Coastal View News • April 23, 2036

Campos is Carpinterian of the Year

Lifelong Carpinterian Dr. Jim Campos, front and center, was announced as the 2025 Carpinterian of the Year at the 67th annual Community Awards Banquet, hosted by the Carpinteria Community Association on Saturday, April 18. Campos was chosen in part due to his longtime commitment to educating the community on the history of the Carpinteria Valley. Joining Campos in the celebration are past Carpinterians of the Year, front, from left, Geri Ann Carty and Lynda Fairly, and back, from left, Wade Nomura, Debbie Murphy, Mike Damron and Gregg Carty. Read more about the a al ba et a all the ar i teria s h re a es this ee ’s ri t.

BRIEFLY

COMPILED BY CVN STAFF | COURTESY PHOTOS

Volunteer day set for Santa Monica Creek Trail restoration

omm nity members are invited to take part in a daylon habitat restoration effort along Santa Monica Creek on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Santa Monica Creek Trail Restoration event will focus on creating habitat for pollinators and protecting newly planted native species. Volunteers will assist with sheet layering, a technique used to suppress non-native invasive plants that can crowd out native growth.

r ani er Ray olbe says the effort comes at a peak time for local wildlife, with owers in bloom and b tter ies, bees and h mmin birds active thro ho t the area.

A “behind the scenes” tour of the restoration site will be led by Kolbe at 10 a.m.

Participants are encouraged to bring gloves, a hat and water. The meeting location is El Carro Lane at Santa Monica Creek (4405 El Carro Lane, Carpinteria).

For more information, call or text Kolbe at (805) 705-3429.

he e le’s ara e ale raiser set r April 25 in Carpinteria

A community garage sale fundraiser supporting local families impacted by immigration enforcement is set for Saturday, April 25, in Carpinteria.

Organized by Carpinteria Sin Fronteras, The People’s Garage Sale will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Venice Lane, behind the Chevron gas station in Carpinteria. Organizers say orange balloons and signage will guide visitors to the location.

The event will feature a mix of home goods, books, art, clothing and other items, along with baked goods and beverages available for purchase. roceeds from the sale will bene t the ro p’s m t al aid f nd, which provides direct nancial s pport to families in arpinteria, anta arbara and oleta impacted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

Organizers noted that mutual aid is a core part of their work, with funds distributed directly to families in need.

Community members are invited to attend, shop and support the cause.

Residents invited to document local wildlife ril i ity at re halle e

rom backyard ardens to coastal bl ffs, arpinteria residents are invited to eplore and document local wildlife during the 10th annual City Nature Challenge, running April 24–27.

The lobal comm nity science event incl des anta arbara o nty, with arpinteria playing a key role thanks to its diverse ecosystems — from beaches and wetlands to foothills and neighborhood green spaces.

Launched in 2016 by the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, the challenge has grown into one of the world’s lar est biodiversity efforts. n , more than , participants recorded over . million observations across 690 cities in 51 countries.

Participants of all ages can contribute by photographing plants, animals or other signs of life — including tracks or shells — and uploading them to the free iNaturalist app. Observations can be made anywhere, from local trails to residents’ own backyards.

After the observation period ends April 27, the focus shifts to identifying species from April 28 through May 4, with results announced May 5. Community members can participate in this phase by helping identify species online.

Scientists say the data collected provides valuable insight into biodiversity trends and helps inform conservation efforts locally and lobally. The challen e also ali ns with broader goals such as the “30x30” initiative, which aims to conserve 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030. or arpinteria residents, the event offers a simple way to connect with nat re while contrib tin to scienti c research.

hether spottin a b tter y, recordin birdson or identifyin native plants, every observation helps build a clearer picture of the region’s biodiversity. Visit citynaturechallenge.org for more information and to participate, or download the iNaturalist app.

e ’s la hes s all ra ts il t

r l al r ts

The omen’s nd of anta arbara is openin a new f ndin opport nity for small nonpro t a encies thro h a small rants pilot pro ram set to la nch ne .

The pro ram will offer nrestricted rants of , or , to eli ible or ani ations with ann al b d ets nder , . pplications will be accepted online from ne thro h ne , with recipients to be anno nced in ovember.

“This pro ram provides a simpli ed path to the f ndin these a encies need to address the needs of women, children and families,” said oard hair arolyn abs.

The rants are desi ned to be e ible, allowin nonpro ts to se f nds for programs, capacity-building or capital needs, while reducing administrative requirements through a streamlined application and minimal reporting.

The pilot program expands the Women’s Fund’s broader grantmaking strategy, which also incl des lar er awards ran in from , to , , typically for organizations with higher annual revenues.

o nded in , the omen’s nd has awarded nearly million to nonpro ts servin so th anta arbara o nty, with a foc s on pro rams bene tin women, children and families.

For more details about eligibility and to access the application when it opens on ne , visit womensf ndsb.or ornprnsb.or .

Carpinteria Sanitary District named best in state for small systems

The Carpinteria Sanitary District has been named California’s Collection System of the Year for 2025 in the small system category by the California Water Environment Association.

The statewide honor, presented April 9 at the association’s annual conference in acramento, reco ni es o tstandin performance, innovation, cost effectiveness and system operations among agencies that operate fewer than 250 miles of sewer pipeline.

The district has received the statewide award three times.

“Our goal is always continuous improvement, and over the past two years we have doubled down on collection system maintenance and enhanced customer service,” said perations ana er ark ennett. ollection ystem pervisor Travis earney credited the district’s staff, callin them a dedicated team of wastewater professionals working daily to protect public health and the environment. The award was presented by CWEA President Howard rewen.

The district recently completed a systemwide cleaning and closed-circuit television inspection of its ro hly miles of sewer pipeline. cials said the effort was completed in record time and provided a comprehensive assessment of system conditions.

The agency also continues to incorporate new technology, including tablet-based eld operations, hi h- ality di ital video inspections and inte rated mappin and work ow software. s a res lt, the district reports a stron compliance record, with sewer over ows and blocka es occ rrin infre ently in arpinteria.

Learn more about the Carpinteria Sanitary District at carpsan.com.

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Enjoy a truly walkable lifestyle – morning beach walks, coffee and dining just blocks away, and the beloved Thursday Farmers’ Market all within easy reach.

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City weighs new revenue options amid mounting infrastructure needs

Council reviews report outlining potential taxes, outreach plan ahead of possible ballot measure

BY CVN STAFF

Facing rising costs and a growing backlog of infrastructure needs, the Carpinteria City Council reviewed a new report on April 13 outlining potential ways to boost city revenue, including a possible sales tax increase that could go before voters later this year.

The co ncil received and led a “Reven e nhancement pport nities Report” prepared by HdL ECONSolutions and discussed next steps, including public outreach and the potential placement of a revenue measure on the November 2026 ballot.

City staff said the report comes as arpinteria confronts lon -term nancial pressures, including deferred maintenance and increasing service costs. Current estimates show about $14.8 million in deferred maintenance — including $8.5 million for streets and $6.3 million

for facilities — along with roughly $133.6 million in unfunded capital improvement projects.

At the same time, key expenses continue to climb. Law enforcement costs are projected to rise from about $6.6 million in the c rrent scal year to . million ne t year, while in ation and e panded city services are further straining the budget.

ity o cials also noted a recent setback: two proposed assessment districts intended to fund maintenance services failed to ain s cient voter s pport, leaving an estimated $1.2 million annual funding gap that must now be covered by existing city resources or service reductions.

Revenue options under consideration

The HdL report evaluated four primary revenue tools available under Califor-

nia law: a transaction and use tax (sales tax), a utility users tax, a parcel tax and business license tax reform.

Among those, an increase to the city’s existing sales tax — known as a transaction and use tax — emerged as the most feasible near-term option, according to staff analysis.

. increase co ld enerate appro imately , ann ally, with part of the tax burden shared by visitors and non-residents.

Other options could generate more revenue but come with trade-offs. A utility users tax could bring in between ro hly , and . million annally depending on how it is structured, but would primarily impact residents and businesses and could be more complex to administer.

arcel ta es, which re ire two-thirds voter approval, could provide between abo t , and , ann ally b t would apply only to property owners and be restricted to speci c ses.

Business license tax reform could also increase reven e and improve e ity, though estimates remain uncertain pending further analysis.

Polling and public outreach

City-commissioned polling conducted in fall 2025 found that a sales tax measure tested favorably with voters, exceeding the simple majority needed for approval. Support increased when residents were given more information about the city’s nancial needs and infrastr ct re challenges.

ased on those ndin s, staff recommended launching a community engagement and public education campaign to inform residents about potential revenue measures.

The council also considered amending its contract with comm nications rm lifford oss to e pand o treach efforts, including direct mail, digital communications and stakeholder engagement, at an estimated cost of $84,000.

Looking ahead

If the council chooses to move forward, a potential revenue measure could be placed on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot. A preliminary timeline outlined in the report calls for additional council direction in ay, adoption of ballot lan a e in ne and several months of public outreach leading up to the election.

ity o cials emphasi ed that the decision ahead is not whether additional

ar i teria’s s

al i t re

$14.8 million — total deferred maintenance

$8.5 million — streets and pavement backlog

$6.3 million — facilities and city assets

$133.6 million — unfunded capital projects

$1.2 million/year — gap after failed assessment districts

$6.9 million — projected annual law enforcement cost (FY 2026-27)

e ti s the table

Sales Tax (TUT) per . increase

Paid by residents and visitors

Re ires ma ority voter approval

Utility Users Tax (UUT) to . ann ally

Paid by residents and businesses ore comple to administer

Parcel Tax to ann ally

Paid by property owners only

Re ires two-thirds voter approval

Business License Reform

Reven e potential nclear

Could improve fairness across businesses

Key Dates

May 2026 — Council reviews draft ballot framework

June 2026 — Possible vote to place measure on ballot

Summer–Fall 2026 — Public outreach campaign Nov. 3, 2026 — Election Day

funding is needed, but how to secure it. Options include continuing to defer maintenance and absorb costs within the existing budget, establishing new reven e streams or sin nancin tools supported by stable revenue to accelerate infrastructure projects.

“The remainin estion,” the report states, “is not whether a need e ists, b t how the city intends to respond to that need.”

a nte a’s e n ee s a t of federal ICE actions, CIRC report says ur e finds usiness losses wor er fear and sta

BY CVN STAFF

The Carpinteria Immigrant Rights Coalition R reported widespread economic and workplace disr ptions tied to federal immi ration enforcement activity, citin res lts from a recent s rvey of local b sinesses and a ric lt ral operations.

ccordin to the coalition, a bilin al nonpro t fo nded in , of respondents said their b sinesses, workers or c stomers have been ne atively affected by . . mmi ration and stoms nforcement activity or fear of it. f those, described the impact as si ni cant and as moderate.

The s rvey cond cted in arch by R vol nteers and f nded primarily by the city of arpinteria, with additional s pport from the nd for anta arbara e amined how immi ration enforcement has affected worker recr itment, absenteeism, sales and workplace morale, accordin to R . ore than half of respondents reported losin c stomers or reven e, while cited increased stress and morale iss es amon employees. bo t said workers were afraid to come to work, and reported operational disr ptions. nother said they were str lin to hire or retain staff, the coalition said. smaller share, , reported that employees had red ced their ho rs or left their obs alto ether. inancial impacts were also reported. orty percent of b sinesses s rveyed said they e perienced some level of monetary

loss, with estimatin losses nder , . maller percenta es reported losses e ceedin , or even , , accordin to the coalition. bo t of respondents estimated reven e declines between and .

The coalition said the ndin s re ect trends seen elsewhere in alifornia. t pointed to reportin by the os n eles Times, which cited research from the niversity of alifornia, erced showin si ni cant economic effects from federal immi ration raids. t also referenced data reported by al atters indicatin ta receipts have dropped sharply in some comm nities reliant on immi rant labor.

The s rvey also asked b siness owners, office mana ers and employee representatives whether they felt prepared to respond if immi ration o cers appeared at their workplaces. t f rther so ht inp t on what services or information wo ld be most helpf l, accordin to the coalition.

ro ect s pervisor sa larc n led the effort, recr itin and trainin a team of bilin al interns with ties to arpinteria to cond ct o treach and collect responses.

The coalition said its f ll report, incl din recommendations for the city on how to s pport employers and workers, is available pon re est.

The Carpinteria Immigrant Rights Coalition said its mission is to s pport and advocate for immi rants in arpinteria and s rro ndin comm nities thro h ed cation, m t al aid and collaboration with local or ani ations and overnment a encies.

ng hallenges a ross alle

At a Glance: ICE Impact Survey in Carpinteria

Who conducted it: Carpinteria Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC)

When: March 2026

Where: arpinteria alley b sinesses, o ces and a ric lt ral workplaces

Funding: ity of arpinteria primary nd for anta arbara s pport

e nd ngs

78% reported ne ative impacts tied to activity or fear

40% si ni cant impact

38% moderate impact

50%+ lost c stomers or reven e

47% reported increased employee stress and morale iss es

36% said workers were afraid to come to work

24% e perienced operational disr ptions

22% faced hirin retention challen es

9% reported workers red cin ho rs or leavin obs

n n t

40% reported nancial losses

29% estimated losses nder , maller shares reported losses e ceedin , and ,

7% reported reven e declines of 30%–50%

t

e ns g ts

sinesses e pressed need for idance on interactin with o cers rvey athered inp t on helpf l services, reso rces and information

Report: vailable pon re est from R

City to host family-friendly CycleMAYnia ride

Free May 9 event highlights local landmarks, biking safety and community connection

Residents are invited to hop on their bikes and e plore town d rin the pcomin “ arp amily Ride,” part of the co ntywide ycle nia celebration. osted by the city of arpinteria, the free event will take place at rday, ay , from a.m. to p.m., be innin and endin at l arro ark, l arro ane. Desi ned for riders of all a es and e perience levels, the -mile ided ride will showcase some of arpinteria’s hidden treas res, incl din local parks, c lt ral sites and small b sinesses. ity or ani ers say families, seniors and those new to bikin are especially enco ra ed to participate.

The event will kick off with a brief welcome, followed by a bike safety check and tips on ro p ridin and navi atin arpinteria’s bike-friendly ro tes. Riders will then set o t on a cas al, ided to r thro h town, makin several interactive stops alon the way.

lanned destinations incl de the arpinteria tate each ark isitor enter, arpinteria omm nity arden, Tomol nterpretive lay rea and Rori’s rtisanal reamery. t each stop, participants will hear short presentations and take part in activities hi hli htin local

history, a ric lt re, nat re and small b sinesses.

lon the ro te, riders may have opport nities to feed farm animals, learn abo t local food systems and en oy a sweet treat, all while discoverin the comm nity’s nat ral and c lt ral assets. The ride will concl de back at l arro ark with a pi a party, refreshments and trivia pri es.

articipation is limited to riders on a rst-come, rst-served basis to ens re a safe ro p e perience. hile eneral re istration is not re ired, seniors interested in ridin in a trishaw thro h the yclin itho t e pro ram m st reserve a seat by ay via email at s stainability carpinteriaca. ov. articipants are enco ra ed to brin helmets, water and s nscreen, and to ens re their bikes are in ood workin condition.

ycle nia is or ani ed by the anta arbara o nty ssociation of overnments and promotes safe cyclin , s stainable transportation and comm nity en a ement across the co nty.

For more information, contact the city of Carpinteria at sustainability@carpinteriaca. ov or - .

Patricia Ann Thorn

12/26/1927 – 03/27/2025

Patricia Ann Thorn (Patsy, Pat, Schmidt) was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She left us on March 27, 2025, after a four-year residence at Gran Vida. She was 98.

Patricia was born at home in Parco Wyoming on Dec. 26, 1927, to Karl and Anna Schmidt. There she joined her sister Erica and brother Eric. The family relocated to Granada Hills, Calif. in 1935, where she spent her younger years attending O’Melaney Elementary and San Fernando High School.

During World War II the family moved to North Hollywood where she attended North Hollywood High School, working part time as an Usherette El Portal Theater. She graduated in 1946, and went to work shortly after at CBS Radio in Hollywood.

In 1947, she and childhood friend and love Bill Thorn were married at the First Lutheran Church in San Fernando, Calif. oon after, they bo ht their rst home

Hector Gutierrez

01/13/1940 – 02/24/2026

Hector Gutierrez was born in Santa Barbara, Calif. on Jan. 13, 1940, to Jose and Angela Gutierrez. He grew up in Carpinteria where he attended elementary and high schools.

After graduation he joined the U.S. Forest Service for 10 years, living in Colorado Springs with his wife. After returning to Carpinteria, he attended Ventura College and went on to get his General Contractors license and worked as a General Contractor until he retired.

Hector is survived by his wife, Yolanda; son, Daniel; and daughters, Kristine, Eileen and Renee. He has nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Hector Jr., who passed away on Feb.

in Granada Hills, where Bill had started his A/C Conditioning Business.

Their rst son ohn was born in followed by daughter Jody in 1955. Son Jay was born in 1961. In 1968, they settled in beautiful Old Newhall, Calif. Their home was a gathering place for entertainment with family and friends. Patricia was active in her kids’ school activities and vol nteer work in the medical eld.

They were able to travel to many historical places that they both enjoyed in U.S. and Europe. Bill and Patricia bought their beach cottage in Carpinteria in 1982 where many fun and happy days were spent with family, friends and grandchildren. She always said life had been good to her. She lost her Bill in 2000 after 55 years of marriage.

Patricia leaves behind her son John Thorn, grandson Karl Helvie, granddaughter Kelly Thorn Thielman, grandsons John E. Thorn and Joshua Thorn Thompson, and granddaughter Jodi M Thorn. Great grandchildren include Ember Helvie, Toby and Parker Thielmann, Reed and Rowdy Thorn, William Thompson, and newest addition, Silas Helvie. Pat also had many nieces and nephews and friends.

She has requested a simple family service at Carpinteria Cemetery where she will rest with her beloved husband Bill, daughter Jody and son Jay. n lie of owers or donations, atricia asks that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild or friend, or take a moment to take a walk, enjoy the beach. “For time waits for no one.”

Services are being planned for July 18, 2026.

Teresa “Teddy” Caudillo

With great sadness, the family of Teresa “Teddy” Caudillo announces her passing on April 14, 2026 at age 86. She died at her beloved Vallecito Road home surrounded by love and family.

Teddy is survived by David, her husband of 66 years, her children Cathy, Joey (Lisa), Christopher (Mark), siblings Bob lene , ecky ohn , atty ince , ve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews to whom she was lovingly known as Aunt Tooney.

Services for Teddy will be held on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at 9:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1532 Linden Ave., Carpinteria. Graveside services to follow at Carpinteria Cemetery, 1501 Cravens Ln. with a reception to follow.

Protecting community, democracy and local control from ICE

BY SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FIRST DISTRICT SUPERVISOR ROY LEE AND SECOND DISTRICT SUPERVISOR LAURA CAPPS

Editor’s note: The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved a new policy on Tuesday, April 21 prohibiting ICE from using county property for unauthorized immigration operations.

For far too long, we have witnessed the devastating impacts of aggressive federal immigration enforcement — led by ICE — intensify across Santa Barbara County. We have heard directly from residents, families, educators and business owners about the fear, disruption, trauma and instability these operations are causing. Parents are afraid to take their children to school. Workers are avoiding public spaces. Businesses are losing customers. People are forgoing medical appointments. Entire neighborhoods are living with a level of anxiety that no community should have to endure.

This is not about partisanship. It is about standing up for our community. It is about ensuring that public spaces remain safe, that our elections remain free and that local voices matter.

Let’s be clear: however one may feel about the broader national debate on immigration policies, the way these enforcement actions are being carried out is harming our community and making us less safe. And as local elected leaders, we have a responsibility to respond.

That is why we are proposing a threepart policy in direct response to ongoing ICE operations in and around our county. Our approach is grounded in three core responsibilities: protecting the use of county property from federal immigration enforcement, safeguarding our elections and maintaining local control over land-use decisions that may involve the future building of detention centers.

First, we are proposing to prohibit the unauthorized use of county-owned property for federal immigration enforcement activities — including using public spaces as staging areas, processing locations or operational bases — except in cases involving judicial warrants or the enforcement of criminal law. We have seen reports of ICE agents using public spaces, including the campus of Santa Barbara City College, to stage enforcement actions without notice. This is unacceptable. Public institutions — our colleges, our service centers, our parking lots, our community spaces — should not be used as launch points for operations that sow fear and chaos. When ICE uses familiar public places in this way, it is intended to send a chilling message: that nowhere is safe. That is not

Editor Jun Starkey

Assistant Editor Tracy Marcynzsyn Sports Editor Ryan P. Cruz

Photographer Robin Karlsson

Advertising Manager Karina Villarreal

Advertising Sales Kelsey Marie Berreckman

Publishers Gary L. Dobbins, Michael VanStry

This is not about partisanship. It is about standing up for our community. It is about ensuring that public spaces remain safe, that our elections remain free and that local voices matter.

a message we are willing to allow. We have jurisdiction over county property.

Second, we are taking action to safeguard the integrity of our elections and protect ballots once they are cast. In today’s political climate, we cannot ignore the dangerous intersection between immigration enforcement and voting rights. Baseless claims about undocumented voting, combined with threats to “take over” elections, have created real concern that federal enforcement could be used — intentionally or not — as a tool of voter intimidation.

Elections are run by our county, and our county alone. That means we need to double down on the communications necessary for our voters to feel assured that their voices are heard.

Every voter deserves to cast a ballot without fear. Our proposal strengthens poll monitoring, expands civic participation and ensures that clear “Know Your Rights” voter information is widely available. Protecting the right to vote means more than securing ballots — it means ensuring people feel safe enough to show p in the rst place.

Finally, we are directing the county to evaluate its authority — within the law — to prohibit the siting, expansion or operation of immigration detention or enforcement facilities in unincorporated Santa Barbara County. With increased federal funding flowing to ICE and a renewed push to expand detention capacity, communities just like ours are facing proposals for new or expanded facilities.

We believe Santa Barbara County should not become a hub for a system that has too often operated without transparency, accountability or regard for local impact. If such proposals arise, our community deserves a voice — and we intend to ensure that voice is heard. Taken to ether, these actions re ect a clear principle: We will not allow federal immigration enforcement to operate unchecked in ways that harm our residents, undermine our democracy or bypass local decision-making. Santa Barbara County is strongest when people feel secure, included and able to participate fully in civic life. Tragically that is no longer the case for a si ni cant portion of o r comm nity. So we must do all we can to protect our constitutional rights and the fabric of our society. We believe those are goals worth standing up for.

City should ask the public for help

At the April 13 Carpinteria City Council meeting staff recommended authorizing an increase of $30,000 to the consultant contract to evaluate revenue enhancement options. This consultant would make recommendations for council consideration to address the structural imbalance in the city’s budget. Mayor larcon voted a ainst staff’s recommendation to spend more funds.

I support her action to not spend more of the city’s dwindling funds to validate the obvious, that a sales tax increase is the most expedient option to raise revenue! What’s needed now is strategic thinking with the city’s nancial sit ation. This nancial car has been headin for the cliff for some years, and now co ncil and staff are panicking, especially with the defeat of the assessment district ballot measure.

The co ncil disc ssion con rmed what one public commenter said, “There is a crisis in con dence.” ayin that the ballot measure’s defeat was the result of the public not understanding the issue totally misses the point and highlights the disconnect between co ncil, staff and the p blic. hat co ncil and staff fail to understand is that the public did hear the messaging on the assessment ballot measure, didn’t like it and voted against it! To correct the structural imbalance in the city’s b d et, co ncil and staff m st work collaboratively with the public to get their support.

There are many experienced and dedicated people in our community that are ready to work with co ncil and staff, but not how it has been done in the past. Public meetings should have a town hall atmosphere, with question and answer opport nities with co ncil and staff.

Again, I applaud Mayor Alarcon for her decision! The people can be your consultant! We’re free, we care and we are deeply invested in the wellbeing of our community. All you have to do is ask.

Victor Garza Carpinteria

LETTERS

“There are many experienced and dedicated people in our community that are ready to wor with oun il and staff ut not how it has een done in the past.

—Victor Garza

Reconsider choice of environmental review board

Open letter to city of Carpinteria Principal lanner indy o and arpinteria City Council: It may be too late since you have already given the go ahead for Environmental cience ssociates to act as the environmental review board for the Carp l ffs pro ect. This is the same board that reenli hted the r iner ro ect while bypassing any further environmental review on the hazards of increased air poll tion when we invite tra c ridlock alon inden treet at the soon-to-be hazardous intersection of the railway, the hotel and inden treet.

I am still perplexed as to how increased traffic on the Linden Avenue traffic corridor would not increase poisonous air pollutants as we look forward to the future gridlock incurred by poor parking lot plannin . ow increased a to tr ck tra c does not compromise the quality of the air and the health of those who breathe increased levels of carbon monoxide plus other health-harming byproducts of fossil fuel–burning engines is beyond comprehension.

Coastal View News welcomes your le ers Le ers must include your name, address and phone number. Le ers are subject to editing. Le ers over 300 words will be edited in length. Submit online at coastalview.com

What makes a community truly thrive? n “ appy ity,” by harles ont omery, a anta arbara Reads selection, the answer lies in design that brings people together, connects them to place and creates opportunities for meaningful daily life. By that measure, Carpinteria is already doing many things right. Our walkable downtown, proximity to the ocean and open space, and strong sense of community foster the everyday connections that de ne a healthy town.

What makes Carpinteria special, however, is not just its layout, but its people, history and strong sense of identity. Generations of families, farmers, educators, artists and local businesses have shaped a community where relationships matter, what rban planners call “social capital,” a key predictor of resilience.

An opportunity now exists to build on that foundation in a tangible way.

The arpinteria lt ral o ndation has proposed a 10-panel outdoor interpretive e hibit at the eal o ntain plaza. Designed as an open-air historical experience, the exhibit presents a chronological narrative of Carpinteria, from its Chumash origins to the diverse communities that shape the city today. Each panel serves as both public art and educational infrastructure, with QR codes

CVN

Please do reconsider the wisdom of your choice to engage with those who deem such nonsense as reasons to greenlight these overly dense projects by bypassing any further environmental review. This choice will inevitably compromise the quality of our air, water and precious open spaces and what makes Carpinteria a desirable place for tourists and those who reside here.

Cynthia Naughton Carpinteria

Smart planning reate he r i er Inn

Rightfully, Carpinterians are insulted by the proposal for a housing development of 191 homes on the Carpinteria l ffs. or decades, the comm nity has sent a clear message that coastal open space is o r hi hest priority. The l ffs proposal, too big, and in the wrong place, is an example of what happens when development proposals disregard what the community wants or needs. ontrast this with The r iner nn, a proposed downtown boutique hotel in the visitor-serving commercial district. Tourism is the economic engine of Carpinteria’s local shops and restaurants, and a new right-sized hotel would serve this area nicely. Linden Avenue is looking good, and a new bright, beachy inn where a train depot historically stood would put a bow on it.

Way back in 2018, the city of Carpinteria asked for a developer to propose a hotel on this city-owned property, because it’s an ideal location and will generate revenue through a lease agree-

VIEWPOINT

Moving forward on a nte a’s t a history

BY ADRIANA GONZÁLEZ-SMITH VICE-PRESIDENT, CARPINTERIA CULTURAL FOUNDATION

linking to expanded historical context, archival materials and audio narration for residents, students and visitors.

This is not a conceptual project. It is fully funded, has been shared through multiple community presentations and was featured in a six-week Coastal View News series that generated strong public support.

The content has been carefully developed and vetted. The cultures and histories represented in the panels are grounded in

ment, hotel bed tax and boosted sales tax. This is how smart cities ensure they have enough money to provide public services and pave streets. Planning to have diverse revenue streams and assets that serve the city’s economy is smart planning. Any healthy enterprise — city, private business or household —needs to guard and grow its revenue. Raising public funds from tourism in this way is essential to sustaining Carpinteria.

Leigh-Anne Anderson Carpinteria

Stand up against outrageous gas prices

e elect le islators to o to acramento and speak for us and stand up for us. They do not work for the state, but they should work for and represent us to the state. The cost of f el, which affects every single thing in our lives, is about $2 more per gallon here in California than it is in the rest of the country. Why?

irst, o r le islators in acramento have added 14 hidden taxes to every gallon of gasoline … before it gets to the pump. Look up fuel taxes on the California overnment website. econdly, o r le islators passed in , when the as ta was . cents per allon, which allows increases in fuel tax “automatically” witho t havin to et the two-thirds vote needed by law. Think about that. California gas tax is now 61.2 cents per gallon, then add the other 14 hidden ta es and we are overpayin . - per gallon to this state, which is insatiable. Arizona’s gas tax is .19 per gallon and it has not changed in years. They have clean air and beautiful roads.

Now to add the outrageous to the insatiable … legislators are passing a bill to charge us for every single mile we drive … even after overtaxing us at the pump. Go to the grocery store, doctor, school, work, vacation … you will be taxed. Work with your hands and travel to job sites … this tax will hit you hard. AB 1421 has already passed the assembly. We may have a chance to vote this new mileage tax down, if we can get it on the ballot in November. Then we can decide whether we want to pay for every mile we drive. Maybe it’s time that we stand up for ourselves.

Carolyn Edwards

Carpinteria

Yet despite its readiness and broad community backing, the project remains stalled in the city’s approval process, with no clear or timely path forward. When a fully funded, community-supported initiative that enhances public space and local education cannot move ahead, it raises important questions about how our processes are functioning. At a certain point, delay becomes a decision in itself.

Thoughtful governance requires more than careful review. It requires timely decisions, clear direction and a willingness to advance projects that serve the public good. Without it, even well-prepared and broadly supported community efforts risk being lost to unnecessary delay.

documented photographs and historical records of Carpinteria. The work has been reviewed with input from museum professionals, local historians, representatives of the Chumash community and the Carpinteria alley istorical ociety. This dili ence re ects a clear commitment to acc racy, respect and inclusion.

Carpinteria’s character is one of its greatest strengths. Preserving it does not mean standing still. It means making deliberate choices that reinforce what makes this place special and that ensure good projects have a clear path forward. We look forward to the city providing that clarity and to welcoming the community for the public unveiling on pril at the ynda airly arpinteria Arts Center.

SCHOOL BOARD

tea he s sh a n a n st at s’ e t explaining falling grades

BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN

t the pril arpinteria ni ed chool District D oard of Tr stees meetin , several arpinteria iddle chool teachers said the report presented to the board on arch by rincipal amie ersoon and ssistant rincipal ames nderson, which incl ded information on the rise of Ds and s at the middle school, was inacc rate. D rin p blic comments for items not on the a enda at the pril meetin , middle school teachers said the misrepresentations made at the previo s board meetin compelled them to reply.

The presentation iven at last month’s meetin incl ded data abo t the increasin n mber of st dents receivin Ds and s d rin the - and - school years, breakin down the Ds and s iven in each department by teachers, who were made anonymo s, d rin the rst semester, as well as school s pport for special ed cation D and n lish lan a e development st dents.

cience teacher elly er eer offered several insi hts into the administrators’ arch report. “ ot all of the conte t is clearly represented. the ma ority of Ds and s are amon o r D and st dents that are disproportionately ro ped amon sections and teachers,” said er eer.

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er eer also disa reed with the administrators’ comments that classes have an avera e of ve st dents with hi h needs like n lish lan a e arts and special ed cation.

“ wish this was the case, b t the avera e is not the reality in classrooms,” er eer said. “ n practice, certain classes have lar e cl sters of st dents with hi h academic needs, specifically and D. t was disappointin to see leadership place blame on one teacher, sayin they’re not en a in the st dents. This approach is selectively demoni in one person and does not provide a f ll conte t of all the other variables related to st dent achievement.”

everal teachers also took iss e with administrators’ statements re ardin the p sh-in model, where services are provided to special ed cation st dents inside of the eneral ed cation classrooms.

“ r administrators did not describe the act al p sh-in model we are sin at ,” said math teacher rystl otchner.

“Rather, they described a co-teach model, which we are not sin . rs. ersoon, aynes and Ri by claimed that there’s a special ed cation teacher in each math class, b t they did not share that the special ed cation teacher is only there for min tes, three times per week.”

Teachers said special ed cation stdents receive speciali ed instr ction for only min tes of their weekly math min tes, in contrast to administrators’ claims that special ed cation teachers are available to provide e tra help to eneral ed cation st dents needin s pport

“There’s not even eno h time to cover the special ed cation st dents’ needs, let alone the needs of eneral ed st dents,” otchner said.

“In a nutshell, the presentation attempted to pass responsibility for CMS’s rapidly declining student achievement from the shoulders of those administrators most responsible for the in uential pro le ati de isions to the tea hers struggling to aintain effe ti e learning environments in the chaotic aftermath of those administrative decisions.”

––CAUSE President Jay Hotchner

dditional teacher comments incl ded inp t from essica ala, si th rade nlish lan a e arts and history teacher, and hristina ena, the school’s panish department chair, who read a letter representin the views of ’s lan a e arts department.

They pointed to an “absence of s pport for o r most v lnerable pop lations” and a “shift in this year’s policies” that have led to decreasin st dent achievement, specifically namin red ced s pport for st dents in and D pro rams lack of academic intervention embedded effectively thro ho t the school day chronic absenteeism de raded minim m e pectations for promotion ceremony and overall school c lt re.

“ e wo ld also like to note that o r afterschool t torin pro ram is r nnin o t of rant f ndin , which wo ld strip o r st dents who have Ds and s of additional s pport,” the pair added, endin

their comments by invitin disc ssions abo t how to improve st dent o tcomes.

The arpinteria ssociation of nited chool mployees resident ay otchner s mmari ed the teachers’ opposition to the presentation, estionin the lack of a follow- p report on the board’s pril meetin a enda.

“ n a n tshell, the presentation attempted to pass responsibility for ’s rapidly declinin st dent achievement from the sho lders of those administrators most responsible for the in ential problematic decisions to the teachers str lin to maintain effective learnin environments in the chaotic aftermath of those administrative decisions.

“ nfort nately, the district did not a endi e another presentation this evenin , even after they reco ni ed the ersoon presentation did not clarify the reasons for s stained red ctions in academic achievement,” otchner said.

Special Ed. program aims to keep kids in general education classrooms

BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN

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pecial d cation D Director

arolyn aines shared a presentation that de ned fre ently sed special edcation terms, laws and policies, incl din how D eli ibility is determined, at the pril arpinteria ni ed chool District D oard of Tr stees meetin . aines disc ssed the ndivid als with Disabilities d cation ct D , a federal law aranteein st dents with disabilities access to free and appropriate p blic ed cation ree and ppropriate blic d cation , a le al term ens rin st dents with disabilities’ ri ht to speciali ed instr ction and services tailored to their individ al needs at no cost to parents and the east Restrictive nvironment R principle, which mandates that st dents with disabilities receive an ed cation alon side their non-disabled peers as m ch as possible. ased on these laws, aines told the board that the school district aims to keep st dents with disabilities in eneral ed cation classrooms for most of the school day.

“ hen we are takin a st dent o t of their eneral ed cation classroom to provide them services, we’re only doin so when absol tely necessary,” said aines, drawin attention to tate erformance lan ndicator a, callin for of st dents to remain in eneral ed cation settin s for of the day. This oal has increased from past years when of st dents were re ired to be in re lar

classrooms and will increase to ne t year, said aines.

“ t’s an indicator that’s been risin over time and it’s somethin we’ve been workin hard on for a n mber of years,” said aines.

aines also spoke abo t hild ind, a federal mandate re irin school districts to proactively identify and eval ate children with disabilities, notin that this law applies to all st dents, from preschoolers to hi h schoolers.

Determinin eli ibility for D services be ins with a referral from a teacher, physician or parent which the district m st address within days and sched le an assessment. The district has days to complete assessments and hold an meetin to review res lts and create an if it is deemed necessary.

ookin at D st dents, aines shared a breakdown of D st dents by disability and by school. he noted that a decrease in the D pop lation from the - school year is in line with overall declines in st dent enrollment.

aines said that peci c earnin Disability acco nts for the lar est n mber of D st dents, followed by peech or an a e mpairment and tism.

aines said this year st dents from preschool thro h hi h school c rrently had s, a decrease of stdents from last year. he noted chan es in the n mber of D st dents at district schools, incl din an increase at mmerland and a decline in st dents at arpinteria iddle chool d e to those st dents

becomin hi h schoolers this year. otin the decline in D pop lations, which is c rrently at across district schools, compared to the state and national avera e of , aines con rmed a board member’s estion abo t whether the decreased n mbers mean that the district was over- alifyin st dents for D services.

“ believe we were over- alifyin stdents in the cate ory of speci c learnin disability a really broad eneric term, and it incl des readin di c lties, math diffic lties, writin diffic lties,” said aines. he added that interpretin the models sed to identify st dents with speci c learnin disabilities re ires “a lot of skill.” aines said fewer initial eval ations are takin place, in part beca se of lower enrollment n mbers and earlier interventions by ed cators.

aines also disc ssed speciali ed services, s ch as speech therapy, co nselin services and behavior s pport services provided to st dents by a team of specialists, as well as aids and s pport like speciali ed e ipment, transportation, behavior s pport staff and instr ctional accommodations.

he told board members that the district provides transportation to abo t kids, as part of the s. aines also shared a photo of an adaptive swin

Nimmer leads “Immigrant Stories” to new heights in viewership

BY MARTIN FOLEY

Local videographer Larry Nimmer’s online video series, “Immigrant Stories,” has rown into a si ni cant operation since the project began nine months ago, with 95 videos totaling over 300,000 views on social media. The longtime lmmaker said he aims to p blish a new piece of content every two to three days.

The creative project was originally called the “Everyone Has a Story” series, b t immer pivoted the series’ intention to foc s on immi rant-foc sed storytelling after ICE arrested at least 13 Carpinteria residents in ly .

With the growth of the series, Nimmer has tapped into his network for help. D ffy echt, the pro ect’s director of development, oversees nances. Die o orie a, a e ico ity-based lmmaker Nimmer connected with two decades ago thro h a st dent lm festival, contribtes remotely. ennie Reinish and ric on chrader assist with editin , while Ron Solarzano, an Occidental College professor and Carpinteria resident, advises on the pro ect. ome contrib tors are paid thro h donations while others assist on a vol nteer basis.

The Rotary l b of arpinteria oon was immer’s ori inal partner b t has stepped back d e to concerns over the pro ect’s political nat re. ocal or anizations have helped fill the gap, as partnerships with Carpinteria Sin Fronteras, ndoc nd, and the Carpinteria’s Children’s Project have contrib ted to immer’s storytellin efforts. The project’s website lists 30 advisors and donors, incl din notable names s ch as on ressman al d arba al and ssemblyman re art.

“ t’s not st the immi rants that are htin for themselves, b t the rest of the comm nity is really s pportin them,” Nimmer said.

From the beginning of the series, Nimmer was intentional abo t his desired a dience. e crafted titles that were intentionally ambi o s eno h to spark c riosity and draw in primarily conservative a diences. owever, the comment sections have drawn viewers from across the political spectr m.

COFFEE, CAREER AND KIDDOS

ast week, o r director of amily ervices and I traveled to Sacramento for a conference. t was o r rst time attendin this partic lar atherin , and we weren’t s re what to e pect. The mornin of the event, walked in and my senses came alive. sic and la hter lled the room. Color was everywhere; from the decor to the jerseys we were handed for lobby day. Most importantly, I was in a room where the ma ority of people looked like me. had arrived at mmi rant Day of ction. s the day went on, c lt re was celebrated and hope was shared. The art activities plifted activism. The food and

al vi e ra her arry i er’s li e vi e series i ra t t

ver vie s s ial e ia.

“ mmi ration is often red ced to politics,” Nimmer said. “We wanted to create a space where people from very different viewpoints co ld share their lived experiences.”

hen searchin for interview s b ects, Nimmer wears a badge that reads “Immigrant Stories,” to identify himself. No in s demonstrations, p blic meetin s and comm nity events anywhere from Oxnard to Santa Barbara are some of Nimmer’s common locations. From there, he will interview willing participants for abo t - min tes and edit down the clips to abo t one to two min tes.

ndoc mented s b ects can choose to have their faces bl rred or have docmented family members tell their stories on their behalf. ll of the pro ect’s inter-

m sic were not an aftertho ht they were woven into the heart of the event.

lt re wasn’t somethin to be t cked away, it was front and center. I felt so seen.

n the i ht home, was reminded of why we do what we do at Carpinteria Children’s Project. We invite parents to share their c lt res and traditions with s. e invite readers d rin Read cross merica eek who re ect many backro nds, a es and races. e incorporate c lt ral m sic and food into o r comm nity events beca se representation matters, especially at s ch a yo n a e, when children are constantly watching and learning. We aspire to help children feel rooted.

ne of my bi est takeaways from the event was the joy. It was not performative, b t real. There was la hter between breako t sessions at the photo booth, decorated with monarch b tter ies symbolizing the migration of immigrants. There was dancin that bro ht stran ers to ether. or comm nities that have too often been told to minimize themselves, celebrating openly is its own act of dignity. ein seen witho t apolo y, celebrated witho t ali cation, rooted in who yo are these are acts of iet resistance and profo nd stren th.

t a time when more is bein placed in

views are later archived on Nimmer’s website.

otable s b ects in immer’s pro ect incl de piter astillo, a niversity of alifornia anta arbara st dent who believed his green card protected him, b t was detained by and is now in Mexico. Nimmer’s international connection with Noriega allowed the pro ect to have an in-person interview with Castillo.

On a personal level, the story of an ndoc mented immi rant who ses the pse donym aco, is one of the most to chin for immer. aco s rvived an recr itment in l alvador, was held hostage by a cartel at the Texas border and now has worked in arpinteria for years. e t rned those e periences

into a passion for poetry and the project has raised f nds to help him p blish his work.

“To me, that was a really healthy, constr ctive thin to do that others can bene t from as well,” immer said abo t his s pport of aco. hile he considers himself semi-retired, immer plans to keep lmin as long as there are stories to tell.

“I plan on doing this as long as it is needed,” he said. “ hich mi ht be ntil the end of my days.”

Those interested in sharing their story may reach Nimmer at larry@nimmer.net or visit immigrantstories.info. The series can also be fo nd by searchin “ mmirant tories” on o T be, nsta ram, acebook and TikTok.

At a time when more is being placed in jeopardy for our immigrant neighbors, I left that day feeling less alone and more convinced than ever that community is a source of power, and that when we come together, we are unstoppable.

eopardy for o r immi rant nei hbors, left that day feeling less alone and more convinced than ever that comm nity is a so rce of power, and that when we come to ether, we are nstoppable. Connection is protective. Belonging is protective. nd the work of b ildin both, especially for children, is among the most important things we can do. enco ra e yo to look for small moments to a rm the children in yo r life. sk abo t their traditions. sk how to prono nce their names if they are nfamiliar to yo . ake space for their stories. These small acts acc m late into somethin powerf l a child who knows they are seen. child who feels celebrated. child who is rooted in what makes them who they are.

That is what we are b ildin toward — and we all have a role to play.

Teresa Alvarez is the executive director of the Carpinteria Children’s Project. She has over a de ade of e perien e in the nonprofit field and a passion for helping children and families. Teresa was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and moved to the U.S. with her parents at age 2. Growing up as an undocumented student, she learned the importance of having mentors, a strong work ethic and the value of education. Teresa holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCSB and a master’s degree in psychology from Antioch Santa Barbara. She currently serves on the Future Leaders of America board and is a founding member of the Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle. Teresa loves to travel, read and chase after her two boys.

Front row, from left, Mariachi Estrellitas: Thiago Benitez, Oswaldo Vasquez, Jade Martinez, Keyrin Leon, Luna Ornelas, Skylar Sperry, Isabel Ornelas and Michael Estrada. On stage: Mariachi Estrellas: Jayden Benitez, Gabriella Sandoval, Makayla Aguayo, Sebastian Rosas, Kimberly al er isha a ta er a aya a ba r Sebastian Rosas, Maestro John and Maestra Belkis.

Community celebrates children and books

Artesania para la Familia, with support from the city of Carpinteria, La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation and The Friends of the Carpinteria Library held a free community event on Sunday, April 19 in celebration of El Dia de los Niños/El dia de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day).

The celebration of children, families and reading featured arts and literacy stations, ra e pri es, books and an array of performances for families to enjoy together.

This lineup of performers included lma de ico, Timo ne rte Flamenco, Whirlpool Band, Mariachi Estrellas, Emiko Dorphin, Mariachi 805 and Noah Garcia.

United States Navy

After 30 years in the United States Navy, Carpinterian and Master Chief Information Systems Technician Phillip “Rocky” Rockwell has o cially retired, according to his father Dan Rockwell.

Rockwell grew up in Carpinteria, and comes from the historic Rockwell family, which has a history in the city dating back over 100 years, Dan told Coastal View News. According to the Retirement Creed, dedicated to Rockwell by Chief etty cers, this retirement does not terminate Rockwell’s relationship with the Navy.

“By law and tradition U.S. Navy retirees are always on the rolls — ever ready to lend their service when the need arises,” the creed wrote. “You should have no regrets and should not view your retirement as an end of an era, but rather as orders to a new and challenging assignment, to a form of independent duty.”

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Continued from page 8

Master Chief Information Systems Technician Phillip “Rocky” ell has ially retire .

added on the Canalino Elementary School campus last year.

Re ardin D staff, aines said that declines in enrollment means there is a need for red ced staff. This incl ded red cin staff from ve psycholo ists last year to four this year, and a decline from 17.5 special education teachers last year to 14 this year. aines said the district has ve speech therapists, one adapted physical ed cation teacher, instr ctional assistants speci cally for st dents with disabilities, one occupational therapist, six behavior technicians and one behavioral analyst.

Introducing Summerland Savvy

SUMMERLAND SAVVY

CRESCENT L o MONACO

Welcome to Summerland Savvy! A new monthly column about all things Summerland. Here you’ll read about the people, places and things that make our seaside community so special. I’ll also sprinkle in some history and my occasional words of wisdom.

Those of you that have been around long enough know that Fran Davis used to write a similar column entitled, “Summerland Shore.” She has since moved out of Summerland and continues to write. She left behind some huge shoes for me to ll.

I have lived in the Santa Barbara area for almost 40 years, and in Summerland for over 25. When my husband and I moved here, Summerland was fondly referred to as, “Summerland, where the debris meets the sea.” There were still ramshackle homes strewn throughout the hills. Chickens roamed the streets. Many of the families lived in their family’s generational homes. Kids felt safe enough to roam the neighborhood and visit with anyone who had their front door or garage open. My next-door neighbor introduced herself by bringing over a loaf of homemade banana bread and a cutting from her garden. I loved living here from the very beginning.

Over the more than two decades that I’ve been here, I have seen this sweet little town go through many iterations. Throughout the changes, one thing remains the same. The town and the community are always beautiful. hen rst moved here, there were few, if any sidewalks. The house colors were every pastel color you could imagine, as if Lilly Pulitzer herself came through town with her very own paintbrush. We bought staple groceries and delicious handmade sausage from Summerland Market. Occasionally, if the store was closed, but you were in desperate

need, you could yell to the shop owner who lived above the shop, and he would be kind enough to let you in for what you needed. Summerland still had the old town vibe.

Later, streetlights were installed along the main drag (thereafter referred to as “The Runway.”) Summerland Market closed. Cantwell’s went in. Houses became all shades of gray with crisp white trim. Ours was Morning Fog and Pure White, respectively. Summerland School looked the same as it had for 50 years. Kids still roamed the streets.

Finally came the sidewalks and the striped parking along Lillie Avenue. The new school was built. Many homes and apartments were purchased to be used as short-term rentals. Newer businesses no longer target locals as their key demographic. Rather, they cater to Montecito, Los Angeles and tourists. Everything seemed to become a little less colorful and a little more white, literally. Many of the new inhabitants, both residential and commercial, painted their buildings white. Even the iconic Big Yellow House changed from yellow to white, although we were told it was actually a light, creamy yellow.

And although the buildings aren’t as colorful, the community remains colorful and bright.

Keeping Summerland beautiful

One of the brightest spots is our town’s all-vol nteer, c nonpro t organization, Summerland Beautiful, of which I’m proud to be a part of. This group does exactly as its name implies: keeps Summerland beautiful. As an organization, they pull weeds, help maintain landscape, regularly pick up trash, provide dog pick-up bags and partner with Parents for Summerland to help maintain the Summerland Elementary School property. They put up the annual holiday trees and host community gatherings. It’s all a labor of love.

This past Saturday was one of the most successful community cleanup days to date. Over 30 volunteers came out to help. The goal of the day was relegated to trash pick up along Lillie Avenue, freeway on- and off-ramps in both directions, the underpass and the streets of Wallace, Hardinge and Ortega Hill. People donned gloves and safety vests, grabbed a bag or a bucket (provided by Rincon Brewery and Heal the Ocean) and hit the streets. Entire families walked down to partic-

I’m

thankful to live in such a charming beach town. I welcome new ideas, new residents and new businesses, hoping that the new additions will realize how special our community is and continue to foster all that our town has to offer.

ipate. A man visiting from Washington was staying in an Airbnb with his children, heard about the cleanup and they all came down to join in! Our community even r bs off on the visitors. n the end, the event netted over 20 bags of trash!

After all their hard work, the crew athered at the ost ce for fellowship and refreshments that were generously provided by Cindy Omiya, Red Kettle and Field + Fort. For more information, please visit Summerlandbeautiful.org.

I’m thankful to live in such a charming beach town. I welcome new ideas, new residents and new businesses, hoping that the new additions will realize how special our community is and continue to foster all that o r town has to offer. et’s continue to keep Summerland beautiful.

Summerland Citizens Association update

In December, the new Summerland Citizens Association (SCA) board was elected. Many residents are excited about the new board, with hopes of new, fresh ideas, more communication, community involvement and transparency.

The ro p held its rst comm nity gathering on March 25. Attendees were welcomed with live cello music provided by a ani assidy. i hty- ve people were in attendance and learned of the vision and direction of SCA provided by the new board.

Local and governmental information was provided by special guest speakers, Warren Ritter (Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors First District Representative), Lt. Richard Brittingham (Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office), Chief Dan Stefano (Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District) and Fire Marshal Mike LoMonaco (Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District).

Board members have a closed meeting

once a month, with no plans for open meetings at this time. They do, however, provide o ce ho rs on ridays at noon at Lookout Park, and Saturdays at 9 a.m. at Red ettle. dditional o ce ho rs may be scheduled if requested. To date, they have had approximately 38 visitors to their o ce ho rs.

Their website is in the process of bein pdated and will incl de nancial information.

For a list of board members and more information, visit their website at summerlandcitizens.org.

The Santa Barbara Public Library looks to Summerland Plans are in the works to test the waters for the Library on the Go program to visit Summerland on a monthly basis. Their mobile b s offerin s will incl de library cards, book rentals and more.

Let’s get down to (new) business

Big news for the Big Yellow House. One of our town’s landmark buildings has recently been purchased. The new owner tells me it will be called The Big Yellow House Atelier.

“It will be a community artisan makers space and gallery with programming for kids and adults.” What a fresh idea for our community. Welcome to the neighborhood.

The Lillie will open in May, and will offer needlepoint, heirlooms and mahjong. More details to follow.

Crescent LoMonaco is an author and artist and has called Summerland home for over 25 years. A dedicated volunteer within the Summerland and Carpinteria communities, she describes herself as a lifelong learner who finds inspiration in meeting new people and hearing their stories. If you have a story to share, feel free to contact her at Creslomo1@gmail.com.

Canalino Elementary

vie

t t nw n n e’s ens n n en a e

New 21-and-over rooftop bar brings coastal cocktails, live music and laid-back vibes to downtown

CARPINTERIA BIZ BUZZ

THE BIZZY BEE

new rooftop destination has o cially arrived in town.

Arnie’s Rooftop Bar opened its doors onday, pril , welcomin the comm nity to a lon -anticipated second-story space above inden are one desi ned for atherin , nwindin and soakin in the coastal atmosphere.

The pro ect, led by anta arbara-based hospitality entreprene r rnie t rham, has been months in the makin , with nishin to ches contin in well into early . ow complete, the bar delivers on its promise of a rela ed yet re ned “beachside rooftop” e perience.

“ e are s per e cited abo t o r ocial openin ,” t rham said. “ rnie’s is tho htf lly desi ned, and we believe capt res the essence of coastal alifornia livin rela ed, nostal ic and effortlessly elevated.”

That vision is apparent thro ho t the space. rom s nlit tables to t cked-away

corners, the rooftop offers a variety of seatin areas meant to s it any mood whether ests arrive with a ro p or stop in for a ick drink. o n e seatin , replaces and sweepin rooftop views create what t rham describes as a settin “desi ned for connection, celebration and easy oin coastal en oyment.”

nside, desi n elements balance warmth and te t re with s btle sophistication. ayered reen tile de nes the bar, while vinta e-inspired ribbed lass li htin casts a soft, ambient low. ne stando t feat re is an abstract wall installation inspired by the movement of palm leaves, addin vis al te t re and a sense of calm. t the center of it all, an analo split-flap display provides a playf l, nostal ic focal point a nod to simpler times and a reminder to slow down and be present.

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The men follows a similar philosophy.

“ t the heart of rnie’s is a cocktail pro ram rooted in the classics and reima ined thro h a coastal lens,” t rham said. Drinks incorporate fresh herbs like sa e, thyme and rosemary, alon with oral notes s ch as lavender and hibisc s. mon the early stando ts is the vocado ar arita a creamy, refreshin twist on the classic cocktail that pays homa e to arpinteria’s a ric lt ral roots as the “avocado capital of the world.”

hile rnie’s does not serve food, ests are enco ra ed to brin meals from inden are’s ro nd- oor eateries, f rther tyin the rooftop into the broader dinin scene below. sic will also play a key role in shapin the atmosphere. The bar plans to host

local m sicians every Th rsday evenin thro ho t ay and ne, with t rham envisionin the ni hts as a cas al “locals” atherin spot.

ettin to openin day, however, came with its share of challen es.

“ e have mped thro h a lot of the s al h rdles,” t rham said. “ e’re st happy to be at the place we are at.” ow open, rnie’s adds a new dimension to downtown arpinteria a space that invites visitors to lin er a little lon er, take in the view and, as its early messain s ests, simply nd their place. hether it’s for s nset cocktails, live m sic or a laid-back evenin nder the open sky, the rooftop is ready. nd after months of anticipation, the doors are nally open.

ollow arniesrooftopbar.

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Carpinteria Community awards locals for service

Dr. Jim Campos is 2025 Carpinterian of the Year

BY JUN STARKEY

Lifelong Carpinterian and local historian Dr. Jim Campos was announced as the 2025 Carpinterian of the Year at the 67th annual Community Awards Banquet, hosted by the Carpinteria Community Association, on Saturday, April 18 at the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus.

The 2024 Carpinterian of the Year, Lynda Fairly, presented the award to Campos, as is customary at the annual banquet. Fairly spoke about why Campos was chosen, which she said kept with the event’s theme: “Honoring the Past-Celebrating the Present.”

“Few individuals have given so much, for so long, with such lasting impact,” Fairly said Saturday night. “He doesn’t know just the stories; he knows the source: oral histories, photos, documents, people. He’s the person everyone turns to with questions about the town’s history. More than anyone else, he links our past and present.”

Campos was born and raised in Carpinteria, and was educated through the arpinteria ni ed chool District (CUSD), where he would later work for more than 30 years before retiring in 2006. Campos has served Carpinteria as a historian, an educator, a civic leader and a mentor to younger generations of Carpinterians. He also regularly contributes his musings on Carpinteria’s history to Coastal View News

During his time with CUSD, Fairly said, Campos championed Canalino

Elementary School’s Early Childhood Learning program. He also received a Title VII grant to develop the Spanish and English immersion program at the elementary school.

“I am speechless, I don’t know what to tell you guys. I’m always telling stories but I’m not ready for this,” Campos said after receiving the award Saturday night. “Tonight, just thank you so much, I’m really honored.”

During the event Saturday, Campos received the usual accommodations from local leaders, including Vice President of the Carpinteria Community Association Mary Ann Colson, Carpinteria Mayor Natalia Alarcon, Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Roy Lee and Carpinteria City Councilmember Wade Nomura, who presented on behalf of Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Senator Monique Limon and Congressman Salud Carbajal.

While presenting a recognition to Campos on behalf of the city of Carpinteria, Alarcon said Campos had been her principal back in elementary school.

“When I think of your name I really do think of historian in our community, so thank you for all that you’ve done and all that you’re currently doing,” Alarcon said.

Following the presentations, Campos said he wished his brother, Arthur Campos, could have been there to see him receive the award. “Artie, I’m sorry you’re not here, but I think you’re pleased to see what happened here tonight,” Campos said.

and local

Valeria Pulido is the 2025 Jr. Carpinterian of the Year

BY JUN STARKEY

Carpinteria High School (CHS) senior Valeria Pulido was named the 2025 Jr. Carpinterian of the Year at the 67th annual Community Awards Banquet, held by the Carpinteria Community Association on April 18 at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria.

Pulido will receive a $10,000 scholarship to the college of her choice, courtesy of the Jr. Carpinterian of the Year scholarship sponsors. The runners-up for Jr. Carpinterian of the Year, Edwin Hernandez and Crystal Echeverria, will each receive a $3,000 scholarship.

Pulido attended the Saturday event with her parents, who she said immigrated to Carpinteria to provide her more opportunities to succeed. Pulido is an accomplished student at CHS. She has led the Warriors cheer team and played a key role in the team’s participation in the California Avocado Festival, according to the association. She has earned awards for academic excellence across multiple areas and received several awards for her

athletic achievements. She was also the CHS Homecoming Queen in 2025.

“I want to thank the Carpinteria Community Association for this amazing honor, for everyone on the selection committee who read my story, saw me and who believed I deserved to be on this stage,” Pulido said Saturday night. “Thank you for honoring the spirit of Carpinteria and thank you for seeing that spirit in me.”

Along with leading her cheer team, Pulido worked on the CHS Mini Warrior Cheer Camp, where she trained more than 300 students ages 3 to 14. Pulido also took on a mentorship role through her church, where she helped teen girls prepare for their on rmation.

TO OUR READERS...

Pulido has also had internships at local law o ces, incl din larcon e al mmi ration aw ce and artlett, Pringle & Wolf Accounting. She earned an honorable mention as Best Defense Attorney at the Santa Barbara County Mock Trial competition, and she told the association that she plans to pursue a career in law.

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If you rush out to the newsstand every Thursday morning eager to learn of local happenings, clip photos for your refrigerator, or consider it your civic duty to engage with Carpinteria content exclusive to CVN, then it’s your time to become a Sustaining CVN Member. While we plan to continue to distribute CVN as a free publication, please consider supporting us and becoming a member who can proudly participate in our future.

Carpinteria High School (CHS) senior Valeria Pulido was named the 2025 Jr. Carpinterian

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Celebrating history, community at awards banquet

PH S BY B N A LSS N

The 67th annual Community Awards Banquet, hosted by the Carpinteria Community Association, honored local leaders and educators, spotlighted business and highlighted the achievements of three high school seniors on Saturday, April 18 at the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus.

The annual banquet’s theme was “Honoring Honoring the Past-Celebrating the Present.” In keeping with the theme, the evening spent time focusing on the contributions of the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. The event also celebrated dozens of Carpinterians for their contributions to the community, including local businesses, such as Delgado’s Mexican Restaurant, Carpinteria Nails and Carpinteria Valley Lumber.

Two educators from the arpinteria nified School istrict S eter otte and risty uerrero were also honored Saturday for their work with students.

Arts Center hosts Earth Day celebration

PHOTOS BY MARTIN FOLEY

The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center hosted its inaugural Carpinteria Earth Day on Saturday, bringing together local vendors, nonpro ts and comm nity organizations for an afternoon of art, m sic and environmental celebration. Participants included the Carpinteria omm nity arden, arpinteria ibrary, Carpinteria Valley Association and arpinteria ea tif l, amon others.

ive m sic was performed by avis and Friends and the Carpinteria Songwriters ircle in front of a packed crowd in the heart of downtown. The arts center’s ec tive Director ristina alkins, who noted the art center’s distinction as Carpinteria’s only green-business certied or ani ation, presided over a poetry ceremony feat rin a yo th poetry contest and a readin from eor e atchisin, anta arbara oet a reate.

Brothers Clay bring hometown sound back to The Alcazar Theatre on May 2

BY CVN STAFF

Coastal View News caught up with brothers Justin and Nathan Clay, who will lend their musical talents to The Alcazar Theater on Saturday, May 2 at 7 p.m. The Carpinteria-raised pair kick off the evenin line p with their band Road ovie. stin and his band ettle of Hawks take the stage next. Together, the brothers Clay and their bandmates channel decades of music making into soulful original songs. Sourced from long friendships, the creative collaborations will leave an indelible impression on The Alcazar Theatre audience.

Set the stage for our readers with some brief background on the two bands and your roles in them.

Justin: Road ovie is a ro p of lontime friends and former bandmates from different pro ects, spannin decades and cities — from New Jersey and NYC to Los Angeles. I’m the lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Nathan plays keys and sings backin vocals, and fellow arpinterian Johnny Johnston plays clarinet. The rest of the band is spread across the country. The pro ect be an as an ann al atherin in destination irbnbs and evolved into a band in Zion in 2022 when we wrote our rst son , “ ll Rivers.”

ettle of awks is a arpinteria-based band founded by lifelong musician and songwriter John Crooke. He’s spent decades touring across the U.S. and Europe, playin everythin from intimate ven es like Corktree Cellars to packed stadiums opening for acts like Hootie & the Blowsh. Two members are rooke’s former bandmates from LA, and Johnny Johnston plays in both bands — on acoustic itar and backin vocals in ettle. eff Renlie, another Carpinterian, plays harp and lap steel, and I play bass. Both bands write original rock music in enced by all eras, with a stron lean into our Gen X roots.

What is the best (and most challenging) part about being in a band with your brother in the town where you were raised?

Nathan: ein able to drive a few min tes away to meet p whenever we need to is h e. nd st rollin over to the piary to throw down on acoustic guitar and piano is a great outlet.

Justin: I’d say the most challenging thing is the lack of indoor ven es to play in town. never ot to play on the sta e at The Palms, and I’m still bummed about it.

You both grew up in Carpinteria then moved away for a while. How have your lives outside of Carpinteria in uenced your music?

Nathan: Well we both played in bands in colle e, then respectively in bands in ew ork and o those scenes are woven into our formation as rock ‘n’ rollers.

Justin: ne of my favorite parts abo t Carpinteria is going away so that I can come back.Going East for college then ending up in the LA music scene was an ama in ed cation and provided me with access and exposure to so many great musicians and bands.For me it was important that I was able to create my musical identity in the anonymity of a big city so I could try out new things without being too self-conscious.

Did both of you former Aliso Lions get your musical start in elementary school? What instruments did you play and how did those early years of music shape what you do now?

Nathan: I took a year of saxophone in band with r. an don evens also have formative memories of hip enenga bringing his guitar into the classroom. t st seemed like a nat ral thin to do, to play music.

Justin: I sang in the Aliso choir with Vera Lyons. ’ll always remember how she moved her hand rhythmically to conduct us.

Where did the names Road Movie and Kettle of Hawks come from?

Justin: Although we consider Carpinteria home base for Road ovie, the band came together in Zion, Utah, and we recorded o r rst and f ll-len th record in ashville, Tenn. e have band members who live in inneapolis, inn. ashville and ashin ton D. . o whenever we et to ether it’s an advent re and a o rney. ckily, everyone loves coming to Carpinteria to get together to play vofest or record and et in a swim at Jellybowl. hen ettle of awks started playin together, John Crooke always had a huge pot of raptor soup we would share before the start of every practice. The name of the band is very literal b t he never eplained where he got the raptors from.

You are both working and raising families in Carpinteria. How do the bands t into your lives now and why do you carve out time for them?

Nathan: e carve o t time for m sic because it’s necessary for our soul. But, yeah, a lot of it happens after the kids are in bed. Turns out though the kids are big fans — not to mention up-and-coming musicians in their own right — so it feels like we are doin it for them, too. e’ve even heard them playin some Road ovie covers aro nd the ho se

Justin: I’m not sure my kids like Road ovie as m ch as my nephews. y eldest da hter says she’s morti ed by my dance moves and believes that they are unnecessary. But truthfully playing in a band is my favorite way to connect with friends and build community. I can’t imagine my life without it no matter how hard have to work to make it work.

What are you most looking forward to when you get on stage at the Alcazar?

Nathan: The last Road ovie show at the Alcazar was our 2024 album release for Long Night In The Afterlife. It was a sold-out crowd, but still so intimate and the whole thin felt like family. avin a big energetic crowd but still feeling so comfortable there is awesome. The last ettle of awks appearance there was for n ie Torres iller’s bene t show, so lots of positive memories there as well.

Justin, you’re playing with Kettle of Hawks and Road Movie at the show. How do you mentally shift gears between the two, and what does each band allow you to express differently

Justin: ell, tried it for the rst time at the vofest last year and learned a lot. It’s really all about preparation in the months and weeks before the show, so I can st let o and have f n on sta e. oth bands allow me to e press a different part of my m sical so l and feel very grateful for it.

a rch 3rd • $7

ARTCETERA

Happy 98th anniversary to The Alcazar Theatre

The Alcazar Theatre celebrates its 98th anniversary starting on Friday, April 24 with a variety of special events scheduled throughout the weekend. The celebration also marks the beginning of the theatre’s 2026 capital campaign fundraiser.

John Palminteri hosts a private reception to kick off the celebration in the heart of town, followed by a screenin of the cademy ward-winnin lm, “The rtist.” Doors open to the public at 6:45 p.m., and the movie begins at 7:15 p.m.

FRIDAY OCT. 14

Family Friday Night Movie E.T.

Guests are invited to dress in late 1920s-30s or cocktail attire for the evening. Also in attendance will be special guest André Luthard, grandson of the theatre’s founder, liver rickett, offerin a meanin f l connection to the lca ar’s early days.

Local poets shared talents for National Poetry Month

On Saturday, April 25, at 7 p.m., the festivities continue with a lineup of six standup comedians and a little magic, bringing laughter and fun for all ages.

40th Anniversary 7pm • Adult $10 Child $5

Women Making Change will co-host a free event on Sunday, April 26, at 2 p.m., feat rin a panel disc ssion, “ omen and ater,” with leaders from water-related elds.

Panel members Jena Shoaf Acos, Holly Lohuis and Ava Schulenberg will discuss relevant iss es, and aime Diamond will serve as the moderator. “ attle of the l es,” a short doc mentary abo t the bl e whales fo nd off the o thern alifornia coast will follow the panel discussion.

EVERY TUESDAY IMPROV CLASSES 7pm • $10

All are invited to enjoy an evening of jazz and classical music by renowned Italian pianist and composer ntonio rtese at p.m. iriam Dance voice , eo R bio (sax), Santino Tafarella (bass) and Matt Perko (drums) will accompany Artese, for an evening of soulful tunes.

SATURDAY OCT. 22

As it approaches its 100th anniversary, The Alcazar Theatre told Coastal View News that it looks to the future with optimism. Recent upgrades to its lighting and sound systems mark its transformation into a state-of-the-art venue, while it stays true to its nonpro t mission to ed cate, enli hten, inform and inspire the comm nity thro h the performing arts.

Visit thealcazar.org for additional details about the anniversary celebration.

Live Game Show DUDE! YOU’RE MAKING A SCENE 3pm • Adults $15 14 and under $10

Arts & Crafts Faire set for May 2

The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center’s monthly Arts & Craft Faire takes place on Saturday, May 2, 10-4 p.m. This month’s featured artist is Carpinterian Christine Monteath.

SUNDAY, OCT. 23

Monteath’s glass artwork includes creations in stained glass and fusing inspired by nature and the dance between colored glass and sunlight. Twenty local artists will also present their work in a variety of mediums, including paintin , ber arts, D printin , paper crafts, pottery and more.

Guests can enjoy music by the Ukulele Jammers in the morning and by The Americana Cats in the afternoon. Artists interested in participating in future fairs can apply at the arts center website at CarpinteriaArtsCenter.org.

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center hosted Nature’s Beauty, its annual poetry contest, announcing the winners on Saturday, April 18 as part of the center’s arth Day event.

Poets Hal Price and Robin Brandin, and writer Susan D ncan chose the winners in three a e cate ories.

This year’s winners were Jace Gibson, in the children’s category, for his poem “Moonlight,” Edward Nesheim in the teen category for “The Whirlwind of Emotion,” and Ernie Crane, in the adult category for “Truncated.”

George Yatchisin, Santa Barbara Poet Laureate, also read his poem, “The Norfolk Giant.”

Winning Entries

By Ernie Crane

“The Whirlwind of Emotion” By Edward Nesheim (Inspired by the movie “Spaceman”)

While I was crying, in the dark

Nobody even noticed me

There is a tree, branches cut bluntly, abruptly enormous limbs stopped still massive but chopped, sawn, lopped remnants of the heavy struggle against gravity against time giant rippling sinews holding up nothing

2pm • Adults $10 12 and under Free Admission & Free Popcorn

FRIDAY OCT. 28

The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center is located at 865 Linden Ave.

Family Friday Night Movie HOCUS POCUS 7pm • Adult $10 Child $5

It’s for your own good say parents, say nurses said the men with saws dreams into space once fully realized had become too big reached out too far cost too much co ld not, nally, be pheld it’s for your own good this may hurt a bit and it was, and it did

Arts center issues call to artists for “93013”

The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center is accepting submissions for its upcoming exhibit, “93013,” opening on Thursday, June 11.

SATURDAY, OCT. 29

Artists can submit their works online until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at carpinteriaartscenter.org/ingathering. Submitting artists must bring their work in person to the arts center by Monday, June 8, 10-2 p.m. to be fully considered.

The belief was there, but without a spark

A forgotten, lonely tree

While I was running, through the sand

Running to stand still

If I could hold the world, with just a hand

Life had no thrill

While I was walking, through the town

Incredibly angry inside

But along came a pretty girl

My heart felt alive

While I was walking through the town

Incredibly happy inside

And along came my pretty girl

Our hearts felt alive

While I was running, through the sand

No need to stand still

We held the world with both our hands

We hands

Life was a thrill

While I was crying in the dark

Right down to my knees

There was no belief, nor a spark

Ah … she’d left me

Movie THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

An arts center membership is not required to apply. Jurors for the new exhibit include Coastal View News contributing photographer Robin Karlsson and artist and performer an D. endo a. rtists with estions may reach o t to eleste carpinteriaARTScenter.org.

The exhibit will open at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, located at 865 Linden Ave.

Two Screenings

Tickets: $15 • Prop Bags: $5

Still one considerable branch gnarls out to a side spewing branches and more branches, a luxuriance of leaves a tree of its own that started sideways had many second thoughts, dodged this, reconsidered that froze its twisting path in space oresced in all directions all that remains of it all diminished enduring and green

In its branches shelter birds burrow insects play children who, for a game toss the small hard seeds as far as they can

(Written while eating pizza at Giovanni’s on Carpinteria Avenue)

While night occurs and stars appear The glimmering moon

While the cool winds softly Blow through The night.

While you hear the “hoos” From an owl, let The cool breeze Calm you. Let Your worries Fade into the Night.

While you drift to Sleep, in the Cool breeze, Remember there’s Never a need to Fear.

CALENDAR

Thursday, April 23

AgeWell Senior Program: Pickleball Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Road. 8-10 a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca. gov, (805) 881-1279

English Language Conversation Group/ Grupo de Conversación en Inglés Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 8:30-10 a.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Bellas Artes Free Arts & Crafts Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave. 10 a.m. noon. carpinteriaartscenter.org, (805) 684-7789

dren.org

Carpinteria Valley Republican Club meeting 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Text for location and RSVP (661) 333-4133

Living Shoreline Project Pop-Up Event Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 2-4 p.m. carpinterialivingshoreline.com

Please join us for the unveiling of the Community Plaza on Linden Avenue Murals

Saturday, April 25, 12-4 PM Carpinteria Arts Center

Mother’s Day rides Sunday in May

AgeWell Senior Program: Free Lunch Program Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 12:15-1p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 8811279

AgeWell Senior Program: Food Bank Food Distribution Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 1-2 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca. gov, (805) 881-1279

AgeWell Senior Program: Meditation Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 3:15-4:30 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

City of Carpinteria Finance Committee meeting City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. p.m. carpinteriaca.gov (805) 6845405

Friday, April 24

AgeWell Senior Program: Tai Chi Together Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 10-11a.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Friday Fun Day Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10-11:30 a.m. For ages 3-11ish. carpinterialibrary. org, (805) 684-4314

Free Arts & Crafts Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave. 10 a.m. noon. carpinteriaartscenter. org, (805) 684-7789

AgeWell Senior Program: Free Lunch Program Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 12:15-1 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Beachtown Hootenanny Sing Along Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave. 1:30-3 p.m. carpinteriaartscenter.org, (805) 684-7789

Peace Corner Vigil Carpinteria and Linden avenues, 5-6 p.m. carpindivisible@gmail.com

Teen Advisory Board Biweekly Meeting Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 3:10-4:30 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Movie Night! “The Wild Robot” Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 6-8 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Live Music: The Dianne Miller Band Island Brewing Company, 5049 th St. p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com (805) 745-8272

Film: The Artist The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. p.m. $20/general thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380

Saturday, April 25

The People’s Garage Sale/ La Yarda Del Pueblo Venice Lane (behind the Chevron Station) 8 a.m. p.m. 805carp.sf@gmail.com

Santa Monica Creek Trail Restoration El Carro Lane at Santa Monica Creek a.m. p.m. Behind the scenes tour 10 a.m. (805) 705-3429

ABOP Hazardous Waste Disposal City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. a.m.-1 p.m. (805) 684-5405

DIA- Caminos De Cuentos Y Colores- Sidewalks of Stories and Color Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10 a.m. 3 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314 d n C d

music and more Carpinteria Children’s Project, 5201 8th St. 1-4 p.m. carpchil-

Carpinteria Cultural Foundation: an unveiling of the 10 Murals of Carpinteria Heritage Monument Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave. noon-4 p.m. carpinteriaartscenter.org, (805) 684-7789

The Sandpipers-Groovy 60s music brewLAB 4191 Carpinteria Ave. #8 6-8 p.m. @sandpipersmusic.com

South Coast Stand-Up Comedy The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 7-9 p.m. $20/general thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380

Live Music: The Rincons Island Brewing Company, 5049 th St. 6-9 p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com (805) 7458272

Live Music: The Dianne Miller Band Island Brewing Company, 5049 th St. p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com (805) 745-8272

Sunday, April 26

Live Music: Green Flag Summer Island Brewing Company, 5049 th St. 2-5 p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com (805) 745-8272

Film: “Women and Water” panel discussion and screening The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 2-4 p.m. Free, thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380

Jazz: Antonio Artese The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 7-9 p.m. General $30, VIP $40, Door $45/$30, thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380

Monday, April 27

Preschool Story Time Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10-10:30 a.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

AgeWell Senior Program: Line Dancing Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 10:30-11:30 a.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

AgeWell Senior Program: Free Lunch Program Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 12:15-1 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Monday Mahjong All levels of play. p.m. (805) 729-1310

AgeWell Senior Program: Mind Games Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 1:302:30 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

AgeWell Senior Program: Death Cafe Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 3-4:30 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 8811279

Teen Gaming Club Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 3:30-5:00p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

City Council Meeting City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. 5:30 p.m. carpinteriaca. gov (805) 684-5405

Introducción a las computadoras–Clase Bilingüe Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 6-8:15 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Tuesday, April 28

AgeWell Senior Program: Walking Club Meet at Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 8811279

Carpinteria Writers’ Group Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10 a.m. noon. carpinterialibrary. org, (805) 684-4314

CALENDAR continued on page 22

Mother’s Day Rides Every Sunday in May

Carpinteria FFA members earn top state honors

Seven members of Carpinteria High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter have earned the Golden State Degree, one of the highest honors bestowed by the California FFA organization.

The award recognizes students for their leadership, commitment to agricultural education and the development of their Supervised Agricultural Experience projects, which provide hands-on career training.

Four of the honorees — Leticia Carr, Ellie Georges, Laura Jimenez and Alexa Santes — traveled to Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria on April 12 to accept their degrees in person, representing Carpinteria FFA at the statewide ceremony. Incoming FFA advisor Mr. Rodriguez attended alongside the students, joining families and supporters in celebrating the achievement.

Also earning Golden State Degrees this year were Cesar Jaime, Ismael Lopez and Lizeth Reyes Marquez.

In addition to the state degrees, three Carpinteria FFA members received Agric lt ral ro ciency wards, which reco ni e e cellence in speci c pro ect areas and highlight the practical skills students gain through their agricultural work. This year’s recipients are Lynette Lopez, Carlos Tinajero and Aaron Ortega.

The honors underscore the strength of Carpinteria High School’s FFA program, which emphasizes leadership development, career readiness and real-world agricultural experience for its members.

THROWBACK

The strange tale of Rincon Island

BY STEPHEN BATES

Adorned with a few spindly palms, an nlikely si ht rises from the aci c by ssel hoals Rincon sland, an arti cial island b ilt for oil prod ction. ince constr ction be an in , the island’s story traces engineering innovation, ecological pride and shame, and even a fleeting appearance in the . . preme o rt. Rincon sland was the rst of its kind, and the last.

Why an island?

The story be an in , when the alifornia tate ands ommission offered , acres in coastal waters off ent ra o nty for oil and as prod ction, a tract known as the Rincon ease.

tate law limited how it co ld be drilled. fter early operators abandoned their wooden drilling piers, the legislat re banned new drillin piers in . ffshore platforms introd ced in the lf of e ico in had not yet been a thori ed in alifornia. That left Rincon ease bidders with two options slant-drill from shore or b ild an arti cial island.

The winnin bidder, Richfield il orp., chose the arti cial island. slands for oil e ploration had been b ilt before, b t only in protected harbor waters. Rincon sland wo ld be the rst one s b ect to the f ll force of aci c waves. n , after the lease was signed, the state legislat re a thori ed drillin from piers and platforms, closing the window that made s ch an island necessary.

Rich eld hired ohn . l me ssociates of an rancisco as desi ners. l me and a collea e, ames . eith, said they faced unprecedented challenges “it was by no means a simple matter of d mpin rock in the ocean.”

The island was to be ro hly , feet offshore in abo t feet of water, ready to accommodate oil and as prod ction wells. The l me rm came p with a desi n that occ pies abo t si acres on the sea oor and tapers to three acres at the waterline, with st over one acre of paved workin s rface s rro nded by a revetment a sloped wall of rock and concrete. The revetment is taller and wider on the seaward side, which provides some protection from waves.

Tetrapods

For greater protection from waves, the en ineers chose a technolo y patented by the rench ind strial rm tablissements eyrpic, a desi n for “ rti cial locks for Structures Exposed to the Action of ovin ater.” The blocks, known as tetrapods, resemble children’s acks, with fo r to si widely spaced pro ections. f piled loosely in the ocean near shore, the tetrapods shift nder the rst waves and then interlock and create a hi hly stable str ct re. The l me rm chose tetrapods over another option for protecting the island old ship h lls, which co ld be bo ht cheaply on the s rpl s market a do en years after orld ar . onstr ction on Rincon sland be an in ebr ary and was lar ely nished by st . The contractor, y . tkinson o., arried rock in Rincon anyon, bro ht it by tr ck to a pier near the present asitas ier in arpinteria, and carried it by bar e to the island site. t rst, b lldo ers p shed the rock off the bar es. nce the island had broken the water line, bar e-mo nted derricks moved it.

i sla st e r i il a as i a the al leaseh l er s rre ere its i terests i

2017. The State Lands Commission has plugged the wells and removed most structures. The island and a se ay ill re ai b t the a s issi has ’t e i e h they’ll be se .

The Guy F. Atkinson Co. quarried stone in Rincon Canyon, transported it by truck to a pier in Carpinteria, brought it to the work site by barge and pushed it into the ocean with a bulldozer.

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS ARCHIVE

The Atkinson Co. manufactured tetrapods near a temporary pier in Carpinteria by pouring concrete into molds and letting it dry for 28 days. Each one weighed 31 tons, and Rincon Island used 1,130 of them.

he i h el il r . br ht al s a t s il to Rincon Island in 1959, but trees struggled after a storm saturated their soil with seawater. In a letter to a i i t resi e t i h el resi e t harles S. Jones promised to keep trying “until we have some good palm trees.”

U.S. PATENT OFFICE

i eers h se tetra s t r te t i sla ’s seaward side rather than another option under consideration, surplus ship hulls. When loosely placed tetrapods are jostled by waves, they interlock and form a stable structure. This sketch comes from the application for a patent on the tetrapod design, which was granted in 1956.

To save money, the initial plans for Rincon Island envisioned boat a ess ly. he i h el il r . lti ately e i e that a t a se ay l be e essary th h tra l be s rare that a si le la e l be a le.

Atkinson workers manufactured tetrapods by the Carpinteria pier, pouring the concrete and then drying and curing them for 28 days. A tetrapod weighed 31 tons and had four six-foot-long concrete legs. Engineers used 1,130 of them on the seaward side of Rincon Island.

Sand for the core of the island came from the hillside near Mussel Shoals. Like the stone and the tetrapods, the sand was hauled to the pier in Carpinteria and brought back by barge.

One of the island’s most striking features — the 2,730-foot one-lane causeway — was a late addition. The initial plan had called for marine access only.

When construction was complete, the structure served its purposes for oil and gas production, wrote engineers Blume and eith, while also offerin “the appearance and charm of a natural island.”

Life below

To add to the charm, Rich eld promised during construction to plant palm trees on Rincon Island, a substantial undertaking because topsoil had to be transported along with the trees. The company planted some of the rst trees in 1959, though a big storm a day or two later sat rated the soil with seawater. “ few of them are not doing as well as we had hoped,” Rich eld resident harles . ones wrote to part-time Rincon oint resident A. Stevens Halsted Jr., adding that the company wo ld “keep str lin with the problem until we have some good palm trees.” hatever problems a icted the trees, life thrived under water. Before the island’s construction, marine biologist William L. Brisby of Moorpark College deemed ssel hoals a “biolo ical desert” and documented only 14 marine species there. By contrast, he recorded 298 species after the island was built, including mussel beds growing several feet thick on the tetrapods. A more comprehensive study published in 1978 found 458 species. The California State Lands Commission now says the tetrapods have created a “ ni e ecosystem.”

Rich eld took an additional step to boost the marine population in 1961. It built an artificial reef on the seaward

side of the island, about 50 feet below the surface — by dropping 120 old automobile bodies, tied in b ndles of ve, from bar es. Rich eld wasn’t the rst n , reef-builders from the Department of Fish and ame sank a to bodies in aradise Cove near Malibu and six wooden streetcars off the coast by Redondo each.

Rich eld was pro d eno h of its a to reef to make it the subject of full-page magazine ads. An ad in Forbes touted the oil company’s commitment to “conservation of our natural resources through the multiple use of its properties.”

Where California ends

California tried to get multiple uses out of Rincon Island, too. Federal law gave the state jurisdiction over natural resources within three miles of the coastline. In the U.S. Supreme Court, California argued that the coastline by Mussel Shoals sho ld be de ned as Rincon sland rather than the nat ral shoreline in effect, treatin the arti cial island as coastline and pushing the state’s boundary about half a mile seaward. This would have given the state a modest but potentially valuable extension of its territorial waters for resource rights. (The state made the same ar ment concernin piers.

The Supreme Court rejected the argument. In United States v. California in 1980, the Court said Rincon Island is neither a natural feature nor a manmade structure treated as the e ivalent, s ch as etties and harbor works. An island sometimes establishes territorial boundaries, the o rt said b t not an arti cial island.

Shutdown and cleanup

By then, public attitudes had changed. After the Santa Barbara oil spill of 1969, oil companies stopped bragging about d mpin old cars into the aci c.

Rich eld’s s ccessor, R , sold its Rincon Island lease interests to Norris Oil of Ventura in 1982. When a Norris employee dumped petroleum waste from the island into the ocean in 1984, he ot ned and sentenced to perform community service, and the case got into the newspapers. Even this modest prosecution might not have happened 20 years earlier. Re lators s bse ently bro ht

FORBES

he it as lete i i sla r vi e a i eal habitat r ari e li e ra ati ally i reasi the sh lati a the i h el il r . as ’t e yet. the a y r e a t bile b ies by the isla t reate a ree r sh a bli servi e it b aste ab t i ll a e a a i e a s later that year.

more enforcement actions.

Rincon Island’s last lessee, Rincon sland imited artnership a s bsidiary of reka ner y orp. , stopped producing oil and gas at the island in 2008, surrendered its lease interests to the state in , and then ot li idated witho t havin f l lled the lease re irement to plug the wells. The California State Lands ommission staff calls the company’s action a “desertion.”

The Lands Commission assumed responsibility for Rincon sland. artly for the sake of marine life, the commission rejected the option of removing the island and restoring the area to its natural state.

It also opted against dismantling the causeway and turning the island into a marine sanctuary. Instead, the state will keep the island and causeway as now con red, with wells pl ed, b ildin s removed, and soil decontaminated.

What’s to become of Rincon Island after that? The Lands Commission hasn’t decided. ccordin to its website, it “welcomes ideas and applications.”

Stephen Bates is coauthor (with Vince Burns) of a pictorial history of Rincon Point, which is available at the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History and elsewhere.

Halos& Pitchforks

Santa

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The 1100 lot not was possearch located, meth. violations. contacted as off by a probashowed container felon pepper in the wanted ownership 4100 vehicle reported to Department. A was stolen, by the on the only a actual pulled the car, motel they, cited for meth and investigation will obtained Palm regisviolation at his

A reader sends a halo to Ryan Moore for bringing dirt back to Carpinteria.

A reader sends a halo to Vinnie the crossing guard at Canalino Elementary school. “Helpful, professional and quietly does a quality job every sin le school day. arents, st dents and nei hbors appreciate you. Thank you!”

A reader sends a halo to Burlene for making the Carpinteria Lumberyard Nursery area a joy to visit. “Her outgoing personality (Southern style), friendly conversation and plant knowledge make it a pleasure to visit and shop.”

A reader sends a halo to the generous person for paying for the reader’s gas when she forgot her ATM card at the gas station. “I’m sorry I chose the most expensive oil, I’d love to reimburse you, and thank you. I’m deeply moved by your generosity.”

A reader sends a halo to those who follow the basic principle of being in nature “... leave no trace.”

A reader sends a halo to Sean and Dayna for being wonderful neighbors and helping the reader through another frazzled mom situation.

A reader sends a halo to the 93013 Fund, Uncle Chen Restaurant and Marybeth Carty for the surprise delivery of a delicious dinner complete with a fortune cookie, candy bar and painted rock. “Wonderful kindness and quite a thrill!”

A reader sends a halo to the anonymous person who left a $100 donation in the of arpinteria office mail slot this past week. Thank you for your kindness.

A reader sends a halo to the staff of Jack’s Bistro for staying open during Covid-19. “Always a smile no matter how busy. A great way to start the day.”

A reader sends a halo to the Daykas for always being there to help with anything and never complaining. “Many thanks to the best neighbors ever. We love you all dearly.”

A reader sends a halo to Coach Van Latham for carrying us through another successful R ssell p nvitational track meet. “ t was the th R ssell p for arpinteria and the st that oach atham has or ani ed. e are fort nate to have a coach so deeply dedicated to arpinteria and its sportin traditions. Thank yo , oach atham o r comm nity, yo r athletes, and the hi h schools that attended this year appreciate the co ntless ho rs and committed effort yo invest to keep this tradition oin .”

A reader sends a halo to Mayor Wade Nomura for the city’s beautiful flower wreath at the Carpinteria Cemetery for the Memorial Day program.

A reader sends a halo to Code Enforcement Officer David Hernandez who works hard to keep our city clean and comfortable.“Thank you!”

A reader sends a halo to Tami and John at Robitaille’s for their constant smiles and over-the-top customer service. The wedding favors were loved by all and brought a bit of Carpinteria to the Seattle wedding!”

A reader sends a halo to those who acknowledge people with disabilities. “When you encounter a person in a wheelchair or walking with a walker, please smile and say hello to that person.”

A reader sends a halo to all those who supported the Carpinteria High School FFA Spring BBQ. “It was a great success!”

A reader sends a halo to Lance Lawhon at the Carpinteria Sanitation District for helping Kim’s Market.

A reader sends a halo to the Carpinteria Beautiful lady picking up trash in a neighborhood near the beach. “Thank you! We need all the help we can get keeping trash picked up in the neighborhoods on the beach-side of the tracks.”

A reader sends a halo to Kassandra Quintero at The Spot. hen the roof-top flag was twisted and lodged in the rain gutter, Quintero jumped into action and climbed up to the roof and untangled it so that it could wave freely. Way to show patriotism!”

A reader sends a halo to the Canzelle Alpaca Farm. “ ow hat a reat visit my wife and had hat a reat to r and informative time we en oyed. ch bea tif l animals and the staff was o tstandin o there, yo won’t be disappointed.”

A reader sends a halo to Mr. Ortega for being a great teacher and being really nice.

A reader sends a halo to Carpinterians who put out boxes in front of their homes full of surplus oranges, avocados, etc. from their trees. “Thank you for sharing your abundance.”

A reader sends a halo to Emma and Justin. “It was a wonderful wedding, great food, spectacular location and great people! It was moving and wonderful.”

A reader sends a halo to the Vedanta Temple for providin an e cellent l nch for the less fortunate in town. Also, to regulars Carol Nichols and Fon Ha.

A reader sends a halo to Nikki at AT ulinary. went to my first class this weekend with my sister, who has been to four so far. I had the best time! Someone get this girl a T show she should be on the ood Network already.

A reader sends a halo to all the beach community residents. “Thank you for parking in front of your home with your permit.”

A reader sends a halo to Ryan of the city of Carpinteria’s Public Works Department for bein so professional and friendly to the citi ens he helps.

A reader sends a halo to Diana, a caregiver at Carpinteria Senior Lodge for nearly three years.

A reader sends a halo to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the local vet for working diligently to save the Rincon Beach bear. “It’s a terrible shame to lose one of these magnificent creatures however wouldn’t want it to suffer to a miserable death.”

A reader sends a halo to the Carpinteria Community Pool staff and lap swimmers for last Thursday’s rescue. “A mama duck and her tiny ducklings settled into the pool naware of the dan er of the pool ltration tters. few min tes of terror, but a happy ending for all.”

A reader sends a halo to Tom Sweeney for going out on Elm Avenue by the beach to clean up plastic bottles, bags, dirty gloves and masks.

A reader sends a halo to everyone who supported the Playa Del Sur 4-H this year. The members are looking forward to another successful year.

A reader sends a halo to Valerie the new volunteer at the riends of the ibrary Bookstore, for cleaning and reorganizing the self-help section.

A reader sends a pitchfork to the parents who bring their children to inden are and don’t s pervise them. “ f yo r kids are rippin up plants, launching pillows and quite literally drawing on the walls, it might be time for an appearance from the adults in charge. We’d all love to en oy the space witho t dod in yin c shions. lease keep yo r kids s pervised and nder control in p blic spaces, everyone will have a better time.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the new neighbor who has two small dogs that bark all day for ho rs. “ o sho ldn’t have do s if yo don’t tend to them. They are st being dogs.”

A reader sends a halo to Desiree the new masseuse at The ym Next oor. She could have coasted through it, but she worked really hard to relieve my back pain. I never experienced such a great massage.”

A reader sends a halo to whoever left a sign telling people to pick up their dog-waste bags and stop leaving them on Casitas Pass Road.

A reader sends a pitchfork to their landlords for not allowing tenants one day to remove belon in s after years of loyalty.

A reader sends a pitchfork to the driver of a black Lexus SUV who apparently thinks the stop si n on the corner of th and inden is a s estion not a le ally mandated re irement. “They almost ran me over.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to whoever has been leaving bags of dog waste on the ground along Casitas Pass Road. “Yes, it’s frustrating that the trash cans are gone, but is that really your best way of handling the situation?”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the girl on the e-bike, who came speeding up on the left and passed as the reader was about to turn left. “Thankfully I saw her and stopped. What will it take to implement meaningful consequences for reckless riding, someone dying?”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the person who hit the reader’s pickup in front of the reader’s house and didn’t stop. “Shame on you, and I hope you have karma insurance.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the bicycle events on oothill oad. urposely hosting huge rides that take up the whole road is irresponsible. There are countless bike lanes that were put in with our tax dollars to avoid this problem.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the owners of a local restaurant who have not acted on re ests from staff to the leakin bathroom fa cet “The water r ns f ll The handles only stop the water when in the mid-way position, yet the handles move farther back, lettin the water ow.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the lifeguards braiding hair while swimmers are in the pool. “Not professional!”

A reader sends a pitchfork to motorists, car clubs and motorcycle clubs. “The is not a raceway, not to mention how dan ero s it is to be racin where residents live lease nd a racetrack to race. here is law enforcement when this is oin on ”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the employees of the newer businesses on the Carpinteria Bluffs. earn to share the bike walking path with locals There will be four to five of you walking together and not a single one will scoot over just a tad to let a local pass through?”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the city of Carpinteria. “Now that the fancy street repairs are nished at the corner of inden and arpinteria aven es, how abo t repairing streets like Sterling, Sawyer and El Carro (in front of St. Joseph’s Church)? It is embarrassing to see the condition of our city streets.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the Linden planters. “All the mushrooms growing there indicate too much water. Nice weed farm.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to those responsible for all the toilet paper and tissues all over ranklin Trail. “ ross f yo have to o, pack o t yo r trash.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to a restaurant owner for parking his vehicle in the spots right out front of his establishment. “Shouldn’t he leave those parking spots available for his paying customers?”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the officer who, on the corner of awyer and inden, at p.m., decided it was pr dent to leave their vehicle blockin the whole west bo nd lane of inden while standin over a seated minor and his bicycle.

A reader sends a pitchfork to the City of Carpinteria for letting the bluffs turn into an ever-increasing dirt parking lot. That is not what the bluffs were purchased for. Post No Parking signs immediately!”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the new parking zones. “All the “no parking/two hour” signs just made people park in my neighborhood. Seventh and the neighboring streets are a packed parking lot.”

A reader sends a halo to Bill and Rosana Swing for spending their Saturday taking photos for Junior arriors ootball. e appreciate all you do for our families players and program. You rock!”

A reader sends a halo to all the volunteers who made the th R ssell p a reat s ccess. “ e co ldn’t have done it witho t yo r tremendo s s pport.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to all morning drivers in front of Aliso School. “The principal has asked m ltiple times to not se the teacher parkin lot as drop off and to drive safely. ids have almost otten ran over from parents doin ille al t rns to get to the school. Unacceptable. Ridiculous.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the sheriff’s deputy using his radar gun the other morning in front of city hall. “Why don’t you go by one of the schools and catch all the speeders there in morning, and keep our children safe while walking to school.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to those who lied on their FAFSA and took scholarships away from kids who need it.

A reader sends a halo to DJ Hecktic for coming out early Saturday morning to support the Junior Warriors. “It made the kids so happy to hear you say their names—you’re a local celebrity to them!”

A reader sends a halo to Gianfranco’s Trattoria on inden for, in addition to incredibly delicio s food, havin the cleanest bathroom of all the resta rants the reader has visited in arpinteria and anta arbara, or anywhere. “ s ally ietly clean doors by the knob, mirrors, dust, to help out.There was nothing that was needed. I complimented o r waiter, who said they all take pride in bein clean everywhere ”

Submit Halos & Pitchforks online at coastalview.com. All submissions are subject to editing.

A reader sends a halo to Diana Rigby, Superintendent of schools, and Debra Herrick director of Boys irls lub for removing the toxic uphorbia fire sticks from the pots and landscape.

A reader sends a halo to Zookers Meat and Seafood Shoppe. “Thank yo for providin ality seafood and meat to o r comm nity. The variety yo offer is o tstandin and every week yo spoil s with yo r creative chef talents. o are an asset to Carpinteria.”

2:37 a.m. / Public Intoxication / Bailard Avenue

A reader sends a pitchfork to a local storage company. “Why are units being used for industrial purposes when it is a storage facility? This industrial noise is disturbing residents.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to themself. “ have st reali ed the cannabis rows are in the county not the city.”

Two men were contacted in a parked truck and both were extremely intoxicated with open containers of alcohol observed in the vehicle. One man was not being the most cooperative, but once he was convinced to exit the vehicle, a pat down search of his person was conducted. Deputies located a collapsible baton in the man’s front waistband. He was cited and both were released to a sober friend.

Friday, May 22

5285 Carpinteria Avenue • 805-318-55O6 Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm • Sun: 10am-4pm

he found a small baggie containing a white powdery substance underneath the driver’s seat of his recently purchased vehicle. The man stated he purchased the vehicle three weeks ago but didn’t find the small baggie until he’d removed the driver’s seat to fix the reclining mechanism. The incident was documented, and the baggie was booked into Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office property for destruction.

Saturday, May 23

CAR • PET • ERIA

5:49 a.m. / Domestic Violence / 4100 block Via Real

Meet Chiquito, the big-hearted

ON THE ROAD

Meet Chiquito — a sweet, easygoing pup with a heart as big as his smile.

7:41 a.m. / Theft / 5500 block Calle Arena

Deputies responded after a woman reported her residence was burglarized the prior night. The woman stated a cartoon of almond milk and tools were taken from her garage. She told the reporting deputy that the tools belonged to her daughter’s boyfriend. The deputy attempted to contact the man via telephone multiple times with no response. The woman stated her garage door was unlocked during the night and is in the process of getting a new lock. She did not have any suspect information at the time. The incident was documented, and patrol will follow-up for further details of the stolen items.

Deputies responded to a motel on Via Real for a report of a domestic violence incident. Upon arrival, a deputy contacted a man and woman in the parking lot. After contacting both subjects, there were visible injuries on both parties. Due to conflicting statements regarding their mutual altercation and obvious injuries, both parties were arrested for corporal injury on a spouse.

While his exact breed is a bit of a mystery, shelter staff s spect this lovable boy may be a “ it- sky” mi . hatever his linea e, hiito seems to have skipped some of the more challenging husky traits — instead showing off a calm, laid-back personality that makes him a joy to be around.

License / displayrecords was suspended. The man was cited, and his vehicle was released to a licensed driver.

10:36 a.m. / Hit and Run / Cameo and Casitas Pass roads

Though he’s only been at the shelter a few weeks, hi ito has already impressed staff and vol nteers d rin several day trips. The reviews are consistent “laid back,” “c ddly,” “calm while waiting,” “great on walks” and “excellent in the car.” He’s also comfortable in his kennel and doesn’t appear stressed in the shelter environment.

One of his most endearing habits? Rolling happily in the grass — or sand — and offerin his belly for scratches.

Deputies responded to a report a of a black sedan crashing into a parked water truck. While en route, it was also reported the male subject driving the sedan fled the scene on foot. Upon arrival, deputies observed the sedan abandoned in the middle Cameo Road with major damage to the front right passenger wheel

hi ito is ready to brin his rela ed, affectionate nat re to a forever home.

2:07 p.m. / Found Drugs / 6000 block Jacaranda Way

To learn more or arran e a visit, email sbcasso thfostercoordinator mail. com or text (805) 699-0975. You can also meet Chiquito at Santa Barbara County nimal ervices, verpass Road in oleta.

A man was contacted after reporting

CVN communes with feathered friends in the Caribbean

isa ravit and red Shaw took the Coastal View News alon for an -ni ht cruise through the Panama Canal and the Caribbean, stopping in Cartagena, Colombia. During the trip, they visited a bird sanctuary and snapped this picture of Coastal View News among the peacocks, flamingos and macaws.

GOING ON THE ROAD?

Snap a photo with your Coastal View News in hand and email it to news@coastalview.com. Tell us about your trip!

APRIL 23, 2026

Warriors roll out welcome mat for Russell Cup

Carpinteria

BY RYAN CRUZ

Each spring, Carpinteria’s track and field program welcomes hundreds of athletes from across the state to compete in the annual Russell Cup, a tradition dating back to 1913.

This year marked the 106th edition of the Russell Cup, as more than 40 schools converged at Carpinteria Valley Memorial Stadium on April 18 for a sunny day full of competition, with the Warriors athletes earning medals and setting multiple records along the way.

The arpinteria irls track and eld squad ended as the overall champions, takin the rst-place title over anta ne by a slim margin of two points, 62-60. The younger Warriors girls athletes did just as well, taking the freshman-sophomore categories by a combined score of 142-47 over second-place anta ne .

Carpinteria’s varsity girls managed to win the title — and set new records — despite the lack of wins in winning individual events. The Warriors 4x100 relay s ad of sla oore, iarys ome , Vivian Huskins and Kaydance Gardner nished second at the R ssell p b t broke their own school record with a new all-time best time of 50.13 seconds.

Huskins, a senior sprinter who holds multiple school records now, also broke her previous record in the 200-meter dash with a new CHS all-time best time of 25.74 seconds. skins nished in fo rth place in both the 100- and 200-meter sprints at the Russell Cup.

Gardner earned second place in the girls 400-meter race, setting a new personal record of 1:01.17; Gardner was also part of the second-place 4x400 relay team that ran its fastest time of the season at 4:14.50. nior y cott, who ran with the 4x400 relay team, also earned a second-place medal with a new personal best in the girls 300-meter hurdles. Scott came just behind first-place winner Elsabet Schlobohm of Providence.

Carpinteria senior Leighla Richter set a new personal record and earned a medal with a fo rth-place nish in the girls 100-meter hurdles, and the Warriors girls also earned a third-place medal in the newly introduced 4x800 relay event. The 4x800 relay is a new CIF event and this was the rst time it was r n at the Russell Cup.

hosted hundreds of athletes for the 106th annual Russell Cup

The boys competition was highly contested, with Nipomo coming away as the varsity champions with 82 points. ordhoff came in second place with points, while Carpinteria’s boys team came in 13th place overall with 21 points.

Senior Jeremy Haines was the sole medalist for the boys, with a fourth-place nish in the pole va lt. enior li ere nearly earned a medal with a fth-place nish in the shot p t, with a new personal best throw of 43’1’’.

nior a oto nished fth in the boys 3200-meter race, while the boys 4x100 relay team of Cesar Jaime, Jeshua Magana, Isaac Neri and Owen Reeves also came away with a fth-place nish.

“It was a great day for Carpinteria,” said Carpinteria Coach Van Latham. “The Warriors always rise to the occasion on Russell Cup day. We had numerous personal record performances and brought home quite a few medals in addition to the team trophies. The meet was a great success. I would like to thank all the great volunteers who made for another outstanding meet.”

SHORT STOPS

BY RYAN P. CRUZ

Sophomore Jonah Hernandez picked up a win with a complete game effort against Santa Paula.

ar i teria baseball battles rst la e a ta

Paula

Carpinteria baseball split two games in a series against the Citrus Coast League leader anta a la, with the arriors fallin in the rst ame on the road on pril before pickin p a reven e win at home on pril .

n the rst ame on pril , the rst-place ardinals were propped p by the pitchin effort of anta a la sophomore saak edina, who pitched a no-hitter with strikeo ts alon the way.

Carpinteria senior pitcher Dallas Bartholic managed a solid game for the Warriors, limitin anta a la to three r ns thro h m ch of the ame. The ardinals event ally p lled away to take the win by a nal score of - .

“The ardinals are ood,” arpinteria coach at ooney said. “They play catch and pitch really well. n offense, they take advanta e of every sin le thin that they are iven. t’s the reason that they are in rst place.”

Two days later, the arriors had a chance to aven e the loss with an pset over the top-seeded ardinals. n this second and nal ame of the series, arpinteria recovered from an early de cit to come back and take the win by a score of - . anta a la took the lead with two r ns in the top of the rst innin , b t arpinteria responded with a rally in the bottom of the third. enior harlotte ooney ot the offense oin with a leadoff sin le before she was bro ht in to score by sophomore onah ernande ernande went on to score the tyin r n when artholic cracked an R sin le to lock the ame at - . arpinteria fo nd more offense in the fo rth innin , when senior abe artine reached base on an in eld sin le before stealin second, makin it to third on a wild pitch, and scorin the ame-leadin r n off a throwin error.

The arriors added an ins rance r n later the same innin as senior am edel reached on a walk and ernande knocked a two-o t base hit to ri ht eld to brin edel in to score and ive arpinteria a - lead. ernande , who nished with three hits and bro ht in two of the team’s fo r r ns, also earned the win as a pitcher with a complete ame effort. The sophomore slin er str ck o t three anta a la batters and limited the rst-place ardinals to fo r hits in the victory.

“ t was a ood hi h school baseball ame. e had bad l ck in the rst innin b t nobody panicked and moment m shifted,” coach ooney said. “ onah was fantastic. e was ahead of the hitters and very e cient t takes a lot of little pieces to o well for the nderdo to win a ame like that. very sin le person between the lines and o tside the lines ets to share in a f n res lt.” arpinteria is now - overall and - a ainst lea e opponents. The arriors will contin e with another lea e series a ainst the alib harks this week.

Warriors volleyball wins four straight arpinteria boys volleyball is on a fo r- ame win streak after pickin p wins a ainst hannel slands, ordhoff, abrillo and illmore.

The arriors win streak be an with a - win on the road at hannel slands on pril . n this match, arpinteria fo ht thro h the noise of a lo d ym and picked p the rst set - . hannel slands came back to win the second set - , before the arriors recovered to win two strai ht - , - to take the match victory by a nal tally of - . The ne t day, the arriors picked p another win with a similar - victory at home a ainst ordhoff. n this match, the Ran ers picked p a win in the rst set before the arriors roared back with three strai ht to take the match. arpinteria was led by lan aya with di s, assists and nine kills. ole Rowbottom contrib ted nine kills, while Rafael int ra had an impressive all aro nd performance with di s, seven kills and fo r service aces.

The arriors kept the winnin moment m in a at rday evenin road ame at abrillo of ompoc on pril , where arpinteria won another - nal. n this match, the arriors picked p wins in the rst, second and fo rth sets. arpinteria made it fo r strai ht with a home win a ainst illmore on pril . This win was a three-set sweep, with the arriors advancin to an - record a ainst itr s oast ea e opponents this season.

Warriors swimmers continue busy stretch

arpinteria’s boys and irls swim teams took on several meets this week, with stron performances in a sweep a ainst illmore on pril and split res lts in a non-lea e meet a ainst Tho sand aks on pril .

The arriors boys and irls teams both won in a d al meet at illmore on pril , with the boys sailin thro h to a combined - victory while the irls team followed p with an - win.

The boys team was led by seniors ake hlers and ky orlin , who both picked p do ble individ al wins. hlers won both the -yard freestyle and backstroke, and orlin nished rst in the -yard freestyle and -yard b tter y. arpinteria also ot individ al wins from ke Donah e in the -yard free, hris Reed in the -yard individ al medley, yatt itterle in the -yard freestyle and tefano iccoletti in the -yard breaststroke.

n the irls side, the arriors were led by do ble winners y cott - and -yard freestyle and ane a er -yard freestyle and -yard backstroke . arpinteria also ot wins from a el D r in the -yard b tter y, lari lackman in the -yard breaststroke and adison ee in the -yard individ al medley.

The arriors had mi ed res lts in a non-lea e meet a ainst Tho sand aks on pril . n this meet, the irls lost to the ancers - while the arriors boys picked p a narrow team win by a nal score of - . hlers was the difference in the nal meet res lts, with the senior co-captain takin the win in the nal -yard freestyle swim to win the event and the meet for the arriors boys. hlers also to ched rst in the boys -yard freestyle.

arpinteria’s irls were led by cott, with wins in the - and -yard freestyle races.

“ ’m pro d of the performances by the athletes today, they showed a lot of heart,” said arpinteria coach on ts ki. “ r swimmers contin e to improve each meet, and that pro ress remains o r foc s oin forward.”

arpinteria will look to nish the re lar season with a enior Day meet a ainst hannel slands this week, d rin which the arriors will celebrate the team’s ve seniors hlers, orlin , Taison ee, assimo onilla- akosek and icah mith.

h rris hi h ves tea ates be re a lea e at h.

Carpinteria boys tennis makes playoff push

arriors boys tennis s ffered two non-lea e losses in the past week, b t arpinteria picked p a win over itr s oast ea e opponent eneme on pril , keepin the arriors in the h nt for a lea e title and playoff appearance.

arpinteria had an phill battle, both literally and ratively, as the arriors traveled p to ate chool’s camp s to face the ndefeated Rams tennis team the defendin champions in a crosstown rivalry battle on pril .

The arriors mana ed two wins a ainst the loaded ate team, with arpinteria’s sin les specialist dwin ernande winnin two o t of three sin les sets a ainst the Rams. These were the sole points for the arriors in a - nal score.

The arriors were ea er to recover in a lea e match a ainst eneme two days later on pril . eadin into this match, arpinteria had s ffered three strai ht losses, facing some of the toughest opponents in the region in Santa Barbara, Dos eblos and ate.

arpinteria ot back into rhythm a ainst eneme, pickin p a m ch needed win by a nal score of - .

The Warriors picked up eight out of nine sets in doubles, with the duos of Servando Campuzano with Ethan Almgren and John Morrison with Tiago El-Aaidi leading the charge with three-set sweeps. n sin les, ernande and amran Dadvar both nished - to help the arriors claim the match win. ith the win, the arriors advanced to - a ainst itr s oast League opponents, with two more league matches left in the regular season. arpinteria s ffered a loss in its ne t match, a non-lea e home match a ainst imi alley on pril . The arriors were tied with imi alley thro h the rst ro nd, b t the ioneers p lled away to take the match by a nal of - .

“Overall, it was a good team for us to play as we hit the home stretch of the season,” said Carpinteria coach Charles Bryant. “Simi Valley is a solid team and well coached, b t was happy with how we competed and am lookin forward to o r nal itr s oast ea e matches. e still have a chance for rst place b t need to p ll o t both of our matches to do so.”

Cate Rams roundup

ate boys tennis kept its perfect record intact with a - victory over crosstown rival arpinteria on pril . ith the win, the Rams advanced to - in the season, with st one more match left on the sched le before the playoffs.

The Rams are lookin to defend their title this year, and ate has been led by a deep roster of players, including singles specialist Kakeru Hirofuji and doubles duos James He with Kenny Wang and Kaden Greene with Kendrick Suen.

Cate’s tennis standouts competed at the Tri-Valley Championships, hosted at the Rams’ home co rt on pril .

irof i earned second place, fallin in the nals to lea e champion Drew Railey of t. onavent re. ate’s do bles d os played well in the nals, with e and Wang earning the league championship, while the duo of Green and Suen won in the third-place match.

ON DECK

Thursday, April 23

Carpinteria Boys Tennis at Malibu, 3 p.m.

Carpinteria Softball at Channel Islands, 3:30 p.m.

Friday, April 24

Carpinteria Boys Tennis at Malibu, 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 25

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Carpinteria Track & Field at County Championships (Righetti), 8:30 a.m.

*Denotes Home Game

What’s new at the harbor seal rookery?

This report covers pril , CVN’s Seal Watch weekly report, written by Seal Watch volunteers, covers activities at the arbor eal Rookery. everal eal atch vol nteers are winter visitors and will soon depart for other states, so please consider joining Seal Watch for the remainder of the pupping season through May. The group can be reached at carpsealwatch mail.com or at - . The rookery is located immediately east of asitas ier, between arpinteria l ffs at re reserve and arpinteria tate each. There is no vehicle access from D mp Road.

HIGH ADULT COUNT 130 AVERAGE COUNT (APPROX.) 55

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES

Several grey whales have passed the lookout on their spring northern migration. rey whales mi rate abo t , miles ann ally from laska to a a alifornia. These whales wei h abo t - tons and may reach feet in len th. They are baleen feeders, lterin h e antities of water and sediment to cons me small crustaceans. Watch for their spouts into May.

VISITORS

ol nteers co nted , , incl din people from weden, anada, rance, pain, nited in dom, apan, kraine, the etherlands, Denmark, R ssia, r entina, awaii, llinois, ri ona, Te as, ashin ton, olorado, lorida, est ir inia, ew York, Wisconsin, Utah, Tennessee, South Carolina, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Oregon and Washington D.C.

DISTURBANCES

each r nners ca sed a ma or sh, and a balloon movin erratically is s spected of keepin a n mber of seals off the beach. alloons are a threat to many species from entanglement and ingestion of the attractive colorful fragments. They are the number one cause of seabird deaths from marine debris.

MORE INFORMATION

Please consider honoring the Marine Mammal Protection Act by not walking the sanctuary beach all year. Do not bring dogs, bicycles or loud voices to view the seals. arbor seals, when dist rbed, may ee and become separated from their pups. Volunteers ask that dogs always remain outside the rope area.

Carpinteria Seal Watch volunteers monitor our local seal rookery. More volunteers are always needed. Contact Seal Watch at carpsealwatch@gmail.com or all i y ’ li e t hel

Mavericks Dribble Drive raises $15,000

More than 100 players from the Mavericks youth basketball program dribbled their way across town as part of the annual Dribble Drive fundraiser to support scholarships for young athletes in the program.

Mavericks Program Director Ryan Reed said this year’s fundraiser brought in over $15,000 for the program, which is run with an all-volunteer coaching staff. The Dribble Drive has become a springtime tradition in Carpinteria, with players taking the streets and bouncing their way from Carpinteria High School

over the Linden bridge towards downtown and eventually to the beach, where the players participate in a fun free-throw shooting contest.

This year’s free-throw champion was Lukas Archuleta, a high school athlete who made 589 free throws within the two-hour window.

“Mavericks wanted to give a special thank you to the hundreds of people that donated, supported and cheered on the teams for the event,” Reed said. “Thank You Carpinteria! Go Mavericks!”

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