About Carpinteria

Carpinteria is a coastal community with small town charm valued by visitors and residents alike. Beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountain views, and a diverse economy make Carpinteria a wonderful place to live, work, and play!

Location

Carpinteria is located on the south coast of Santa Barbara County, approximately 12 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. The city covers a land area of 2.6 square miles, and an ocean area of 4.7 square miles, for a total of 7.3 square miles. Elevation ranges from sea level to 700 feet above sea level.

Population

The population of Carpinteria is 13,040.
(2010 census)

Name Origin

La Carpinteria or “The Carpenter Shop” was first used by the soldiers of the Gaspar de Portola Exhibition in 1769, when during their exploration of the California coast they observed the Chumash Indians building wooden plank canoes in the area.

Government

Carpinteria was incorporated on September 28, 1965. It is a general law city, with an elected five-member City Council, and a City Manager appointed by the Council. The Carpinteria City Council is composed of five Carpinteria citizens elected for four year overlapping terms, The Mayor and vice-Mayor are selected by the Council from among the membership and customarily serve two-year terms.

City departments include General Government, Administrative Services, Community Development, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation. Carpinteria City Hall is located at 5775 Carpinteria Avenue
(805) 684-5405.

Schools

The Carpinteria Unified School District administers seven schools in Carpinteria and one in Summerland. Elementary Schools include Aliso, Canalino, Family School, and Summerland School. There is also Carpinteria Middle School, Carpinteria High School, Rincon High School (a continuation school) as well as Foothill High School (an alternative school). The District Office is located at 1400 Linden Avenue (805) 684-4511, www.cusd.net Additionally, Cate School, a private high school, is located in the Carpinteria Valley.

Economy

Carpinteria’s economy is based on agriculture, tourism/retail, light industry, and research & development.

Carpinteria Economic Profile

Special Districts

Carpinteria is not a full service City. It includes several Special Districts that include:

Carpinteria/Summerland Fire District
911 Walnut Avenue, Carpinteria, C493103
(805) 684-4591

Carpinteria Sanitary District
P.O. Box 571, Carpinteria, CA 93104
(805) 684-7214

Carpinteria Valley Water District
1301 Santa Ynez Carpinteria, CA 93103
(805) 684-2816

Carpinteria Cemetery District
1501 Cravens Lane, Carpinteria, CA 93103
(805) 684-2466

Beaches

Carpinteria’s southern border is the Pacific Ocean, with City and State beaches running the entire length of the City. Carpinteria City Beach is at the foot of Linden Avenue; Carpinteria State Beach Park is at the foot of Palm Avenue; and Rincon Beach Park is at the foot of Bates Road.

Park System

The Parks division maintains and operate City parks with amenities ranging from children play areas and picnic areas to a rare salt marsh and walking trails.

Visitor Information Carpinteria HOST Program