Category: News

The City of Carpinteria is excited to introduce Kelly Guevara-Cortez as our new Accounting Technician. Kelly joined the City team in late April as former Accounting Technician Brenda Robinson prepared for her well-earned retirement.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from CSU Channel Islands and has worked in the accounting field since 2021. Her diverse professional background spans both the nonprofit and private sectors, providing her with a versatile perspective on financial operations.

When she isn’t balancing the books, Kelly stays active and enjoys the local lifestyle. She is an avid fan of yoga and barre classes and loves hunting for unique finds while thrift shopping. She enjoys time spent with her fiancé and their two dogs.

Please join us in giving Kelly a warm Carpinteria welcome and wishing Brenda the very best in her upcoming retirement!

Santa Barbara County voters are receiving their Vote by Mail Ballots this week. Voters may vote in person on June 2 or complete and return the Vote by Mail Ballot  in the postage-paid return envelope provided. Be sure to sign your envelope! Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Election Day, June 2, 2026.

Ballots may also be dropped at one of the 18 official ballot drop boxes that are available until 8 p.m. on Election Day, June 2. One of the official drop boxes  is located in the parking lot at Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave.

For more information, visit sbcvote.com or call Santa Barbara County Elections at 800-722-8683.

The City of Carpinteria is proud to announce a formal commitment to protecting our unique natural heritage. Nestled within a global biodiversity hotspot, our region’s oak woodlands, coastal sage, and marine sanctuaries are vital to our climate resilience and community well-being.

Aligning with California’s “30×30” initiative, the City Council has resolved to integrate nature-based solutions into local planning. By expanding habitat corridors, supporting native landscaping, and partnering with the Chumash community and conservation experts, we are ensuring that Carpinteria remains a vibrant, resilient sanctuary for both wildlife and residents for generations to come.

The City of Carpinteria is pleased to share an important update on the Coastal Land Use Plan / General Plan (CLUP/GP) Update.

As previously announced, the City is beginning environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will prepare a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR).

The first step in this process begins today, May 7.
The Notice of Preparation (NOP) is now available, and the 30-day scoping period is officially open. This is when we ask for input on what environmental topics should be studied in the PEIR.

Key Dates

• NOP Comment Period (30 days): May 7 – June 5, 2026 (comments due by 5:00 p.m.)
• Public Scoping Meeting: Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers (5775 Carpinteria Ave) and via Zoom

How to Participate

• Review the NOP: View Online
• Submit written comments to GPUpdate@carpinteriaca.gov during the 30-day comment period
• Attend the Public Scoping Meeting to learn more, ask questions, and provide input in a public setting

Your feedback at this stage will help shape the scope of the environmental analysis.

You may also visit the Project webpage for the Draft CLUP/GP and additional background materials: https://cityofcarp.co/generalplanupdate

What happens after this?
Below is an overview of the CEQA process for the PEIR, including future opportunities for public review and input.

We are thrilled to officially launch the Beach Cleanup Station Program at Ash Avenue! Born from a bright idea by a 14-year-old local resident, this project shows that you’re never too young to make a massive wave for the environment.

Join us, Carpinteria Beautiful, and Relic Coastal Collaborative as we cut the ribbon and kick off a cleaner future for our coastline.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

• When: Thursday, May 7 at 3:30 PM
• Where: Ash Avenue Beach Entrance
• Who: City staff, local partners, and YOU!

How It Works: We’ve made stewardship as easy as a stroll in the sand. Next time you head out:

1. Grab a reusable basket from the station.
2. Collect litter while you enjoy your beach day.
3. Empty the trash into a bin.
4. Return the basket for the next person!

On Friday, May 8, Linden Avenue will be closed in both directions between Carpinteria and Sawyer avenues for repaving work for the Linden Avenue Improvements Project. The closure will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Northbound Linden Avenue traffic will be detoured either west or east along Carpinteria Avenue. Southbound Linden Avenue traffic will be detoured east along Ogan Road.

This important project to improve safety and circulation is paid for by Measure A Funds awarded through SBCAG.

Street sweeping in Carpinteria has been canceled today, May 5, for maintenance of our sweeper. We appreciate your patience and look forward to returning local streets to sparkling cleanliness ASAP!

The City of Carpinteria is proud to honor Reynaldo Cardenas as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year! Since the 1980s, Reynaldo and his family have been the heart of the Co-Ed Summer Softball League at Viola Fields.

From scheduling games to securing umpires, Reynaldo spends over six months each year ensuring the league remains affordable and inclusive for everyone. His tireless dedication fosters community spirit and healthy fun, proving that local traditions thrive through the passion of volunteers like him. Thank you, Reynaldo!

The City of Carpinteria proudly celebrates Carpinteria High School senior David Ezquivel Belmonte for becoming one of only 30 nationwide 2026 Edison Scholars.

Awarded a $50,000 scholarship, David will study civil engineering at USC. Despite balancing family responsibilities and college-level coursework, he has shown incredible resilience. After graduating, David aims to design inclusive public spaces, embodying the spirit of service and perseverance that makes our entire community shine. Congratulations, David!

We have a new date! This year’s free Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection event for the residents of Carpinteria has been postponed to Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. Rain canceled our original April date for this event.

Please bring only accepted items. Acceptable items include:

• Furniture
• Appliances
• Electronic Waste
• Pesticides
• Automotive fluids and oils
• Fluorescent bulbs
• Medications
• And MORE!

Please limit liquids to 15 gallons total per vehicle.

This event is a drive-through service. To help the line move efficiently, residents are asked to separate household goods and hazardous materials and place them in an easily accessible location in their vehicle. Please remain in your vehicle—staff will remove items for you.

The City is not accepting tires, explosives, biozards or radioactive materials.

*Attention Businesses* ‼️Carpinteria Small Quantity Generators MUST have an appointment. Contact sustainability@carpinteriaca.gov to make an appointment (hazardous waste ID number required). Businesses without an appointment and Large Quantity Generators will be turned away.