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State of Community: Economic rebound spurs optimism
This week’s listings on the back page
Flower power
By PeTer DUGré
The economy never roared back to life, but its vital signs are finally restored. At the Carpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce State of the Community Breakfast on April 29, community leaders forecast an array of public and private projects from bridges to hotels at a scale that will alter the look of Carpinteria in the near future. Many agreed that the challenge is striking a balance between business investment in the city and the goal of retaining the essential character of Carpinteria. Addressing the prospect of new development in Carpinteria as business investors begin to see opportunities in a rebounded economy, Mayor Brad Stein said, “When a company comes in, we’re not just a place to invest your money and build here.” He continued, “We know you can make money here, but how will the community as a whole benefit?” He said one of the city’s roles is to evaluate development plans with that question in mind. In addition to the Linden-Casitas Interchange Project, which will replace both the Linden Avenue and Casitas Pass Road freeway overpasses as well as punch Via Real through from Highway 150 to Casitas Pass Road, many other public works projects are slated to begin within a handful of years. The city hopes to install paths connecting Santa Claus Lane and Rincon Point to Carpinteria, and it must decide how to develop the newly acquired railroad property near the train station. Private development projects mentioned at the meeting by a combination of Stein and fellow presenter City Manager Dave Durflinger included four hotels in varying stages of planning. Developers are hoping to build two hotels on 4110 Via Real and two more at the Thunderbowl property at the eastern end of the Carpinteria Bluffs. Also, a new mixed-use building is approved at the corner of Holly and Carpinteria avenues. Durflinger, who has grappled with balancing the city’s budget in lean years, said currently there’s “a great capacity for growth in the community,” but also, “It’s a balancing act to keep what’s great about Carpinteria while taking advantage of opportunities.” one of the greatest challenges facing the city is aging infrastructure, Durflinger commented. He said, “This city grew up in the ’60s and ’70s really, and a lot of this subdivision ... curbs, gutters, sidewalks, street trees, all of that is aging together and is getting to the point where it needs to be rebuilt. We need to invest a lot more than we’ve been able to invest historically.” He commented that the issue is not unique to city facilities, as both the fire and school districts have been seeking
COMMUNITY continued on page 10
Boyd
Carpinteria City Council members are greeted with a “flower mob” by the Santa Barbara Public Gardens Partnership during their April 28 meeting. The mobsters, who played “Build Me Up Buttercup” while they distributed flowers to all meeting attendees, were there to draw attention to May as public gardens appreciation month.
Fulfilling needs
Carpinteria seniors find compassion through lunch program By KATeri Wozny
Every day at lunchtime, Carpinteria resident Gonzano Soto, a fixed income senior, comes to eat his healthy meal at the Veterans Hall and see some familiar smiling faces. “I have been coming for the past three years because I need to eat,” he said. “The staff here is nice, and I have also made many friends who are going through the same things I am.” Soto, 79, is just one of 20 senior residents who participate in the Healthy Senior Lunch Program. Launched in the early 1980s, the local program gives seniors over 60 the opportunity to eat Monday through Friday between noon and 12:30 p.m. The Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County helps serve 10 sites and a total of about 1,600 seniors throughout the county. CAC has used the Veterans Hall to help serve meals to Carpinteria seniors for the past 10 years. According to a survey report from the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, the number one need for seniors with the lowest incomes and physical impairments is meals and food.
LUNCHES continued on page 10
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Boyd
Healthy Senior Lunch Program site host Geraldine ortega, standing, chats with regulars Lorenzo and rosie Martinez.