it will help us comply with State law requirements.”

City of Goleta Advance Planning Manager Anne Wells added, “The Draft Housing Element reflects more than a year of public, Planning Commission, and City Council input. Public input has been critical to the development of this Draft Housing Element and the City appreciates the more than 600 people who provided input and engaged with the City during various outreach events and surveys. Thank you!”

The State now has 90 days to review Goleta’s Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element. Once the City receives comment from the State, the City will prepare a revised draft for future adoption hearings.

To learn more and to view the Draft Housing Element that was submitted to the State for review, visit the project page on our website at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/housingelement.

Public Input Requested on San Jose Creek Bike Path Project

Environmental Document Available for Review/Comments Until August 1

The long-awaited, much anticipated San Jose Creek Bike Path Project (Project) has reached the next stage in the process. The public is now able to review the environmental document for the project and provide comments until August 1, 2022, at noon. 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. In particular, 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.

The document is available here on the City’s website. Please submit your public comment via email to Laura Bridley (LBridley@cityofgoleta.org) AND Teresa Lopes (TLopes@cityofgoleta.org). Comments can also be mailed to the City of Goleta ATTN: Laura Bridley and Teresa Lopes, 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, CA 93117. All comments must be received no later than Monday, August 1, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.

Goleta Public Works Director Charlie Ebeling said, “The San Jose Creek Bike Path Project was envisioned before the City was incorporated more than 20 years ago. We are excited it is back in the spotlight and ready for public input once again. This is a complex project that has involved close coordination with various agencies including Caltrans and the County of Santa Barbara. When complete, the project will be an incredible asset for our community and will make it easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to get around.”

The Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND) environmental document for the Project describes the detailed improvements that will be made to the City’s transportation system. It also discusses the possible environmental effects of building this nearly 1.5-mile route, along with comprehensive protection measures and construction management strategies.

Here is what the plan entails: The new path will include space for bicycles and pedestrians beginning on Calle Real, proceeding under the U.S. 101, and continuing along San Jose Creek through Armitos Park and Jonny D. Wallis Park in Old Town north of Hollister Avenue. The route will then pick up on Kellogg Avenue, and cross over State Route 217 (Ward Memorial Boulevard) on a 350-foot long 12-foot wide bicycle/pedestrian bridge. The path then lowers to align adjacent to State Route 217, separated by a 2-foot concrete barrier and bicycle/pedestrian rail to separate users from the roadway. At the south end of the project, the bike path will continue under State Route 217 in a newly constructed box culvert, and daylight again on the southeast side of the highway to connect to the existing Atascadero Creek Bike Path. A project map is available here.

After this public comment period on the draft IS-MND, the Project will be scheduled for review and approval by the City Council, anticipated in September 2022. Following the City of Goleta approval, the project will proceed to the California Coastal Commission for permitting in accordance with the State Coastal Act.

For more information contact Teresa Lopes (Tlopes@cityofgoleta.org; 805-961-7563) or Laura Bridley (LBridley@cityofgoleta.org, 805-896-2153). Or visit our project webpage for more information.


Project location map

Join #TeamGoleta! Apply for a Job Opening with the City

Join our team! The City of Goleta has a variety of jobs open throughout different departments. We are looking for great people to join us in serving the community. If you are interested in a job where you can make a difference, we encourage you to apply.

Current job openings include (in alphabetical order):

  • Accounting Specialist & Accounting Supervisor
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Department Aides – Fleet Management
  • Engineering Positions (multiple)
  • Homelessness Services Coordinator
  • Library Positions (multiple)
  • Maintenance Worker
  • Public Records Specialist
  • Public Works Supervisor
  • Senior Management Analyst

You can learn more about the open positions and apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/goletaca. #TeamGoleta #GoodLandGreatJobs

 

Get Ready for the 2022 Goleta Lemon Festival

Mark your calendar for the 29th Annual Lemon Festival on September 24 & 25, 2022, at Girsh Park (7050 Phelps Road), put on by the South Coast Chamber of Commerce. The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

For the past 28 years, the Lemon Festival has been the biggest celebration in the Goleta area and it keeps getting better each year. You’ll find wonderful food, a fantastic family atmosphere, and a variety of entertainment and activities that have made this the most anticipated event on the Goleta coast. The weekend also includes the Goleta Fall Classic Car and Street Rod Show and the ever-popular ‘Safety Street.’

Applications for vendors and volunteers are now being accepted. Each year, the festival hosts 70+ booths featuring local non-profit organizations, as well as food, beverage, and merchandise.

For more information go to https://lemonfestival.com/.

Celebrate July at Rancho La Patera & Stow House

The Goleta Valley History Society has a lot of fun activities planned this month. Check out one or all of them!

  • Old Fashioned 4th of July: This local favorite is returning Monday, July 4, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Adults and children of all ages will enjoy a day of live music, classic cars, hayrides, goats and chickens, an old engine show, tours, various games, and much more. Grab a bite of famous BBQ from Country Catering or cool off with some refreshing ice cream. Volunteers are still needed! If you are interested please email lisa@goletahistory.org.
  • Stow 150: The Stow House is celebrating their 150th anniversary with a free community event on Saturday, July 16, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This fun-filled day includes live music with Hoodlum Friends, tractor rides, goats, chickens, self-guided tours of the historic Stow House, and exhibits of Stow Ranch history. BYOC (bring your own lawn chair). Parking is limited – carpooling and Uber/Lyft are encouraged.
  • Music at the Ranch: This popular Tuesday Night Free Summer Concert Series begins July 19 with ‘Down Mountain Lights” and continues for five consecutive weeks. All concerts are from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. There will be food trucks and a cash bar serving beer and wine. Be advised, parking is again limited. The lineup includes:
    • July 26: MoneLov
    • August 2: Tony Ybarra
    • August 9: King Be
    • August 16: Donna Greene and the Roadside Daddies

For more information on these great events and more, please visit http://goletahistory.org/. All events take place at Rancho La Patera & Stow House located at 304 N. Los Carneros Road.

Pride Flag Raised at Goleta City Hall

The City of Goleta had its first commemorative flag flying at City Hall. On June 22, Councilmember Kyle Richards raised the Pride Flag in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This was an exciting moment as it was the first time a flag other than the United States Flag or California State Flag has been displayed at City Hall.

The City Council also recognized June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month with a proclamation at its June 21, 2022, City Council meeting. LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States have fought for equal treatment, dignity, and respect, and remain determined to pursue full equality, respect, and inclusion for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Despite being marginalized throughout the history of the United States, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to celebrate their identities, love, and contributions in various expressions of Pride. The City Council encourages the Goleta community to join in celebration and appreciation of the LGBTQ+ community. View the proclamation at https://tinyurl.com/3bme2khp.


Councilmember Kyle Richards with the newly raised Pride Flag at Goleta City Hall


Kristin Flickinger, Executive Director of the Pacific Pride Foundation, receiving the proclamation from the Goleta City Hall

Summer Reading Program Underway

Our “Oceans of Possibilities” Summer Reading Program participants are making a big splash at the library this summer! Since the program started on June 3rd, more than 800 kids, teens and adults have participated! There is still time to dive into the fun and earn prizes that are “shore” to delight through the end of the program on July 30th. We have a great month of all-ages programming lined up for July, so be sure to save the dates and we’ll “sea” you soon at the library!

Upcoming events at the Goleta Valley Library include:

  • Juggler David Cousin, Thursday, July 7th at 3:00 p.m.
  • Ocean Craft for Adults & Teens, Saturday, July 9th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Ocean Craft for Kids, Thursday, July 14th from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Mark Collier Magic Show, Saturday, July 16th at 10:30am
  • Nathalia Music Concert, Saturday, July 23rd at 2:30pm
  • End of Program Summer Splash, Saturday, July 30th from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Electrify Your Home Program Launches

First there was Electrify Your Ride, now Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE) is encouraging you to Electrify Your House. The Electrify Your Home program in partnership with TECH Clean California, provides contractors with cash incentives for switching gas-powered water heaters and HVAC equipment to all-electric versions in single-family and multi-family homes. CCCE’s energy programs incentives are tiered to provide the greatest benefit to customers with the fewest resources. In addition, contractors completing work on CCCE customer sites that qualify for CARE/FERA are eligible for an additional $1,000 per unit incentive through the Electrify Your Home program. Electrify Your Home will further advance CCCE’s efforts to reduce regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through electrification of the building sector. 

Benefits of Going Electric

For Residents:

  • Going electric reduces regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that come from natural gas and propane and reduces the reliance on gas
  • Homes without gas are safer and healthier
  • A home with all-electric appliances saves 2.5 metric tons of carbon a year, equivalent to taking one car off the road for an entire year
  • Be a leader and inspire friends and neighbors to electrify their home and build a cleaner environment for the Central Coast

For Contractors:

  • Enroll to access incentives and get your business listed in TECH Clean California’s “Find A Contractor” database  
  • Access free, high-quality workforce education and training to learn how to install the latest heat pump technology safely for residential clients 
  • Receive support, including pre-installation analysis 
  • Access streamlined permitting and financial resources for large projects 
  • Receive hands-on support for contractors who serve and hire workers in low-income communities 
  • Access supply chain engagement to increase inventory and selection of appliances carried by local distributors 

Those who live in a CCCE service area, and contractors, can learn more the program at https://3cenergy.org/electrify-your-home/.

Safely Dispose Your Hazardous Waste For FREE

Properly disposing hazardous waste helps keep our communities clean and healthy, but did you know it also helps keep people safe? For example, when cell phones or other batteries are thrown away in regular waste bins, they can get compacted in trash trucks, ignite, and cause a fire (here is a link to a recent example in Riverside County).

Environmental Services wants to remind residents that they can use the Goleta Recycling Center to safely get rid of tricky trash like oil, electronics, batteries, and paint for FREE!

The Goleta Recycling Center is located at 20 David Love Pl, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. They are also open on select Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (7/2, 7/16, 8/6, and 8/20). You can find the updated schedule on MarBorg’s website at www.marborg.com/marborg-goleta-recycling-center.

Examples of items that can be taken to the Center include:

  • E-waste (computers, monitors, radios, etc… anything with an electrical cord)
  • Fluorescent light bulbs
  • Antifreeze
  • Batteries
  • Cell phones
  • Oil (petroleum based: motor oil, hydraulic oil, etc…)
  • Paint (both oil and water-based)

Please do your part to keep our community safe by using the Goleta Recycling Center for your hazardous waste. You can also visit the Recycling Center’s Website for more information.