A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Stephon Downes is the newest addition to the City of Carpinteria Public Works Department. He takes on the role of  Management Analyst with the responsibilities of assisting in administrative matters like contracts, procurements, staff reports and participating on City committees. He attended Michigan State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. Following graduation, Stephon worked with Washtenaw County, home to Ann Arbor, as a senior management analyst for two years before moving to California.

What have you most enjoyed in your first weeks at the City of Carpinteria?

The friendliness and helpful nature of the employees. Everyone has helped to make my transition to the city as seamless as possible.

What do you like to do outside of work? Any hobbies?

Outside of work I enjoy playing sports such as golf, basketball and tennis. I also enjoy taking my great dane, Phoebe and pit mix, Boone, on different hikes and to dog friendly beaches.

Have you found a favorite lunch spot in Carp? What’s your go-to item on the menu?

Not yet! However, I suspect The Spot will become my favorite lunch destination, and my go-to item will be the cheeseburger.

Interested in joining the Carpinteria Aquatics Club swim team? If so, tryouts take place this Tuesday and/ or Thursday (June 27 and 29) from 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. at Carpinteria Community Pool. To sign up visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094eacaa2dabfcce9-cacswim#/

Participants do not have to come to both tryout days, but are welcome to if you’d like. Reminder, this is not a learn-to-swim program, swimmers must be able to swim the entire practice to pass (they will have breaks throughout, but should be able to participate in the entire practice).

You should send your child with:

* Swimsuit- street clothes are not permitted

* Swim caps – are required for anyone with hair longer than chin length

* Goggles – highly recommended by not required

* Towel – to dry off after the tryout

* Water – no glass bottles (plastic or stainless are OK)

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, June 26 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/44fSWDV. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to council members.

• Proclamation celebrating the 85th Anniversary of the League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara.
• Consideration of criteria and interview questions to be used in the selection process for the City Manager position executive search firm.
• Cancellation of the regular City Council meeting of August 14, 2023.
• Amendments to two Consultant Services Agreements: one for additional planning services to prepare the City’s 2023-2031 Housing Element, and one to provide additional services for the Carpinteria Skate Park Project.
• Adoption of the City’s Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget, setting related Appropriations Limits as required by State Law, making year-end amendments to the FY 2022-23 Budget, updating the budget and fiscal policies, and adopting salary schedules for FY 2023-24.

The City of Carpinteria’s Junior Lifeguards Program sends a huge thank you to the Carpinteria-Summerland Firefighters Association and Serigraph for donating custom printed rashguards for our Carpinteria Junior Lifeguard Safety Aids. These will help keep our safety aids sun safe all season!

Magician Shawn McMaster will bring his high-energy, crowd-pleasing show to the Carpinteria Community Library on Thursday, June 29, at 3:30 p.m. The 45-minute family magic show will include lots of audience participation and comedy. Attendees will also learn how to perform some simple magic tricks that they can do at home to fool their friends. The show is free and open to the public. Learn more by contacting the library at (805) 684-4314.

Starting on June 20, the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center will host twice weekly Senior Socials for any Carpinterians looking for some friendly conversation, a cup of coffee, an opportunity to get out of the house and maybe even a chance to try something new. Held each Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, activities include bingo, arts & crafts, book club and social time. Social activities will be held in the Charles Lo Bue Gallery at the Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave., while exercise classes will take place at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 941 Walnut Ave. The City is grateful to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria for hosting popular senior programming throughout the spring and to the Arts Center for hosting summer programming. Learn more HERE.

The City of Carpinteria recognizes Juneteenth Independence Day on June 19 in honor of the day that enslaved Africans learned of their freedom in the Southwestern States in 1865. At its June 12 meeting, the Carpinteria City Council unanimously approved a proclamation in recognition of Juneteenth and encouraged all residents to use the time to learn about the legacy of Black peoples and their contributions, and to stand in an alliance to end racism, bigotry and hate. In honor of Juneteenth, Carpinteria City Hall will be closed on Monday, June 19.

Adding to her long career in civil service, Aida Thau recently joined the City of Carpinteria in the Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Department. As a Management Analyst II, she works on all projects in the department’s sphere, with an emphasis on creating programming and following through to ensure the success of the department in serving the community and working with partner organizations. Originally from Spain, Aida relocated to Los Angeles after getting her degree in Communications and Public Relations. She has spent her career in civil service, having spent the past 15 years with the City of Beverly Hills, most recently as the Arts and Culture Program Associate.

What have you most enjoyed in your first weeks at the City of Carpinteria?

I have enjoyed discovering all the different sites and magnificent open spaces. From the Bluffs, the Salt Marsh, the beautiful trails, the stunning beaches, to the neighborhood parks and trails. I truly love the laid-back and quaint style that has been preserved in this community.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

My favorite thing is to spend time with my three adult children when they come to visit. Since we’ve just relocated to Santa Barbara, me, my husband and dog are going on hikes on the weekends. I also love going to yoga classes and am a certified Kundalini yoga instructor.

BONUS: Aida’s Guide to Must-See Spain: 1) Barcelona, “Hands-down one of the most beautiful cities in the world.” 2) Granada and the Alhambra Islamic Palace, 3) San Sebastian, a northern city with “the best food you will ever eat.”

If you are considering a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) for your property, we have great news! The City of Carpinteria has prepared Accessory Dwelling Unit prototype plans for your use. Available in PDF format, one plan is for a 400-square-foot ADU, and the other is a 480-square-foot ADU. Both sets of plans include two styles: California Ranch and Coastal Cottage. The plans are intended to save homeowners the expense of having custom plans prepared for a new ADU (a value of approximately $5,000). Homeowners who use the plans still must have a Coastal Development Permit and a Building Permit approved for construction. Learn more at https://bit.ly/461PLBD or contact Syndi Souter, Associate Planner, at 805-755-4405 or SyndiS@carpinteriaca.gov with your questions.