Author: Lea Boyd

The City of Carpinteria is proud to announce a formal commitment to protecting our unique natural heritage. Nestled within a global biodiversity hotspot, our region’s oak woodlands, coastal sage, and marine sanctuaries are vital to our climate resilience and community well-being.

Aligning with California’s “30×30” initiative, the City Council has resolved to integrate nature-based solutions into local planning. By expanding habitat corridors, supporting native landscaping, and partnering with the Chumash community and conservation experts, we are ensuring that Carpinteria remains a vibrant, resilient sanctuary for both wildlife and residents for generations to come.

The City of Carpinteria is pleased to share an important update on the Coastal Land Use Plan / General Plan (CLUP/GP) Update.

As previously announced, the City is beginning environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will prepare a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR).

The first step in this process begins today, May 7.
The Notice of Preparation (NOP) is now available, and the 30-day scoping period is officially open. This is when we ask for input on what environmental topics should be studied in the PEIR.

Key Dates

• NOP Comment Period (30 days): May 7 – June 5, 2026 (comments due by 5:00 p.m.)
• Public Scoping Meeting: Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers (5775 Carpinteria Ave) and via Zoom

How to Participate

• Review the NOP: View Online
• Submit written comments to GPUpdate@carpinteriaca.gov during the 30-day comment period
• Attend the Public Scoping Meeting to learn more, ask questions, and provide input in a public setting

Your feedback at this stage will help shape the scope of the environmental analysis.

You may also visit the Project webpage for the Draft CLUP/GP and additional background materials: https://cityofcarp.co/generalplanupdate

What happens after this?
Below is an overview of the CEQA process for the PEIR, including future opportunities for public review and input.

We are thrilled to officially launch the Beach Cleanup Station Program at Ash Avenue! Born from a bright idea by a 14-year-old local resident, this project shows that you’re never too young to make a massive wave for the environment.

Join us, Carpinteria Beautiful, and Relic Coastal Collaborative as we cut the ribbon and kick off a cleaner future for our coastline.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

• When: Thursday, May 7 at 3:30 PM
• Where: Ash Avenue Beach Entrance
• Who: City staff, local partners, and YOU!

How It Works: We’ve made stewardship as easy as a stroll in the sand. Next time you head out:

1. Grab a reusable basket from the station.
2. Collect litter while you enjoy your beach day.
3. Empty the trash into a bin.
4. Return the basket for the next person!

On Friday, May 8, Linden Avenue will be closed in both directions between Carpinteria and Sawyer avenues for repaving work for the Linden Avenue Improvements Project. The closure will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Northbound Linden Avenue traffic will be detoured either west or east along Carpinteria Avenue. Southbound Linden Avenue traffic will be detoured east along Ogan Road.

This important project to improve safety and circulation is paid for by Measure A Funds awarded through SBCAG.

Street sweeping in Carpinteria has been canceled today, May 5, for maintenance of our sweeper. We appreciate your patience and look forward to returning local streets to sparkling cleanliness ASAP!

The City of Carpinteria is proud to honor Reynaldo Cardenas as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year! Since the 1980s, Reynaldo and his family have been the heart of the Co-Ed Summer Softball League at Viola Fields.

From scheduling games to securing umpires, Reynaldo spends over six months each year ensuring the league remains affordable and inclusive for everyone. His tireless dedication fosters community spirit and healthy fun, proving that local traditions thrive through the passion of volunteers like him. Thank you, Reynaldo!

The City of Carpinteria proudly celebrates Carpinteria High School senior David Ezquivel Belmonte for becoming one of only 30 nationwide 2026 Edison Scholars.

Awarded a $50,000 scholarship, David will study civil engineering at USC. Despite balancing family responsibilities and college-level coursework, he has shown incredible resilience. After graduating, David aims to design inclusive public spaces, embodying the spirit of service and perseverance that makes our entire community shine. Congratulations, David!

We have a new date! This year’s free Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection event for the residents of Carpinteria has been postponed to Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. Rain canceled our original April date for this event.

Please bring only accepted items. Acceptable items include:

• Furniture
• Appliances
• Electronic Waste
• Pesticides
• Automotive fluids and oils
• Fluorescent bulbs
• Medications
• And MORE!

Please limit liquids to 15 gallons total per vehicle.

This event is a drive-through service. To help the line move efficiently, residents are asked to separate household goods and hazardous materials and place them in an easily accessible location in their vehicle. Please remain in your vehicle—staff will remove items for you.

The City is not accepting tires, explosives, biozards or radioactive materials.

*Attention Businesses* ‼️Carpinteria Small Quantity Generators MUST have an appointment. Contact sustainability@carpinteriaca.gov to make an appointment (hazardous waste ID number required). Businesses without an appointment and Large Quantity Generators will be turned away.

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, April 27 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://cityofcarp.co/agendas.

• Resolution Supporting Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Resilience on California’s South Central Coast.
• A Proclamation Designating the Month of May 2026 as “Mental Health Month” in the City of Carpinteria.
• Mayoral Recognition awarded to David Ezquivel Belmonte for being selected as a 2026 Edison Scholar.
• Resolution congratulating Reynaldo Cardenas upon being named Volunteer of the Year for 2025.
• Approval of Appointments to the Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board.

Volunteering with the HOST Program isn’t just good for the community, it’s also good fun! If you’ve ever been interested in joining, now is your chance!

Join us at a Meet and Greet on Wednesday, April 22 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Visitors Center on Linden Avenue.

What to expect:

• Meet volunteers and organizers
• Get a feel for a HOST shift
• Ask your questions about volunteering

Got questions now? Email Juliza at julizab@carpinteriaca.gov