Author: Lea Boyd

Now that school is out for summer vacation, the tennis and pickleball courts at Carpinteria Middle School are available for free, open play all day on weekdays and weekends. There is one exception: The pickleball courts are reserved for AgeWell members on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 to 10 a.m. until school resumes in August. Otherwise, both the tennis and pickleball courts can be accessed by anyone who wants to stretch their legs, work on their serve or try a new sport this summer!

The courts are located on the corner of Palm Avenue and 8th Street, and play is first-come-first-served. Players are responsible for bringing their own equipment. Carpinteria Community Library cardholders can check out a set of pickleball racquets and balls at the library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave.

Carpinteria Community Library has an incredible Summer Reading Program in the works! The space-themed program, “Take me to your Reader,” kicks off with an SB Bubble Guy show on Friday, June 13 at 5 p.m. at the library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave.

Immersing audiences in a world of wonder and enchantment, the SB Bubble Guy will create an incredible display of bubbles, including bubble sculptures and bubble tricks.

This event, like all library events, is free and open to the public. Stay tuned for more information about the line-up of great Summer Reading Program events.

June is Pride Month in Carpinteria, a time to recognize and honor the LGBTQ+ community and commemorate the pivotal 1969 Stonewall Riots. The City of Carpinteria is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and equitable community for all.

We acknowledge the immeasurable impact LGBTQ+ individuals have had on our nation’s cultural, civic and economic successes. The rainbow progress flag symbolizes this commitment, advocating for pride, inclusion and the intersection of racial, sexual and gender justice.

Carpinteria proudly partners with organizations like Pacific Pride Foundation and Carp PRIDE to support LGBTQ+ visibility and dignity. We celebrate Pacific Pride Foundation’s 50th Anniversary and their vital work providing health and social services.

Let’s continue to educate, raise awareness and work together to eliminate prejudice and advance equal rights for everyone.

We’re thrilled to welcome Bret McNulty as the City of Carpinteria’s new Principal Planner! Bret brings a wealth of experience and great energy to our team, and we’re excited to have him on board.

Before joining Carpinteria, Bret served as a planner in both the public and private sectors, including as a consultant for the Cities of Goleta and San Marino. He also worked in the Long-Range Planning Division for the County of Santa Barbara. Bret holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Environmental Studies (Planning) from Sonoma State University.

Outside of work, Bret enjoys kayaking, playing chess with his son, and is a talented musician who loves to play guitar and sing. He is also a devoted Dodgers fan!

Carpinteria Community Pool will be closed on Saturday, June 7 for the annual pre-summer staff safety training. Thank you for your understanding as we prepare our lifeguards for a SAFETY FIRST SUMMER!

The City’s youngest program, AgeWell, is seeking feedback from you!

This division of our Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department provides activities and services to promote successful healthy aging and is always striving to improve. To help us do that, join AgeWell staff on Thursday, June 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Hall Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave.

You’re invited to share what you love about our programs and any suggestions you have for future programs and services!

Carpinteria Community Library’s Adult Literacy Program is seeking new volunteers to work one-on-one with adult learners who want to improve their English reading, writing and speaking skills. An adult literacy tutor volunteer training session will be held on Thursday, June 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave.

No teaching experience is required—just a willingness to help and a commitment to meet weekly with a learner.

Our learners are non-native English speakers, many of whom have lived in Carpinteria for years and have built full lives here for themselves and their families, but still feel held back by their limited English. Others are newer arrivals eager to build roots and be part of the community. They are motivated, committed and eager to improve their conversational English. Many attend the local ESL classes and are looking for opportunities to practice and supplement what they’re learning in class.

Volunteers with availability on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays after 4 p.m. are especially needed. To learn more and confirm your spot at the June 19 training, contact Literacy Coordinator Stefanie Colburn at stefaniec@carpinteriaca.gov or call (805) 684-4314.

The wheels were turning for Mayor Natalia Alarcon and our Program Manager Juliza Briones when they attended the May 29 CycleMAYnia 2025 Mayors Ride. Hosted by the City of Goleta, the @SBCAG event included Goleta Mayor Perotte, Santa Barbara Mayor Rowse, Carpinteria Mayor Alarcon and County Supervisor Hartmann.

The City of Carpinteria supports alternative transportation. We embrace opportunities to collaborate with organizations that are reducing carbon emissions and promoting pedal power!

Photo credit: Ingrid Bostrom on behalf of SBCAG

The City of Carpinteria is currently recruiting for a fulltime Aquatics Program Coordinator and a part-time Community Garden Coordinator.

The application period for both positions closes on June 15. Please see our employment page for details on these positions and how to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/carpinteriaca

Due to continued unforeseen complications with the restroom renovations, Carpinteria Community Library will remain partially open through Tuesday, June 10. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these unexpected delays and operate on a limited basis without a functional public restroom. Your experience in our library matters deeply, and we are doing everything possible to reopen fully as soon as we can. In the meantime, the following services and collections remain available during normal library hours:

• Adult fiction, DVDs, and all children’s materials
• Brief access to the children’s room for families
• Printing and copying services
• WiFi access and seating at two tables on the front porch
• All digital content, which remains available for checkout 24/7

Programming Update:

• Children’s programs have been canceled
• Adult programs will continue as scheduled

We understand how frustrating these repeated delays can be, and we’re grateful for your support and flexibility as we navigate this ongoing work. Thank you again for your understanding.