Author: Lea Boyd

Magician Shawn McMaster will bring his high-energy, crowd-pleasing show to the Carpinteria Community Library on Thursday, June 29, at 3:30 p.m. The 45-minute family magic show will include lots of audience participation and comedy. Attendees will also learn how to perform some simple magic tricks that they can do at home to fool their friends. The show is free and open to the public. Learn more by contacting the library at (805) 684-4314.

Starting on June 20, the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center will host twice weekly Senior Socials for any Carpinterians looking for some friendly conversation, a cup of coffee, an opportunity to get out of the house and maybe even a chance to try something new. Held each Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, activities include bingo, arts & crafts, book club and social time. Social activities will be held in the Charles Lo Bue Gallery at the Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave., while exercise classes will take place at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 941 Walnut Ave. The City is grateful to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria for hosting popular senior programming throughout the spring and to the Arts Center for hosting summer programming. Learn more HERE.

The City of Carpinteria recognizes Juneteenth Independence Day on June 19 in honor of the day that enslaved Africans learned of their freedom in the Southwestern States in 1865. At its June 12 meeting, the Carpinteria City Council unanimously approved a proclamation in recognition of Juneteenth and encouraged all residents to use the time to learn about the legacy of Black peoples and their contributions, and to stand in an alliance to end racism, bigotry and hate. In honor of Juneteenth, Carpinteria City Hall will be closed on Monday, June 19.

Adding to her long career in civil service, Aida Thau recently joined the City of Carpinteria in the Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Department. As a Management Analyst II, she works on all projects in the department’s sphere, with an emphasis on creating programming and following through to ensure the success of the department in serving the community and working with partner organizations. Originally from Spain, Aida relocated to Los Angeles after getting her degree in Communications and Public Relations. She has spent her career in civil service, having spent the past 15 years with the City of Beverly Hills, most recently as the Arts and Culture Program Associate.

What have you most enjoyed in your first weeks at the City of Carpinteria?

I have enjoyed discovering all the different sites and magnificent open spaces. From the Bluffs, the Salt Marsh, the beautiful trails, the stunning beaches, to the neighborhood parks and trails. I truly love the laid-back and quaint style that has been preserved in this community.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

My favorite thing is to spend time with my three adult children when they come to visit. Since we’ve just relocated to Santa Barbara, me, my husband and dog are going on hikes on the weekends. I also love going to yoga classes and am a certified Kundalini yoga instructor.

BONUS: Aida’s Guide to Must-See Spain: 1) Barcelona, “Hands-down one of the most beautiful cities in the world.” 2) Granada and the Alhambra Islamic Palace, 3) San Sebastian, a northern city with “the best food you will ever eat.”

If you are considering a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for your property, we have great news! The City of Carpinteria has prepared Accessory Dwelling Unit prototype plans for your use. Available in PDF format, one plan is for a 400-square-foot ADU, and the other is a 480-square-foot ADU. Both sets of plans include two styles: California Ranch and Coastal Cottage. The plans are intended to save homeowners the expense of having custom plans prepared for a new ADU (a value of approximately $5,000). Homeowners who use the plans still must have a Coastal Development Permit and a Building Permit approved for construction. Learn more at https://bit.ly/461PLBD or contact Syndi Souter, Associate Planner, at 805-755-4405 or SyndiS@carpinteriaca.gov with your questions.

Would you like to be “A Little Bit Happier”? Carpinteria Community Library will hold a new workshop called “A Little Bit Happier” on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. for eight weeks starting on June 21. Using articles, podcasts, books and TED talks, the group will be actively engaged in increasing personal happiness over the course of two months, with homework assignments and outside reading. The workshop aims to address the post-pandemic loneliness epidemic, which has led to increased anxiety, some challenges to making friends, and other indicators that we could be a little bit happier. Registration is recommended as participation will be capped at 10. Register by calling the library at (805) 684-4314.

The Carpinteria City Council unanimously approved a proclamation that recognizes the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and more (LGBTQ+) “Pride Month.” The City recognizes and honors the struggle against discrimination threatening the rights of LGBTQ+ people to feel safe in their own community. We support the rights, lives and values of the Carpinterian LGBTQ+ community by recognizing the effort to organize a second annual Carp Pride Festival. By celebrating Pride Month, the City aims to raise awareness and provide support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the month of June, we will continue flying the rainbow progress flag at the intersection of Carpinteria and Linden avenues.

The Carpinteria Community Library will kick off its Summer Reading Program with The Arty Loon Show on Monday, June 12, at 3:30 p.m. This program consists of hilarious antics with tons of audience participation. Balloons, magic, juggling and puppetry are all packed into one show that promises to leave the audience in stitches. The Summer Reading Program opens on June 9 and runs through Aug. 9. This summer’s theme, An Ocean of Stories, highlights our local natural environment and encourages reading anywhere, including at the beach. There is something for all at the library this summer, from earning community service hours by becoming a Teen Volunteer, to winning prizes donated by local businesses, to participating in the 4th of July parade. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3NnxdnO

The Carpinteria City Council will hold a study session for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Proposed Budget during its regular meeting on Monday, June 12 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. Additionally, the meeting agenda includes a proclamation celebrating June 19, 2023 as “Juneteenth Independence Day” and a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month in Carpinteria. Also, the Council will consider extending the Temporary COVID-19 Outdoor Business Permit Program to December 31, 2023, and receive a Via Real Stormwater Project status report and options for determining how to proceed.

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, including the proposed budget and numerous ways for the public to provide comments, can be found in the agenda at https://bit.ly/3oYB6Gs. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to council members.

The City continues to expand its electric vehicle infrastructure by installing 10 new charging ports in the City parking lot located at Ninth Street and Elm Avenue. Work will begin the week of June 12 and is expected to last throughout the summer. The project includes upgrading electrical infrastructure and accessibility, repaving and restriping of parking stalls, and installing six dual port and two single port Level 2 charging stations. This project is funded through Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready program, a Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control district Clean Air grant, and Central Coast Community Energy incentives.