Category: News

The City of Carpinteria is thrilled to welcome Stefanie Colburn as Carpinteria Community Library’s new Literacy Coordinator. Stefanie brings a diverse background and a passion for service to this important new role.

Born and raised in Panama, Stefanie is fluent in Spanish and English, and speaks some Mandarin and French. Stefanie’s career has spanned various industries and countries, but the common thread has always been a deep commitment to serving others. These experiences ignited a passion for literacy and education, leading her to this new chapter at Carpinteria Community Library.

Stefanie is eager to contribute to the library, a space she recognizes as a vital hub for learning, connection and community. She looks forward to working with people of all ages to foster a love for literacy and lifelong learning. Outside of work, Stefanie enjoys baking, spending time with her two children, connecting with friends and sampling new restaurants.

To volunteer as a Literacy Tutor or learn more, email Stefanie at stefaniec@carpinteriaca.gov

We are excited to kick off registration for this year’s Junior Lifeguard program on March 7. This year, the process will be a little different. Instead of paying at the time of registration, participants will first register for the waitlist at no cost. This change allows us to confirm that all registered participants are either returning members or have successfully completed the tryout process. To register for the Junior Lifeguard waitlist, please do so starting on March 7 at https://carpinteria.recdesk.com/Community/Program

In April, we’ll begin moving participants from the waitlist onto the official roster. At that time, invoices will be emailed, and payment must be made within 7 days to secure a spot. If payment is not received by the deadline, the participant will be placed back on the waitlist and risks losing their spot in the program.

Participants will be moved from the waitlist to the official roster on a first-come, first-served basis. In other words, if you are first on the waitlist, you will be the first to be enrolled in the program. Registering late for the waitlist may result in not securing a spot in the program.

If your child needs to complete a tryout, please sign up at https://carpinteriaca.gov/parks-and-recreation/junior-lifeguards/

While program capacity is expected to remain the same as last year, we are hoping to expand if we can hire more staff. If you know anyone looking for an amazing summer job, please encourage them to apply! Visit our website at https://carpinteriaca.gov/become-a-lifeguard/ or email us at pool@carpinteriaca.gov for more information.

 

The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 24 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/4gSTENr.

• A proclamation designating the month of March 2025 as “Women’s History Month” in the City of Carpinteria.
• A proclamation designating Sunday, March 9, 2025 as California Arbor Day in the City of Carpinteria.
• Introduction of new employees.
• Approval of an appointment to the Downtown “T” Business Advisory Board and to the Community Media Access Center (TV Santa Barbara) Board of Directors.
• Update to the operational hours of the Carpinteria Skate Park. City staff proposes the following: From 30 minutes before sunrise to 10 p.m. on Sunday thru Thursday; and from 30 minutes before sunrise to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Imagine not being able to fill out a job application, help your child with homework, or confidently order a coffee. For many adults in our community, this is their reality—until they find the right tutor. That could be YOU.

The Carpinteria Community Library Adult Literacy Program is looking for volunteers who are ready to support adult learners as they improve their English-speaking, reading, and writing skills.

No teaching experience? No problem! We provide training and resources—you just bring your time and commitment.

• Flexible Commitment – Just 1 hour per week (or more if you can).
• Convenient Locations – Sessions can take place at the library or another safe, comfortable space of your choice.
• Personalized Matches – We pair tutors and learners based on availability and interests.
• Learner-Led Approach – You’ll help learners achieve their goals, whether it’s reading a book, filling out forms, or having everyday conversations.
• Training & Support Provided – You don’t need teaching experience—we’ll equip you with resources and guidance to succeed.

We’re expanding our team of tutors and looking for someone like you! Maybe you’re a college student, a stay-at-home parent, a working professional, or retired… if you have a heart for helping, we need you!

Help empower someone through literacy!  Interested? Swing by the library for more information or email our literacy coordinator, Stefanie Colburn on stefaniec@carpinteriaca.gov

Carpinteria homeowners in the 93013-93014 ZIP codes can now apply for Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) seismic retrofit grants. The 2025 application window is open until March 26, 2025. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $3,000. Income-eligible homeowners (annual income at or below $89,040) may qualify for up to $7,000, potentially covering 100% of retrofit costs. “Strengthening homes through EBB reduces the risk of costly damages and gives homeowners peace of mind,” said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer, California Earthquake Authority.  Apply at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.

We are pleased to announce that the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has certified the City’s 2023-2031 Housing Element. The Housing Element is a planning document that outlines the strategies the City will implement to meet the housing needs of Carpinterians throughout the 2023-2031 planning cycle. Certification of the Housing Element is important because it ensures a high level of local control over land use decisions and qualifies the City for certain grant funding opportunities. Having achieved this important milestone, City staff can now focus their efforts on implementation of individual Housing Element programs. Learn more at https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/community-development/planning/housing-element-update/

Disaster preparedness can mean the difference between life and death. Partnering with the City of Carpinteria, LISTOS is offering multiple free courses to ensure that you and your family are prepared when the next disaster strikes. A virtual LISTOS course will be held in English on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26 and 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. An in-person course in English will be held on Saturday, March 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria. Anyone interested in becoming a trainer for the LISTOS program should mark their calendar for a bilingual Train the Trainer session that will take place April 4 through 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about any of the LISTOS courses or to register, contact Cecilia Herrera at ceciliaherreralistosmt@gmail.com or (805) 539-5349.

City leaders attended a press conference today where the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County announced that it has acquired a 2.48-acre property at the intersection of Carpinteria Avenue and Highway 150. The newly named “Rincon Gateway” property was purchased for $3.9 million with funds from La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation. Due diligence and ongoing stewardship costs were also covered by the foundation. The purchase ensures that the property will remain undeveloped and preserved for the benefit of the public. “Conservation is an act of love, and this is a Valentine to our community,” said Meredith Hendricks, Executive Director of the Land Trust. “When we have a willing seller and terrific funding support, we can make magic happen!”

The City has proposed a 5% increase to the fees that fund solid waste programs and administration, referred to as solid waste fees or “AB 939 Fees.” This proposed fee adjustment is necessary to ensure the continued financial sustainability of the City’s Solid Waste Program, which includes free hazardous waste disposal, waste reduction measures, composting, public education and outreach events, as well as compliance with state-mandated diversion goals. The proposed increase will help offset rising operational costs and allow the City to expand certain free programs. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3WmoRBa. Contact Erin Maker at 805-880-3415, erinm@carpinteriaca.gov with any questions.

This February, Carpinteria joins the nation in celebrating Black History Month. The 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor,” recognizes the profound impact of work on Black experiences. From the forced labor of enslaved Africans to the skilled contributions of free Black Americans, work has shaped the Black community’s history.

“We know that the past opens the doors to the future,” noted Dianne Travis-Teague, who accepted a City Council proclamation at the Feb. 10 meeting. “Black history provides valuable lessons for everyone, encouraging empathy, critical thinking and a broader perspective on the human experience.”

The City of Carpinteria honors the legacy of African Americans, recognizes the vital role of Black labor, and commits to a future of inclusivity and justice.