Thirty-two community members now have a better understanding of how the city of Goleta works after completing the seventh LEAD Goleta Community Academy. LEAD stands for Learn, Empower, Advocate and Discuss.

Participants met every week for the past six weeks to learn about how the city of Goleta is run. During their final class on Feb. 19, they received a graduation certificate and a City of Goleta pin from the mayor and City Council.

The graduation ceremony at the Goleta Community Center included family and friends of the graduates.

“It says a lot about who you are that you took time out of your busy lives to learn about how local government works,” said Mayor Paula Perotte. “It was really refreshing to see so many students this year in this class.

“We hope you will all take what you learned and continue to stay engaged.”

“Every class is unique and what we will remember about this one especially is the great questions they asked and that there was not one minute of the class where they looked disinterested,” said Kelly Hoover, Community Relations manager.

“They all showed up every week ready to learn. We will miss seeing them every week, but are so glad we had this experience together,” Hoover said.

Over the six-week program, participants heard from the city manager, mayor and City Council members; and learned about the facets that make up a city.

They heard presentations from city divisions, including City Clerk’s office, Finance, Economic Development Sustainability, Environmental Services, Parks & Open Space, Planning, Neighborhood Services, Homelessness, Parks and Recreation, Goleta Valley Library, Public Works, Goleta Police, Santa Barbara County Fire, Emergency Services, Community Outreach, and the Goleta Community Center.

Attendees got a behind-the-scenes look at each of the divisions, participated in a mock City Council meeting, and took tours of the Goleta Valley Library Express and Goleta Community Center.

The last class featured a Goleta Trivia Game where the graduates had a chance to put their knowledge to the test.

There was also homework each week and a first time “Where is Mayor Paula Perotte?” game where participants had to take a photo with a cut out photo of the mayor somewhere in city limits and guess where it was taken.
 
The LEAD Goleta participants came from different backgrounds and walks of life, including high school and college students, retirees, business professionals, community partners, and Goleta enthusiasts. All were drawn to participate for different reasons.

Before receiving their certificates, the graduates shared what they enjoyed most about the academy. Following are a couple of the comments:
 
“LEAD Goleta Community Academy should come with a warning label: “Caution! Take this class and you will fall in love with this city,” said Peichi Waite.

“As a Harvard-trained educator, I was impressed with the curriculum, guest speakers, presentations, organized communications, and even the visit by K9 Kaz. Every Goleta local should jump at the opportunity to participate in this top-notch academy,” Waite said.

“Participating in LEAD Goleta helped me understand how local government decisions are made and the processes that keep the city thriving,” said Yazmin Ramos. “Meeting all the passionate people that serve our community was truly inspiring.

“I feel incredibly lucky to live here, and plan to stay connected and informed as a community member.

“LEAD Goleta Community Academy made city government feel approachable and real,” said Laura Costillo. “It showed me how accessible the process is for community members to speak up, create change, and be heard — and how committed Goleta is to supporting all residents, regardless of their living situation.”

Those interested in signing up for a future LEAD Goleta class should email jshaw@cityofgoleta.gov to be notified when applications are available.