City of Goleta Response to COVID-19

City News

The City of Goleta places the highest value on the health and safety of our community members and employees. In cooperation with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the California Department of Public Health, the City is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

There are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Santa Barbara County, but in order to protect the health of our community, yesterday, March 12, 2020, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a declaration of a local health emergency and health officer order for the postponement and cancellation of events as well as social distancing. Read more here.

The City is taking steps to comply with these orders. We are fully operational, but staff is practicing social distancing and the City has enhanced cleaning strategies to protect community members, public officials and employees. The City is in the process of suspending all non-essential meetings, workshops and events until further notice. In cooperation with the Goleta Chamber of Commerce, the State of the City events scheduled for April 13 and 16 have been postponed.

Mayor of Goleta, Paula Perotte said, “The safety of Goleta’s residents, businesses and employees is our top priority. The City is in contact with our trusted partners to learn, communicate and implement the best practices to keep the City going with public involvement while minimizing risk. We are confident we can work together to maximize safety and minimize disruptions.”

City Manager Michelle Greene added, “As with other areas of the country, life in Goleta will be very different for a while. We know this is an overwhelming time for many, but we hope our community members will pull together, support one another, stay calm and do their part to get through this crisis.”

At this time, City Council meetings are scheduled to go on as planned but social distancing measures will be in place for council members, staff and attendees.  Members of the public are encouraged to watch our meetings live on Channel 19 or on our website at https://tinyurl.com/GoletaMeetings. Community members are welcome to attend in person but should stay home if sick or concerned about the risk of exposure. Public comment can be submitted online in advance of the meeting by sending an e-mail to cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org no later than Monday at noon prior to the Council meeting. The next City Council meeting is on March 17 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers (130 Cremona Drive, Suite B).

The City is committed to the continuance of government and is in the process of carefully reviewing its Continuity of Operations Plan. The plan will ensure that the City is able to provide necessary functions to our community while also protecting the health of the public, City officials and staff. The City is developing levels of response based on the severity of the situation as it evolves.

As a reminder, slowing the transmission of COVID-19 is one of the most important efforts the community can participate in. Here is how you can help:

  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Wash hands often with water and soap for 20 seconds
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Avoid shaking hands
  • Cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing and sneezing and dispose of tissues in the trash
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces
  • Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces often
  • Call before visiting your doctor
  • Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals
  • Practice good hygiene habits

The City of Goleta is committed to keeping our residents and community informed on all relevant information and will continue to work closely with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD), the lead agency for the COVID-19. For the latest information on the situation, please visit the new Santa Barbara County Public Health Department website at www.publichealthsbc.org which is updated daily. 

We want to take this opportunity to thank our health care professionals and first responders who are on the front lines caring for others during this uncertain time. We also want to express our appreciation to our Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and allied agencies for working diligently to keep us informed with the latest information and safety procedures.

City Hall