Category: News

Join us at the City Council Retreat, an interactive, discussion-focused work session on Tuesday, July 28 from 2 – 8 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 5775 Carpinteria Ave.

Unlike regular action-oriented meetings, this extended session gives Councilmembers time to collaborate on team dynamics, long-term financial health, and shaping the City’s next two-year strategic plan.

As always, this meeting is open to the public in person. Due to the collaborative roundtable setup, it will not be televised or streamed online. An agenda and additional details will be available at carpinteriaca.gov/agendas by Friday, July 24.

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, July 27 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 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 cityofcarp.co/agendas.

• Annual review of Fire Protection Mitigation Fee Program.
• Resolution to vacate a portion of Olive Avenue. As requested by the Carpinteria Sanitary District for improvements to support the future Advanced Water Purification Facility component of the Carpinteria Advanced Purification Project.
• Adoption of the City Council Policy establishing guidelines and procedures for the selection, installation, maintenance, and removal of Public Artwork on City-owned or City-controlled property.
• Community Outreach Process for Proposed Public Art Display at the Community Plaza on Linden Avenue.
• Development of a City Naming Policy, as applied to naming or renaming City-owned facilities, parks, open space, buildings, amenities, or other public assets.
• Period 2 Department Reports for the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget.

After 21 years of dedicated service, Lead Maintenance Worker David Huff has officially retired!

David grew up here and graduated from Carpinteria High School. Throughout his career at the City, he has been instrumental in maintaining our streets, parks, and facilities. From operating heavy equipment and responding to emergencies to mentoring new team members and serving as interim supervisor, his hard work has left a lasting impact.

We extend our deepest gratitude to David for his professionalism and integrity. Wishing him and his family a very happy, well-deserved retirement!

The nomination period for the 2026 Carpinteria General Municipal Election of City Council candidates opens on Monday, July 13, with three full-term seats, serving until December 2030. The nomination period closes on Aug. 7. However if an incumbent does not file, then the nomination period for that Council District is extended to Aug. 12.

The seats up for election include council district 1, currently represented by Mónica Solórzano; district 3, currently represented by Julia Mayer; and district 5, currently represented by Al Clark. Eligible candidates interested in applying must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens and registered voters living within their specific district.

Those interested are encouraged to make an appointment with the Carpinteria City Clerk’s Office. Candidate Handbooks are free, and a $25 filing fee applies when submitting nomination papers. To schedule an appointment or view the District Boundary Map, email brianb@carpinteriaca.gov or visit carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/#election

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, July 13 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 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 cityofcarp.co/agendas. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to council members.

• Retirement recognition for David Huff, Lead Maintenance Worker
• A proclamation designating July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month in the City of Carpinteria.
• Monthly Meeting of the Carpinteria Library Board of Trustees
• Request for waiver of rental and associated fees by Lions Club of Carpinteria for use of the
• Veterans Memorial Building, Veterans Hall.
• Consideration of an appointment to the Architectural Review Board.
• Review of 2025 Carpinteria home sales prices and setting of the 2026 in-lieu affordable housing fees, and, if desired, adjusting the 2026 affordable housing in-lieu fee for single-family dwellings.
• Conceptual review of a contemplated adaptive reuse project to convert the existing office building located at 6185 Carpinteria Avenue. into a mixed-use development containing 20 live-work units and 11 housing units. The conceptual project is proposed by Peter Lewis, potential purchaser of the property.

Calling all local nonprofits! Mark your calendars for the opening of the City of Carpinteria’s Community Services Support Grant (CSSG) application window on July 1!

This grant program supports organizations that uplift our community through vital services, innovative programs and inclusive events. Grants range in size from $1,000 to $30,000 per fiscal year.

Learn more about the program and how to apply at cityofcarp.co/cssg.

Construction on a new crosswalk connecting Carpinteria High School to the Franklin Creek Trail is tentatively scheduled to begin on Monday, June 29.

The existing crosswalk on Foothill Road will be replaced with a high-intensity activated crosswalk beacon (HAWK for short) that alerts and stops vehicles, allowing protected pedestrian crossings, stopping vehicle traffic only as needed. The signal will operate only when a pedestrian pushes the crossing button.

During construction, Franklin Creek Trail will be closed between Meadow View Lane and Foothill Road. Please note that signage will be posted for a pedestrian detour.

This project, which was paused for several months due to unforeseen delays, is largely funded by a Caltrans state-aid grant, which covers approximately 75% of the construction costs. Work is expected to be completed within 180 working days of the start date.

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

• Introduction of Francisco Morales, Maintenance Worker I
• A proclamation recognizing June as “Pride Month” in the City of Carpinteria and Celebrating Pacific Pride Foundation’s 51st Anniversary.
• Agreement with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. for Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Hazardous Waste Emergency Response Services.
• Resolution No. 6481, Declaring the Intention to Vacate a Portion of Olive Avenue.
• ​​Transactions and Use Tax Measure for the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election.
• Downtown Carpinteria Parking Management Plan.
• Memorandum of Understanding with the California Department of Transportation for the Rincon Multi-Use Trail Project.

We have compost bins available and FREE for Carpinteria residents (limit one per household). Swing by the City Hall lobby during regular business hours to pick yours up and be part of the solution!

These kitchen countertop compost bins allow you to separate all your food waste from regular trash and recycling. The contents of the bin can be added to your yard-waste container every week, BUT it must be bagged separately then placed on top. Plastic bags are fine for this use; they will be separated at Gold Coast Recycling.

From there, your food waste will be converted into renewable natural gas, nutrient-rich fertilizer, and compost. By simply separating it, you help reduce methane emissions and protect our local environment!

Are you a City of Carpinteria resident with an interest in giving back with your time and thought? Please consider joining the Community Development Block Grant Committee!

Members of the Community Development Block Grant Committee review grant applications for CDBG funds and make recommendations to the City Council for which applications to fund.

The committee meets on an as-needed basis and terms for the vacant positions run through Jan. 31, 2027. Learn more by visiting cityofcarp.co/cssg