Combined chamber members meet for the first time

GOLETA, Calif.

The Goleta and Santa Barbara chambers of commerce joined forced during the pandemic.

Kristen Miller spoke at the latest county COVID19 update and said they are working on a new name.

Miller said members met for the first time on Wednesday.

She said they have been working with the county to get businesses back on track.

"The businesses that you saw open quickly over the weekend, it is really not quickly, they have been preparing for awhile and were quite ready to go," said Miller.

Supervisor Gregg Hart said residents are rejoining the workforce.

"Our local economy is coming back to life, nearly 1200 businesses have already self-certified at the county's website that they are safely ready to open," said Hart.

Miller said they saw a brisk business thanks to people who felt safe enough to go out and spend money while keeping their distance.

Public Health Officer Dr. Henning Ansorg said hotels are only to be used for essential workers at this point.

Hart said they are trying to educate the hotels without cracking down on them.

Miller said hotels happen to be the biggest supporters of the chamber.