Author: Lea Boyd

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 11 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://bit.ly/41eroym. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to council members.

👨🏽‍🏫 Presentation of Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Accelerator (YARA) Program.

💼 Administer Oath of Office to City Manager Michael Ramirez.

🦭 Amending the composition of the Ad hoc Harbor Seal Advisory Committee by adding alternate public members.

⛱️ Extending the Temporary COVID-19 Outdoor Business Permit Program.

🔨 Public hearing on adopting resolutions establishing development impact fees starting in calendar year 2024.

📗 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year that ended June 30, 2023.

📆 Scheduling a special meeting of the City Council for consideration of the Annual Work Plan.

🪑🪑 Initiate an executive search services for the Assistant City Manager and Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director positions with Bob Murray and Associates in an amount not-to-exceed $37,500

The City is now accepting cooking fats, oils, and grease (FOGs)! In conjunction with ABOP, cooking grease will be collected on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. Make sure that the cooking oil is cooled and in one jar for easier collection. Do not mix with motor oil or any non-cooking FOGs. See you there!

Due to upcoming holidays, the City will be hosting one more ABOP before the end of the year. At the Saturday,  Dec. 9 event, Public Works staff will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., to accept antifreeze, paint, used motor oil, batteries, oil filters, 6 fluorescent lightbulb tubes, 3 small household electronics, and mercury thermostats. There is a 5 gallon liquid maximum per visit and please keep items separated.

The City of Carpinteria has a new webpage dedicated to programs and services that promote successful, healthy aging. The AgeWell site will serve as an information hub for local seniors interested in participating in a wide range of programs, accessing important resources, and staying abreast of new opportunities. A monthly calendar of events can be found on the page, as well as a senior lunch menu, newsletter and volunteer form. Perhaps most importantly, visitors to the website can sign up to become an AgeWell member, which allows access to a variety of classes, lectures, excursions, interest clubs, Special Speakers Series and social events. If any of this interests you, please check it out at https://carpinteriaca.gov/healthy-aging/

As Carpinteria Seal Watch gears up for the upcoming season, the organization will hold orientations for new and returning volunteers. Orientations will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., and on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Pizza will be served at the in-person orientation.

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one weekly two-hour shift on the blufftop overlook above the rookery. Training is provided. While the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits disturbing marine mammals year-round, Carpinteria Seal Watch will be monitoring the harbor seal sanctuary during pupping season from Jan 1- May 31, as it has for 33 years. If interested in volunteering or for more info, email CarpSealWatch@gmail.com or call (805) 364-3194.

The harbor seal rookery beach closure, which is designed to protect the seal population during pupping season, started Dec. 1. The rookery is located near the base of the Casitas Pier, and the closure applies to 750 feet to the east and west of the pier. Please use the bluff top trail and do not enter the beach past the beach closure signs. Generally stay far away from the Casitas Pier.

This closure is important to protect the Carpinteria Harbor Seals that may be ready to have pups and to prevent disturbances that could lead to pup mortality. This closure is consistent with the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violators can be fined $10,000 per occurrence. For more information, contact the City of Carpinteria at (805) 684-5405.

A Special Joint City Council & Planning Commission Meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. The Council and Commission will hear a report on  on implementation of California Housing laws in the Coastal Zone. Staff will present on the California Density Bonus Law, the Housing Accountability Act and the California Coastal Act.

The meeting agenda is available at https://bit.ly/3Gs1duO

In accordance with State guidance, the City will provide both in-person and virtual attendance and participation options for the meeting. 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.

Additional details and numerous ways for the public to provide comments can be found in the agenda.

Holiday-themed fun and festivities will bring sparkle and spirit to downtown Carpinteria on Saturday, Dec. 9. Plan your day around the following activities:

• The second annual Frosty Fest will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. The free all-ages celebration will includes crafts, treats, games and more. Wear your favorite beanie to win a prize.
• Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center will host Hearthside for the Holidays from noon to 5 p.m. at 855 Linden Ave. Offerings include llive entertainment, food and beverages, arts and crafts, and an opportunity to meet Santa.
• Carpinteria’s Holiday Spirit Parade will take place on downtown Linden Avenue at 3 p.m.
• Light Up a Life Hospice of Santa Barbara event will begin at 5 p.m. at Seal Fountain Plaza on Linden Avenue.

We’re excited to introduce you to Mindy Fogg, our new Principal Planner. Mindy brings over 22 years of planning and land use experience. She previously worked for the Counties of San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and most recently Ventura. Over the last 15 years, she has been very active with the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) and is currently the president. Welcome to the team, Mindy!