The Goleta Lions Club was chartered in 1941 by 17 local ranchers and businessmen. The Goleta Club is part of district 4-A3 which consists of approximately 45 clubs that are geographically located from San Luis Obispo County southward to Ventura County. The district is divided up into four regions (L,I,O and N). The Goleta Club is in Region O. Each region contains 2 Zones and each Zone is comprised of approximately 6 clubs within their immediate locale.
Shortly after the Goleta Club was first formed, a vacant lot on Pine Avenue was purchased for 500 dollars from one of the members. In 1949 when the city of Santa Barbara took over the airport area two buildings were sold to the club for one dollar apiece which were moved to the lot.
After meeting several years at this location it was ultimately decided that food preparation was more of a cumbersome task than some members wished and accordingly the building was rented out to a beauty salon. Ultimately the collection of rent and maintenance on the building and other issues prompted the Board members to reach a decision to sell the property. It was agreed however that the proceeds received would be placed into a long term investment so that the interest proceeds received could be contributed back to the community by way of charitable donations.
The club experienced considerable growth in the late 60’s and early 70’s when a nucleus of members formed together to participate in a variety of social and community activities. In 1965 the Goleta Lions Club was instrumental in forming the Goleta slow pitch softball league which remains in existence today. The Goleta Lions Club helped form the Goleta Girls Club and became involved in other local community activities.
The group who watched their families grow up together has been expanded by other solid community members throughout the years who have joined the club and helped maintain the tradition of fellowship and camaraderie which has made the present day club a strong and invigorating group of individuals. A wide variety of professionals and retirees are represented in the club today.