Author: Lea Boyd

As the public review process continues on the proposed Surfliner Inn, members of the public will have numerous opportunities to contribute their perspective on the project, a 36-room boutique hotel proposed for the corner of 5th Street and Linden Avenue.

The next step in the public review process is to have an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared. This will involve publishing a Notice of Preparation (NOP) and holding a Public Scoping Meeting (see flowchart below). City Staff and ESA have scheduled those first steps to occur in the coming weeks:

• NOP 30-day Comment Period: May 29 – June 27, 2025
• Public Scoping Meeting: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers

The NOP serves as a formal request for public input on the scope and content of the EIR. During the 30-day NOP comment period, responsible agencies and members of the public will be encouraged to submit comments related to the project’s potential environmental issues, mitigation measures, and alternatives.

The Public Scoping Meeting is proposed to be held within that 30-day comment period to further enhance transparency and public participation. While no project decisions are made at the Scoping Meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to ask clarifying questions about the project and/or the process, and to raise issues regarding the potential environmental impacts in a public setting. This proactive involvement will help ensure that the EIR comprehensively addresses all relevant environmental concerns, leading to more informed decision-making and better project outcomes. All of this information will be prominently posted on the City’s project webpage at https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/community-development/linden-inn-project/ and anyone who would like to be added to the interested parties list should email Mindy Fogg at mindyf@carpinteriaca.gov.

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