Author: Lea Boyd

After 18 years of dedicated service, licensed architect Richard Johnson is retiring from the City’s Architectural Review Board.

A Kansas State University graduate, Richard brought over 50 years of professional expertise to the board, shaping significant local projects like Lagunitas, Casa de las Flores, and Dahlia Court 2.

Throughout his tenure, Richard focused on positivity in his role on the board. Rather than dictating changes to applicants, he aimed to encourage positive revisions that elevated each project.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Richard for his nearly two decades of commitment to preserving and enhancing Carpinteria’s unique character.

On June 19, 1865, freedom was finally enforced for enslaved people in Texas, marking the birth of the Juneteenth holiday. The City of Carpinteria officially observes this important day and encourages residents to come out for the Juneteenth Santa Barbara celebration themed “Love for the People”:

• Friday, June 19
• 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Plaza Del Mar/Band Shell Park, Santa Barbara

Juneteenth is a time to honor Black history, celebrate incredible contributions, and confront the ongoing realities of systemic racism. Let’s stand together for dignity, equity, and justice.

Accepting a Juneteenth proclamation from the Carpinteria City Council, Dianne Travis-Teague of the Juneteenth Celebration Committee said, “In times when our world can feel divided, Juneteenth reminds us that progress is possible, community matters, and love for the people remains one of the most powerful forces we possess.”

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, June 8 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 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 cityofcarp.co/agendas. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to council members.

• A proclamation honoring June 19, 2026, “Juneteenth Independence Day” in recognition of June 19, 1865, when enslaved Africans learned of their freedom in the southwestern states.
• Recognition of retiring Architectural Review Board Member Richard E. Johnson on his 18 years of service to the community.
• Introduction of Francisco Morales, Maintenance Worker I.
• Monthly meeting of the Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees
• Letter of Support for the Encampment Resolution Funding Round 5 Application submitted by the County of Santa Barbara.
• Approving the application for Encampment Resolution Funding Round 5 Grant Funds.
• Public hearing on City workforce vacancies and recruitment/retention efforts
• Mid-Cycle Budget Report, including appropriation adjustments for fiscal years 2025/26 and 2026/27, setting related appropriations limits as required by state law, and adopting salary schedules for fiscal year 2026/27.

MISSED THE TOWN HALL? View the Presentation Slides here.

Mark your calendars for an in-person Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, June 4, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Council Chambers (5775 Carpinteria Ave.). This public forum is your chance to connect directly with City staff and officials, ask questions, share input, and learn more about Carpinteria’s current financial outlook and infrastructure needs.

The town hall is part of a broader community outreach effort to gather resident feedback on City services and future priorities. The City Council is currently exploring funding options to maintain essential services, and community input is key.

One option the City Council is exploring is placing a quarter-cent sales tax measure on the ballot for voters’ consideration. This tax would amount to an additional 25 cents on a $100 purchase.

We want to hear from you—your input helps shape the future of Carpinteria. Please share your priorities by attending the town hall or taking our survey here: carpinteriaca.gov/communityinput

This week, Southern California Edison is working on a power pole replacement near the Coastal Vista Trail and the UPRR railroad tracks.

Here is what you need to know:

• Timeline: Site prep and full replacement through May 29.
• Trail Impact: Pedestrian use of the Coastal Vista Trail in this area will be temporarily prohibited during construction.
• Detour: A temporary detour is in place! Please follow the posted signage on-site to navigate safely.

Why the work? This upgrade by Chevron ensures a separate, dedicated power source for the Casitas Pier while the onshore processing facility is safely powered down for decommissioning.

Thank you for your patience as this necessary infrastructure work is completed!

The City of Carpinteria is seeking passionate community members to serve on the Architectural Review Board. This five-member board plays a vital role in evaluating the architectural merit of commercial, residential, and public projects. By advising City staff and the Planning Commission on design standards, landscaping, and site planning, the board ensures harmonious development while preserving Carpinteria’s cherished natural beauty and visual resources.

To qualify, applicants must reside within the city limits during their tenure. The City looks for a diverse mix of lay and professional citizens who can interpret architectural drawings and thoughtfully evaluate how new developments affect surrounding neighborhoods.

The board meets monthly at City Hall, and this term runs through January 31, 2027. The deadline to apply is June 30. For more details, contact the City Clerk’s Office at brianb@carpinteriaca.gov or visit cityofcarp.co/advisorygroups.

We have important positions to fill! Would they be a good fit for you or someone you know?

• Chief Building Inspector/Plans Examiner
• Facilities Attendant I/II/II
• Recreation Leader – Summer Library Reading Program

Please learn more about jobs available through the City of Carpinteria by visiting cityofcarp.co/careers

The City of Carpinteria officially proclaims May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

This month, we recognize both the immense contributions and the unique challenges faced by the AAPI community. We honor the AAPI families who were instrumental in developing our local agriculture and shaping our community’s vibrant culture.

Please join the City Council in celebrating this rich history and the ongoing pursuit of equity for all.

The City of Carpinteria is excited to introduce Kelly Guevara-Cortez as our new Accounting Technician. Kelly joined the City team in late April as former Accounting Technician Brenda Robinson prepared for her well-earned retirement.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from CSU Channel Islands and has worked in the accounting field since 2021. Her diverse professional background spans both the nonprofit and private sectors, providing her with a versatile perspective on financial operations.

When she isn’t balancing the books, Kelly stays active and enjoys the local lifestyle. She is an avid fan of yoga and barre classes and loves hunting for unique finds while thrift shopping. She enjoys time spent with her fiancé and their two dogs.

Please join us in giving Kelly a warm Carpinteria welcome and wishing Brenda the very best in her upcoming retirement!

Santa Barbara County voters are receiving their Vote by Mail Ballots this week. Voters may vote in person on June 2 or complete and return the Vote by Mail Ballot  in the postage-paid return envelope provided. Be sure to sign your envelope! Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Election Day, June 2, 2026.

Ballots may also be dropped at one of the 18 official ballot drop boxes that are available until 8 p.m. on Election Day, June 2. One of the official drop boxes  is located in the parking lot at Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave.

For more information, visit sbcvote.com or call Santa Barbara County Elections at 800-722-8683.