Better Choices. Better Roads. Better Goleta.
Elect Rich Foster for Mayor of Goleta.
With a clear vision for the future, Rich Foster aims to tackle Goleta’s most pressing issues. From repairing our roads to ensuring fiscal discipline, Rich's leadership will bring the change we need.
Support a candidate who truly understands and cares about our community.
Let's tamp down wasteful spending and fix our roads!
I'm Rich Foster.
For nearly 50 years, I’ve called California’s south coast home. My journey began with travels around the world, but I found my true home in Goleta. Here, my wife Elaine and I raised our two sons, building a life grounded in community values and a deep commitment to our neighbors.
I bring a wealth of diverse experiences, from crewing yachts to working in construction and counseling, which have shaped my pragmatic approach to leadership. For the past 15 years, I’ve been a regular at city council meetings, advocating tirelessly for fiscal responsibility and essential infrastructure improvements. I opposed the sales tax increase and pushed for smarter spending.
As your mayor, I promise to prioritize what matters most: fixing our roads, ensuring financial stability, and listening to the needs of Goleta’s residents. Together, we can build a better future for our community.
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Rich Foster
Rich's Key Priorities
Focused on What Matters Most for Goleta
Rich Foster is dedicated to addressing the core issues that impact our community. From ensuring fiscal responsibility to improving infrastructure, these key priorities highlight his commitment to making Goleta a better place for all residents.
Road Repairs
Prioritize fixing and maintaining our roads.
Smart Spending
Cut wasteful spending and focus on essentials.
Fiscal Health
Ensure the city’s financial stability.
Community Input
Listen and respond to residents' needs.
Critical Services
Prioritize essential services like fire stations.
Sustainable Growth
Support affordable housing without overdevelopment.
Rich's Vision for Goleta: Frequently Asked Questions.
These are some commonly asked questions about my positions on key issues affecting the City of Goleta.
My goal is to provide clear, practical solutions that address our community’s most pressing concerns. Here are my views and plans for tackling these important topics:
What is your stance on road improvements?
Our roads are in critical need of repair, requiring $7.7 million annually to maintain current conditions. Historically, funding has fallen short, with allocations significantly less than needed. My plan is to prioritize road repair to improve daily commutes and ensure the safety of our community.
How will you bring about change in infrastructure spending?
I propose we streamline our capital improvement projects. Currently, many such projects are delayed and severely underfunded, tying up valuable resources. By focusing on essential infrastructure, we can redirect funds more effectively and reduce waste caused by managing too many concurrent initiatives.
What is your position on the Old Town re-striping project?
The Old Town re-striping plan needs to be reassessed. Over fifty local merchants have opposed it due to concerns it would disrupt traffic and safety. I believe in a leadership that listens and responds to the community’s needs rather than pushing unpopular projects.
What are your thoughts on the San Jose bike path project?
While the section under the freeway serves as a crucial connector, extending the path from Cathedral Oaks to the Oberan bike path involves a disproportionate expense with limited benefit. It is a $47 million project — these funds would be better spent maintaining and improving our existing infrastructure rather than on expensive new projects.
Do you have any plans regarding city staffing?
I advocate for increasing productivity and accountability by getting city employees back into the office. This shift will enhance coordination, improve service delivery, and ensure that our staff is effectively addressing the needs of Goleta.
What about nonexistent Fire Station 10 and other critical infrastructure?
The need for Fire Station 10 was identified back in 1967, yet it remains unbuilt despite the increasing demand from new housing developments. Instead of spending on unnecessary projects like the $31.9 million train station, we should prioritize essential services like the fire station, which are critical for emergency response and public safety.
How do you plan to address the issues with delayed projects?
Too many capital improvement projects are delayed and underfunded, wasting valuable staff time and resources. By cutting down on boutique projects and focusing on what truly matters, we can better allocate our budget to maintain existing infrastructure and address the community’s immediate needs.
Why are you against the current handling of the North Goleta 101 overcrossing project?
The 101 overcrossing project, which has been delayed for 14 years, highlights the inefficiency in our current system. We need decisive action and better project management to ensure such important infrastructure improvements are completed in a timely manner, benefiting both traffic flow and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
What is your view on the Goleta train station project?
The proposed $31.9 million train station is an example of misallocated funds. While transportation is important, the current design, which includes unnecessary amenities like a restaurant and showers, does not justify the cost. These funds could be better used for more pressing needs such as road maintenance and affordable housing.
How will you address fiscal responsibility in Goleta?
I aim to cut spending on unnecessary projects and focus on essential services. We need to dump underfunded grant projects and prioritize fiscal health to avoid future tax increases. By making smarter choices, we can ensure Goleta’s financial stability and invest in what truly matters for our community.
What are your plans for improving housing in Goleta?
I am pro-affordable housing but firmly against overdevelopment. While we need more affordable housing options for our workforce, we must avoid projects that significantly alter the character of our community or strain our resources. I advocate for sustainable housing solutions that provide for our residents without unnecessary sprawl and density. However, state demands for the Housing Element are creating difficult decisions in our community.
The Real Cost of Goleta’s Neglected Roads
Exposing the Truth Behind Goleta’s Financial Plans
At the June 18, 2024 City Council meeting, the finance director admitted that while the budget appears balanced, it doesn’t cover the $65 million (and growing) needed for deferred road maintenance. This massive shortfall means that, despite city claims of financial health, residents will face deteriorating roads for years.
Hover over the data points to see detailed values. You can also click on the legend items to show/hide different datasets.
It’s time to hold the City Council accountable for their inadequate funding and demand real solutions to fix our infrastructure instead of focusing on new projects that will inevitably be neglected as well.
Goleta’s Ballooning Debt: A Path to Financial Ruin
Unmasking Goleta’s Financial Disaster
Goleta’s financial situation is dire. In 2023, costs were projected to be $436 million over a 5-year period with $220 million unfunded. By 2024, costs soared to $709 million over a 5-year period, now leaving a $477 million deficit. The City Council’s mismanagement is risking bankruptcy or massive new taxes. We need real solutions now.
The City Council’s poor planning has led Goleta to the brink of financial disaster. Deferred maintenance is at $65 million and growing. Projects are consistently underfunded, with costs often underestimated. The city faces a $477 million shortfall for planned projects. This enormous debt risks bankruptcy or severe new taxes on residents. Goleta needs honest, practical solutions now.
