Author: Lea Boyd

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions of AAPI individuals who have shaped our nation across diverse fields. From business and science to the arts and beyond, their leadership and innovation are invaluable. We also acknowledge the ongoing challenges of discrimination and the pursuit of equity faced by the AAPI community.

This annual commemoration began in 1978, recognizing key historical moments like the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants and the contributions of Chinese railroad workers. Generations of AAPI individuals have journeyed here, enriching our culture and economy. Notably, the AAPI community comprises 6.4% of Santa Barbara County’s population.

Carpinteria holds a special connection to Asian American families who were vital to the early development of our agriculture and the growth of our community. The Carpinteria City Council proudly declares May as AAPI Heritage Month and encourages all residents to recognize and celebrate the rich heritage and ongoing contributions of our AAPI neighbors.

The City of Carpinteria is now accepting applications for the position of Environmental Program Manager.

Are you an experienced environmental professional with a passion for sustainability, clean water, and waste reduction? Do you thrive on developing and leading programs that protect natural resources and engage the community? Are you excited about the opportunity to make a lasting impact in our small, close-knit coastal community?

If so, the City of Carpinteria invites you to learn more and apply HERE by Sunday, June 1.

The City of Carpinteria’s Community Services Support Grant (CSSG) program will be opening on July 1! This grant supports organizations that uplift our community through vital services, innovative programs, and inclusive events.

Want to be the first to know when applications open? Email communitygrants@carpinteriaca.gov to join the interest list today!

Take me out to the ball game! Registration for our 2025 Adult Co-Ed Softball program will be open from May 19 to 28, and eligible players must be 18+ or 16 to 17 years old with a signed waiver.

Games for the annual summer program will take place from June through August at Viola Fields. Teams play on either Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m.

Registration is online only; team payment of $350 will confirm registration. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3SxNA31.

For registration and payment assistance, call 805-755-4476 or email recreation@carpinteriaca.gov. For league play questions/comments contact Reynaldo Cardenas at 805-453-2089 or reynaldo_cardenas@yahoo.com.

The Carpinteria Architectural Review Board will review elements of the proposed Carpinteria Advanced Purification Project (CAPP) at its next regular meeting on Monday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m.

The CAPP is an advanced water purification facility (AWPF) that will treat wastewater from the Carpinteria Sanitary District’s existing wastewater treatment plant and convey purified water from the AWPF to two injection wells to replenish the groundwater basin and to be available for future potable reuse. The ARB is asked to review site lighting associated with the proposed AWPF, and fencing and landscape screening associated with the proposed injection well sites.

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.

The following topics are highlights of the agenda. Additional details and numerous ways for the public to provide comments can be found at https://bit.ly/4kkynOQ. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to ARB members.

We’re excited to announce that CommUnify will be joining AgeWell on Thursday, May 15 from 1 to 2 p.m. for its next event in the Lecture Series. During this informative session, attendees will learn about the programs CommUnify offers to support seniors in Santa Barbara County, including home safety modifications, utility assistance and resources available through their 2-1-1 helpline. At the end of the presentation, four lucky attendees will win a free tablet in a drawing. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to connect with helpful resources and possibly walk away with a new device. The AgeWell Lecture Series is held in the Carpinteria Veterans Hall at 941 Walnut Ave.

Get ready to welcome Eric Castro as our new City Librarian starting June 3! Eric succeeds the wonderful Jody Thomas, who will begin her well-deserved retirement.

Eric brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having worked in libraries since 1994. His journey has taken him through libraries in Lima, San Francisco and Santa Barbara. Since joining our team as Community Engagement Librarian in April 2022, Eric has become an invaluable asset, spearheading popular programs like the Know Your Rights forum, English and Spanish computer classes, and engaging in extensive outreach to all our local schools. He has truly been a vital resource for our entire community, with a special focus on serving our Spanish-speaking members.

“Under Eric’s leadership, the Carpinteria Community Library will continue evolving as a center of equity, lifelong learning and connection,” said Jeanette Gant, Director of our Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. “Since joining our team, he has consistently demonstrated the vision, dedication and community focus that make him the perfect fit for this role. His commitment to engaging all sectors of our community reflects our shared goal of truly accessible public services.”

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m. 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.

The following topics are highlights of the agenda. Additional details and numerous ways for the public to provide comments can be found at https://bit.ly/42TfpsL. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to council members.

• Proclamations designating May 2025 as “Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month” in the City of Carpinteria and May 18-24, 2025, as National Public Works Week in the City of Carpinteria.
• Fiscal Year 2024-25 Community Services Support Grants Recipients Reports by Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, Boys and Girls Club of Carpinteria Valley, and Carpinteria Children’s Project.
• Introduction of New Employee: Bret McNulty, Principal Planner.
• Amending the Carpinteria Municipal Code to modify the provisions relating to the appointment and service of youth representatives on the Library Advisory Commission.
• City of Carpinteria Equity Plan Update.
• Development of Policy for Councilmember attendance at events.
• Third Quarter Department Reports for the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget.

Do you love meeting new people, sharing local tips, and showing off the best in Carpinteria? Then join us and be the friendly face of Carpinteria this summer. HOSTs are welcoming volunteers stationed at the Visitors Center every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day, helping guide tourists, visitors and residents to the top spots and hidden gems in our beautiful city!

Learn more and sign up at one of our upcoming meeting sessions on May 14, June 4, June 25 and July 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Carpinteria Library Community Room, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. Questions? Email julizab@carpinteriaca.gov

Carp Chalk Walk is just around the corner, promising to turn Carpinteria sidewalks into an outdoor art exhibition on May 17 and 18. This free event is partially funded by the City of Carpinteria and invites all members of the community and visitors to unleash their inner artists.

Volunteers will provide colored chalk and point participants to available locations along Linden and Carpinteria avenues where they can transform the sidewalk into colorful art. Register for the event at https://carpinteriaartscenter.org/carpchalkwalk.

Free art supplies will be available for collection at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, located at 865 Linden Ave., between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on May 17 and 18. Carp Chalk Walk is presented by the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center and Muralism.