Newsletter Archives

Supporters and friends surrounded Jean Blois at the dedication of the Jean Blois Community Room in the Chamber office on December 12. In addition to the 100 community members, Jean’s family (see photo bottom right) drove from around California to honor her years of service to the Goleta Valley. Goleta Mayor Michael T. Bennett, Mayor Pro Tempore Roger Aceves, Council Member Eric Onnen and Second District Supervisor Janet Wolf were also in attendance.

A plaque listing the many individuals and businesses that contributed to the Chamber’s move and new office space was unveiled and bears a photo of Jean. In addition, those who helped fund the naming of the room are painted high up on the wall.

Bill MacFadyen, Candy Corbani, Betty Rossness and Larry Mills spoke about Jean’s character and dedication and many years of service through work on the Goleta School Board, Goleta Water District, Goleta Chamber Board and Goleta City Council.

Toys for Tots benefited as well as two huge boxes were filled with toys for those who are less fortunate.
Blois shared a few words of her own and then followed with a poem about a meaningful life. (See sidebar.)

The Dash (partial)
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning...to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time she spent alive on Earth. And now only those who loved her know what the little line is worth. For it matters not how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash. So, when your eulogy’s being read with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?
For the complete poem, go to www.lindaslyrics.com.

Jean Blois Community Room Sponsors:
Bacara Resort & Spa • Bishop Ranch
Blois Construction, founder Bob Blois • Cabrillo Business Park Camino Real Marketplace • The Chadmar Group
Community West Bank • Cox Business • Glynne Couvillion
Harold & Ethel Sumida • The Towbes Group • Venoco

Thank you to Bacara Resort & Spa, Outback Steakhouse, Fess Parker’s DoubleTree, La Sumida, Jordano’s and

Santa Barbara Signs & Graphics for the donations of food and decorations for this event. We are grateful for your generosity.

Goleta Valley Outlook

What to Expect in 2008

The year is just beginning, but we at the Chamber are looking forward to a full calendar which includes some new events and a revitalization of some that have been done in the past. In addition, the Chamber will continue to work for business interests in regard to housing, transportation and legislation. You can anticipate continued upgrades to the Chamber website and an 8-page Goleta Business Journal later this spring. Here’s a summary of what you can expect from the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce and those things that are scheduled in the Goleta Valley.

All events are hosted by the Chamber unless otherwise listed or noted with an asterisk. (T) events are tentative.

First quarter
January - Sumida Gardens Groundbreaking*
February - Chamber’s Annual Meeting to review accomplishments, preview Chamber’s 2008 work program, present Chamber’s awards, and install new officers
February 21 - Statewide Disaster Preparedness Workshop, Sponsored by the Goleta Partnership for Preparedness
March - State of the City - The City of Goleta will present its first-ever State of the City at an event hosted by the Chamber
March - San Jose Creek improvements slated to begin*
Other first quarter expectations:
Decision on the future of Goleta Beach by the Santa Barbara County Supervisors*
Decision on the Villages at Los Carneros by the Goleta City Council*

Second Quarter
April - Goleta’s Finest - The Chamber’s annual celebration of those people and businesses who make the Goleta community great
June - Membership Workshop Series I - (T) - Business symposia to help Chamber members with important areas of running a business
June - Third District Supervisorial Election (primary)

Third Quarter
July - Economic Forecast - The Chamber’s annual event to educate and inform businesses about economic conditions that affect the Goleta Valley
August - Membership Workshop Series II (T)
September - Technology Fair (T)
Other third quarter expectations:
Goleta’s housing plan will be submitted to the State of California*

Fourth Quarter
September/October - Election Information and Forums - Information to help you make the most informed decisions about the upcoming elections: Third District Supervisor, Goleta City Council, Goleta Water District, Measure D
October 18 & 19 - California Lemon Festival in Goleta
November - Membership Workshop Series III
December - Holiday Expo

Issue & Policy Roundtable - Goleta Sanitary District Upgrades
By Grayson Peters

The Goleta Sanitary District (GSD) is close to finalizing a major modernization and improvement project to upgrade the facility’s treatment process. Founded by a foresighted community in 1942, the GSD plays an integral role in life in the Goleta Valley, one that most residents known little about. As with any community utility facility though, time warrants change in response to increased population, new regulations, and advancing technologies.
On November 13, the Issue & Policy Roundtable heard from Kamil Azoury, General Manager, Kathleen Werner, Technical Services & Laboratory Supervisor, and GSD Board Member Elbert Trantow.

After a brief history from Trantow, Azoury and Werner thoroughly explained the eight different options proposed for the GSD facility upgrade along with their individual benefits. Various physical, chemical, and biological techniques have been recommended by staff to improve and expand the current secondary treatment stage, so as to address evolving regulatory requirements and market demands.

Currently the GSD is examining combining four different methods for maximum flexibility and viability in the future. Preliminary research findings on the best option for our district will be released soon.

Chairman's Journal - Teens in the News, A Positive Story
By William MacFayden

A perk of being chairman of the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce is the privilege of assisting the Rotary Club of Glottal Noontime in the judging of its Goleta Teen of the Year finalists. The personal stories and community service commitments of these remarkably humble young men and women are nothing short of extraordinary. But it is their confident, can-do attitudes that is so inspiring.

To make my point, meet Valerie Mehlschau, the 2007 Goleta Teen of the Year. The San Marcos High senior has been a whirlwind of activity throughout her young 17 years. She’s been a Santa Barbara Jazz Dance Academy member as well as an instructor of younger children, has served on the Marjorie Luke Theatre Rent Subsidy Board, is a published writer, works on the weekly school TV program, is opinion editor of the award-winning San Marcos King’s Page newspaper, and, yes, she’s an honors student.

But Valerie’s real passion is The Mini-Miracles Society, a teen community service organization she founded just four years ago. The idea behind the M&Ms is that performing one simple act of kindness once a month — a mini-miracle — is well within the capabilities of teenagers like herself. Her now more than 40-member group has delivered a maximum effort, however, making a positive difference on behalf of the Battered Women’s Shelter, the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, the Santa Barbara Humane Society, Box Tops for Education, and many more organizations.

This young woman’s sense of purpose is apparent to everyone she meets, but we judges — Goleta Mayor Michael Bennett, program chairwoman Connie Burns, Rotary president Barbara Klein and Goleta Community Center executive director Randy Rosness — also found that to be the case with the other finalists: Isabelle D’Arcy, Leah Mireles, Joy Sun, Wolf Thielmann and Justine Wieland.

Selecting just one of these students was a difficult decision for us. Knowing that our future is in their capable hands made it all worthwhile.

President's Journal
By Kristen Amyx

While I’d love to dwell on the Chamber’s many accomplishments, successful advocacy, and productive outreach on behalf of the Goleta Valley in 2007, I am eagerly looking forward to an exciting year ahead. In fact, 2008 promises to be even busier than this past year.

The Goleta Partnership for Preparedness, which grew out of the collaboration between the Goleta Chamber, City Hall, and the American Red Cross, will be kicking into high gear, helping businesses with critical disaster preparation. There is no time like the present, and this is long overdue.

Goleta’s State of the City address in March will be bigger and better than ever. The city is seven years old in 2008, high time for proper pomp and circumstance, along with noteworthy substance at the annual address.
We’re hoping to move our annual Goleta Economic Forecast event to Dos Pueblos High School’s beautiful new auditorium. If you haven’t seen their new facility, it is truly impressive, and should prove to be a fantastic venue for Bill Watkins and his presentation in July.

Of course, 2008 is also an election year, which the Chamber will be following very closely. We will be watching the races for Third District Supervisor as well as two seats on the Goleta City Council. In addition, voters in 2008 will be deciding on a renewal of Measure D, the County’s transportation sales tax. (See the guest commentary by Gregg Hart for more information.)
Over arching all of this will be a serious discussion surrounding Goleta’s revenue neutrality agreement with the County. As I detailed in my October column, Goleta is stuck in a bad deal where revenue from the city’s thriving businesses is kept by the county, rather than returning to our municipal coffers to help fund public safety, public works, or a new parks and recreation department.

As you have come to expect from an opinion leader, your Chamber will be right in the middle of it all as we work on your behalf throughout 2008. Best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Goleta Teen of the Year - Valerie Mehlschau

Valerie Mehlschau was named the 2007 Goleta Teen of the Year in an awards ceremony at the UCSB Faculty Club. The honors student has an extensive record of community service. The Goleta Teen of the Year is a community service program sponsored by the Rotary Club of Goleta Noontime. More than $8,000 is scholarships were awarded to the six 2007 finalists, Valerie, Isabelle D'Arcy, Leah Mireles, Joy Sun, Wolf Thielmann and Justine Wieland. The Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce provides a $1,000 savings bond to the winner.

Will this be the Year of Real Change?
By Lisa Rivas

The legislative season was extended this year with hopes and promises of water and health care deals. But as Santa Claus and his eight tiny reindeer disappeared from the rooftops and after the droning verses of Auld Lang Syne ended, so did all hope of the Governor and the Legislature standing up to their promise of ample water and health care for all. But there is always the new legislative season to bring gifts of change!

All sarcasm aside, we do expect to see these two issues, among several others, brought up again this year.
The Regional Legislative Alliance of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties (RLA) sees writing on the wall for dramatic change. Our issues policy clearly defines the areas where we feel change is needed: redistricting, infrastructure (water and wastewater) and overly burdensome taxes and fees on business. All of these issues have been discussed in the media, by legislative leaders and by businesses advocates. There have been some attempts to address them, but all efforts have failed so far.

We see hope for change with the recent news of a redistricting proposal and a comprehensive water bond proposed for the November 2008 ballot.

A Plan for Water
On December 5 a coalition known as the Californians for Clean and Reliable Water (CCRW) filed four versions of the “Comprehensive Safe Drinking Water, Water Supply Reliability and Delta Restoration Act of 2008” with the Attorney General for title and summary. The goal is to enact comprehensive solutions to California’s looming water crisis and to assure that all Californians have an adequate supply of clean, safe water for years to come while protecting and enhancing the environment.

The RLA supports a long-term, comprehensive water plan that includes new supply, storage, and conveyance elements and we are anxious to see the details of this water proposal.

Critical Redistricting
There is news on the redistricting front, too, with signatures being collected to qualify an initiative for the November 2008 ballot.

The proposed ballot measure would create an independent redistricting panel of five Democrats, five Republicans and four independent or minor-party voters. The 14-member commission would draw new maps every 10 years, beginning in 2011. Any California voter could apply to serve on the redistricting commission. New maps could not take effect unless supported by three Democratic commissioners, three Republicans and three from the independent/minor party bloc. In drawing districts, consideration must be given to factors ranging from city and county boundaries to communities of interest, such as minority blocs. If the panel could not reach agreement on new maps, the California Supreme Court would set boundaries. The RLA supports efforts to reform the redistricting process.

The sad truth of our situation with California politics is that we can hope for major progress on only two key issues in one legislative year that stretches for nine months, but the risk of failure is high.

RLA Update
The Regional Legislative Alliance of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties had another year of growth in influence and size. In addition to weighing in with hundreds of phone calls and letters regarding 45 bills that impacted our region, we joined nearly a half dozen coalitions created to improve the business climate in the state.

Our newly introduced Capitol Circle begins January 2008 with five associates, four of which are new. These companies sit at the table as non-voting partners to discuss critical issues, give input on business impacts and share their expertise.

Visit our website at www.legislativealliance.org. to learn about the current issues, upcoming events and news items. Most of the site is open to the public and we welcome you to view it periodically to catch up on issues impacting large, medium and small businesses, employees and owners.

Member Spotlight - Talking Turf at Girsh Park
By Valerie Kushnerov

The year 2008 promises to be an exciting one for recreation in Goleta as the Foundation for Girsh Park hopes to wrap up its Fields Forever 2 Campaign. This campaign is a $1.25 million project to convert its soccer field to a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field which will better withstand the constant use.

The nearly nine year old Lester A. and Viola S. Girsh Park is like many nearly nine year old children—active, full of energy, and well loved. As home to 25 acres of sports fields, basketball courts, a playground and picnic area, it is a Goleta treasure. On any given day, you will find soccer stars and their parents, picnicking families, children on the playground and adults and teens playing games of pick up basketball. In October, the Park is host to the California Lemon Festival sponsored by the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce. In July, the Park is host to the Goleta Fireworks Festival sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Goleta.

Pat O’Malley is Chair of the Fields Forever 2 Capital Campaign. A soccer enthusiast and Park Board Member, O’Malley agreed to head up the campaign because he believes that because of existing conditions, synthetic turf is a better alternative to grass.

“The combination of clay subsoil, poor drainage, and excessive use was devastating. We had to shut the field down 3-5 months each year for reseeding because the grass was worn away,” explained O’Malley. “After hearing about synthetic turf, contacting manufacturers, and visiting numerous fields, the Board agreed that converting to synthetic turf was our best recourse.”

The campaign has recently seen a boost in the donations. Ryan Harrington, Executive Director of the Park, said, “In early November, there was $365,000 in the bank. A $400,000 pledge from Andrew Bermant, a $75,000 grant from the William Corbett Foundation, a $15,000 grant from the Hutton Foundation, and other donations and pledges have brought the total to $865,000.”

O’Malley said, “We’re looking for a $500,000 donor for field naming rights. We’re hoping that someone, or some entity, comes in and puts us over the top by May or June of 2008, so that construction can be completed in the fall or winter of that year.”

The $1.25 million budget is expected to cover construction of a drainage base, turf material and installation, gated fencing, and an endowment for subsequent replacement of the turf in 12 – 14 years.

The original Fields Forever Campaign raised $5.6 million to purchase the 13 acres of adjacent land on which the Dos Pueblos Little League fields are located.

To make a pledge or donation, please contact Harrington, at 968-2773. More information can be found at www.GirshPark.org.

Q: Can Venture Capital Boost Your Business?
This month we debut a new column entitled “Ask SCORE.” Ask SCORE provides the opportunity for your questions to be answered by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). Email your questions to
newsletter@goletavalley.com and look for the answer in a future article.

A: You’ve got a great idea for a business that you know will succeed. But you lack the cash to get things started. And when you’ve discussed a conventional loan with several banks, the reaction has been more of skepticism than confidence. Is this promising venture doomed?
Not necessarily. Many entrepreneurs have turned to venture capital as a source funding, particularly for new, relatively unproven enterprises that appear to have promising futures. However, such money is often hard to come by. Venture capital firms expect a business to be able to return their investment with interest as well as a large profit. That’s why it’s important for entrepreneurs to be realistic in their expectations of obtaining venture capital, and in the hoped-for results.

Once you accept venture capital, you have relinquished some of your autonomy and accepted the understanding that the venture capital firm will take a large share of the profits you earn.

As the entrepreneur, you should understand the nature of a venture capital firm before pursuing this as a financing source. This type of investor expects a projected return on investment that is directly related to risk. The greater the risk, the greater the return expected. Typically, however, an investment firm will not be interested in getting involved with a new and unproven business until it has established itself in some way. The investors need some kind of track record in order to determine the risk factor.

Even after the new firm has established itself and has a working organizational structure, and a viable business plan and start-up arrangement, not all venture capital firms are ready to invest. Some prefer a later stage of new business development.

A company’s business plan serves as the primary analytical tool for the venture capitalist. In analyzing the plan, a venture capital firm would most likely focus on three features:

•The product or service. Investors seek product or service innovations that give the company a strong competitive advantage. A new idea, backed by market surveys (measuring the appeal of the product or service and its potential market) may be tempting to such investors.

•Management capability. No matter how good the product or how innovative the service, the quality and experience of the management is a key factor in the success of the business. The astute investor is well aware of this and looks for solid evidence of such skill.

•The industry’s growth. Investors also want to be sure that the product or service is in a growth field. A significant or revolutionary product improvement, by itself, may not have appeal in a declining product or service category.

Most venture capitalists purchase common or convertible stock. Additionally, while the venture capitalists may insist on sitting on the Board or offering management and technical advice, they are rarely interested in the day-to-day management.

You can plug into a wealth of business know-how by contacting SCORE. SCORE Counselors offer free, confidential advice about every aspect of starting, running, and growing a successful business; even mentoring.
Santa Barbara SCORE meets every Wednesday at 402 E. Gutierrez St; Santa Barbara; 8:30-11:30 a.m. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call 563-0084 or go to www.edmisscore.org/0166.

News from the Ambassadors
By Christine LeBon

On behalf of the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Council, we wish all of our members a very happy new year and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

On Wednesday, January 23rd, we’ll have our first Business After Hours event of the year at Kinecta Federal Credit Union, on the corner of Hollister and Santa Felicia Way. On February 27th, our host will be Bargain Network at 6330 Hollister, near Santa Barbara Chrysler/Jeep. Then in March, our host will be the new Hampton Inn on Hollister, in Old Town Goleta. These Business After Hours mixers begin at 5:00 p.m. I encourage you to stop in and meet other Chamber members.

I want to thank Sal Rodriguez and his staff at the United Boys and Girls Club for hosting our November mixer. They delighted us with trays of wonderful goodies and spirits. Thanks also to Kevin Young for the delicious desserts from McConnell’s Ice Cream.

Finally, we had a ribbon cutting in November at the new location for Express Personnel, 9 W. Figueroa, hosted by Manager Karen Dwyer , the Goleta Valley and Santa Barbara Chambers of Commerce.

Again, I would like to thank all of the Ambassadors for their hard work in 2007. You are a joy to work with and some of the best people I know. I look forward to another wonderful year in 2008.

Your Chamber at Work
Opinion Leader Update

In the past month, the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce submitted position letters to and spoke before local and state lawmakers on the following topics: (Partial list)

• In support of the City of Goleta issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for all contract services
• Urging the Board of Supervisors to vote for beach stabilization at Goleta Beach Park
• In support of the Sumida Gardens project; the creation of workforce and affordable housing
• In support of the Village at Los Carneros; the creation of workforce and affordable housing

Voter Guide
The Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce Board has voted to oppose the Proposition 91, 92 & 93 which will be on the ballot on February 5th.