Do you have expertise, passion and/or energy to share? Are you interested in volunteering for a group that advises the City Council? The City of Carpinteria is seeking volunteers to serve on boards, committees and commissions, and you may be the perfect fit!

City Council advisory groups include the Architectural Review Board, Carpinteria Open Space Management Advisory Board, Community Development Block Grant Committee, Downtown-T Business Advisory Board, Environmental Review Committee, Integrated Pest Management Advisory Committee, Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Board, Planning Commission, Tree Advisory Board, and Library Advisory Commission.

Members of the public will also be appointed to the Santa Barbara Mosquito and Vector Management District, Community Media Access Center Board of Directors and County Library Advisory Committee.

Two-year terms begin Jan. 31, and applications are due on Jan. 17, 2025. Appointments will be made by the Mayor with the consent of the Council. Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/CouncilAdvisoryGroups

The City of Carpinteria strongly discourages the use of fireworks this New Year’s Eve.

Why?

• Fire Safety: Fireworks pose a significant fire risk, especially in dry conditions.
• Pet Safety: The loud noises from fireworks can cause severe distress and anxiety in animals.
• Human Safety: Fireworks can cause serious injuries, including burns and eye injuries.

Know the Law:

The use of fireworks within the City of Carpinteria is strictly prohibited.

• Enforcement: The City will be conducting active education and enforcement efforts.
• Penalties: Individuals found in possession of illegal fireworks may face criminal charges and/or fines.

Let’s work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve for everyone in our community.

Hey Carp seniors! It’s time to mark your calendars for all the great programs and activities that AgeWell has in store for you in January.

Check out the new calendar and newsletter at the AgeWell website: https://carpinteriaca.gov/agewell/

AgeWell events and programs are free and open to all!

The Via Real Stormwater Project is underway! This flood control project aims to reduce localized flooding and improve water quality.

A new storm drain on Poplar Street is currently in construction, as well as a series of bioswales along Via Real between Poplar Street and the mobile home parks to the west. The project will also include a new bioretention basin at the north end of Poplar Street, as well as a new sidewalk along Via Real.

For more information, visit the project page on our website at https://bit.ly/3ZM0FZS.

From all of us at the City of Carpinteria, have a merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah and a wonderful time celebrating the winter holidays.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office reminds the community that they have the option to send text messages to 9-1-1 during emergencies when voice calls are not feasible or safe.

The service operates under the principle, “Call if you can — text if you can’t.” It is especially beneficial for individuals who are speech-impaired, hard of hearing, deaf, or in situations where making a voice call could endanger their safety.

The most crucial detail to include in a text to 9-1-1 is the exact location of the emergency. Unlike voice calls, texts do not automatically provide location information to dispatchers.

The text service is only for emergencies. For non-emergencies, you can reach the dispatch center at 805-683-2724 or Sheriff’s Headquarters at 805-681-4100.

Between Dec. 27 and Jan. 9, E.J. Harrison & Sons will provide free Christmas tree recycling and extra trash collection.

To dispose of a tree, you can either cut it into smaller pieces and place them in your organics/yard waste bin or place the whole tree on the curb or at your permitted set-out site on your collection day. Make sure all decorations are removed from the tree before disposing.

Additionally, during this time, you may put extra trash alongside your waste and/or recycle cart on your collection day. Please flatten all boxes and make sure you put out extra trash only on your collection day to reduce critters eating your trash. Thank you and happy holidays!

Festive music from the Renaissance and Medieval times will be delivered to the present day at the Carpinteria Community Library’s Early Music Concert on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. Enjoy the lovely sounds of tunes composed centuries ago alongside friends and community members at the library, 5141 Carpinteria. The event is free and open to all.

Sponsored by the California Avocado Festival, videographer Larry Nimmer pointed his lens at the Carpinteria Holiday Spirit Parade last weekend and recorded it from start to finish. Relive the fun, or enjoy it for the first time, by visiting https://youtu.be/ptm4Lglq8Vk . The footage is also available through the City of Carpinteria’s YouTube Channel and will be aired on Government Access Television.

The City of Carpinteria is developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide our priorities and efforts for the next two years. 

Please help shape the Strategic Plan by completing a short survey at https://carpinteriaca.gov/strategicplan/

Your feedback is essential in developing a plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community.