Author Archives: Jaime Shaw

Goleta Valley Art Association Resumes Shows at Goleta Library

The Goleta Valley Art Association (GVAA) has returned to its “home base”, the Goleta Valley Library, after an absence of more than two years due to the COVID pandemic.

GVAA will present its second juried show of 2022 at the Goleta Valley Library from June 4th through June 29th. The featured artist of the month is John Williams, who has also been a long-time GVAA volunteer. John specializes in gorgeous landscapes painted in oil. His art is well known in the community and graces many homes across the country. He has also been a generous donor of his art to non-profit fundraisers. Congratulations John.

All GVAA shows end with a critique of the art selected by the juror. Carissa Luminess (May juror) is an award-winning, nationally known artist who teaches art and workshops. This month she will present her “Art Biz” workshop for GVAA members. The public is always invited to these critiques. Wednesday, June 29th, 5:15 – 7:00 pm is the next critique at the Goleta Valley Library. 

The organization’s first juried show, Art for Peace, with a portion of proceeds going to Direct Relief, the Goleta-based provider of disaster assistance world-wide, for the people of Ukraine ran through May 27.

“This was an opportunity for our association to pay homage to the people of Ukraine, their bravery and solidarity in the face of brutal war,” said Elizabeth Flanagan, president of the organization. “We’re very excited to be back at the Goleta Valley Library and to celebrate our return with this special show.”

Our shows can be seen in the Community Room of the Goleta Library at 500 N. Fairview Ave., which is open Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The exhibitions feature 40 pieces of original art by local artists selected by jurors such as Cathy Quiel, Carissa Luminess, Garrett Speirs, Libby Smith and Cathy Runkle.

The community is always invited to view our month long shows and to attend our juror critiques on the final day (see website for schedule.) Upcoming shows are planned for July, September and November 2022.

With the community opening up again, the organization also looks forward to continuing its after-school program for Goleta Valley Union School District students who will have the opportunity to develop and share their creative talents with the guidance of GVAA members. “It’s an important service to the children and the schools and one we relish providing,” noted Flanagan.

For more information about the organization and to learn how to join, visit https://www.thegoletavalleyartassociation.org/

The Goleta Valley Art Association began with a small group of artists who first met in March 1963, showing their artwork at a Goleta bank. From its first meeting place in the office of the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce to its present-day site at the Goleta Public Library, the Association has grown from 16 members to over 200 members.

Goleta Valley Library Writers’ Workshop

The Goleta Valley Library Writers’ Workshop resumed in-person gatherings this month, after almost two years of virtual sessions (including a series of guest-author interviews). This is a forum for writers to share work, exchange feedback and discuss the tools of the trade. The workshop meets on the first Saturday of each month at 12:30 p.m., and is open to writers of every experience level from first-timers to seasoned pros.

The first meeting was on June 4 with the topic: “When Words Collide: Saying Everything with (Almost) Nothing.” The next workshop will be July 2. Details will be available soon on the Library Events Calendar where you can also check out all the other great programming available.

We look forward to seeing you in-person at the Goleta Valley Library!

Fourth of July Safety Reminders

As we approach the Fourth of July, we want to remind our community members that fireworks are illegal to possess and use in the City of Goleta and throughout Santa Barbara County. (The exception is in the cities of Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Guadalupe, which allow only designated “Safe and Sane” fireworks to be purchased and used within the city limits.)

Considering our current drought conditions, the use of fireworks poses an extreme fire danger in our community. Deputies will be actively enforcing laws pertaining to the possession or use of illegal fireworks. Depending on the type and amount of fireworks, violators could be subject to citation or arrest.

Residents can report firework violations in Sheriff’s jurisdictions by calling the non-emergency dispatch center at 805-683-2724, or 9-1-1 in an emergency situation.

Besides the fire danger they pose, illegal fireworks and fireworks in general also are frightening to many pets. Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) reminds pet owners of the following:

  • Make sure your dog is wearing a current license tag and update its microchip information.
  • Keep pets inside.
  • Leave the TV or radio on to distract pets.
  • Walk your dog before the fireworks start.
  • Do not bring your pet to a fireworks display.
  • If your dog or cat is especially noise sensitive, consider having someone stay home with them, taking them to a boarding facility, or discuss sedatives with your veterinarian.

We wish you a safe and wonderful Independence Day spent with family and friends. Thank you for doing your part to keep Goleta safe this Fourth of July.

Viva La Goleta! Fiesta Ranchera on June 16

One of Goleta’s favorite events is almost here. Fiesta Ranchera is on Thursday, June 16 from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Rancho La Patera & Stow House (304 N. Los Carneros Road). This treasured event is a chance to experience Fiesta in Goleta and is a collaboration between Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society. Come see performances by the Spirit of Fiesta, Junior Spirit, and local entertainers. There will also be delicious food and beverages. The Goleta City Council will issue a proclamation at its June 7 City Council meeting declaring June 16, 2022, as “Fiesta Ranchera Day.” Council will also give Certificates of Recognition to the Spirit of Fiesta, Tara Mata, and the Junior Spirit of Fiesta, Layla Gocong. You will love seeing these talented dancers perform. Mark your calendars for June 7 and June 16 to see them dance in Goleta.


Spirit of Fiesta Tata Mata, photo courtesy of Fritz Olenberger


Junior Spirit of Fiesta Layla Gocong, photo courtesy of Fritz Olenberger

City’s Adopt-a-Park Program is Off and Running

Our new Adopt-a-Park program is off and running. In the month of May, community members from across the city answered the call to adopt-a-park, volunteering their time, effort and getting involved with the community. If you haven’t had a chance to participate, don’t worry, there are more opportunities coming your way!

Winchester II Park, located on Calle Real, has officially been adopted by the surrounding neighbors, focusing their efforts on trash pickup, filling gopher holes, cleaning playground structures and much more. Their first adoption date took place on the first Saturday of May, with the neighbors joining in volunteering with smiles on their faces. The neighbors of Winchester II have committed to continue their efforts on the first Saturday of the month throughout the summer.

The Goleta Noontime Rotary Club continues their volunteer work at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park once a month as well, with the same excitement and commitment to the program as when they first started in 2019. This last month, Goleta Noontime teamed up with some volunteers from the Beautify Goleta program, marking the first time these two programs joined forces for an event. Together they were able to give this beloved neighborhood park some extra love and care while having a great time on a Saturday morning.

In the month of May, we have also seen the Stonebridge Open Space adopted by a neighbor who is dedicated to preserving the beauty of our parks and open spaces. This individual volunteers twice a month, conducting walkthroughs of the trail while encouraging others to get involved.

For the month of June, we are fortunate to add a few more parks to the adopted list. Families and surrounding neighbors of both Andamar and Evergreen Parks have completed the requirements and will begin soon. Andamar will begin its Adopt-a-Park program on Saturday, June 18th, while Evergreen Park will have a neighboring family volunteering their time and efforts on Saturday, July 2nd. 

Here is a list of some of the upcoming adoption dates and their location.

Park Name

Area Adopted

Adoption Type

Upcoming Cleanup Dates

Andamar Park

Entire Park

Neighborhood

(2-8 participants)

Monthly- 3rd Saturday

June 18th

Evergreen Park

Tennis Court &

Surrounding area

Neighborhood

(2-4 participants)

Monthly- 1st Saturday

July 2nd

Jonny D. Wallis

Neighborhood Park

Entire Park

Organization

Noontime Rotary

Monthly- 3rd Saturday

June 18th

Winchester II Park

Entire Park

Neighborhood

(2-8 participants)

Monthly- 1st Saturday

July 2nd

We want to take this opportunity to thank each of our volunteers and community members that are participating in the Adopt-A-Park program. Your time and effort go a long way helping to preserve our Parks and Open Spaces for many years to come.

If you are interested in adopting a park or learning more, visit our webpage at https://cityofgoleta.org/adoptapark or email the Adopt-A-Park coordinator, Leonel Mendoza-Vera, at lmendoza-vera@cityofgoleta.org.

Thank you and we hope to see you at an upcoming Adopt-A-Park date!

Pictured: Goleta Noontime Rotary Club at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park

Your Summer of Reading is Here!

The 2022 Summer Reading Program runs through July 30th at the Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries

The 2022 Summer Reading Program is happening now and will run for eight weeks through Saturday, July 30th. The program is being held completely in-person for the first time in two years and includes participation categories for children, teens, and adults. We are also excited to welcome back our teen volunteers, who help make the program a success!

“We are really excited to be holding our Summer Reading Program in person once again this summer,” said Elizabeth Saucedo, Children’s Librarian at Goleta Valley Library. “It’s fantastic to see our community come together to enjoy the gift of reading with us!”

To get started, simply stop by the Goleta Valley Library, Isla Vista Bookvan, Buellton Library, or Solvang Library, where you can pick up a Youth or Teen reading log to record the great books you read this summer. Bring back your log to tell us about your reading and receive your prizes! Adult participants can enter one ticket into our weekly prize drawings for every book you read during the program.

There will be live shows throughout the summer for patrons of all ages to enjoy. We will kick off our family entertainment with a dazzling magic show by Shawn McMaster on Saturday, June 11th. Catch the show at Solvang Library at 10:00 a.m. or at Goleta Valley Library at 2:00 p.m. Visit www.GoletaValleyLibrary.org to check out our Events Calendar to see everything we have planned, including puppet shows, concerts, crafts, and more!

Click here for a list of the events and prizes included in the Summer Reading Program at Goleta Valley Library. Visit your local branch to learn more about the specific events and prizes offered at each location.

Are you interested in being a Teen Volunteer this summer? Join our awesome crew! Email Elizabeth at esaucedo@cityofgoleta.org to sign up and receive training.

The Goleta & Santa Ynez Valley Libraries would like to wholeheartedly thank the many local businesses and organizations whose generous prize contributions will motivate participants to keep reading all summer long. The 2022 Summer Reading Program sponsors include: Albertson’s, Bennett’s Toys & Educational Materials, Blenders in the Grass, California Electric Supply, Chipotle, Friends of the Goleta Valley Library, Friends of the Library of Santa Ynez Valley, Golf ‘N’ Stuff, Ice in Paradise, Isla Vista Food Co-op, Island Burgers, Kyle’s Kitchen, Los Arroyos, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ocean Nails & Spa, Old Town Coffee, Pattibakes, Pollofino, Powell-Peralta, Santa Barbara Axxess, South Coast Deli, South Coast Montessori, South Coast Railroad Museum – Goleta Depot, UCSB Gauchos, and Wingstop. We appreciate your support of our program!

Mayor Perotte Receives Mayors Climate Protection Award

During the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 90th Annual Meeting in Reno (NV) on June 3, Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte and eleven other mayors were recognized for their efforts to address the climate crisis as part of the 2022 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards. Mayor Perotte received an Honorable Mention in the Small City category for the City’s Strategic Energy Plan and commitment to reaching 100% renewable electricity by 2030.

The award winners are the 16th class of mayors to be honored for successful local climate action changing how energy is used and produced in cities, resulting in reduced carbon use and emissions. This annual mayoral awards program is supported through a partnership between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Walmart.

“I am so honored to be recognized on behalf of the City for our climate leadership, and am excited to support comprehensive climate action that fosters a greener, more sustainable Goleta,” said Mayor Perotte. “The Strategic Energy Plan is the first of many steps that we hope to take to improve our community’s energy resilience.”

Adopted in 2019, Goleta’s Strategic Energy Plan (SEP) lays a roadmap to achieving the City’s 100% renewable electricity goals and identifies strategies to improve regional energy resilience. Read it here: https://tinyurl.com/2p8mudyh. The SEP aims to improve the quality of life by advancing equity, creating jobs, improving public health, and minimizing Goleta’s contribution to climate change. In pursuing SEP implementation strategies that focus on local generation, the City is currently installing a microgrid-ready solar photovoltaic generation system at City Hall and looking to replicate the project at other City facilities.

“The City of Goleta is thrilled to be recognized for its successful efforts to promote emissions reductions and a sustainable future in partnership with neighboring jurisdictions on the South Coast,” said Planning & Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof.

Goleta’s SEP was developed alongside the County of Santa Barbara and City of Carpinteria’s own plans, laying a strong foundation of regional connection and collaboration.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors President, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, shared, “These award-winning cities – and others across the nation – are embracing energy innovations, deploying cutting-edge technologies, and developing more renewable energy, making our cities healthier and more prosperous today and in the future.”

Full descriptions of the 2022 Mayors Climate Protection Awards winning programs can be found at: https://www.usmayors.org/climateprotection/2022awards/.

For more information about the City of Goleta’s Strategic Energy plan, visit: https://www.cityofgoleta.org/projects-programs/sustainability-climate-adaptation/strategic-energy-plan.

Mariscos Santa Barbara Celebrates Grand Opening in Old Town Goleta

Councilmembers James Kyriaco and Kyle Richards were in attendance Wednesday, June 1, as Mariscos Santa Barbara invited the community to celebrate its grand opening at 5892 Hollister Avenue and experience the freshly-crafted cuisine. Mariscos Santa Barbara was filled with community members that came to celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony and enjoy an evening of fresh food, culinary desserts, and hors d’oeuvres.

Councilmembers Kyriaco and Richards, both residents of Old Town Goleta, joined Miguel Avila (Co-President for the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) in welcoming Mariscos Santa Barbara to the community.

“I am so happy to welcome Mariscos Santa Barbara to Old Town,” said Councilmember Richards. “The City of Goleta is very excited to have another thriving and delicious local business come into the area.” 

Mariscos Santa Barbara is led by Chef Karlos Gonzales and a kitchen team with over 30 years of combined restaurant experience that aims to bring the taste of real Mexican seafood flavors to Old Town Goleta. Chef Karlos and his team have committed to sourcing ingredients only from local farmers’ markets to create a new and authentic experience for customers.

“We always love seeing new business make their home in Goleta,” said Councilmember Kyriaco. “Especially a business like this that represents the cultural and historical heart of Goleta.”

City of Goleta Sustainability Staff was also given the opportunity to speak to community leaders and business owners in attendance. Management Assistant Angeline Foshay and Civic Spark Fellow Stephanie Holmes provided important information and answered questions about the new single-use plastic ordinance. The new regulation requires that single-use foodware accessories be available for customers only by request starting June 17th. To learn more about plastics reduction in Goleta, please click here.  

Please join the City of Goleta in welcoming its newest restaurant to Old Town.

  

 

 

We Need You! Apply for a City Board or Commission

Applications Accepted Through June 14

The City of Goleta is looking for community members interested in applying to be on a Board or Commission. We have extended the deadline to June 14. The City is seeking applications for upcoming vacancies on the Design Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Library Advisory Commission, and the Santa Barbara County Library Advisory Committee. Joining a Board or Commission is a great way to give back to your community and have your voice heard.

Interested community members can apply for the following positions:

Design Review Board – one (1) vacancy for an At-Large Member; This board meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m., and the members are compensated $50 per meeting.

Parks and Recreation Commission – one (1) vacancy for a Commissioner; Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission holds six regular meetings and may hold additional meetings as needed.

Library Advisory Commission – one (1) vacancy for a Commissioner; Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta. The Commission meets the first Monday of every month.

Santa Barbara County Library Advisory Committee – one (1) vacancy for a Committee member; Eligible applicants must live in the City of Goleta.

Applications for all open Board and Commission vacancies may be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/goletaboards-commissions. Applications are due by June 14, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.

Again, this is a great opportunity to be involved in your city and learn more about how local government works. For additional information on what is involved with serving on a Board or Commission, or to inquire about a specific vacancy, please email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.

City Manager Retirement Date Extended

Council Requests Additional Time to Allow for Ongoing Recruitment Process

Goleta City Manager Michelle Greene, who was set to retire on June 30, 2022, has agreed to stay on until September 1, 2022, to provide continued leadership to the organization during the ongoing recruitment and eventual appointment of a new City Manager. The Goleta City Council tonight, May 17, 2022, unanimously approved Ms. Greene’s separation agreement, which included the extension of her retirement date. 

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “We are grateful for Ms. Greene’s willingness to stay on and provide her seasoned leadership to our City as we take the time needed to find and hire the right replacement.”  

The recruitment for a new City Manager has closed and a series of interviews is being scheduled for June. After the interviews and background checks are concluded, negotiations with the preferred candidate can begin.  Once a tentative agreement is reached with the new City Manager, a contract would then be approved at a regular City Council meeting, and the successful candidate would likely need to give formal advance notice to their current employer.   If more time is needed during the City Manager recruitment and appointment process, the Council can request another extension to Ms. Greene’s separation agreement.