The City of Carpinteria recognizes the month of March 2023 as “Women’s History Month” and honors women of every race, class, and ethnic background for the social, economic, cultural and political contributions they make in our community and around the world. Organizers of Women Making Change, a program of Alcazar Theatre events celebrating women during the month of March, were presented with a proclamation during the City Council meeting on Feb. 27.
The Carpinteria City Council honored Phyllis Hansen on her 100th birthday at the council meeting on Feb. 27. Phyllis moved to Carpinteria with her family at age 16 in 1939. After graduating from Carpinteria Union High School, Phyllis worked at the Hubbard Lemon Packing House. She met George Hansen at a USO-sponsored dance at the Veterans Memorial Building, and they married after George returned from World War II. The couple built a house in the Concha Loma area in 1951 where they raised their four children, RanelI, Kevin, Janna and Mavis. Phyllis worked for 30 years at Carpinteria Junior High School before her retirement. She volunteered extensively throughout her life in numerous organizations, including the Carpinteria Community Church, American Business Women’s Association and Carpinteria Valley Historical Museum.
A FLASH FLOOD WARNING has been issued for the Santa Barbara County south coast, mid county, interior mountains, and areas to the east of Santa Maria. 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 recent burn areas, low-lying areas, areas with standing water, and areas near creeks or streams. If you are in one of these areas, go to high ground or shelter in place.
The Carpinteria City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m. In accordance with State guidance, the City will provide both in-person and virtual attendance and participation options for the meeting.
Members of the public may attend the meeting at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. or view the meeting live at www.carpinteria.ca.us, 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/3IwIYVq. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to council members.
Winter weather conditions are forecast for Santa Barbara County through this weekend, and Carpinteria will be under a Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service beginning on Friday, Feb. 24 at 4 a.m. and currently forecast to last until Saturday, Feb. 25 at 6 a.m. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Those living in areas prone to flooding, and in and below recent burn areas, should stay aware of changing conditions and be prepared to take protective actions such as moving to high ground. Carpinterians are welcome to come pick up sand bags from the Public Works yard at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., to protect their property from flooding.
Extreme cold temperatures, continued wind, and rain are possible through the weekend. The National Weather Service has also issued a Blizzard Warning for the county’s interior mountains beginning on Friday, Feb. 24 at 4 a.m. and possibly lasting through Saturday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. This means that the county’s interior mountains (not the coast) could experience heavy snow with winds gusting up to 75 miles per hour with near zero visibility. Please avoid traveling in these dangerous conditions.
Winter weather conditions are forecast for Santa Barbara County starting Tuesday, Feb. 21 through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for coastal areas from Point Conception to the San Marcos Pass, effective from Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Feb. 22. A Winter Storm Warning was also issued by the National Weather Service for the county’s interior mountains and is in effect from Feb. 22 at 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 25. Extreme cold temperatures, continued wind, and rain are possible through the weekend. Snow levels are forecast for lower elevations and may impact transportation routes including potentially Highway 154 and Highway 166 (Cuyama area). The lowest snow levels in the county are forecast to be roughly 1,500 feet for interior mountains and the Cuyama Valley. Countywide the snow level is forecast to be 2,000-2,500 feet. This weather system will also bring very cold temperatures throughout the county. Gale force winds are also expected at sea. More weather forecast information is available at: https://www.weather.gov/lox/
We are pleased to introduce the newest member of our team, Brenda Robinson, Accounting Specialist in the Administrative Services/Finance Department. Brenda brings nearly 10 years of public sector accounting experience and a broad set of skills, including accounts payable and receivable.
Tell us a little bit about your professional life leading up to this position.
I was with the city of Goleta for seven-plus years and before that I was with the Santa Barbara School District for five years. All working with the Finance Departments.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I’m not working, I enjoy walking my dog Sheba, bike riding, snow skiing, and water sports. I also enjoy reading for quiet time and to stay on top of recent news and events.
Do you have a fun fact you’d like to share?
The first time I ever boogie boarded was on Carpinteria Beach when I moved to the Santa Barbara area in 1988. I was with a newly made friend who had three young boys that talked me into boogie boarding. The problem was I did not have a swim suit on (as this was not in my plan) so I went for it wearing my jeans and T-shirt! That was challenging and exhilarating!
You are invited to attend a virtual Public Workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. to learn about and discuss proposed Building Electrification Ordinances for New Buildings for the Cities of Goleta and Carpinteria, and the County of Santa Barbara. The workshop will cover:
Register for the workshop at https://www.3c-ren.org/event/public-workshop/
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the Santa Barbara County south coast from Jalama Beach to Carpinteria effective Tuesday, February 14 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wind speeds of 25-40 mph with 60 mph gusts are expected. Damaging winds could blow down large objects such as trees and outdoor furniture. Unplanned power outages are possible. Take caution when outdoors and when driving. Avoid hazardous activities that may cause sparks or start a wildfire.
Additionally, a Freeze Watch is in effect for Santa Barbara County from Santa Maria to Carpinteria from Tuesday night, February 14, until Wednesday morning, February 15. Temperatures as low as 28 degrees are possible. Take steps now to protect plants, pets, and plumbing. For more information of weather conditions, visit https://www.weather.gov/lox/.
Freedom Warming Centers will be open February 14, at 6 p.m. until February 15, at 6 a.m. for those seeking refuge from the cold. Locations in Santa Barbara County include:
Lompoc: Peace Lutheran, 1000 West Ocean
Santa Maria: Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene, 1026 Sierra Madre
Santa Barbara: First United Methodist Church – 305 East Anapamu St
Our Public Works Department includes a new friendly face! We recently added Jesus Montiel to our team in the role of Engineering Technician, where he will be responsible for processing Engineering Permit and assisting our Public Works Director with additional tasks. Montiel holds a degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he majored in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structures. He lives in Santa Maria and will split his time between home and City Hall.
What inspired you to pursue engineering?
Math has always been my favorite subject in all my years of school, and I’ve always enjoyed the problem-solving aspect that comes with it. Also, I always thought it would be cool to be involved in designing a bridge, and so that’s why I specifically chose Civil Engineering.
What appealed to you most about coming to work for the City of Carpinteria?
Well, a good friend of mine actually recommended that I apply for this position. She mentioned that it was a great opportunity to learn a lot of different things, and she also talked about how great the staff here is.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a huge sports fan, so I enjoy watching a lot of sports while I’m at home. My favorite sports to watch are football, soccer, baseball and MMA (UFC). Other than that, I just like to hang out with my two Frenchies, family or friends!
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