Author: Lea Boyd

City parks will be closed through Dec. 29 due to anticipated storm impacts and the expectation of extended saturation. Thank you for observing this measure intended to protect parks and public safety.

Street sweeping in Carpinteria will be postponed to Jan. 6 and 7 due to holiday interruptions. We appreciate your patience in order for our staff to observe the winter holidays!

A large storm is expected to impact our area late Tuesday night (Dec. 23) into Wednesday (Dec. 24), with a strong chance of high rainfall totals and 30–50 mph winds along the coast and in the valleys.

Residents are encouraged to prepare now by:

• Securing outdoor furniture and loose items
• Using sandbags as needed
• Signing up for ReadySBC alerts at https://ReadySBC.org to receive emergency updates

Taking small steps now can help reduce impacts during the storm. Stay safe and stay informed.

Prepare ahead of the incoming storm. A fill-as-you-go sandbag station is available at the Public Works Yard at City Hall (5775 Carpinteria Ave).

Sandbags are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Residents are encouraged to pick up sandbags in advance as needed.

The holidays are here, and per tradition, Carpinteria City Council will take a short break from its twice monthly meeting schedule. The next Council meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 12. Please enjoy wonderful winter holidays, Carpinteria!

The City of Carpinteria is proud to announce that our Administrative Services Department has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This prestigious award recognizes our Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

As the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting, this certificate reflects Carpinteria’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

“This award underscores the importance of collaboration across all departments to maintain the public’s trust,” said City Manager Michael Ramirez.

We invite residents to view the award-winning report on the City’s website to see how your resources are being managed with precision and integrity.  

The City of Carpinteria recognizes Rosendo Aispuro for five years of dedicated service to the City of Carpinteria. Rosendo is a member of the Public Works maintenance team and works hard to keep public roads and rights of way clean, safe and well-maintained.

At its Dec. 8 meeting, the City Council presented Rosendo with a certificate stating, “Your service embodies the values of our organization, significantly contributing to our mission and goals, leaving a lasting impact on our community. Thank you for your outstanding service and continued dedication.”

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m. Members of the public may attend the meeting at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., or view the meeting live at https://carpinteriaca.gov/, on Government Access Television Channel 21 or by logging into the Zoom webinar.

The following topics are highlights of the agenda. Additional details and numerous ways for the public to provide comments can be found at https://cityofcarp.co/agendas.

• Employee Service Awards
• Presentation from Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board (DTBAB) Chair Andre Jackson and Vice Chair Kristina Calkins
• Authorization to issue the Notice Inviting Bids for the Franklin Creek Trail Improvement Project
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Fiscal Year (FY) Ended June 30, 2025
• Adoption of Resolution No. 6428, concerning the formation of the Standing Affordable Housing Committee, and appointment of two Councilmembers to the Committee

The City of Carpinteria is inviting residents to get involved and learn more about upcoming assessment district efforts that support local landscaping, lighting, berm, and neighborhood improvements. Join City Manager Michael Ramirez at an informational session on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Veterans Hall meeting room, 941 Walnut Ave.

This is an opportunity to learn more and share your questions about the proposed updates to the Winter Berm and Landscape Maintenance districts. During the events, you can expect to learn more about what assessment districts are and how they work, how funds would be used to support local improvements, and how residents can stay informed.

Holiday vibes will peak in downtown Carpinteria on Saturday, Dec. 13!  The Holiday Spirit Parade starts at 3 p.m. with local nonprofits and businesses decking the halls (aka Linden Avenue) with holiday cheer.