Author: Lea Boyd

Between Dec. 27 and Jan. 9, E.J. Harrison & Sons will provide free Christmas tree recycling and extra trash collection.

To dispose of a tree, you can either cut it into smaller pieces and place them in your organics/yard waste bin or place the whole tree on the curb or at your permitted set-out site on your collection day. Make sure all decorations are removed from the tree before disposing.

Additionally, during this time, you may put extra trash alongside your waste and/or recycle cart on your collection day. Please flatten all boxes and make sure you put out extra trash only on your collection day to reduce critters eating your trash. Thank you and happy holidays!

Festive music from the Renaissance and Medieval times will be delivered to the present day at the Carpinteria Community Library’s Early Music Concert on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. Enjoy the lovely sounds of tunes composed centuries ago alongside friends and community members at the library, 5141 Carpinteria. The event is free and open to all.

Sponsored by the California Avocado Festival, videographer Larry Nimmer pointed his lens at the Carpinteria Holiday Spirit Parade last weekend and recorded it from start to finish. Relive the fun, or enjoy it for the first time, by visiting https://youtu.be/ptm4Lglq8Vk . The footage is also available through the City of Carpinteria’s YouTube Channel and will be aired on Government Access Television.

The City of Carpinteria is developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide our priorities and efforts for the next two years. 

Please help shape the Strategic Plan by completing a short survey at https://carpinteriaca.gov/strategicplan/

Your feedback is essential in developing a plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community.

California is launching a new incentive on Dec. 18 that will provide income-eligible Californians up to $2,000 toward the purchase of a new e-bike.

Once approved, income-eligible individuals can redeem the voucher from retailers at the point of purchase. A rider safety video is provided and required before collecting the voucher.

The program will start to accept applications on the website at 6 p.m. on Dec. 18 and will be processed in the order received until vouchers are exhausted. Eligible applicants will be notified of the receipt of the voucher, which can then be used at participating retailers.

For more details, visit: www.ebikeincentives.org.

The Palms Restaurant, a beloved Carpinteria institution, recently closed its doors after decades of serving the community. This historic building, originally the prestigious Palms Hotel, has been a cornerstone of the city since its construction in 1912.

Over the years, The Palms has witnessed the evolution of Carpinteria, from a quiet coastal town to a bustling community. The restaurant, known for its “cook your own steak” and friendly atmosphere, has created countless cherished memories for locals and visitors alike.

The City of Carpinteria honors the former Palms owners for the business’s significant contribution to Carpinteria’s history and heritage.

In response to heightened anxiety and concerns following the presidential election, we will have experts cover vital information on topics including:

• Understanding your rights as an immigrant in the US

• Planning for immigration issues

• A chance for questions for immigration lawyers and subject experts

The City’s General Plan Update Committee will hold a meeting on Monday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., and the public is welcome to attend and participate.

The committee will discuss the Community Design Element; particularly the goals, objectives, and policies related to the Carpinteria Bluffs Subarea.

Members of the public may participate by attending the meeting in-person, virtually via zoom, or by viewing the meeting live on our website or on Government Access TV. The agenda, which is available at https://bit.ly/49DyBMO, includes detailed information on how to participate and how to submit public comment.

Volunteers make the world go round! The City of Carpinteria is seeking volunteers to serve on a board, committee or commission starting in the new year. This is a chance to give back to your community by advising the City Council in its decisions. The time commitment is limited and training is provided. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/CouncilAdvisoryGroups.

On Friday, Dec. 13, Carpinteria Community Library will kick off a new program designed just for teens. The Open Space Creators Lab will be held from 3 to 4:45 p.m. and will focus on different artistics avenues to imagine, experiment and create. The first gathering will focus on polymer clay ornaments. The group will meet in the library’s community room at 5141 Carpinteria Ave. And, of course, it’s free!