Carpinteria homeowners in the 93013-93014 ZIP codes can now apply for Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) seismic retrofit grants. The 2025 application window is open until March 26, 2025. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $3,000. Income-eligible homeowners (annual income at or below $89,040) may qualify for up to $7,000, potentially covering 100% of retrofit costs. “Strengthening homes through EBB reduces the risk of costly damages and gives homeowners peace of mind,” said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer, California Earthquake Authority.  Apply at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.

We are pleased to announce that the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has certified the City’s 2023-2031 Housing Element. The Housing Element is a planning document that outlines the strategies the City will implement to meet the housing needs of Carpinterians throughout the 2023-2031 planning cycle. Certification of the Housing Element is important because it ensures a high level of local control over land use decisions and qualifies the City for certain grant funding opportunities. Having achieved this important milestone, City staff can now focus their efforts on implementation of individual Housing Element programs. Learn more at https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/community-development/planning/housing-element-update/

Disaster preparedness can mean the difference between life and death. Partnering with the City of Carpinteria, LISTOS is offering multiple free courses to ensure that you and your family are prepared when the next disaster strikes. A virtual LISTOS course will be held in English on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26 and 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. An in-person course in English will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria. Anyone interested in becoming a trainer for the LISTOS program should mark their calendar for a bilingual Train the Trainer session that will take place April 4 through 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about any of the LISTOS courses or to register, contact Cecilia Herrera at ceciliaherreralistosmt@gmail.com or (805) 539-5349.

City leaders attended a press conference today where the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County announced that it has acquired a 2.48-acre property at the intersection of Carpinteria Avenue and Highway 150. The newly named “Rincon Gateway” property was purchased for $3.9 million with funds from La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation. Due diligence and ongoing stewardship costs were also covered by the foundation. The purchase ensures that the property will remain undeveloped and preserved for the benefit of the public. “Conservation is an act of love, and this is a Valentine to our community,” said Meredith Hendricks, Executive Director of the Land Trust. “When we have a willing seller and terrific funding support, we can make magic happen!”

The City has proposed a 5% increase to the fees that fund solid waste programs and administration, referred to as solid waste fees or “AB 939 Fees.” This proposed fee adjustment is necessary to ensure the continued financial sustainability of the City’s Solid Waste Program, which includes free hazardous waste disposal, waste reduction measures, composting, public education and outreach events, as well as compliance with state-mandated diversion goals. The proposed increase will help offset rising operational costs and allow the City to expand certain free programs. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3WmoRBa. Contact Erin Maker at 805-880-3415, erinm@carpinteriaca.gov with any questions.

This February, Carpinteria joins the nation in celebrating Black History Month. The 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor,” recognizes the profound impact of work on Black experiences. From the forced labor of enslaved Africans to the skilled contributions of free Black Americans, work has shaped the Black community’s history.

“We know that the past opens the doors to the future,” noted Dianne Travis-Teague, who accepted a City Council proclamation at the Feb. 10 meeting. “Black history provides valuable lessons for everyone, encouraging empathy, critical thinking and a broader perspective on the human experience.”

The City of Carpinteria honors the legacy of African Americans, recognizes the vital role of Black labor, and commits to a future of inclusivity and justice.

To prepare for heavy storms forecast later this week, residents are invited to use our self-serve sandbag station at City Hall to help protect their homes and properties.

The fully stocked station is located in our Public Works yard at the back of the City Hall property, 5775 Carpinteria Ave.

Residents also are encouraged to sign up for Ready SBC alerts to stay alert and aware of risks. Sign up at https://www.readysbc.org/

On Thursday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m., the Carpinteria Architectural Review Board will hold its final review of an interior and exterior renovation of the “Palms” building at 701 Linden Ave. and conversion of a portion of the roof to a covered bar and uncovered lounge area.

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.

Additional details and numerous ways for the public to provide comments can be found at https://bit.ly/417iBA3. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to ARB members.

From ReadySBC: The National Weather Service is forecasting the potential for a major storm for Santa Barbara County, expected to arrive as soon as Tuesday night, Feb. 11. Flooding in low-lying areas and hazardous road conditions are expected countywide. This storm also poses a potential risk for debris flows and significant flooding to residents and businesses within and surrounding the Lake Fire burn scar.

Evacuations are NOT being issued at this time.  If you live in or near the Lake Fire Burn Area and are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions to your local roads and home, leave the area before rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave.

Public safety officials are keeping a close eye on the incoming storm and working with the National Weather Service. Officials will continue to work together to further assess if protective actions, such as an evacuation warning, evacuation order, or shelter in place, are necessary.

More information is available at www.ReadySBC.org.

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 10 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/4hrydnB. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to council members.

• Proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month in the City of Carpinteria.
• Closeout of Carpinteria Avenue Bridge Replacement Project: Clearing and Grubbing.
• Agreement for Joint Use of Carpinteria Unified School District Athletic Facilities.
• Approve the Measure A Five-Year Local Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2025-26 through 2029-30.
• 2024 Annual Integrated Pest Management Report.
• Second Quarter Department Reports for the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget.