Are you a self-starter who thrives when working effectively both independently and as part of a dynamic team? Do you have a passion for environmental sustainability and a desire to make a tangible impact on your community? If so, the City of Carpinteria may have an exciting opportunity for you as our Environmental Program Specialist!

This position supports crucial environmental programs that promote sustainable practices and compliance with environmental regulations. The application period closes on Aug. 4. Learn more about the job and how to apply at  https://bit.ly/3zU2Z7R.

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, July 22 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/3Se9jgL. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to council members.

• Proclamation designating August 6, 2024 as “National Night Out” in the City of Carpinteria.
• Mayoral Recognition Awarded to Coastal View News for receiving 2024 awards from the Association of Community Publishers.
• Annual Member Agency Update Presentation from Central Coast Community Energy.
• Designation of voting delegate and alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference.
• Code Compliance Quarterly Report Q2, 2024.
• 2024 Annual Report on efforts to assist people experiencing homelessness in Carpinteria and address issues related to homelessness in the community.
• Consideration of community interest in establishing a Community Center in Carpinteria at 801 Linden Avenue.

Did you know that 25 million tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean every year? Very little plastic is easily recyclable and instead, the majority is left behind in landfills or in the ocean.

To help reduce pollution, keep our wildlife safe, and the planet clean, join us in taking 3 actions to reduce your plastic intake during Plastic Free July. We challenge you to take additional steps and if you submit photos, you can win a reusable utensil kit and be featured on the City’s social media!

To read the full instructions and submit your photos, please visit:  https://tinyurl.com/carpplasticfreejuly

We are looking forward to seeing your photos and thank you for your commitment to your community! For more information or questions, please contact sustainability@carpinteriaca.gov

The next General Plan Update Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, July 15 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. City staff and consultants will present on the Administrative Draft of the Circulation Element and the Coastal Resiliency Element.

The meeting will be in-person with virtual viewing and participation options. The agenda, which includes detailed information on how to participate and how to submit public comment, is available at https://bit.ly/4d021VW.

Film Club is the just the ticket! AgeWell and Carpinteria Community Library have collaborated to bring Film Club to Carpinteria. Weekly Thursday afternoon movie screenings will kick off on July 11 at 2 p.m. with the 2018 documentary “The Biggest Little Farm.” The club will meet at the Carpinteria Veteran’s Hall, 941 Walnut Ave., and will discuss each film after viewing.

Carpinteria Community Library’s fun and informative Wild Things series continues this week with a talk about the preservation of the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and Rincon Bluffs. Two representatives from the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County will present on the collaborative work between the Land Trust, the City of Carpinteria, Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs and other local stakeholders to conserve the open space. They will also discuss some of the amazing wildlife that can be observed at the two properties by exploring citizen science data.

The talk will take place on Thursday, July 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave.

Come spend time in nature and meet new friends by restoring Santa Monica Creek Trail!

Help us create habitat for pollinators and prevent non-native invasives from crowding out the newly planted natives.

Join us on Saturday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4405 El Carro Lane. You can come when you can and stay as long as you want. Please bring gloves, hat, and water.

For more information, contact Ray Kolbe at (805) 703-3429

Three Carpinteria City Council seats will be up for election in the General Election on Nov. 5, 2024, and the window for candidates to file required election paperwork opens on July 15.

In this election, representatives from Council Districts 2 and 4 will be elected by districts for the first time, beginning their four-year terms in December 2024. Additionally, Councilmember Roy Lee’s seat for District 3, which he will vacate due to his election to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, will be filled for a two-year term starting in December 2024.

Candidates must be registered voters residing in the district they wish to represent. The filing period for candidacy paperwork closes on August 14. Carpinteria residents interested in election details are encouraged to review election materials and district maps at https://carpinteriaca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Election-Fact-Sheet_2024.pdf

It’s your party and you don’t have to cry about cost! The AgeWell team will present “Perfect Party Planning on a Budget” at the next installment of its Lecture Series on Thursday, July 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the Carpinteria Vet’s Hall, 941 Walnut Ave.  

At this presentation, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks to throw an unforgettable bash without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or just want to host a fabulous get-together, AgeWell has you covered! The lecture series is free and aims to educate and entertain Carpinteria seniors.

July is National Parks and Recreation Month, and Carpinteria is joining the celebration! Pictured here, the Carpinteria City Council honors the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department at its July 8 meeting.

Why is our Parks & Rec Department so important? Spending time outdoors improves mental and physical health, while parks provide space for sports, swimming, and enjoying nature. The City of Carpinteria’s Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department manages a wide diversity of programs aimed at engaging our community members of all ages and interests. These include Carpinteria Community Library, AgeWell, Carpinteria Community Garden, Carpinteria Community Pool, Junior Lifeguards, and of course all of our wonderful parks!

Join us this July in celebrating Parks and Recreation Month! Get outside, explore our parks, and take advantage of the many programs offered.