Five vie for Goleta Beach concessions

Goleta Beach may become the new hot spot for fishing and paddle boarding this summer, as bids are underway for beach side business.

The abandoned bait and tackle shop on the Goleta pier is just one of a half dozen businesses county officials hope to jump-start before the summer season.

“We have some facilities under-utilized over the years,” said Jeff Lindgren, operations manager with the county’s community services department. “We hope someone will take those on.”

Under-used for three years, to be exact.

A handful of people are competing to be the one to stock bait or stack kayaks on the grass below.

Revamping the boat launch, which is jointly used by the University of California Santa Barbara, or turning a former ranger’s cottage into a seaside shop, are two other business opportunities.

Proposals must be submitted by March 25, and county officials hope to announce the winning bid by the end of April.

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