Goleta, CA is located 8 miles west of Santa Barbara along the Pacific coast, and formally became a city in 2002. The area’s early inhabitants were the Chumash Indians, with Spanish settlers appearing in the 18^th century. The 19^th century saw the growth of Spanish ranching operations, as much of the previously forested land was cleared for grazing.

Goleta’s industry was originally agricultural, with the area becoming a major lemon-growing region in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. Construction of Cachuma Lake following World War II led to population growth (a current total of 29,000 residents) and the establishment of aerospace and research firms in the area. Today this thriving bedroom community at the foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains boasts such attractions as the annual Monarch butterfly migration at Sperling Preserve, the South Coast Railway Museum, and the Goleta Beach County Park.

Numerous lauded Goleta lawyers have made the area their home. Lawyers in Goleta can assist you with a number of legal matters involving business, family, immigration, medical malpractice, real estate, or any other matter that you may face.

Lawyers for the city of Goleta recently defended the constitutionality of its mobile home rent control ordinance. A lawsuit filed by local developer Daniel Guggenheim claimed that the ordinance was a new law, as the city missed a deadline to transfer the ordinance from county to city jurisdiction during its 2002 incorporation. The developer originally won on summary judgment, but the decision was later remanded and decided in favor of the city.

California’s judicial system is divided into 58 superior (trial) courts, Courts of Appeal, and a Supreme Court. Goleta lawyers may file your case in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, the 2^nd District Court of Appeal, or the Supreme Court of California. If you have a case in Goleta, a local attorney can help guide you through this court system.

LegalMatch can assist with your search for a Goleta attorney. You can find helpful tips on selecting the right lawyer and general information on your legal issue on our Web site. Our free service also pre-screens bar certified Goleta attorneys with experience in your area of legal needs, and allows you to present your case to receive a response within 24 hours. Let LegalMatch find the right Goleta lawyer for your case.

Additional information on the California court system and Goleta attorneys may be found at the following:

• About California Courts
• Santa Barbara County Bar Association
• Santa Barbara County Law Library