Author: Lea Boyd

We are excited to announce that Carpinteria Creek Bike Path has reopened earlier than anticipated thanks to our Public Works crews’ hard work clearing the large volumes of dirt, mud and debris that were deposited during the Jan. 9/10 storms. The City continues to conduct cleanup work following the storms, and the bike path will require a one-day closure in weeks to come for removal of sediment on the side of the trail. By March 1, we expect to complete our removal of woody debris from Carpinteria Creek. Emergency permits have been secured for the creek debris project, which includes clean-up under Carpinteria Avenue Bridge and along the creek banks.

Next week the City of Carpinteria will be replacing two of the existing electric vehicle charging stations, which will cause a temporary interruption of service on Wednesday, Feb. 15. The charging stations at City Hall and the public parking lot on Cactus Lane will be removed and replaced. In addition to these two dual port stations, in the coming months 10 additional ports operated by EV Connect will be installed in the public parking lot on Ninth Street and Elm. That project is currently in the permitting phase. For questions, contact sustainability@carpinteriaca.gov or (805) 880-3415.

City contractors are installing the final feature of the Heath Ranch Playground today, Feb. 8. The 44-inch high climbing rock will be completed by the end of the day. The rock structure was part of original plans for the new play structure at the park, but its shipment was delayed for months due to logistics.

Central Coast residents have an opportunity to learn about new programs and incentives to help them improve energy efficiency in their home. A free online workshop entitled “Creating Climate Resilience with Home Electrification & Energy Efficiency” will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. Participants will learn about actions you can take to reduce carbon pollution, save money, and improve indoor air quality. Participants should register in advance at http://bit.ly/3RBFCVi

The City of Carpinteria is preparing to hire its seasonal pool and beach lifeguards, Junior Lifeguard instructors, swim lesson instructors and cashiers. Learn more about how to become a beach lifeguard or JG instructor at https://carpinteriaca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Beach-LG-JG-Recruitment-Flyer-23_Final.pdf and how to become a pool lifeguard at https://carpinteriaca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Final-Pool-Lifeguard-Academy-Flyer-23.pdf

Come out and pitch in to beautify Santa Monica Creek Trail while creating habitat for important pollinators and helping native plants thrive. The beautification event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 4, and volunteers can drop in and lend a hand anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Led by trail steward Ray Kolbe, volunteers will plant provided CA natives and lay down cardboard and spread mulch to keep invasives from crowding out native species. The workday is part of an ongoing effort to plant native species and beautify the often overlooked creekside trail that runs along Santa Monica Creek from Via Real to Foothill Road. Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves, a hat and water. Join the effort at El Carro Lane and Santa Monica Creek. To learn more, contact Ray at rwkolbe@gmail.com or (805) 705-3429.

Carpinterians who were impacted by the January 2023 storms can seek assistance and resources at either of two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)/Local Assistance Centers (LAC) now open. The DRC/LACs will be open at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria and Direct Relief in Santa Barbara, seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at both locations, until at least Saturday, Feb. 11. Spanish, ASL and Mixteco interpreter services will be present. The sites are also accessible to people with disabilities and those with access and functional needs.

The centers are a one-stop shop where disaster survivors can get information and guidance from state and federal agencies.

For more information including transit options visit: English: https://www.readysbc.org/3694/Find-Help-Locally Spanish: https://www.countyofsb.org/3697/Encuentre-Ayuda-Local

The Carpinteria City Council unanimously passed a proclamation on Jan. 23 to designate February 2023 as Black History Month. Black History Month is not just about the struggles Black families have been through, but rather it is a time of rejoicing, celebrating the accomplishments, integrity, leadership, and determination, and showing true character. The City honors the history and celebrates the progress that our community has made. We are resolute in creating new opportunities for future generations.

It’s Swim Team Tryout time! The Carpinteria Aquatics Club will hold swim tryouts on Tuesday, Feb. 21 and Thursday, Feb. 23 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Carpinteria Community Pool, 5305 Carpinteria Ave. Our Swim Team is for ages 6 to 17, and participants must have swim skills prior to becoming a team member. Registration is required for tryouts and can be completed at https://carpinteriaca.gov/parks-and-recreation/carpinteria-community-pool/ Anyone with questions should contact Leilanie at leilanies@carpinteriaca.gov/.

The Carpinteria Community Library will host a fun and free Valentine-making event on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3 and 4. Ages 4 and up are invited to come craft handmade Valentines in the Community Room at the library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. Drop by anytime between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. on Friday or 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday.