The National Weather Service warns that the risk of coastal flooding will continue on Friday, Dec. 29, and will peak on Saturday, Dec. 30 around 10 a.m. when the tide reaches its highest point.

High tides and heavy surf caused damage along the coast of California today, Thursday, and conditions are expected to continue to be dangerous and potentially damaging through Saturday.

In addition to heavy surf and high tides, a storm is forecast to bring some rain on Friday and Saturday and a slight chance of thunderstorms on Saturday.

The City of Carpinteria advises against use of the City Beach below the water line and avoiding the beach end of Ash Avenue where work to reconstruct the protective sand berm is underway.

Santa Barbara County residents are encouraged to submit information on property damages sustained as a result of the December 20-21, 2023 storm.

Click on this link to submit: https://www.countyofsb.org/…/December-20-21-Storm-Recovery

The info compiled will assist the County in understanding the extent of local impacts & advocate on behalf of the community for state and federal assistance. This form is not an application for financial assistance, nor does it indicate that assistance is currently available.

The Carpinteria Community Tennis Courts are OPEN and buzzing with action during the school break! Whether you’re a tennis ace or a pickleball maestro, we’ve got the courts ready for your epic showdowns.

Here’s the 411:

• Tennis: Secure your court time by making a reservation online. It’s as easy as acing a serve!  https://carpinteria-community-pool.reservio.com/staff/b98ce88e-e756-4eaa-9732-e76219bb26a3
• Pickleball: No reservations needed! Just show up, grab a paddle, and let the games begin.

And here’s the best part – it won’t cost you a dime! All games are FREE to play. Just remember to bring your own balls, paddles, and racquets to keep the fun rolling.

Between Dec. 26 and Jan. 6, E.J. Harrison & Sons will provide free holiday tree disposal and double trash weeks! To dispose of a tree, you can either cut it into smaller pieces and put them in your waste bin or place the tree on the curb or at your permitted set-out site on your collection day. Make sure all ornaments 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!

To celebrate the upcoming holidays, our staff is looking forward to some rest, relaxation, time with family and fun festivities. That means brief closures of some City facilities. City Hall will be closed on Dec. 25 and 26, as well as on Dec. 29 and Jan. 1. The Carpinteria Community Library will close on Dec. 25 and 26, as well as on Jan. 1 and 2. The Carpinteria Community Pool will be closed from Dec. 17 to Jan. 3 in order for annual maintenance work to be completed. We appreciate your patience with our closures while our staff enjoys the holidays.

The National Weather Service has issued a FLASH FLOOD WARNING for the south Santa Barbara County coast and the Santa Ynez Valley.  This means that flash flooding is occurring or imminent. A flash flood is an extremely dangerous, sudden, violent, and fast-moving wall of water. Avoid low-lying areas, areas with standing water, and areas near creeks or streams. If you are in one of these areas, go to the innermost room of your home or to higher ground such as a second floor.

Hey seniors! Clear your calendars on upcoming Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. to participate in a Lecture Series just for you. The following free presentations will be held at the Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. Learn more about our AgeWell programming at https://carpinteriaca.gov/agewell/newsletter/

Dealing With Grief During the Holidays, Dec. 21

Even though the holidays are often a time of celebration, many people who are grieving find this time of year to be particularly challenging. Compassionate Care of Carpinteria will walk us through the importance of acknowledging grief during the holidays and give us tools we can use to support ourselves during this sometimes challenging season.

Planting Pollinator Paths, Dec. 28

Nearly all ecosystems on Earth depend on the pollination of flowering plants for survival. As native plants disappear, so do our pollinators. Come experience this interactive workshop by our community garden coordinator, Wendi Dunn. Dress to get dirty and learn about the importance of pollinators and then help us fill our city planters with pollinator-supporting plants.

Protecting Yourself from Consumer Fraud, Jan. 4

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 about the resources out there to help you.

The National Weather Service has issued a FLOOD WATCH for all of Santa Barbara County from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19 until Friday morning, Dec. 22.

Stay away from rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Detailed weather forecasts are available at www.weather.gov/lox

Due to the holidays, crime rates tend to have a slight up-swing. This is due, in part, to shoppers having more cash and credit cards with them while shopping, shopping later than usual and the relaxed, easygoing attitude that comes with this time of year. We call it good cheer. Criminals call it complacency. By remaining aware of holiday season risks, you can better protect yourself. Read the holiday safety tips compiled by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office at https://carpinteriaca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/SBSOHolidayCrimePreventionTips2021.pdf

Hats off to our December Standout Staff Member on the City of Carpinteria aquatics team, Linda McCorkle. Linda has been a cashier at the pool since 2017. When she’s not sharing infectious smiles with our patrons, you’ll find Linda unwinding with her latest knitting project. Before working here she’d been a regular at the Carpinteria Community Pool since 2003.

Fun fact: Linda and her husband were once commercial fishermen, reeling in adventure both in and out of the water. Not only did she once conquer the open waters in outrigger canoes, but Linda was also a dynamo on the tennis court and a triathlon enthusiast – talk about a true sports all-star!

Join us in applauding Linda for being a gem in our aquatic family. Co-workers describe Linda as warm and funny; we are all impressed that she can remember the names of our regulars!

Thanks for making every splash at the pool a joy, Linda!