The Carpinteria City Council will hold an all-day retreat on Saturday, Jan. 18 to develop the City of Carpinteria’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Road. At the meeting, community feedback that has been gathered through public workshops and surveys will be reviewed and incorporated into the City’s Strategic Plan to help guide decision-making over the next two years.

Are you and your family ready if an emergency strikes? If your answer isn’t a confident “yes,” please consider attending a LISTOS class this winter. Classes are FREE and offered in English and in Spanish.

• In-person Spanish language: Saturday, Jan. 11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Carpinteria Fire Station, 941 Walnut Ave.
• Virtual English language: Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26 and 27, 6 to 8 p.m.
• In-person English language: Saturday, March 8, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Carpinteria Fire Station, 941 Walnut Ave.

Learn more by contacting Cecilia Herrera, LISTOS Central region Coordinator, at ceciliaherreralistosmt@gmail.com or (805) 539-5349. Register at https://forms.gle/uYo2KdBLcYTa9tMv8

The City of Carpinteria is currently recruiting for a full-time Finance Manager.

The Finance Manager assists in planning, managing, and directing assigned operations and services of the Administrative Services Department. Key responsibilities include overseeing financial operations, assisting with preparation of the City’s annual budget, preparing financial reports, managing purchasing activities, and ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, Jan. 30.

Apply or view the full job announcement at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/carpinteriaca/jobs/4776163/finance-manager?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

The City of Carpinteria is planning an improvement project for the public plaza at the beach end of Linden Avenue, and we are seeking public feedback into the design. Mark your calendars for a workshop to discuss plans and share your thoughts on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. at the site. If weather doesn’t permit an outdoor workshop, the location will change to the Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave.

The Linden Plaza Project focuses on enhancing the Linden Avenue beach-end to create a more inviting and visually appealing urban park that seamlessly transitions to Carpinteria Beach. Currently in the design phase, construction is anticipated to commence in December 2026. To view plans and learn more, visit our project page at  https://carpinteriaca.gov/linden-plaza-project/

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.