The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 12 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/3SQIEaA.

???? Presentation of proclamation designating February 2024 as Black History Month.

???? Congratulating contract building inspector Roy W. Harthorn on his retirement and commending and thanking him for 26 years of loyal and dedicated service to the City of Carpinteria.

???? Plaque honoring former City Manager Dave Durflinger’s service

???????????? Presentation of Employee Service Awards

???? Accept proposal from VIDIFLO, LLC in the Amount of $32,221.37 for replacement of the Government Access Television (GATV) Equipment.

???? Request letter to Cox Communications to Provide Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Channels in Hi-Definition (HD).

???? Continuation of public hearing for approval of the Measure A Five-Year Local Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29.

???? Approval and adoption of establishing Renter Relocation Assistance Payment amounts for No-Fault Just Cause Evictions

???? Approval of standardized design for single-use dog parks within the City of Carpinteria, including at Monte Vista Park, and associated budget appropriation.

???? Approval of the first reading of an ordinance amending Carpinteria Municipal Code Section 2.52 pertaining to abandoned and unattended personal property.

The City of Carpinteria will open registration for its 2024 summer Junior Lifeguards Program on March 4 at 6:30 p.m. through our website at https://carpinteria.recdesk.com/Community/Program.

The Junior Lifeguards, which is for children aged 7 to 16, will run from June 17 through Aug. 2 at Carpinteria City Beach. Participants meet Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for fun activities aimed at building fitness, beach safety, and appreciation of the marine ecosystem.

Tryouts will be held for any new JGs (or former mini-JGs interested in participating in JGs) from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday through March 2 at the Carpinteria Community Pool, 5305 Carpinteria Ave. Please learn more about the JG program, sign up for a tryout time or review expectations at https://carpinteriaca.gov/?s=junior+lifeguards

The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for Santa Barbara County through the morning of Friday, Feb. 9. Dangerous rip currents and waves due to high surf are expected. Minor coastal flooding is possible, with the highest surf and coastal flooding risks today, Thursday, Feb. 8. Please remain out of the water and be cautious on the beach. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions; stay off the rocks.

This weekend, Carpinterians will have an opportunity to get to know the men and women who keep us safe! At Coffee with a Cop on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9 to 11 a.m., deputies from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office will be on hand to chat with residents over a cup of joe at Carp Moon Cafe, 4991 Carpinteria Ave. Join us!

A Santa Monica Creek Trail beautification volunteer event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10, and volunteers can drop in and lend a hand anytime between 9 a.m. and 4  p.m. Led by trail steward Ray Kolbe, volunteers will lay down cardboard and spread mulch to keep invasives from crowding out native species. Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves, a hat and water, as well as a rake and/or hoe if possible. Join the effort at 4405 El Carro Lane. Volunteer work days take place every second Saturday of the month. To learn more, contact Ray at rwkolbe@gmail.com or (805) 705-3429.

Sandbags are restocked! We have replenished our supply of sand and sandbags, and Carpinteria residents are welcome to serve themselves at our City Hall sandbag station, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. Sandbags are free, but limited to 20 per household. Our goal is to provide for all Carpinterians who aim to protect their homes and properties in upcoming storms.

Though the peak of the storm has passed, some facilities remain closed for public safety. Please observe the following closures, which are designed for safety of individuals and to avoid costly damage to public property:

1. Carpinteria Skate Park: This facility is unsafe during and after rain. Until the concrete surface is dry, please respect the park’s closure. Depending on weather conditions, this could require multiple days.
2. Carpinteria Creek Bike Path: Due to flooding risk, the bike path that connects Via Real and Carpinteria Avenue along Carpinteria Creek will be closed through the week. Please avoid the path and use Casitas Pass Road as an alternative to travel from one side of Highway 101 to the other.

Santa Barbara County residents and businesses are encouraged to complete the Damage Assessment Form at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/4f7acca7cc7f4815be42945606c3476 to report damages sustained as a result of the February 2024 storm. The information compiled will assist public safety officials in understanding the extent of local impacts and advocate on behalf of the community for state and federal assistance. All information provided will be kept confidential and utilized for storm recovery assistance only.

AgeWell’s free Senior Lecture Series continues in February with a line-up of high-quality programming tailored to our senior community. The following presentations will take place on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave.

• Feb. 8, Understanding Vision Loss: The Braille Institute will provide information on common eye conditions and how to find resources for ourselves and our loved ones. Learn all they have to offer, from evaluations to classes and support groups and so much more.
• Feb. 15, Getting Past a Grudge: The presence of resentments or grudges can be a source of personal stress and emotional depletion. Based on the work of contemporary researchers, strategies and exercises are provided that offer a creative alternative for those struggling with the burden of a grudge. Join Scott Barash LCSW as he teaches us helpful tools used to successfully come out of the other side.
• Feb. 22, Protecting Yourself From Consumer Fraud: Losing money or possessions to scams, fraud and exploitation can be especially devastating to older adults, who may not be able to earn back what they’ve lost. Learn how to protect yourself and the resources out there to help you.
• Feb. 29, Carpinteria Seal Watch: Carpinteria Seal Watch is a dedicated team of volunteers marking its 33rd year here at the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery. Come learn what they do and what makes our seal sanctuary so magical.