Twenty community members graduated from the City of Goleta's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program on October 12, receiving basic completion certificates at the Goleta Community Center. Councilmember Stuart Kasdin was present to congratulate the new graduates.
This graduation marked the second and final basic CERT course offered in Goleta this year, and the 26th in the City’s history. Over the past three months, participants dedicated 20 hours to acquiring critical skills for disaster preparedness and response. The comprehensive course covered hands-on skills across all CERT modules, equipping residents to assist themselves and their neighbors during emergencies.
A significant component of the training was the final class, which featured a simulated drill. During this exercise, participants actively worked together to locate victims, perform rescues, and conduct disaster medical operations, applying the knowledge gained throughout the program in a practical scenario.
Goleta’s Emergency Services Manager Jason Levy expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the class, noting it was "a great gathering of community members seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in preparedness." Levy further acknowledged the resilience of the participants, stating that this cohort "persevered through the late summer and early fall heat waves." He emphasized that these graduates contribute to an expanding number of CERT-trained individuals within the Goleta community.
Cindy Georges-Burwell, a CERT graduate and long-time Goleta resident, shared her positive experience with the program. She highlighted the importance of the skills learned, stating, "It’s important for people to learn how to help themselves and their neighbors." Georges-Burwell also encouraged others to sign up, describing the program as interesting, fun, and a valuable way to meet people who are dedicated to helping the community.
The City extended its gratitude to the CERT instructors from the American Red Cross, the Santa Barbara CERT Collaborative, and the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District. Their combined expertise, passion, and dedication to community safety were credited with making the training a meaningful and empowering experience for all involved.
Residents are encouraged to register for alerts from Santa Barbara County through the ReadySBC program. Information regarding upcoming CERT trainings scheduled for early 2027 will be made available on the City’s preparedness webpage.
