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Flood Watch Issued for SB County

An atmospheric river storm is expected to arrive in Santa Barbara County tonight, March 20, and is forecast to bring strong winds, localized and coastal flooding, and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms.

  • A FLOOD WATCH has been issued countywide effective the evening of Monday, March 20 through Wednesday morning, March 22. Avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas, areas with standing water, and areas near creeks or streams. If you are in one of these areas be prepared to go to higher ground.
  • A HIGH WIND WARNING is also in effect for the Cuyama Valley area for Tuesday, March 21.

Evacuations are NOT being issued at this time. Public safety officials will continue to work together to further assess if any protective actions are necessary.

Residents should take steps to prepare ahead of the storm.

  • Preparedness tips and resources can be accessed through the link in our bio.
  • If you are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions to your home, leave the area before rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave.
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City Council Honors Chuck McQuary

At its March 13 meeting, the Carpinteria City Council honored Chuck McQuary for serving as the City of Carpinteria’s Representative on the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District Board of Directors for the past 16 years. Chuck was appointed to the position after working for Santa Barbara MTD and South Coast Transit. He brought extensive knowledge of transit systems into his role as the City’s representative, and he made valuable contributions through improved in transit operations and increased ridership.

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April Recognized as Carpinteria Beautiful Month

April 2023 has been designated as Carpinteria Beautiful Month, and the City urges all residents to share in the observance of this month by making a personal commitment to enhance the beauty of their own properties and neighborhoods for the benefit and enjoyment of all. At the March 13 City Council meeting, representatives from the Carpinteria Beautiful organization donated $500 toward planting street trees (pictured above), which brings the organization’s total donation toward street trees in 2023 to $1,000. Carpinteria Beautiful volunteers work year-round to keep Carpinteria “clean, green and beautiful” by removing graffiti, filling the doggie bag dispensers, and providing Adopt-a-Spotters and Trash Mob volunteers to keep the City litter-free. For members of the public to get involved, consider joining Carpinteria Beautiful and the City of Carpinteria at their Community-wide Clean-up Day on Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Parking Lot No. 3, next to the Amtrak Station.

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Girls Inc’s Women of Inspiration to Honor City Staff Member & Commissioner

Tickets are now on sale for Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s freshly formatted Women of Inspiration event on Monday, April 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s Women of Inspiration honorees are City of Carpinteria Planning Commissioner Jane Benefield and Carpinteria Community Library Program Specialist Jena Jenkins. Designed to empower and inspire, the half-day retreat features breakout growth sessions and a community keynote lunch. Renowned comedian and author Katie Goodman will deliver the keynote, and strong, smart and bold professionals Marisol Alarcon, Sonia Aguila, Danielle Bordenave and Lauren Bragg will lead hands-on workshops. Learn more about the event and purchase tickets at https://girlsinc-carp.org/ways-to-give/special-events/

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Registration Now Open for Junior Lifeguard Tryouts

Is your child interested in becoming a Junior Lifeguard? Sign-ups are now up for Junior Lifeguard (JG) tryouts, which will be held on multiple dates in April and May. Junior Lifeguards is a half-day summer program held at Carpinteria City Beach. Participants develop new aquatics skills, compete in friendly beach and ocean competitions, and deepen their appreciation and knowledge of marine and coastal ecosystems. Tryouts for the program are required for anyone who is a first-time JG or Mini JG participant. Children who have participated in mini JGs must tryout for JGs. Each child will be expected to complete a timed swim, a timed water treading test and an underwater push-off test. Tryouts take place at Carpinteria Community Pool, 5305 Carpinteria Ave., kids must be signed up for a tryout date and time in advance. Children who successfully complete the tryouts, and anyone who has already participated in JGs, may register for the program beginning on May 30. Details about JGs, JG tryouts and how to sign up are available at https://carpinteriaca.gov/?s=Junior+Lifeguards .

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Planning Commission to Hold Special Meeting on the Housing Element Update 2023-2031

The City of Carpinteria Planning Commission will hold a Special Meeting on the Housing Element Update 2023-2031 on Monday, March 20, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. At the hearing, the Commission will review comments from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the City’s revised draft 2023-2031 Housing Element addressing comments from HCD and other parties, receive additional public comments, and consider a recommendation to the City Council for adoption of the Housing Element.

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. Additional details and numerous ways for the public to provide comments can be found at https://bit.ly/3ZTIU9K. Comments posted on social media will not be provided to commissioners.

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March 21 Workshop: Creating Climate Resilience Through Shifting Your Ride

Join your neighbors in learning about climate solutions! Resilient Central Coast will hold a community workshop, Creating Climate Resilience Through Shifting Your Ride, on Tuesday, March 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Zoom. Our personal vehicles create 24 pounds of carbon pollution for every gallon of gas. Workshop participants will learn more about the many options to reduce our impact from daily travel. From driving less to public transportation to considering an electric vehicle, there are many ways to reduce carbon pollution while saving money. Register for the workshop at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtc-2srzwoH9E-ECG8dHCAlfE4Veoy1oKz

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SB County Cancels Evacuation Orders

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with fire agencies and other public safety officials, has announced that as of 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, Evacuation Orders are canceled for most identified properties and parcels, including those in Carpinteria Valley.

An Evacuation Warning is still in place for identified properties on the 800 block of Pioneer St. in the City of Guadalupe. Residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.

Please be advised that areas affected by road closures or flooding may not be able to repopulate yet. While residents are allowed to return home, be aware of loose and falling rocks, minor landslides, wet road conditions, downed trees and power lines.

Public safety officials remain engaged and are actively assessing and responding to damages that occurred as a result of the storm. Residents in areas of concern in Sisquoc, Garey, Tepusquet and Foxen Canyon should remain vigilant for flooded roads and hazards.

Creek and river flows are expected to continue to increase through at least Wednesday, March 15. Remain vigilant, and do not wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe.  Do not pass through standing or running water. The water may be much deeper than it appears, and extremely dangerous. The evacuation shelter at Wake Center in Santa Barbara will close this evening.

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Senior Programming Postponed to March 21

Plans to launch temporary senior and active adult programming have been postponed to next week due to storm impacts. The City, in partnership with Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, will offer limited active adult and senior programming services beginning Tuesday, March 21, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The temporary program will continue every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter, through early June.

Share a cup of coffee and snacks with other attendees while learning about existing activities and resources already available in the community. Additionally, participants can help to shape the future of senior services in the City by sharing their feedback on various options the City is considering for a permanent Active Adult & Senior hub.

Current programming includes fitness classes, current events discussions, gardening, arts, and games. Transportation services are not available at this time. Learn more about March programming at https://bit.ly/4220b1V .

  • Where: Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Road
  • When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon, beginning Tuesday, March 21