Coastal View News • April 30, 2026

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May Day Strong picnic, food drive planned by Carpinteria Indivisible

A community gathering combining a potluck picnic with a donation drive for local families is set for Friday, May 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Carpinteria State Beach picnic area.

Organized by Carpinteria Indivisible, the May Day Strong event is part of a nationwide day of action recognizing International Workers’ Day. Locally, the focus will be on community connection and mutual aid, with attendees invited to bring food to share and essential household items to donate.

Collected goods will benefit Carpinteria Sin Fronteras, which distributes supplies to families in the Carpinteria Valley impacted by immigration enforcement activity. Organizers say there is a particular need for toiletries and basic household items, including dish soap, sponges, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper and paper towels.

Participants are encouraged to bring friends, along with sunscreen, hats and water for the outdoor gathering. While attendance is free, organizers note that advance registration is optional.

The Carpinteria event is one of many planned across the country as part of the broader May Day Strong effort, which includes marches, rallies and other actions intended to highlight worker solidarity and collective community support.

The event will take place at the Carpinteria State Beach picnic area located at 3228 Sandyland Road.

TEAM WITH EXPERIENCE

More than 30 volunteers with Summerland Beautiful helped clear out more than 20 bags of trash from the city on April 18.

Summerland Beautiful cleans up Summerland for Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, Summerland Beautiful organized a Spring Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 18, bringing together more than 30 volunteers to collect trash and beautify Summerland’s streets.

“This was our largest volunteer turnout yet, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” said Summerland Beautiful President D’Arcy Cornwall. “Seeing families, longtime residents and even visitors come together to care for our little town is exactly what Summerland Beautiful is all about.”

olunteers filled over 20 bags and buckets with trash. Heal the Ocean and incon Brewery donated buckets, bags and tools to support the effort, while local businesses — including ed Kettle Coffee, Field Fort and The Point Market — provided refreshments throughout the morning. Summerland resident Cindy Omiya also brought along homemade cookies to share with all who participated.

Santa Cruz Island Foundation announces new executive director

The Santa Cruz Island Foundation (SCIF) has announced Taylor Viens will be stepping in as executive director, taking the reins from Founder Marla Daily after nearly 40 years of service.

“I am delighted to welcome Taylor, a talented and energetic island enthusiast, as incoming executive director of the Santa Cruz Island Foundation,” Daily said in a statement to the SCIF. “Taylor is eager to advance the mission envisioned by the late Carey Stanton, when he founded the organization, to collect, maintain and archive important information and artifacts regarding Santa Cruz Island and the other California islands.”

Viens has spent several years working on the islands and within their surrounding waters, and has also established a rapport with key agencies, educational institutions and private entities whose missions are likewise intertwined with the Channel Islands.

“It is an honor to take the helm of this institution and esteemed collection of art and artifacts and a privilege to share centuries of California history at the Chrisman California Islands Center in Carpinteria,” Viens said in a statement. “I am eager to expand community engagement at the Chrisman California Islands Center, and to raise awareness of the opportunities for education and research afforded by SCIF’s collections and other resources.”

The SCIF Board of Directors has also announced the appointment of Dr. Tim Vail as the foundation’s new president. Vail has several years of experience on the board and comes from one of the original families to own and operate Santa Rosa Island, according to a press release from the SCIF.

Those interested in contacting Viens may reach him at taylor@SCIFoundation.org.

Tim Vail, left, is the Santa Cruz Island oundation’s new president. Taylor iens, right, will become the foundation’s new e ecutive director.

The Carpinteria Community Association Proudly Presents the 67th Annual Award Recipients

Community Awards Banquet

2025 Carpinterian of the Year Dr. Jim Campos

2025 Junior Carpinterian of the Year Valeria Galilea Pulido

“honoring the past, celebrating the present”

2025 Educators of the Year Peter Cotte • Kristy Guerrero

Title Platinum Sponsor

The Bliss Family

Silver Sponsors

Agilent Technologies

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck

Chevron

Lynda Fairly & Richard Finkley

The Surfliner Inn

Outstanding Community Business Carpinteria Valley Lumber and Garden Center

Spotlight on Business Awards Carpinteria Nails

Delgado’s Mexican Restaurant

Bronze Sponsors The Ballat Family Carpinteria Lions Club

Clyde & Diana Freeman

Copper Sponsors

Edward Jones Financial Advisors

Aaron Crocker

Event Partner

Events By Rincon

IN-KIND DONORS

Community Sponsors

Carpinteria Valley Lumber and Garden Center

Carpinteria Valley Tax Professionals

E J Harrison & Sons, Inc

Montecito Bank & Trust

Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning

Santa Barbara Foundation

Two Trumpets Communications

Watch a replay of the Community Awards Banquet online at https://youtu.be/MF9-ScchM68

Backdrop Boutique SB • Coastal View News • Girls Inc. of Carpinteria • Island Brewing Co. Montecito Journal • Larry Nimmer • Rockwell Printing • TV Santa Barbara (TVSB)

Flora and Fauna Contributors: Foothill Nursery • Maximum Nursery • Mobi’s International Myriad Flowers • Ocean Breeze International • PacWest Blooms

California Avocado Festival: Gary Dobbins

California Women for Agriculture: Kathe’ Klock

Carpinteria Beautiful: Mark Hunt

Carpinteria Children’s Project: Bob Berkenmeier

Carpinteria Community Association: Curtis Lopez

Carpinteria Cultural Foundation: Dr. Jimmy Campos

Carpinteria Education Foundation: Terra Stephan

Carpinteria Lions Club: David Hayman

Carpinteria Masonic Lodge #444: Albemar Dumiao

Visit TV Santa Barbara (TVSB) Facebook page for more coverage of the event.

Carpinteria Valley Museum of History: Frank Crowe Carpinteria Woman’s Club: Carol Koch

City of Carpinteria: Reynoldo Cardenas

Girls Inc of Carpinteria: Angelina Lane

HELP of Carpinteria: Neal Bartlett

Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning: Suzie Schneider

Rotary Club of Carpinteria: Jon Everett

supporting the future: junior carpinterian scholarship fund honoring those who make a difference — our merit award recipients

The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center: Alan & Carol Koch

United Boys Club of SB Carpinteria Club: Robin Karlsson

Women Making Change: Teresa Alvarez

The Carpinteria Community Association gratefully thanks the following donors for their generous contributions to the Junior Carpinterian Scholarship Fund. With their support, scholarships were awarded to deserving Carpinteria students to help them continue their educational journeys. JR.

2025 Junior Carpinterian of the Year – Valeria Galilea Pulido Junior Carpinterian Finalists – Crystal Echeverria and Edwin Hernandez

Kevin Baird

Bob Berkenmeier & Janice Sugiyama

Danielle Bordenave

Lori Claridge Bowles

Carpinteria Community Association

Carpinteria Senior Citizens, Inc.

Carpinteria Woman’s Club

Gregg & GeriAnn Carty

CARPINTERIAN SCHOLARSHIP DONORS

Marybeth Carty

Homer & Denise Clements

Tim & Janey Cohen

Beth Cox

Mike & Kathy Dawson / Big Red Crane

Jim & Mary Ann Colson

John Franklin

Drs. Jesus & Theresa Gonzales

Lindal & Karen Graf

Robert Hanrahan

Kathe’ Klock

Roy & Tina Lee

Donna Lemere

Bradley & Emily Miles

Debbie Murphy

Lou & Susie Panizzon

David & Valerie Powdrell

Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning

Bob & Kathi Stokes

Whitt Hollis

Surfliners Scholars

Doug & Donna Treloar

Erick & Lourdes Trigueros

Jim & Pauline Corral

Village Pool Supply, Inc.

Carpinteria Community Association Board of Directors & Community Awards Banquet Committee

Chair: Karen Graf • Community Awards Banquet Committee: Bob Berkenmeier, Lori Claridge-Bowles,

Mary Ann Colson, Beth Cox, Gary Dobbins, Clyde Freeman, Donna Lemere, Curtis Lopez

Artesania para la Familia-Mariachi Estrellas: Barry Enticknap

CITY BEAT

City Council recognizes local Edison Scholar, supports biodiversity conservation

BY JUN STARKEY

The Carpinteria City Council approved two resolutions, one proclamation and a Mayoral Recognition Award for a local Carpinteria High School student at the council’s Monday, April 27 meeting.

Those interested in learning more about the resolutions or proclamation approved at Monday’s meeting may read more in the April 27 agenda for the city council, available at carpinteriaca.portal. civicclerk.com/.

Council supports biodiversity conservation

The first resolution approved at Monday’s meeting involved supporting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience on California’s south central coast. The resolution states that Carpinteria “lies at a biogeographic boundary where northern and southern ecosystems overlap, creating exceptional biodiversity.” It also outlines several areas of significant biodiversity throughout Carpinteria, including the wetlands, the oak woodlands, the kelp forests and intertidal zones.

The resolution directs the council to recognize the ecological significance of the south central coast and affirm its commitment to protecting the ecosystems; support expanding protected areas; commit to integrating biodiversity into the city’s planning, zoning and development; encourage more partnerships with Chumash community members and organizations; and encourage staff

to find funding sources to advance local biodiversity goals.

The resolution was supported at Monday’s meeting by several members of local environmental-focused organizations, including Mike Wondolowski, president of the Carpinteria Valley Association (CVA), Helene Schneider and Steve Windhager with the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Stephanie Diaz with the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and Ted Rhoades with Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs.

“We’re excited the city is formalizing its support for the principles in this resolution, and we strongly encourage that you approve the resolution,” Wondolowski said Monday.

“The resolution aligns with and enhances the goals expressed in the city’s General Plan regarding our beaches, coastal waters, saltmarsh, natural coastal open spaces such as the Carpinteria Bluffs …” Rhodes said.

Council honors 2026 Edison Scholar recipient

The Carpinteria City Council presented a Mayoral Recognition Award to David Ezquivel Belmonte, a Carpinteria High School senior who was selected as a 2026 Edison Scholar, on Monday.

The 2026 Edison Scholar award was given to 30 students nationwide and includes a $50,000 scholarship to help fund the student’s higher education. The award is presented to students who demonstrate exceptional academic

CITY OF CARPINTERIA COASTAL LAND USE PLAN GENERAL PLAN

UPDATE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

The City of Carpinteria is beginning the environmental review for the City’s Coastal Land Use Plan General Plan (CLUP/GP) Update. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City will prepare a Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). Accordingly, the City will start with a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft PEIR next week, followed by a public Scoping Meeting. The key dates are:

NOP Comment Period (30 days): May through June 5, 2026

Public Scoping Meeting: Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. City Hall (5775 Carpinteria Ave) and via Zoom

The NOP comment period is an early opportunity to suggest environmental issues that should be studied. The Scoping Meeting is a chance to learn more, ask questions, and share input in a public setting. Information will also be posted on the project webpage: https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/community-development/planning/general-plan-local-coastal-plan-update/ For more information, call Mindy Fogg, Principal Planner at (805) 755-4408 or email GPUpdate@CarpinteriaCA.gov

achievement, leadership and community commitment.

Belmonte told the Carpinteria City Council that he was surprised when he received the award and said the scholarship will be a “tremendous help” with his higher education, due to him being the first in his family to pursue higher education.

Belmonte said he plans to pursue civil engineering with a focus on designing inclusive public spaces when he attends the University of Southern California.

Congratulating Reynaldo Cardenas for Volunteer of the Month

The second resolution passed at the council’s April 27 meeting was one to congratulate Reynaldo Cardenas for being named the city’s 2025 Volunteer of the Month, for his years of work organizing the city’s annual co-ed summer softball league.

Cardenas was announced as the 2025 Volunteer of the Month back in February. According to the resolution, Cardenas and his family have been involved with the league since the 1980s, and Cardenas has been instrumental in keeping the league accessible, affordable and welcoming for all members.

“Thank you for the opportunity to

serve. I’m going to continue to serve for as long as I can,” Cardenas told the council Monday. “Thank you to my father, brother and the community.”

Carpinteria recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Month

The Carpinteria City Council o cially recognized May 2026 as Mental Health May at its April 27 meeting, adopting the 2026 Mental Health Month theme of “More Good Days, Together.”

Members of HopeNet of Carpinteria and the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness spoke at Monday night’s meeting and accepted the proclamation on behalf of their organizations.

“HopeNet has really tried to advocate for mental health awareness all the time, every day, not just once a month, but we’re very happy to be involved in this event,” said Amrita Salm, president of HopeNet of Carpinteria. Salm reminded council members and attendees that the number for suicide prevention can be reached by calling or texting 988.

“Thank you to HopeNet. You all are a very small but mighty organization, and year after year, you keep reminding not only us but the community about why mental health matters …” Mayor Natalia Alarcon said Monday.

online. community. news.

C o u n t y o f S a n t a B a r b a r a PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

NOTICE OF PENDING APPROVAL OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT

This may affect your property. Please read.

Notice is hereby given that an application for the project described below has been submitted to the Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Department. This project requires the approval and issuance of a Coastal Development Permit by the Planning and Development Department. This may affect your property.

At this time it is not known when the pending approval may occur, however, this may be the only notice you receive for this project. To receive additional information regarding this project, including the date the Coastal Development Permit is approved, and/or to view the application and plans, please contact Henry Wakamiya at 123 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, wakamiyah@countyofsb.org, or by phone at (805) 568-3017

PROPOSAL: 2482 SHELBY LLC SB330 MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT ADDRESS: 2482 SHELBY STREET SUMMERLAND, CA 93067

1ST SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT; THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED IN THE COASTAL ZONE

PERMIT NUMBER: 25CDP-00035; APPLICATION FILED: 06/9/2025

ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER: 005-152-047; ZONING: 10-R-2; PROJECT AREA: 0.23 ACRES

APPLICANT: Justin Klentner

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project is a request for a Coastal Development Permit to allow demolition of the existing Single-Family Dwelling development and construction of Senate Bill 330 Housing Development containing 4-units:

• Unit A: 1,787 SF (net); Unit B: 1,787 SF (net); ADU 1: 1,115 SF (net); ADU 2: 1,115 SF (net)

The project also proposes additional residential development, including two 2-car carports, a 2-car garage, and 2,046 SF landscaping. Grading will include 1,300 cubic yards of cut and 230 cubic yards of fill. Nine trees (4 Pepper, 2 Avocado, 1 Loquat, 1 Citrus, and 1 Fig) are proposed for removal. The parcel will be served by the Montecito Water District, the Summerland Sanitary District, and the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District. Access will be provided off of Golden Gate Avenue and Shelby Street. The property is a 0.23-acre parcel zoned 10-R-2 and shown as Assessor's Parcel Number 005-152-047, located at 2482 Shelby Street in the Summerland Community Plan area, First Supervisorial District.

APPEALS:

The decision of the Planning and Development Department to approve, conditionally approve, or deny this Coastal Development Permit 25CDP-00035 may be appealed to the County Planning Commission by the applicant or an aggrieved person. The appeal must be filed within the 10 calendar days following the date that this Coastal Development Permit is approved. To qualify as an "aggrieved person" the appellant must have, in person or through a representative, informed the Planning and Development Department by appropriate means prior to the decision on the Coastal Development Permit of the nature of their concerns, or, for good cause, was unable to do so

Appeals, with accompanying fee, must be filed with Planning and Development online at https://acaprod.accela.com/sbco/Default.aspx, by 5:00 p.m. within the timeframe identified above. In the event that the last day for filing an appeal falls on a non-business of the County, the appeal may be timely filed on the next business day.

This Permit cannot be appealed to the California Coastal Commission, therefore a fee is required to file an appeal.

For additional information regarding the appeal process, contact Henry Wakamiya.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Information about this project review process may also be viewed at: https://ca-santabarbaracounty.civicplus.pro/1499/Planning-Permit-Process-Flow-Chart Board of Architectural Review agendas may be viewed online at: https://www.countyofsb.org/160/Planning-Development

Writing on the wall: City must increase revenue to balance budget

BY PETER DUGRÉ

Problems can seem to build slowly and then hit all at once. Carpinteria City Manager Michael Ramirez has rung the alarm bell about the di culties looming on the city’s financial horizon practically since taking his position in late 2023. If the city continues with the status quo, it’ll start running out of money in 2028. As the conversation comes to a head, Ramirez has been asking for community support in the quest to fill the hole in the budget.

On paper, the problem looks elementary: The budget is out of whack. Costs have risen faster than revenues. It’s a structural deficit.

Deficit spending, ongoing for two years, cannot continue forever. By the 2027-28 fiscal year, hard-earned savings would have to be spent to pay the bills, and/or the city would be forced to take measures like cutting staff, trimming services and neglecting infrastructure.

Ramirez said the city’s need to raise revenues is where the situation gets tricky. In a private business, if revenue falls short of expenses, you raise prices. With a city, the only way to raise more money is through taxes and fees or development. Voters must approve of raising taxes, and on the topic of development, Carpinteria has been a slow- to no-growth community since the 1990s.

“The city isn’t like a restaurant. You can’t just raise the price on a chicken sandwich when the cost of ingredients goes up. We need voter approval to raise prices,” Ramirez said.

In March, voters rejected fee increases for the landscaping and berm assessment districts that would have generated $1.2 million annually. The assessment districts don’t pay for the services they provide. They siphon money from the city’s general fund. Assessment district rates were established in the 1990s without mechanisms to increase alongside the cost of delivering the services.

Ramirez said that the assessment district scenario — rising costs without revenues to match them — is a microcosm of the larger financial issues the city faces.

“For 30 years, the city has been trying to keep costs as low as possible for the community, and now we can’t bring costs up to where they should be, because it would be shocking,” Ramirez said.

Being a small city, Carpinteria has operated on a lot of agreements that appear like community bro deals that don’t exist in other municipalities. For example, AYSO and Little League don’t pay to use city fields. Free fields keep league fees down, but the city misses out on a standard cost-recovery mechanism: charging to use its fields.

Cost cutting: Public safety reaches 40% of budget

The Carpinteria City Council decided last week to hire a consultant, HdL Companies, who will prepare the city for potentially putting a 0.25% sales tax increase on the November ballot. During the city council discussion on April 13, members of the public commented that the city needs to live within its means.

Councilwoman Julia Mayer addressed the comment with a question: “I agree we need to look to cut expenses, but what do we cut, the sheriff That’s not even an option.”

The cost of the city’s law enforcement contract with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has nearly doubled in the past seven years. In 2019, it was $3.9 million to police Carpinteria. By the 2027-28 fiscal year

City Manager

grapples with how to pay the bills

it is expected to reach $7.5 million.

Inflationary pressures have driven up costs across the board for cities and everyone else, but the sheriff’s contract was about 30% of the city’s overall budget in 2019 and is projected at 41% in FY 2026-27. The city’s largest expense is growing faster than any other part of the budget. Law enforcement costs only go in one direction.

Retaining staff and serving residents

Ramirez said there’s a myth out there that the city is overstaffed and recent hiring has led to bloated operating costs. In reality, he contends, there are too few staff compared to other similar cities. Already, if an employee wants to take a vacation, there’s nobody to fill in.

City sta ng currently stands at about 43 positions. Staff count had hovered around 33 until about 10 years ago. Yes, there are more people now, but the jobs they do come from a combination of bringing contract positions in-house and rearranging how services are delivered, often in a way that is cost neutral.

Ramirez points to street sweeping as a prime example. The city had contracted out street sweeping services but now has its own sweeper vehicle operated inhouse by the Public Works Department. It’s more economical to do it in-house.

Another example is the Carpinteria Community Library, which was formerly operated through the Santa Barbara Public Library System. Since taxpayers approved Measure X in 2018, the library became a city asset and Measure X funds library employees, who are now city employees.

higher, because it’s capped by the state in our region at 9.25%. It’s currently 9%.

The other two primary revenue sources for the city are transient occupancy tax and property tax. TOT is already 15%, among the highest rates in existence, and property tax revenue increases incrementally with home sales setting higher tax valuations and new development adding more taxable units.

Relying on new development to generate revenue can be misleading, because when new homes are developed, population growth occurs and leads to higher costs for the city.

“If you’re totally reliant on development as the only way to keep up with expenses, then you have to keep developing,” Ramirez said.

In the case of lodging development, new hotels generate both property tax and TOT. Currently, there’s an approved 72-room hotel at 4110 Via Real and six new rooms at a mixed-used development at 4745 Carpinteria Ave.

If the resort development had been approved at the Tee Time property, 5885 Carpinteria Ave., the city could have expected about $2 million per year in additional revenue, including bed tax. The current 191-home proposal for the same property would generate about $400,000 in annual property tax.

The Surfliner Inn is a proposed 3room hotel development on Linden Avenue at the Amtrak stop. At the same April 13 City Council meeting, hotel applicant Whitt Hollis said that a UCSB study showed that The Surfliner Inn would generate about $1.8 million per year in city revenue between TOT, sales tax and a land lease agreement for the operation on city property.

Point

of no return

In the Planning & Development Department, additional in-house staff have been added. They were able to finish the city’s Housing Element, when in the past, legal consultants had drafted the Housing Element at a much higher cost.

Ramirez said most of the added positions in the past 10 years have been shifts in how services are provided. With a city the size of Carpinteria, sta ng decisions always weigh whether to hire a new position or fill gaps with contractors. Cost is the primary consideration.

“You could make the strong argument that we need three-to-four more people,” Ramirez said. “We are very lean, and many people wear multiple hats.” In code enforcement, one person performs animal control, code compliance and homeless coordination.

To recruit talent, Carpinteria has to rely on its charm, because the city doesn’t pay as well as nearby competition like the cities of Santa Barbara or Ojai. City employees have to want to be in Carpinteria, because job listings at the city’s pay schedule aren’t incentive enough to attract and keep employees. Combine that with the high local cost of living, and talent retention is an issue. Cutting staff in a way that makes the job harder could backfire in the form of employee attrition and ine ciencies in city services, Ramirez said.

How to make a few million bucks a year?

The above-mentioned 0.25% sales tax increase would generate about $700,000 per year, according to the city’s revenue analysis. Sales tax cannot be raised any

If nothing changes before July 2028, the city will have to cut major programs and staff. Currently, the city is conducting an organizational study that could identify areas where it can save money, but the objective study could just as likely identify sta ng gaps where more employees would improve services. It will also crystallize exactly what kind of budget shortfall Carpinteria is facing.

“It might be painful, but we can’t be like ostriches,” Ramirez said. “We can’t put our heads in the sand.”

In public conversation about what is right or wrong with city services, pavement and potholes are always a focus. It’s almost cliche. Ramirez said that in the current budget situation, the cost of paving is intimidating.

Two years ago, the city spent $6.5 million on a pavement project in part funded by one-time money. A lot more paving is needed, and the potential 0.25% sales tax increase could be leveraged to finance more pavement funds.

In 2022, Goleta passed a sales tax measure, but it wasn’t enough to cover pavement projects. Goleta then passed a $30 million pavement bond and will pay it off with the sales tax revenue. “Even a city like Goleta with Google and tech companies has to get creative with how to pave roads,” Ramirez said.

Zooming out, Ramirez said now is the time to have the conversation to rescue Carpinteria from some worst case financial scenarios.

“The community has to make some trade-offs in some places. We can raise revenues, we can develop some, we can stimulate the economy,” Ramirez said. “The community can decide on a direction and let the city council know, because ultimately the community is the boss.”

CITY OF CARPINTERIA GRAPHIC

The city provided an outline of its revenues and expenditures in the budget brief for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

Rafael Clemente Garibay lll 11/23/1950 – 03/08/2026

Now free from the pain, struggles and uncertainties of this life, our brother Rafael has been called home. Awaiting him, the loving embrace of those who have departed before him. A proud veteran of the USAF, he will be laid to rest near his parents, Rafael Sr. and Guadalupe, and brothers, John and Ernest. At his side, his loving wife, Marlene (Henline). He is survived by his sisters, Rebecca Wilson, Patricia Bickle (Richard) and Julia Garibay (Douglas); and nieces, nephews and cousins of the Dommeyer, Morales and Ortegon families.

Rest in peace, big brother. There will be an Honor Guard ceremony and burial on Sunday, May 3 at noon at Carpinteria Cemetery, 1501 Cravens Lane.

Obituaries

Ann Willene Joiner-Mullins 11/28/1936 – 02/25/2026

Ann Willene Joiner-Mullins, a woman of profound grace, tireless creativity and an unwavering heart for service, passed away on Feb. 25, 2026, at the age of 89. Known to her family as the “constant mother,” Ann’s life was a testament to the power of putting others first and finding joy in the simple, beautiful corners of the world.

A journey of resilience and love

Born at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, to Mary Davis and Ben J. Joiner, Ann’s early years were defined by transition. Due to her father’s career with Swift Company, she lived in 13 different locations across the southern United States in just 12 years. Though changing schools mid-year presented significant challenges, these experiences formed in her a remarkable ability to build bridges and cultivate deep, lasting friendships — skills that would define her entire life.

In her youth, Ann was a vibrant athlete and musician, excelling in volleyball and basketball. It was her spirit on the athletic field that eventually led to the great love of her life. Peter Lake Mullins first saw Ann during a pickup football game; after watching her score a touchdown, he was instantly enamored. The two were married in New Orleans, beginning a 70-year journey of partnership and adventure.

The foundation of family

Beginning in 1957, Ann and Peter’s early marriage was marked by his ROTC obligation to the Air Force, leading them to the Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. As their family grew, they followed Peter’s work opportunities as a rocket engineer to Tennessee and Sacramento. In 1964, he was admitted to Stanford to pursue a PhD in finance and the family moved into married-student housing on campus.

Ann was the devoted mother of three children: Chris, Cheryl and Craig. She was the bedrock of their home, a woman

Teresa “Teddy” Caudillo 01/26/1940 — 04/12/2026

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 was a proud lifelong Carpinterian, born Teresa Pauline in a small house on Holly Avenue on January 26, 1940, to

whose selflessness manifested so prominently that it often seemed she had become unaware of her own desires in her quest to make everyone else happy.

A master of many crafts

In 1967, the family moved to Ohio, where Peter became a professor of finance at Ohio State and Ann embraced the local climate horticulturally by becoming a Master Gardener. She spent countless hours re-landscaping their property in Upper Arlington and working outdoors. Her creativity knew no bounds — she was a gifted seamstress who made everything from down jackets to home décor, and an inventive cook who pioneered numerous “family standard” dishes curated through consumption of piles of magazines, newspapers and varied periodicals. In Ohio, she also played competitive tennis regularly, took up painting, participated in an active social life, refinished antique furniture and built a couple of ships-in-a-bottle! But she often looked forward to a more forgiving climate for outdoor living and for greatly expanded horticultural opportunities.

Ann was also a lifelong seeker of knowledge. She was intensely curious, investigating random subjects and corners of the world out of pure interest. The constant study inspired her, and it often spurred creativity. This happened through photography and videography, ceramics, the landscapes she created, her delicate approach to complexities of friendship or the thousands of handmade cards she sent to family and friends over the years. She viewed the world as an opportunity for artistic expression. She desired to make circumstances around her more beautiful and to inspire others to live grateful lives.

A life of faith and vitality

As her children grew and left home, Ann and Peter expanded their horizons through extensive travel, exploring Europe, South America, New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Hawaii. Among her favorite destinations was the lake region of Northern Italy, especially around Lake Maggiore, where she found both beauty and tranquility.

In 1985, Ann and Peter purchased property in Carpinteria, California. It didn’t take long for them to realize they had found their heaven on Earth, and she set out to remake and optimize every corner of their lovely 4 acres on Shepard Mesa. This house and land were their primary avocations for the rest of their lives. They loved the community they found here and became deeply involved with it.

Here Ann’s deep Christian faith strengthened as the central pillar of

Jess and Lela Franco. She attended local schools, graduating from Carpinteria High in 1957. Teddy married her high school sweetheart, David, in 1959 and together they raised three children, Cathy, Joey and Christopher, of whom she was so proud.

Teddy’s first job was at Carpinteria Laundry as a folder making 15 cents an hour. She retired in 2000 following a long career at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust.

Anyone who knew Teddy well, knew she was a force to be reckoned with — strong, full of energy, feisty and a bit stubborn. She loved sports of all kinds, especially if her family was participating. A passionate Dodger fan, she would arrange her whole day around game time. She also loved being outdoors, finding peace in gardening and in her beautiful mountain view.

Teddy was raised on Eighth Street in a Catholic household. Her faith remained strong throughout her life, sustaining her through life’s challenges.

her life. As a dedicated member of the Carpinteria Family Baptist Church, she served her congregation with joy, regularly sharing her musical talents as the church pianist. Her faith, southern culture and the wounds of her constant moving as a child facilitated motivations to sink deep roots in Carpinteria — probably deeper than anywhere else she ever lived. She experienced fulfillment, peace and reinforced desires to be a blessing to everyone she encountered.

Her home was governed by a policy of radical hospitality; her oft-repeated phrase, “you know you are welcome anytime” was an open invitation that she honored regardless of the chaos it might create. She simply wanted to embrace others as much as she could. When her family might object to some consequence, she would often state, “I just want everyone to be happy.” Everyone cannot be happy all the time of course, but she never stopped trying!

Her fitness discipline persisted throughout life. She began running in her 40s and was a fixture in the neighborhood, running and walking multiple laps around the Mesa every morning. She fell in her kitchen on Christmas afternoon 2025, breaking her right elbow and hip, but even on that morning she had been out for her daily 3 miles. For every one of her 89 years, she was a grateful energetic consumer of life.

Legacy

Ann’s beloved husband, Peter Lake Mullins, predeceased her on March 2, 2025.

Ann and Peter are survived by their three children: Chris (Kathryn) Mullins, Waco, TX; Cheryl Hill (Jim Morrow) Aurora, CO; and Craig (Jennifer Oberg) Mullins, Haiku, Maui; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and cousins. They were preceded in death by their parents, Ann’s brother, Ben J. Joiner II, and cousins.

She will be remembered as a gentle, loving and deeply generous soul. She lived without bitterness, choosing instead to focus on the needs of others and the beauty of the world around her. She was, in every sense, a blessing to those who knew her.

“She simply developed patterns of accommodating everyone else and putting them first ... she was extremely grateful for essentially every part of her life.”

“I just want everyone to be happy.” — Ann Mullins

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Carpinteria Family Baptist Church, 5026 Foothill Road, on Saturday, May 9, at 2 p.m.

The Caudillo home was a family gathering place where Teddy made everyone feel welcome. She had a generous spirit, sharing her delicious cooking and famous breads. Family was her number one passion, and she made everyone feel like family, as any kid in the neighborhood will tell you.

Teddy is survived by David, her husband of 66 years; her children Cathy, Joey (Lisa) and Christopher (Mark); siblings Bob (Elene), Becky (John) and Patty (Vince); five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews to whom she was lovingly known as Aunt Tooney.

Services for Teddy were held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Graveside services followed at Carpinteria Cemetery. We will miss her always.

The family would like to thank Rose Keiser, Liz Granada, Dr. Victoria and Dr. Milani, Cottage Hospital Emergency Department and VNA Health Hospice Care.

It’s been 24 years Tia Libby

LETTERS CVN

“Before we trade away public access for speculative gains, we should look past marketing gloss and ask whether this project really makes sense.”

—Rosie Blue

oes the Surfliner nn

project really make sense

The PR in favor of the proposed Surfliner Inn is certainly interesting. I can’t help but wonder Who exactly is eager for their visiting relatives to sleep next to active train tracks, complete with a crossing bell that rings loudly at all hours That doesn’t sound like hospitality. My own guests stay at the Holiday Inn Express. ou can’t beat peace, quiet and a free breakfast.

Supporters often frame the project as a boost for small businesses. But anyone who has actually run one knows that reliable parking is essential. When access becomes di cult, locals stay away. Meanwhile, increased foot tra c often gets capitalized into higher rents, benefiting landlords more than shop owners and pushing out local businesses.

uiet Carpinteria is local Carpinteria. That’s not a weakness. It is our identity.

This project adds just 3 rooms, a drop in the economic bucket, while placing real strain on public parking and access at the train station. It takes from those who depend on that parking, including commuters, beachgoers and rail users, and reallocates it to a private venture built on the assumption that guests will enjoy one of the noisiest locations in town. The timing could not be worse, as commuter rail service is finally increasing.

At the same time, the oceanfront PlanMember building is for sale. If I were a developer, that would seem like a far more sensible alternative, one that does not compromise public access or strain shared parking. But what do I know I am just a small business owner.

Before we trade away public access for speculative gains, we should look past marketing gloss and ask whether this project really makes sense.

Rosie Blue Carpinteria

More greenwashing

The Farm proposal once again demonstrated how disconnected developers like Paul Brenneke are from the environment. The photo in last week’s Coastal View New says it all.

It will be an uphill battle for him and his ilk. The citizens of Carpinteria will continue to fight to protect their community, the seals and surrounding nature. We will continue to point out greed and

destruction under the guise of “fitting in with the fabric of Carpinteria,” as Brenneke was quoted in CVN

Thank you CVN for continuing to place this important issue in the place of prominence that it deserves

Jan Wilson Carpinteria

Support the Surfliner over sales tax

As a former business owner in Carpinteria, I know firsthand how much our local shops and restaurants rely on tourism to stay afloat.

I’m not interested in turning Carpinteria into the next Orange County. That’s not what this is about. I care deeply about preserving what makes this town special. But I am pro local business. Our business owners deserve more than just getting by — they deserve to be busy, supported and able to truly thrive.

One of the things that makes Carpinteria so unique is how we show up for each other. When someone in our community is in need, people step in. We rally. Our business owners deserve that same level of care. They need foot tra c, customers and a community that supports ideas that bring more people through their doors. When our local businesses thrive, we all feel it.

I worry about the alternative. If our small, independent businesses can’t make it, we don’t stay charming — we get replaced. Chain stores move in, and the character of our town slowly shifts.

I understand the city’s need for revenue to maintain infrastructure and fund essential services. But raising sales tax in an already expensive market puts more pressure on residents and visitors — and can unintentionally hurt the very businesses we’re trying to support.

The opportunity is to grow the overall pie in a thoughtful way.

Projects like the Surfliner Inn are part of that conversation. A well-designed boutique hotel brings visitors who stay longer, spend locally and support our downtown. It’s not about overdevelopment — it’s about intentional tourism.

We don’t need to become something we’re not. But we do need to support the people who have built this town into what it is.

Thoughtful tourism can do that.

Jessica Clark Carpinteria

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

Locals rally against proposed Carpinteria-area marine conservation zone

A group of local residents, fishermen and ocean access advocates is urging the public to oppose a proposed marine conservation area off the Carpinteria and Summerland coast ahead of a state hearing next week.

The proposal, known as Petition 2023-2 MPA, calls for the creation of the Mishopshno State Marine Conservation Area, which would span from Carpinteria Beach near Ash Avenue through Summerland and extend roughly three miles offshore, according to a press release from opponents of the plan.

The California Fish and ame Commission is scheduled to discuss the petition during a regional meeting on Tuesday, May 5, at 8 a.m. in oleta.

nder the proposal, several types of fishing and ocean-based recreation — including kayak fishing, spearfishing, lobster diving, recreational boat fishing and commercial fishing — would be prohibited in the area, while limited shore-based fishing and certain tribal uses would still be allowed.

In a statement sent to Coastal View News , opponents argue the measure would eliminate access to one of the region’s primary fishing grounds and restrict long-standing recreational and commercial activities. They also contend the proposal would limit access for some indigenous groups not federally recognized, while allowing access for others.

The petition was submitted by the Natural esources Defense Council, the Environmental Defense Center and the Santa nez Band of Chumash Indians. Critics say the groups have

not conducted su cient outreach to the Carpinteria community prior to advancing the proposal.

In addition to access concerns, opponents are raising questions about the scientific and regulatory basis for the proposed conservation area. The Santa Barbara County Fish and Wildlife Commission has stated the scientific justification for the closure is unclear, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has not identified existing problems with fishing activity or habitat conditions in the area, according to the release.

Opponents also argue that the region is already heavily regulated, noting that 1 marine protected areas exist along the Santa Barbara Coast and Channel Islands, and that current spacing requirements between protected areas are already met.

The proposal has also drawn criticism over process, with advocates citing a lack of community engagement and raising concerns about adherence to international standards for public participation.

The California Fish and ame Commission is scheduled to discuss the petition during a regional meeting on Tuesday, May 5, at 8 a.m., at the Hilton arden Inn, 878 Hollister Ave. in oleta. The item is listed as No. 3 on the meeting agenda. Members of the public may also participate remotely via Zoom at us02web.zoom. us j 8 04 1080 4, according to the release.

The Fish and ame Commission has not yet taken action on the petition.

The Alcazar Theatre marks 98 years, launches $98,000 capital campaign to fund upgrades

The Alcazar Theatre celebrated its 98th anniversary with a three-day gala weekend that honored its past and launched an ambitious $98,000 capital campaign aimed at sustaining the historic venue for years to come.

Festivities began Friday with a VIP reception featuring 1920s- and 1930s-inspired costumes and décor, a nod to the theater’s 1928 founding. Following the reception, longtime broadcaster John Palminteri welcomed guests and formally kicked off the anniversary campaign, setting a fundraising goal of $98,000 to match the milestone year.

Organizers said the campaign will support ongoing maintenance and critical upgrades to equipment and furnishings as the theater approaches its centennial. The campaign is about preserving a treasured community space while preparing it for the future, speakers emphasized throughout the evening.

Andre Luthard, grandson of founder Oliver Pickett, reflected on the theater’s nearly century-long history, while 2025 Carpinterian of the Year Jim Campos shared his vision for documenting local history through a mural project. The evening concluded with a screening of the Oscar-winning silent film, “The Artist,” echoing the theater’s early days.

Weekend programming continued Saturday with a comedy showcase featuring six performers, followed by a Sunday lineup that blended education and entertainment. A free panel hosted by Women Making Change, moderated by Jamie Diamond, brought together water-sector leaders Jena Shoaf Acos,

Holly Lohuis and Ava Schulenberg. The discussion was followed by a screening of a documentary, “Battle of the Blues,” highlighting whales off the Southern California coast.

The celebration concluded Sunday evening with a performance by Italian pianist

Antonio Artese and his ensemble, delivering a mix of jazz and classical music.

As The Alcazar looks ahead to its 100th anniversary, organizers say the capital campaign marks a pivotal step. Funds raised will help expand programming — including live music, films, theater and

community events — while modernizing the venue to better serve audiences and performers.

Supporters can learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and ways to contribute to the campaign at the theater’s website, thealcazar.org.

DAVID POWDRELL

From left, Åsa Olsson, Kathe Klock, Lynne Herrell, Connie Geston, Doreen Maulhardt, Berlyn Cota, Nancy Bradbury and Kathy White dressed to the nines for riday’s event.

Marybeth Carty named 83rd Person

Year by Santa Barbara Foundation

BY JUN STARKEY

Longtime Carpinterian Marybeth Carty has been chosen as one of the Person of the Year awardees by the Santa Barbara Foundation, due to her decades of work supporting the community through philanthropy and volunteering.

“I’m really proud to be a representative of a community I’ve called home for 45 years,” Carty told Coastal View News. “I remain surprised, humble and grateful.”

The Person of the Year award is presented to individuals whose service has impacted the community by addressing community needs or improving the quality of life in the Santa Barbara area, according to the Santa Barbara Foundation’s website. The foundation does not select the awardees, but collects community nominations, creates an independent selection committee to review nominations and then organizes and hosts the Person the Year event.

Carty has decades of experience working with organizations dedicated to improving life throughout Santa Barbara County.

She has served as executive director for the Natalie Orfalea Foundation since 2018 and has represented Carpinteria, Summerland and Montecito on the Santa Barbara County Education O ce’s Board of Education since 2013. She previously worked for the Carpinteria nified School District, where she championed youth mentorship programs and helped administer grant-funded educational programs. Carty is also the president of the Carpinteria Woman’s Club and serves on the board of the Carpinteria Children’s Project.

Carty settled in Carpinteria in 1979, and she has made the community her priority ever since. Along with the numerous boards and organizations she serves on within Carpinteria, Carty said she tries to bring attention to Carpinteria throughout everything she does. She worked with local organizations like CCP to provide resources to those in need during disasters like the Thomas Fire and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We take care of each other, and during times of crisis you see that amplified,” Carty said.

Carty told Coastal View News that she was surprised that she was chosen. Carty said she was nominated by three of her colleagues: Bill Cirone, the former Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools; Joe Howell, a former Person of the Year awardee who Carty connected with through the Santa Barbara Athletic Roundtable; and Michael Cooney, who serves on the Board Emeritus for CCP.

In his nomination letter supporting Carty, Cirone wrote: “Marybeth’s amazing and trail-blazing record as a community volunteer spans several decades in many areas including education, children’s health and well-being, healthcare, the arts, mentoring, hospice, philanthropy, innovative start-ups, under-served populations, community-wide improvements, and so much more.”

Carty and the other recipient, Dorothy Largay, were honored at the 83rd Person of the Year awards luncheon on Wednesday, April 29 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Rotunda in Santa Barbara.

KARLSSON PHOTOS

Marybeth Carty was honored as one of the Santa Barbara oundation’s Person of the Year awardees on Wednesday, April 29.

The 83rd annual Person of the Year awardees Marybeth Carty and Dorothy Largay.

Marybeth Carty attended the 83rd Person of the Year awards luncheon with friends and family members.

The dirt patch and the shifting baseline

CVN

THE LAY OF THE LAND

MIKE WONDOLOWSKI

I am looking at a photograph I recently took at a massive, multibuilding apartment complex in New York City. While most of the common area between the towering brick buildings is dominated by pavement, my photo focuses on a few tufts of grass in a tiny, nearly barren patch of dirt imprisoned by a steel fence and stranded in the sea of concrete and brick. It is a fragmented, isolated remnant of the earth that once thrived there before the concrete took over. For a child growing up in that complex and playing in those paved spaces, this meager plot of soil might be their primary daily interaction with “nature.”

Looking at that photo from home here in Carpinteria, the contrast is jarring. We are spoiled by our geography and the foresight of those who came before us. We can walk the coastal trails of the Carpinteria Bluffs, breathing in the salt air and watching harbor seals haul out on the sanctuary beach. We can bird -

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watch in the vibrant, tidal expanse of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh, or hike up into the chaparral-draped foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains on the Franklin Trail. Our daily backdrop is a living, breathing ecosystem, rich with a biodiversity that most communities can only dream of.

But that New York City photograph serves as a stark warning about a phenomenon environmental scientists call “shifting baselines.” A shifting baseline occurs when each successive generation redefines what a “normal” or “healthy” environment looks like based solely on their own personal experience, gradually forgetting the ecological richness that existed before them. Often, we don’t even know or remember what the natural state of a habitat or ecosystem was before it was severely impacted. If a rich, diverse habitat is slowly thinned and cleared over a century, the grandchildren of the original inhabitants will look at a sparse, fragmented landscape and consider it completely natural, simply because it is all they have ever known.

This generational amnesia is incredibly dangerous. It allows us to accept the slow, steady degradation of our environment as inevitable or standard. Piece by piece, a habitat is chipped away, paved over or subdivided, and the baseline shifts ever downward.

To stop this slide, we must recognize a fundamental truth of conservation: the prevention of damage to habitats, ecosystems and species is exponentially simpler, better, cheaper and easier than trying to recover what was lost. Once an ecosystem is fractured, the intricate, delicate web of pollinators, native plants and wildlife is incredibly di cult — and sometimes entirely impossible — to knit back together. Ecological restoration is a noble, necessary and expensive effort, but it is always a desperate game of catch-up compared to the straightforward wisdom of preservation.

Here in the Carpinteria Valley, we are not immune to these pressures. The temptation to develop “just one more” parcel of open space or to pave over “just a little” more habitat is a constant drumbeat. While our valley is far from a pristine natural ecosystem, if we aren’t vigilant, our own

Once an ecosystem is fractured, the intricate, delicate web of pollinators, native plants and w ldl e s ncred bly d cult and so et es ent rely poss ble to kn t back to ether

baseline will continue to shift. The vibrant salt marsh, a remnant of its larger natural form, could slowly degrade. The open, wild bluffs we have saved could develop crisscrossed, rutted and unnecessarily wide bare dirt trails from excessive and inappropriate use. We must actively defend our local habitats so that the next generation of Carpinterians doesn’t inherit a diminished landscape and mistakenly believe it to be a healthy ecosystem.

Keeping this week’s Earth Day in mind, I challenge you to step outside and truly look at our unpaved spaces. Take a mental photograph of the incredible biodiversity that still exists here today. Let this be the baseline we firmly refuse to lower. Protecting these natural, native ecosystems before they become tiny remnants of what they once were is our community’s greatest responsibility.

Fortunately, we have incredible local organizations leading the charge, and they need our help. For example, you

MONTECITO

can actively protect our baseline by joining the Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s Watershed Brigade (sbck.org/brigade) to monitor and clean our local waterways. Get your hands in the dirt by participating in the Pollinator Habitat Project’s (pollinatorhabitatproject.org) community workdays, helping to restore vital native plant ecosystems. Help keep our public spaces pristine by joining a Carpinteria Beautiful (carpinteriabeautiful.org) litter cleanup. Stay informed and make your voice heard by signing up for the Carpinteria Valley Association’s email list for Action Alerts (tinyurl.com/carp-news), which will notify you about important upcoming public comment opportunities regarding local development.

Let’s ensure that the next generation’s definition of “nature” remains wild, vast and thriving — not just a solitary patch of dirt surrounded by a sea of concrete.

Mike Wondolowski is president of the Carpinteria Valley Association (facebook. com/carpinteriavalleyassociation), a local organization dedicated to maintaining the small beach town nature of our community. In over 35 years of involvement in planning issues, he has witnessed visionary successes, as well as decisions that were later widely regretted. When not stuck indoors, he can often be found enjoying Carpinteria’s treasures, including kayaking and snorkeling along the coast runn n or h k n on the bluffs or the Franklin Trail, or “vacationing” as a tent camper at the State Beach.

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WONDOLOWSKI

A fenced-off dirt patch located between two apartment buildings in New York City.

After 26 years with the United States Marines Corps, Mayor Christopher J. Requejo is set to retire on May 8, 2026 at Millers Landing Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Havelock, North Carolina. A local 1997 Carpinteria High School graduate, Chris has served as a Communications Officer in the Marines. The family sends their Congratulations, “Wishing you endless happiness, new

Kathy Hayden keeps kids moving to the rhythm of joy

Longtime educator expands music and movement summer camps while keeping year-round family classes rooted in connection, creativity

CARPINTERIA BIZ BUZZ

For nearly three decades, Kathy Hayden has been a familiar and trusted presence for families in Carpinteria and Santa Barbara, using music and movement to bring children — and their parents — together in joyful, meaningful ways.

Through her program, Kathy’s Music and Movement, Hayden has built more than a series of classes. She has created a space where babies, toddlers and young children can explore rhythm, creativity and connection alongside their families — often returning year after year, and even generation after generation.

“After nearly three decades, one of my greatest joys is seeing the children I once taught now grown — with children and even grandchildren of their own coming into class,” Hayden told Coastal View News. “It’s a beautiful full circle.”

A class built on connection

Each class is carefully designed to balance structure and spontaneity, offering children freedom to explore while gently guiding them through music, movement and sensory play.

Sessions begin with open instrument time, allowing families to settle in before transitioning into warm-ups, songs and group activities.

“We sing a hello song and invite parents and children to strum ukuleles together, followed by child-led movement, circle dances and hands-on instrument play,” Hayden said.

Classes also incorporate both indoor and outdoor elements — from bubbles and parachutes to scarves and balance equipment — along with opportunities for older children to experiment with instruments such as xylophones and piano.

“We close with gentle rocking, connection and a heartfelt goodbye song,” Hayden said. “At the center of everything we do is connection, bonding and shared joy — joy, joy, joy is the heart of every class.”

Evolving with families

While much has changed over the years, Hayden said the core needs of young children remain the same.

“Children still need connection, freedom, movement, and to be met where they are,” she said. “My program has stayed rooted in that — honoring each child’s natural rhythm.”

She has, however, noticed a shift toward more structured and performance-driven activities at younger ages.

“There’s a growing emphasis on early performance, structure and achievement,” Hayden said. “While those have their place, I believe the early years are meant for exploration, creative movement, music and play.”

Her program continues to emphasize process over performance, creating what she describes as a protected space for childhood.

A world of music

A hallmark of Hayden’s approach is its multicultural foundation, shaped in part by her experiences teaching abroad.

Through songs, rhythms and storytelling, children are introduced to music from around the world in an accessible, playful way.

“It’s not about teaching culture in a

formal way, but about experiencing it,” Hayden said. “Children naturally absorb the beauty of different traditions, and it helps build curiosity, respect and a sense of global community from a very young age.”

Seasonal themes and cultural celebrations — from African rhythms to Latin music and European folk traditions — are woven throughout the year.

’

While year-round classes continue in both Carpinteria and Santa Barbara — including through the summer months — Hayden and her team are expanding their seasonal camp offerings.

New and returning camps for children ages 4 to 9 include ukulele, global drumming and instrument exploration, along with a music and art in motion program, blending creativity and movement.

A bilingual “Encanto”-inspired music and dance camp is also planned during Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days in August, with an option for children to participate in the children’s parade.

“We’re bringing back ukulele camp and adding new experiences that introduce children to instruments and sounds they don’t typically see in schools,” Hayden said.

Her popular “Rainbow Keys” piano

program will also continue as both a class and camp option.

More than music

At its core, Hayden’s work is about more than musical development. It’s about fostering connection — between children and their caregivers, and within the children themselves.

“In a busy, fast-paced world, this is a space to slow down, be present and truly share joy together,” she said.

She hopes families leave with a sense of bonding and emotional connection, along with a lifelong appreciation for music.

“We’re building a foundation for emotional growth — helping children develop confidence and a strong connection between brain, body and family,” Hayden said.

For Hayden, that foundation — rooted in play, creativity and joy — continues to guide her work after nearly 30 years.

And for the families who gather each week, it’s a rhythm that keeps bringing them back.

Classes in Carpinteria are held at Carpinteria Community Church. The Garden Street Academy hosts classes in Santa Barbara. For more information, schedules and signups, visit kathysmusicmovement.com.

Harry and his mom, Jenn, on the xylophone

Anderson gets a push from mom on the scooter board.

Baby Rachel COURTESY PHOTOS Eva and Katarina

THE BIZZY BEE

Kathy Hayden leads a lively music and movement class, guiding young students through songs, instruments and playful activities that encourage creativity, connection and joyful learning for children and their families.

Aliso Elementary tops $18K goal; principal and teacher to be slimed

Third annual Field Day fundraiser blends school spirit, friendly competition

BY PARENTS FOR ALISO

For a few hours on Wednesday, April 15, Aliso Elementary School felt less like a campus and more like a community gathering.

The school’s third annual Field Day fundraiser drew students, parents and staff for a morning of games, cheers and Lion PRIDE spirit — all leading to a big finish students raised 18,873, surpassing the 18,000 goal and earning the chance to slime Principal Brett Weiberg and teacher Mr. Macias in front of the entire school.

Principal Weiberg has been notified. The slime is coming.

The day opened with the Lion PRIDE Newscast, the school’s student-run broadcast, before a campuswide breakfast and a series of team-based games designed to spark friendly competition. Parents lined the field, cheering as students rotated through activities.

Much of the impact, however, came before Field Day began.

This year’s fundraiser used a tiered reward system that turned donations into a shared goal. At 10,000, students earned a principal’s recess with popsicles. At 15,000, the reward was donuts for the entire school. At 18,000, the milestone meant slime for school leaders.

Each dollar counted toward schoolwide rewards, creating a collective push that extended beyond the classroom.

Students took an active role in fundraising, making calls, practicing how to ask for donations and following up with

thank-you messages. Organizers said the process gave students a hands-on lesson in communication, responsibility and persistence.

Second grader Lucca Mutal stood out

among participants, surpassing 300 in donations — enough to earn Pizza with the Principal — after making one final call the night before the event.

Individual incentives ranged from

small prizes, such as Aliso stickers for modest donations, to larger rewards like Pizza with the Principal for top fundraisers. Students also earned ra e tickets for each dollar raised, with more than 30 prizes donated by local businesses and organizations.

Donated items included a skate camp package, art camp sessions, a family photo shoot, museum memberships and tickets to local attractions.

Organizers credited the success of the fundraiser to community support, including contributions from local businesses such as Carpinteria Skate Foundation, Heart of Gold Charitable Foundation, Lacie Hansen Photography, the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation and others.

Parents for Aliso said proceeds will support student activities, field trips and classroom supplies.

Donations are still being accepted via Venmo at @ParentsFor-Aliso or at givebutter.com alisofieldday2 .

As for Principal Weiberg and Mr. Macias, organizers said the students delivered.

Valeria Urrutia and Vianna Vega

Theresa Gonzales

Josia Elizarraraz and Sebastian Villafana

Aliso Elementary School students participate in a hula hoop pass.

The snowball basket catch kept students moving.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Nolan Bosley, Camila Perez Juarez and Max Alanis

ileen ega larcon, Eva Miles and So a Tafolla rroyo

Lucas Balthazor, Jasiel Magana and Reyes Barraza

Jog-A-Thon raises more than $20,000

Canalino Elementary School and Parents for Canalino collaborated once again to host the school’s annual Jog-A-Thon fundraising event on Friday, April 24, where more than students ran laps around the school s field to raise funds for school enrichment. Parents for Canalino will continue accepting donations until May 8. According to Amanda George, the secretary for Parents for Canalino, the group has raised about $25,000 so far and hopes to reach $50,000 before the fundraising deadline. The sponsors for Friday’s event included Olada Yoga and Pilates and Rincon Hill Farm.

Donations can be made online at zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/canalino-ele-

the jog-a-thon.

ino the hale hi h es some of the r nners as they pass

From left id s on ale ony osales and ra Pere

Canalino’s fo rth and fth raders are the nal r nners

ei h nn cDonald’s third and fo rth rade class holds p si ns of enco ra ement for

From left cy Collins Fran ie ope and ri Carre

Parents for Canalino Board Carly Bass, left, and Amanda George.

Easton Nuño, left, passes Lino the Whale.

ephyr iller leads the ay in Friday’s jo a thon

Maestra Melody Aguila and her kindergarten class do a lap.

From left, Penelope King, Quinn Crouse, Maestra Teresa Till and Bennett Davis.

From left, Parents for Canalino members Jason Olcese and Jessica Clark with Ryan Sohn, the CEO of Rincon Hill Farm and The Palms, who donated shirts

r nners Carreño.

PHOTOS BY ROBIN KARLSSON

Local children participated in an array of activities for Dia Del Niño, or Children’s Day, held at the Carpinteria Children’s Project on Saturday, April The event included bracelet making, face painting, in atable mini golf food a raf e and performances by Mariachi Inlakech. The Carpinteria Children’s Project is located at 8th St.

Mariachi Inlakech dancers performed for attendees on Saturday.

Alison Barragan with Mariachi Inlakech.

From left, Moxi, Santi and Phoenix made bracelets at one of the stations.

Carpinteria Children’s Project Director of Family Services Jessica Ramirez, left, and Family Liaison Lili Cruz.

Bodie Schmitz and Alex Maya learn moves from Jesse Ruiz with Way of the Warrior martial arts studio.

Sophia Martinez crawls through a tunnel.

Alexander Nunoz takes a swing on the golf course.

Alcazar screens “Stand by Mother” for Earth Day

A collaboration between director Kerrilee ore and ShelterBox SA filled The Alcazar Theatre on Friday, April 17, for a special screening of “Stand by Mother.”

The fantasy film delivers messages about protecting the planet and showing empathy, as Earth Day approached.

“Stand by Mother” features newcomer Emmett Long and Dakota Lotus, a Disney Channel star of “Coop Cami Ask the World.”

“It was a magical evening and was elevated by the children in the audience and the critical work of ShelterBox,” ore said. “I truly feel that they were further inspired to continue their work in being fierce planet protectors.” Children roared with delight as the credits rolled.

“It was one of the top three greatest movies of all time,” said -year-old Diego

Adams.After the screening, ShelterBox SA President Kerri Murray answered questions from cast members and the audience about the organization’s global disaster relief mission. ShelterBox has been a leader in sustainability, eliminating more than 500,000 single-use plastics, streamlining its supply chain to reduce emissions and promoting recycling of supplies.

“The film was a powerful reminder that young people are leading with courage, creativity and purpose,” Murray said. “It raises awareness about the growing impact of climate change — one of the forces driving global displacement and the work we see every day at ShelterBox SA. I’m deeply inspired by Kerrilee and these remarkable young changemakers for helping bring urgency and hope to this critical issue.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Cast of “Stand by Mother”

ARTCETERA

COMPILED

BY

TRACY MARCYNZSYN | COURTESY PHOTOS

Call for open auditions at The Alcazar Theatre

The Alcazar Theatre Ensemble is holding open auditions for the 3rd Annual Hanne Pedersen One-Act Play Festival.

“We are looking to cast various roles, and actors may even have the opportunity to be cast in more than one play,” said The Alcazar Theatre in a press release.

Persons of all genders and ages 14-85 are welcome to audition on Sunday, May 3, noon until 2 p.m. and Monday, May 11, 7-9 p.m. Performances will take place July 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19. Schedule an appointment or find more information at alcazarensemble@gmail.com or by calling (805) 901-3554. The Alcazar Theatre is located at 4916 Carpinteria Ave.

Local painter opens new exhibit May 1

Renowned local artist Meredith Brooks Abbott will be present at the opening reception of her new exhibit, “Capturing Our Time” on May 7, from 5-8 p.m., at Sullivan Goss Gallery in Santa Barbara.

The solo exhibition presented by Sullivan Goss runs from May 1-June 22 and includes paintings from the 1990s to the present day. In honor of the plein air painter’s enduring legacy, the exhibition will feature a new hardbound monograph, Enduring Impressions, surveying six decades of Abbott’s paintings. A limited number of advance copies will be available for purchase at the May 7 opening. Born in Carpinteria in 1 38, Abbott is one of five children, four of whom create art. She studied with painters Richard Meryman, Douglass Parshall and Clarence Hinkle during her teenage years, making her a living link to the first generation of California impressionist painters. She and her husband Duncan also own a farm in Carpinteria, where she grows some of what she paints. In addition to produce, her work celebrates the flowers, architecture and the landscape of Santa Barbara County.

She helped found the Oak Group, a group of artists who paint landscapes for preservation, in 1986. Abbott’s work has been featured in local art galleries and she has sold more than 1,500 paintings to hundreds of collectors. Her daughter Whitney Brooks Abbott and her late sister Whitney Brooks Hansen were fellow OAK Group members, making their family one of the true dynastic art families of Southern California.

The Sullivan Goss Gallery is located at 11 East Anapamu Street in Santa Barbara.

Meyer wins eople’s Choice Award

Carpinteria fiber artist Kellen Meyer was awarded the People’s Choice Award in the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center’s Natural Beauty Exhibition. Her winning piece, “Low Tide,” is a knitted fiber art incorporating yarn, driftwood and smoky quartz stones to resemble items found in Carpinteria’s tidepools.

Palate to Palette silent auction exhibit now open

The Palate to Palette exhibition at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center is open Thursdays through Mondays from 12-4 p.m. Local artists have donated all work for this annual exhibit, and proceeds will benefit the arts in Carpinteria.

The public is invited to a free artist reception on Saturday, May 9, from 4-6 p.m. Visit the Carpinteria Arts Center website at carpinteriaartscenter.org/p2p for more information.

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

Youth art contest pieces now on display

Local elementary and middle school students’ artwork submitted for the Carpin teria Woman’s Club’s Annual Youth Art Contest is on display at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center’s Robinson Family Studio, located at the back of their Charles Lo Bue Gallery.

All are invited to see the exhibit Thursdays-Mondays, from noon to 4 p.m. The exhibit runs from Thursday, April 30 until Tuesday, June 2. High school artwork will be installed the week of May 11, and an awards reception sponsored by the Carpinteria Education Foundation will take place on June 2, from 5-6 p.m.

CALENDAR

Thursday, April 30

AgeWell Senior Program: Pickleball Free Play 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 In glés 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

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

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

Dungeons Dragons Club Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 3:30-5:15 p.m. For ages 12-17. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Friday, May 1

AgeWell Senior Program: Tai Chi Together Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 10-11 a.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

Food Drive for Carpinteria Sin Fron teras Carpinteria State Beach picnic area, 3228 Sandyland Road. 3-5 p.m. carpindivisible@gmail.com

AgeWell Senior Program: Mindful Meditation Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 3:154:30 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

CALENDAR continued on page 21

Meredith Brooks bbott’s Begonias and Impatiens, 30 x 40 inches, oil on canvas.

Carpinteria ber artist Kellen Meyer’s Low Tide takes the eople’s Choice Award.

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

Live Music: The Youngsters Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 6-9 p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com, (805) 745-8272

Saturday, May 2

Arts Crafts Faire Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave. 10 a.m. 4 p.m. carpinteriaartscenter. org, (805) 684-7789

Live Music: The Bob Bishop Band Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 6-9 p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com, (805) 745-8272

Road Music Kettle of Hawks The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 7-9 p.m. $30 advance/$35 door. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380

Monday, May 4

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

AgeWell Senior Program: Music Monday Sing Along 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: Floor Stretch Yoga Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 3-4 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

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

Library Advisory Committee Meeting Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 3:30 p.m. carpinteriaca. gov, (805) 684-5405 Planning Commission Meeting City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. 5:30 p.m. carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 684-5405 Introducción las computadoras–Clase Bilingüe Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 6-8:15 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Tuesday, May 5

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

Carpinteria Indivisible Planning Meeting Rancho Granada Mobile Home Club House, 5750 Via Real, 5:30-6:30 p.m. carpindivisible@gmail.com

AgeWell Senior Program: Mind Body Balance Exercise Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 11 a.m.-noon agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

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

AgeWell Senior Program: Bridge Group Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 1-4 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Carpinteria Sanitary District Board of Directors Meeting District Boardroom, 5300 Sixth St., carpsan.com, (805) 6847214

Al-Anon Meeting Faith Lutheran Church, 1335 Vallecito Place. 6:30 p.m.

Carpinteria Improv Classes The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 7-9 p.m. $10 at the door. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380

Wednesday, May 6

AgeWell Senior Program: Pickleball

for Beginners Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Road. 8-10 a.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

AgeWell Senior Program: Carpinteria Men’s Coffee Club Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 8:30-9:30 a.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279

Babies Are The Best Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 9-10 a.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Science for Teens Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. For ages 11-13. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

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

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

Carpinteria Knitters Group Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 1-3 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314

Halos& Pitchforks

Santa ia her stolen by Polo deputies.

e about Sandtagged and vehicle

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

A reader sends a halo to Forest Service Engine 44 stationed next to Lions Park for always being positive on their runs along the beach or on Franklin Trail.

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

A reader sends a halo to Mrs. Foster at Carpinteria Middle School for being patient, creative and making math fun. “Thank you for welcoming all your students’ families to your classroom for a great open house ”

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 halo to Bill at Rockwell Printing for the many years of sponsorship and support of Boy Scouts Troop 50. “ our support has helped build more than a Troop — it’s helped build character in our Scouts. Thank you.”

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.”

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 chose the most expensive oil, I’d love to reimburse you, and thank you. I’m deeply moved by your generosity.”

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 William at Risdon’s 76 Service on ia eal in Carpinteria. “We were trying to put air in our tires, and William came out from the o ce and offered to help. What a hero Thank you, William.”

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 Judy Cooper for restarting the Azalea Swim Club. “Our children are lucky to get such a warm, safe, wonderful introduction to swimming.”

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

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

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.”

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

A reader sends a halo to Thario’s Kitchen for their “birthday” appreciation of their customers and for the amazing sampling of pizzas and desserts. “ our pizzas are the best — certainly for the Central Coast ”

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

A reader sends a halo to Cycling Without Age for giving Trishaw ides every Sunday during the month of May to all mothers in Carpinteria in honor of Mother’s Day. “Such a great idea ”

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.”

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

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.”

reader sends a halo to Kassandra Quintero at he Spot. hen the roof-top ag 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 Lions Club of Carpinteria for graciously welcoming the Carpinteria Cultural Foundation at their recent meeting. “It was truly a pleasure to connect, share our work and experience the genuine support, generosity and community spirit of your members. We deeply appreciate your hospitality and your continued dedication to our community. Thank you for all that you do for Carpinteria!”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the mobile home park resident who thinks the clubhouse is part of his home. “The clubhouse is not for you to shower and toilet and groom yourself and your clothes. It is for all the residents. Imagine if we all did that ”

reader sends a halo to Desiree the new masseuse at he ym e t Door. She could have coasted through it, but she worked really hard to relieve my back pain. never experienced such a great massage.”

A reader sends a pitchfork to the rude man holding not one but two empty tables at Linden Square for hours at peak dinner hours with piles of dirty dishes and empty beer bottles while the rest of his party enjoyed the rooftop bar. “ our selfish display was not only rude and inconsiderate to everyone waiting for seats, but it was also unsanitary to boot. Take that attitude back to LA True Carpinterians are happy to share a table or at least vacate a space once a meal is finished.”

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.

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?”

Submit Halos & Pitchforks online at coastalview.com. Submissions subject to editing.

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 hope you have karma insurance.”

reader sends a pitchfork to the ing huge rides that take up the whole road is irresponsible. here are countless bike lanes that were put in with our tax dollars to avoid this problem.”

reader sends a pitchfork to pool. “Not professional!”

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

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.”

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 the Carpinteria City Council for supporting the AgeWell program. “It is truly an asset to our community. We seniors are very lucky to have this available to us.”

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

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

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

A reader sends a halo to Crescent LoMonaco for introducing the monthly Summerland Savvy column. “It is a welcome addition to include Summerland news and activities as Carpinteria’s next door neighbor.”

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

reader sends a pitchfork to 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?”

The not was possearch located, meth. violations. contacted as by a probashowed container felon pepper in the wanted ownership vehicle reported to Department. was stolen, the on the only a actual pulled the car, motel they, cited for and investigation will obtained Pa regisviolation at his e displayrecords was suspended. The man was cited, and his vehicle was released to a licensed driver.

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 Corazon Cocina for delicious and incredibly fresh margaritas.

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.

CAR • PET • ERIA

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.”

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

Meet

Clifford, the eager student

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

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

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.”

What’s new at the harbor seal rookery?

Meet Clifford, a sweet and playful young dog who is ready for a fresh start with the right person.

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!”

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

a P i t i ati ai ar e e

This report covers April 20 — 2 , 202

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

Clifford arrived at the shelter scared and unsure of new people, but he has already made strong progress. Once he warms up, he reveals a loving, obedient and fun-loving personality. He especially enjoys playtime — this energetic pup would happily chase a ball all day.

reader sends a halo to Diana Rigby Superintendent of schools, and Debra Herrick director of oys irls Club for removing the to ic uphorbia fire sticks from the pots and landscape.

Smart and highly treat motivated, Clifford shows great potential for continued training. He has already had positive interactions with new people both in public and at the shelter, and he enjoys spending time with other dogs during playgroups.

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.

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 fi the reclining mechanism. The incident was documented, and the baggie was booked into Santa Barbara Sheriff s ffice property for destruction.

Saturday, May 23

Clifford still has some fear-based responses and will need a confident, experienced handler who can help him feel safe and continue building his confidence. With the right guidance, he has all the tools to become a wonderful companion.

a e ti i e e ia ea

Shelter staff note that while Clifford has made meaningful improvements, he is now on the urgent list to find a home so he can continue progressing outside of the shelter environment.

Friday, May 22

To learn more or arrange a visit, email sbcassouthfostercoordinator gmail. com or text 805 -0 75. ou can also meet Clifford at Santa Barbara County

a T e t Ca e re a

Deputies responded after a woman reported her residence was burglarized the

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 con icting statements regarding their mutual altercation and obvious injuries, both parties were arrested for corporal

CVN’s Seal Watch weekly report, written by Seal Watch volunteers, covers activities at the Harbor Seal ookery. Several Seal Watch volunteers 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 gmail.com or at 805 3 4-31 4. The rookery is located immediately east of Casitas Pier, between Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and Carpinteria State Beach. There is no vehicle access from Dump oad.

HIGH COUNT

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES

California Harbor Seals gather in a rookery where they rest and give birth. The seal rookery in Carpinteria was important to the local Chumash natives over 200 years ago. They survive today in the same area.

Mother seals began birthing with the first pup arriving on Feb. 12. Over the next month, about 50 more pups were born. Mothers nurse for four to eight weeks providing the pup with protein-rich milk. The pups can gain 30-40 pounds during that time. The mothers then wean the pup and actually abandon them to forage for themselves on the kelp beds located near the rookery. By May, pups can be the size of their mothers and are an active part of the rookery. With the low tides, viewing the seals is excellent. The beach remains closed until May 31, and visitors should not walk through or near the rookery.

VISITORS

olunteers counted 1,0 7 visitors from around the world, including Canada, Holland, France, the nited Kingdom, Scotland, Spain, California, Michigan, Arizona, Kansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Florida, Philadelphia, South Dakota, Washington, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Massachusetts, West irginia, Ohio and Illinois.

Windows 10 Phobia?

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 sub ect driving the sedan ed 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

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. Harbor seals, when disturbed, may flee and become separated from their pups. olunteers 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 call - if you’d like to help

CVN

CLUB SCENE

COMPILED BY CVN STAFF | COURTESY PHOTOS

Rotary honors Carp Moon Café

Carp Moon Café Owner Laura Samperio received a Vocational Service award from the Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning on April 22.

Celebrating its fourth year of business, “The Carp Moon Café has become an integral part of our community,” said the club’s Vocational Service Chair Kristina Calkins. “It is both a gathering place at the corner of Carpinteria Avenue and Linden Avenue and provides generous support to community causes.”

Rotary Club of Carpinteria welcomes new member

The Rotary Club of Carpinteria recently welcomed Nanine, or Nan, Odell as its newest member of the club.

A devoted advocate for music appreciation, Nan joined fellow Rotary members in supporting the club’s April 11 Talent Showcase, an annual event that funds music programs, instruments and scholarships for local students.

Rotary Club awards Paul Harris Fellowships

In recognition of their efforts behind the scenes of the Rotary Talent Showcase, Leigh-Anne Anderson and Debbie Nomura received Paul Harris Fellowships presented by the Rotary Club of Carpinteria.

According to club member Karen Graf, Anderson and Nomura went above and beyond in supporting the event. “From crafting a polished program to driving fundraising success, these individuals are commended for their leadership and commitment to keeping music alive in local schools,” Graf said.

Bucket Brigade visits Rotary

On April 15, the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade’s Co-founder and CEO Abe Powell visited the Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning to speak about the volunteer, grassroots organization.

Powell was accompanied Bucket Brigade volunteers Ana Fagan and Dale Olivas.

Powell spoke about the beginning of the Bucket Brigade, when he and his wife were asked to help remove mud from one home after the 2018 debris flow. A few months later, 2,000 volunteers had dug out more than 100 homes and other buildings.

“We did zero fundraisers, but still 1,000 people donated more than $1.2 million to the Bucket Brigade,” Powell said. “The first and greatest human superpower has always been cooperation.”

Today, the Bucket Brigade has more than 3,500 volunteers and conducts training and restoration projects around Santa Barbara County every weekend.

“Young people are worried and afraid about climate change and the increasing severity of natural disasters,” Powell said. “Action creates hope. When a problem seems too big to be solved, pick a part you can solve and start working.”

The Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning, in partnership with the city of Carpinteria and the Friends of Tomol Interpretive Play Area, is inviting the public to roll up their sleeves for a community workday at the Tomol Interpretive Play Area on Saturday, May 2.

Rotary, city invite volunteers to spruce

up Tomol Play Area

May 2 workday launches broader effort to restore and support beloved cultural park

The Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning, in partnership with the city of Carpinteria and the Friends of Tomol Interpretive Play Area, is inviting the public to roll up their sleeves for a community workday at the Tomol Interpretive Play Area on Saturday, May 2.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon and is open to volunteers of all ages. Participants can expect a morning of planting, painting and general park beautification, with organizers encouraging families, local residents and even visiting campers to take part.

Organizers say the effort is about more than routine maintenance. The Tomol Interpretive Play Area, which opened in 2011, offers a hands-on recreation space modeled after a traditional Chumash village, blending play with cultural and environmental education. The site has become a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

After more than a decade of heavy use, the park is entering a new phase, prompting a renewed focus on upkeep and long-term improvements.

“The city of Carpinteria couldn’t do this important work alone,” said Jeanette Gant, the city’s director of parks, recreation and community services. “It’s through partnerships with nonprofits, volunteers and community members that we can maintain and

enhance the Tomol Interpretive Play Area.”

Suzie Schneider, a Rotary member and chair of FOTIPA, said the day is intended to mark a fresh chapter for the park.

“This is more than just a cleanup day,” Schneider said. “It’s about showing up for a space that has meant so much to our community and beginning the next chapter of caring for it together.”

The workday also serves as a soft launch for a larger fundraising campaign led by Rotary to support ongoing maintenance, refurbishment and expanded educational programming. Organizers are exploring partnerships with local groups, including the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

The park was originally funded through a combination of community support, contributions from Rotary, city backing and a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, along with private donors.

Volunteers may drop in at any time during the event. Supplies will be provided, and no prior experience is required.

For more information, contact Suzie Schneider at suzie@pacwestblooms. com or (805) 886-2798.

From left, Kristina Calkins, Laura Samperio and club President Stephen Gerteis.

From left, President David Powdrell, Nan Odell, Vic Odell and PresidentElect Alec Hardy.

From left, David Powdrell, Leigh-Anne Anderson, Debbie Nomura and Rotary Talent Showcase Director Roland Rotz.

Members of the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade volunteers work together to restore a local trail.

A quiet sea, a troubling sign for channel seabirds

UNPREDICTABLE WILDERNESS

CHUCK GRAHAM

It was easy to detect the small, feathery black head bobbing across silky smooth sea conditions at Scorpion Anchorage early last March 2026. Swimming just a few feet away from my kayak, I could see beads of saltwater run off its face.

The solitary common murre, a football-sized seabird, was displaying normal behavior, ducking its head in the water, while searching for baitfish to sustain itself around Santa Cruz Island, the largest island in the Channel Islands National Park.

The following days revealed more murres, mostly dead ones. Typically, they don’t venture down to the southeast end of the chain. Instead, they stick to their mostly southerly breeding colonies off San Miguel and Prince islands. But something was driving them down channel.

As the days mounted, more murres, living and dead showed up. I was worried of an H5N1 Flu outbreak, aka Avian Flu. Ano Nuevo State Park in Santa Cruz had just endured an outbreak in February/March, where young northern elephants were dying. In March, there was a sea lion with the Avian Flu discovered in Morro Bay. Was it now reaching the islands?

“There have been some starvation issues afoot currently,” said David Mazurkiewicz, wildlife biologist for Channel Islands National Park. “Rehab centers from Santa Cruz to San Diego have reported a large uptick in California brown pelicans, Brandt’s cormorants and common murres. They are mostly starving and their body condition is poor. Fortunately, not many at all testing positive for H5N1.”

elagic cormorants flying off the author’s kayak in the Santa Cru assage.

Good to hear it wasn’t an outbreak of Avian Flu, but the alternative wasn’t great either. March 202 was the first time I could remember where there wasn’t one day of gale force winds in the channel. Even a day of small craft advisory was virtually obsolete. There were consecutive days of 90-degree weather. It felt more like late summer than spring.

I always appreciate calm, glassy conditions while leading kayak tours or when I’m paddling on my own. However, it also felt alarming not experiencing consistent, chilly spring winds providing plenty of upwelling, cold, nutrient rich water for all species that depend on the Santa Barbara Channel for sustenance.

“I’m attributing it to the warm water conditions,” continued Mazurkiewicz.

“Not a lot of spring winds that trigger our upwelling cycles.”

Monitoring the pelagic

The last three weeks of March, I guided 15 kayak trips at Scorpion Anchorage, but I also got a quick four-day trip in, and paddled from that tranquil anchorage to Bechers Bay, about 60 miles round-trip. I

had migrating gray whales on my mind, but seabirds and their well-being had suddenly become a concern.

I didn’t know what to expect, but like anything in nature, I had to go to know. After leading a tour on March 30, I paddled northwest toward Santa Rosa Island. It was odd, but most, if not all the dead murres I saw were very close to Scorpion Anchorage. It appeared murres were heading further southeast than normal looking for food.

However, once I was beyond Cavern Point, I don’t recall seeing one dead common murre. All I saw were live ones doing what they do, plodding along in choppy seas without much effort, and looking for food. I was also seeing huge flotillas of surf scoters, Pacific loons and gratefully Brandt’s cormorants.

On the west end of Santa Cruz, I was paddling past dozens of pigeon guillemots rafting on the water and trilling it up on the barnacle-encrusted rock outcroppings. Across the Santa Cruz Passage, roughly an eight-mile crossing, I had squadrons of pelagic cormorants continuously circling around me and my kayak. California brown pelicans were around too, but not as numerous as last February.

Bechers Bay

It has always feels good making it to Bechers Bay. Seems like it’s never easy, and it’s always earned.

I hugged the wave-battered bluffs just southeast of Carrington Point and marveled at the adorable harbor seals with their pups, real cute and curious. There were also lots of migrating black turnstones and happy black oystercatchers. Gratefully, there were no dead birds. Bechers Bay was lean on gray whales. I saw a mom and calf, and heard a couple of spouts in the distance. I was late in seeing them. Over the last few years, groups

of gray whales have relied on Bechers Bay for calories, helping them to sustain themselves back to the Arctic, and then returning to Baja’s warm water lagoons next December.

First gale

I mostly dread big gales while paddling the islands, but considering the circumstances I welcomed the 30-knotplus northwesterly winds on April 2. Even though I nearly toppled out of my kayak several times, especially from Cueva Valdez to Frys Harbor, the sea conditions were ripe for nutritious upwelling. Short interval wind waves swept across exposed cliffs and washed out to greet the next wave. It was uneven paddling, no rhythm to my stroke, but at least the seabirds reveled in it.

So, despite the starvation issues plaguing some seabird species, there were solid sightings of hardy seabirds. There were large flotillas of surf scoters next to Santa Cruz Island, but also extending hundreds of yards offshore. Pigeon guillemots were congregating in the water and on cliffs and rock outcroppings, just arriving to breed and nest. Most of them I saw farther northwest off Santa Cruz Island.

The most encouraging sign was seeing common murres alive and behaving among jumping baitfish. I was relieved to see them ducking their heads into the water and diving quickly. The chase was on.

“Hopefully we get more spring winds in the mix still and upwelling shows up,” said Mazurkiewicz. “Weird year for sure. Never seen a March like this either.”

Adventure and travel writer Chuck Graham lives in Carpinteria and contributes his writing and photography to publications far and wide. For more wildlife photos, visit chuckgrahamphoto.com or follow Graham on Instagram at @chuckgrahamphoto.

A lone common murre off Santa Cruz Island Migratory surf scoters, large groups of them hang out next to the islands but also way offshore.

A common murre bobbing in choppy troughs searches for food off Santa Rosa Island.

A pigeon guillemot tests easy at the west end of Santa Cruz Island.

SWIM CLUB

THROWBACK

Summer lovin’

Summers at Carpinteria beach haven’t changed much since this photo was snapped on July 4, 1925. Most of the real estate is still covered in blankets and umbrellas; the sand is still hot, and the kids are still completely entertained by a little salt water and some sand crabs. But a closer look at this 85-year-old image reveals some dramatic differences. Note the pleasure pier jutting out into the water and the roofline of the Circa del Mar clubhouse. See the oil derrick rising up on the horizon. Take in the playground equipment on the beach, the classic cars parked at the end of Linden Avenue and the button-up shirts on the beach. And the final difference to note — the presence of massive fireworks on the beach.

COMMANDER’S RECAP:

Continued from page 26

decided to use the photo to attempt to extort the victim from $500.The suspect threatened to share the photo with the victim’s Facebook contact list if he did not pay the money. At this timethere is no suspect information other than a first name. The victim will follow up on any other threats of the photo being shared online.

1525 hrs / Theft / 4400 block Via Real

Deputies responded to a report of a “beer run” at a local convenience store. The suspect was driving a vehicle with an out-of-state plate.

Saturday, April 18

2009 hrs / Theft / 1000 block Casitas Pass Road

An unknown female suspect entered a local pharmacy and stole fake eyelashes and some razor blades. The suspect placed the items in a blue tote bag and bought some other items.The suspect was seen in surveillance leaving the store with the items without paying and walking towards a grocery store.The suspect, described as having a big tattoo on the upper body, was notlocated by police.

Sunday, April 19

0640hrs / Theft /4600 block El Carro

Deputies responded to a report of a vehicle that was parked across from the victim’s house on April 18. When the victim returned to his vehicle, he noticed it had been rummaged through. He discovered his twowallets and backpack (combined value of $1,850) had been stolen from his vehicle. A box of ammunition and a black wireless earbud case were left behind by the suspect. Video surveillance was collected from a residence near the area,and an offense report was authored.

0640 hrs / Theft / 4600 block El Carro

Multiple vehiclesin the area were left unlocked and subsequentlytamperedwith when an unknown male rummaged through them.Video surveillance was collected from a residence near the areaand revealed the incident occurred around 0230 hours.

Read previously published Recaps

1031 hrs / Incident / El Carro Park

Deputies responded toa report of a couple physically fighting.The female was upset that she could not store her purse in his car.The malestarted walking awayandsheattempted to physically restrain him by grabbinghim and his shirt. In the process, she ripped his shirt, scratched his stomach and left a red mark on his neck.He extended his arm to create space from her restraint, which left a red mark on her neck and arm. She was determined to be the primary aggressor and was arrested and booked at the Main Jail. The maledid not want an emergency protective order.

1053 hrs / Theft / 4000 block ChapparalDrive

A victim reported that an unknown suspect had gone through her unlocked vehicle and stolen herpink slip. The theft occurred at some point between 2100 hours on April 18 and 1045 hours on April 1 . An offense report was authored.

1305 hrs / Theft /4600 block AragonDrive

An unknown suspect accessed a vehicle parked in the driveway and stole a pursecontaining miscellaneous items including a driver’slicense, several gift cards and air pods.

1534 hrs / Incident / Linden Avenue and Ninth Street

A subject brandished a knife at a restaurant on Linden Avenue after throwing chairs around. He was chased out of the bar and entered another restaurant armed with the knife in hand. The subject eventually dropped the knife and was subdued bypeople nearby moments before deputies arrived. The subject was arrested and transported to the Santa Barbara County Main Jail without further incident.

1640 hrs / Incident / 1100 block Casitas Pass Road

Deputies responded to a local restaurant for a couple physically fighting. The female subject had struck her male partner in the face, resulting in a black eye. She was arrested and booked at 38. No emergency protective order was desired.

Tuesday, April 21

0600 hrs / Violation /Carpinteria Avenue and Walnut Avenue

Subject was located sleeping inside a sleeping bag on top of a tarp next to all of her personal belongings in front of a library. She was cited for illegal camping.

1305 hrs / Fraud / 300 block Via Real

A woman said she was scammed and defrauded out of $2,000. The victim reported that a caller told her he had a warrant for her arrest and that she needed to pay the money.The victim paid $2,000 via Zelle before realizing it was a scam. The victim reported that the caller said he worked for SBSO and gave the name Sgt. James Smith.

1154 hrs / Incident / 510 block Carpinteria Avenue

Deputies responded to the bus stop near Carpinteria Avenue and Maple Avenue to a report of a male who broke the front door window of a Santa Barbara bus. Deputies contacted the suspect because he matched the description of the suspect in the same area and time. The suspect was under the influence of alcoholic beverages and repeatedly gave deputies a fake first name and birth date. The suspect was initially booked under a different name, because he wasidentifiedbya previousbooking photo, the same last name and a similar birth date. The suspect was arrested and booked for vandalism, public intoxication and giving a fake name to a police o cer. After booking, he was fingerprinted and his real identity was revealed to be a subject with multiple out-of-county warrants from Santa Cruz County.

Thursday, April 23

1745 hrs / Incident / 1300 block Delta Avenue

A suspect was seen looking into windows and attempting to gain access to a residence that she has no affiliation with. The suspect was captured on video cameras which were used to locatethe suspect shortly after the incident. The suspect was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia and for misappropriation of a bicycle. The suspect was arrested for loitering and for possession of drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance.

0128 hrs / Violation / EighthStreet and Maple Avenue

Deputies observed a subject sleeping in a sleeping bag onthe sidewalk. The suspectidentifiedherself and arecords check was conducted using various spellings of the name, after which no record was foundon file. Suspect was arrested for providing a false name. The deputy discovered aTarget debit card with a different name on it and asked the suspect if that was their name. The suspect replied bystating that they had found the card and were planning to mail it in. The

suspect was booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail and was properly identified as a suspect with a local warrant under yet another name. The suspect was found to have outstandingwarrants for providing a false name and other misdemeanor charges. The suspect’s Social Security number and date of birth were the same as those listed onthewarrant.

0036 hrs / Violation / Carpinteria Avenue and Yucca Lane

A subject was located sleeping inside a sleeping bag on top of a bus bench just west of Yucca Lane. The subject was provided with a resource pamphlet and a citation for illegal camping.

0326 hrs / Theft / 4300 block Carpinteria Avenue

A victim called to report that an unknown suspect(s) stole his Israeli flag from his front yard.This was the fourth theft of an Israeli flag in the past few months.The victim has no suspect information or surveillance cameras on his property.

Friday, April 24

2248 hrs /DUI /3600block Via Real

A suspect was stopped for various vehicle violations and was found to be DUI alcoholwith a BAC of 0.10%.During a vehicle inventory, deputies found a Springfield D mmpistolunder the driver’s seat,loose ammo in the center console andseveral baggies of methamphetamine and cocaine.The suspect said the car belongedto his mom, although it only contained his tools, passport andmiscellaneous personal effects.

2333hrs / DUI /4800 block Foothill Road

A deputy conducted a trafficstopforfailure to stopat Linden Avenue and Foothill Road. The driver was found to be DUI and alleged to be asthmatic and refused to provide a breath sample. The suspect was transported to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital where he provided a blood sample, before being transported to the Santa Barbara County Main Jail where he was booked.

0344 hrs / Incident / Holly Avenue

A woman was reported to be extremely mad about a rumor.She woke up mad and got into a verbal argument with her husband. Her husband was seated on the coach putting on his shoes to leave when the subject pushed him in the face. There was no injury left and her husband was not desirous of criminal prosecution. The case number was pulled for documentation purposes.

CARPINTERIA VALLEY MUSEUM OF HISTORY

APRIL 30, 2026

Senior Sky Korling had a wonderful season competing in the butterfly and relay events.

Senior captain Jake Ehlers has made his mark on the Warriors swim program over his career.

Senior swimmers celebrate successful careers

Carpinteria dominated Channel Islands in a Senior Day meet on April 22

BY RYAN P. CRUZ

Carpinteria’s swim team celebrated five seniors — Jake Ehlers, Sky Korling, Taison Lee, Massimo Bonilla-Zakosek and Micah Smith — in their final regular season meet at their home pool on April 22. The Warriors sent the seniors out on a high note, with both the boys and girls teams defeating Channel Islands as Carpinteria’s swimmers prepare for the Citrus Coast League Championships and CIF postseason.

The Warriors notched another league win and set themselves up for a good chance at the league title with an allaround performance against Channel Islands. The boys team set the tone from the opening event, building a lead and going on to take the meet victory 135-22.

Ehlers and Korling both came away with wins on senior day, with Ehlers taking first in the 50-yard freestyle and Korling taking the top spot in the boys 100-yard butterfly. The two seniors set the stage for the younger swimmers to follow up with individual wins, as junior Stefano Picoletti won both the 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke while sophomore Wyatt Pitterle won both the 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle.

The Warriors also got individual wins from Luke Donahue in the 100-yard freestyle and Cade McCallister in the 100-yard backstroke, and the boys won all three relay races of the day.

Carpinteria coach Jon Otsuki said the team’s four senior leaders “helped shape the culture of the program — showing up for early mornings, pushing through demanding sets and representing the Warriors with pride on race day.”

Otsuki commended the seniors’ commitment and leadership and said their impact on the program “will be missed but never be forgotten.”

Their impact goes far beyond their times and finishes, leaving a lasting impression on teammates and the program as a whole,” Otsuki said. “Teammates and coaches alike recognized not just what they’ve accomplished in the water, but the example they’ve set out of it. We appreciate you all.”

Carpinteria’s girls swim team managed to come away with an 85-47 victory over Channel Islands, despite missing several swimmers due to illness and other sports commitments.

With just six swimmers facing a full Channel Islands lineup, Carpinteria’s girls squad stepped up to embrace the challenge. Several swimmers competed and won in multiple events, and Carpinteria’s team pulled away with a sweep in the relay events.

Carpinteria’s shorthanded win was led by a quartet of swimmers with multiple first-place finishes. Hazel Dugré took first in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly; Madison Lee won in the 100and 200-yard freestyle races; Lucy Moore took both the 200- and 500-yard freestyle

events; and Klari Blackman came away in first place in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard breaststroke.

“This was one of those meets where effort and heart mattered just as much as times,” coach Otsuki said. “We asked

a lot of these girls, and they responded in a big way.”

Carpinteria’s boys and girls swim teams will now prepare for the Citrus Coast League finals this week at the Nordhoff Aquatics Complex in Ojai.

TINA LEE

TINA LEE

JANEL SHAW

Senior Massimo Bonilla-Zakosek was a key piece of Carpinteria’s relay squad.

JANEL SHAW

Carpinteria’s swim seniors Jake Ehlers, Sky Korling, Taison Lee, Massimo Bonilla-Zakosek and Micah Smith with their teammates and coaches.

TINA LEE

Senior Taison Lee improved each season during his time as a Warriors swimmer and polo player.

SHORT STOPS

BY RYAN P. CRUZ

Warriors baseball scratches out close win

Carpinteria baseball picked up the season sweep against Malibu with a tough 4-3 victory in extra innings at the Sharks’ home field on April 24.

The Warriors took an early 3-0 lead, scoring a run in the first inning and adding two more in the second inning. Malibu responded in the bottom of the third with a three-run rally to tie the game, and both teams locked in for the remainder of the game.

After going to extra innings, Carpinteria senior Sam Medel got the Warriors offense going again with a leadoff single. After Medel reached second on a sacrifice bunt from senior Noah Morente, he went on to score the eventual winning run with a big two-out double from sophomore Jonah Hernandez.

Carpinteria relief pitcher abe Martinez then took the mound in the bottom of the eighth, setting up the final three outs and giving the Warriors the win, 4-3.

“It was a great big win for our team,” said Carpinteria coach Pat Cooney. “We needed it in order to stay in the race for the playoffs. Santa Paula and Hueneme have locked up the top two spots so the rest of us are vying for the chance to represent the Citrus Coast League in third or fourth place.”

The Warriors are now 14-5 overall and -4 against league opponents, with a two-game series this week against Channel Islands.

“It’s great that the last two games of the league season are meaningful,” Cooney said.

Cate Rams roundup

Cate boys tennis suffered its first loss of the year in a non-league match against Oak Park on April 22. Heading into the match, the defending CIF champion ams had been on a 22-game win streak dating back to March 2025.

The ams battled to pick up several set wins against the Eagles, a Division 1 team that is consistently among the top-ranked schools in the state.

Cate’s Kakeru Hirofuji finished 3-0 in singles, competing against highly touted players and coming away on top. Cate’s doubles duo of Bruce Li and Andrew Jayich also won all three of their sets, dropping only seven games total.

Despite the loss, Cate boys tennis is expected to earn a high seed in the CIF playoffs. The ams finished the regular season with an overall record of 11-1 and claimed the league title with a league record of 7-0.

Multi-sport athlete Izzy Scott managed to compete in swim and track meets on the same day on April 22.

Warriors athletes round off strong season

Carpinteria’s track and field program continued a successful season with a sweep of the Fillmore Flashes in the final league meet of the season on April 22, followed by a strong showing for the Warriors athletes at the Santa Barbara County Championships in Santa Maria on April 25.

The first-place Warriors girls have been perfect in Citrus Coast League meets this season, and Carpinteria’s girls team advanced to a -0 record with a 10 -27 victory over Fillmore on April 22. Carpinteria’s boys team also earned a win over Fillmore by a score of 73- 1, moving to 4-2 against league opponents and second place in the league standings.

Carpinteria’s girls were led by a deep roster of sprinters, with the 4x100 relay team of Isla Moore, Belen MacMurray, ivan Huskins and Kaydance ardner opening up the Fillmore meet with a come-from-behind victory on the anchor leg.

ardner also pulled out a comeback win in the girls 400-meter race, defeating teammates Moore and iarys omez to complete the Warriors sweep in the top three spots.

Huskins took another win in the 200-meter dash, while Carpinteria’s hurdle specialists Halleh ahen and Izzy Scott claimed the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles, respectively.

The Warriors girls won all the distance events, and Scott teamed up with omez, ardner and Moore to notch another win in the 4x400 relay.

Carpinteria’s girls team went on to set a whole slew of personal records in the field events Freshman Caroline Cooney won the triple jump with a new personal best;

Carpinteria boys tennis picked up wins in its final two Citrus Coast League matches of the season, securing a share of first place in the league standings and locking in a spot in the CIF playoffs.

The Warriors traveled to Malibu on April 23, looking to avenge a loss against the league-leading Sharks one month earlier. In this rematch, the Warriors battled through an early deficit to come back and take the win by a final score of 10-8.

Carpinteria’s doubles duos set the tone in the win, with the duo of Servando Campuzano and Ethan Almgren turning in a 3-0 sweep after falling behind in the last round.

“Servando was amazing in the comeback, and it was the best I have seen him play,” said Carpinteria coach Charles Bryant. “He was so calm at the

baseline and was just hitting every target he wanted to.”

In singles, senior Edwin Hernandez followed up with a 3-0 sweep of his own, fighting through tough sets to come away with important points for the Warriors.

“I am extremely proud of all our players today,” coach Bryant said. “The boys showed so much heart and desire even when the stakes were down. We have a special bond with Malibu and sometimes, playing people you are friends with can cloud your game plan. But both teams showed a lot of class, sportsmanship and both teams celebrated after the match with each other, even taking a team picture together.”

The Warriors hosted one last head-tohead match against Nordhoff on April 27, which served as the final home match for Carpinteria’s trio of outgoing seniors.

“Servando Campuzano, Edwin Her-

nandez and Kamran Dadvar have meant so much to our current and past teams,” coach Bryant said. “They will be very tough to replace not just in our lineup but as mentors and leaders on our team.”

The trio performed well for Senior Day, as Dadvar finished with a 3-0 sweep in singles, while Campuzano and Hernandez teamed up to win a set together in doubles.

Carpinteria went on to win 15-3, advancing to a 7-1 record against league opponents and securing a share of first place in the Citrus Coast League standings.

The Warriors are 10- overall and will be hosting the Citrus Coast League individual finals this week before advancing to the CIF postseason.

––Ryan P. Cruz

freshman Lillian an Eyck won the pole vault with a new personal record; and junior Marely Avalos won the discus with a new personal milestone of over 101 feet.

The boys were led by junior distance runner Max Soto, with wins in the boys 1 00- and 3200-meters, and sophomore Isaac Sanchez, who won both the 110 high hurdles and 300-meter intermediate hurdles.

The Warriors racked up points by sweeping the top three spots in multiple events, including the distance and hurdles races. The boys also swept the 400-meter dash, won by junior Isaac Neri with teammates Brody Pozzebon and Kellen lasgow in second and third.

“The Warriors took care of business to finish a successful dual meet season,” said Carpinteria coach an Latham. “We expected to have a strong girls team. They did not disappoint.”

Carpinteria track and field athletes went on to have a successful competition with several medalists at the County Championships hosted in Santa Maria on April 25.

Huskins trimmed her school-record time in the 100 meters, taking first place at the County Championships with a new best time of 12.52 seconds. The senior sprinter also took third in the 200-meter race, with a new school-record time of 25.5 seconds. Huskins has set the school record in both events, multiple times this season.

More medalists included Avalos, who took second place in the shot put; Scott, who took third in the 300-meter hurdles; and Leighla ichter, who finished third in the 100-meter hurdles.

The top finisher for the boys athletes was senior Owen eeves, who returned from injury to claim second place in the 100-meter dash with a new personal record of 11.4 seconds.

The boys 4x800 relay team finished third, as did senior Eli Perez, who improved his shot-put throw and earned a third-place medal with a new personal record toss of over 45 feet.

“The Warriors were impressive today,” Latham said.

COURTESY PHOTO

Carpinteria played a close match against familiar foes from Malibu on April 23.

ROSANA SWING

The deep comfort of baseball

CRUZ ON SPORTS

RYAN P. CRUZ

“The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again.”

— A. Bartlett Giamatti

Some people find comfort in poetry, in nature or in recreation. Some like a quiet afternoon in the park to unwind, and some need the connection of a crowded place. I have baseball, the sport that comes around every spring to bring order to the world and help offer some welcome distraction from the stress of our day-to-day lives.

Baseball was the first sport I remember playing and watching. It soothes me in a deep way I can’t begin to understand, and although I am not often patriotic, there’s something about baseball that makes me unabashedly proud to be American.

Picture any little league field on a sunny weekend in April, packed with families passing on this uniquely American tradition to the next generation The metallic ping of aluminum bats at youth, high school and college games and the echoing crack of a wooden bat in the big leagues; the smell of trimmed grass,

freshly swept dirt or hot dogs and popcorn wafting from the concession stand. It’s enough to cure my jaded view of the country and instill a little bit of hope about the future. At least I know baseball will be there.

Deeper philosophical minds have explored the metaphysical attributes of baseball, the perfect mathematics of the diamond, the 0 feet, six inches from the pitching rubber to home plate and the 0 feet from base to base. How can something be so universally exact, yet every ballpark has its own identity, with every home run fence a different distance

To me, the workings of a baseball game are as fascinating as studying the stars, the currents of the ocean or plants and animals. It’s somehow simple and intricate at the same time, where the difference between a home run and a strikeout is a fraction of an inch or hundredth of a second.

It doesn’t always have to be deep. Baseball games are slow-paced, rhythmic and predictable, and you don’t even have to be paying attention or keeping score to enjoy the experience. I often turn on a game while I’m working just to give some comforting background noise.

There are so many levels to the game of baseball, and its lessons expand across all aspects of life. How many everyday sayings have their origins on the baseball field Step up to the plate. Three strikes and you’re out. You hit it out of the park. Got all the bases covered.

The language of baseball is poetic in nature, and over the years I’ve come to love the soft-talking sound of announcers like in Scully who were able to weave sports history and storytelling into their play-by-play broadcasts.

In the spring, I often fall asleep listen-

ing to the soothing sounds of baseball playing on low volume. And I’m not alone.

There’s a podcast called “Northwoods Baseball Sleep adio” that taps into the comfort of baseball by recreating the sound of old games on the staticky radio. On this station, you can hear full-length fictional games between teams like the Cadillac Cars and the Manistee Eagles, complete with sounds of the ballpark, old-timey ads and play-by-play by sleepy announcer Wally McCarthy.

It’s a testament to the unique nature of baseball, a sport that can soothe its fans even when the game gets a little boring. I encourage anybody who wants to get into sports — or unwind after a stressful day — to try and catch a game of baseball and see if you can find that same comforting feeling.

Ryan P. Cruz is the sports editor for Coastal View News. This is the latest installment of a monthly column where he explores local sports, sports history, and what’s in store for

ON DECK

Thursday, April 30

Carpinteria Swimming at Citrus Coast League Finals (Ojai), p.m.

*Carpinteria Track Field hosts Citrus Coast League Finals, 3 p.m.

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

Friday, May 1

Carpinteria Softball at Hueneme, 3 p.m.

*Carpinteria Softball vs Channel Islands, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 2

*Carpinteria Baseball Villanova (Senior Day), 11 a.m. Denotes Home Game

Rincon Swim School raises $27k for Swim it Forward

PHOTOS BY ROBIN KARLSSON

The incon Swim School and Hope Floats Foundation raised 27,000 during its 202 Swim It Forward Fundraiser on April 1 , surpassing the organization’s fundraising goal.

According to Andrea Lionello, founder of the incon Swim School, 15,000 of the funds will be directed toward scholarships and will support students participating in the Carpinteria Children’s Project and nited Way of Santa Barbara’s “Fun in the Sun” program this summer.

“These initiatives provide children from underserved communities with access to swim education, a critical life-saving skill and gateway to participation in aquatic sports and recreational programs,” Lionello said in a statement.

the future of Carpinteria sports. Have an idea, tip, or sports story? Email him at sports@ coastalview.com.

Omar Flores, owner of Carp Physio, cannonballs into the pool.

From left, Karla Curry, Leanna Darr and Kelli Flores

Rincon Swim School Founder Andrea Lionello and Camila Schafer

Lindsay and Ryan Taylor

From left, Lindsay Taylor, Andrea Lionello, Jaclyn Kucharski and Heidi Brock

ON THE ROAD

Reader totes CVN to his alma mater

Stefan Pitruzzelli and his parents traveled through several national parks and the Gold Country enroute to Sonoma County, where they spent several days in Healdsburg. Along the way, Stefan stopped by his alma mater, Fresno State, taking a snapshot of himself with his copy of the Coastal View News

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!

Seascape Realty

$620,000.

Please call Shirley Kimberlin at 805-886-0228

LISTED ON CATLIN CIRCLE Quality living in highly-desirable Villa Pinos Condominium Association (Catlin Circle)! This conveniently located 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo is newly renovated, including all-new paint & flooring, new kitchen appliances, and various new fixtures, giving a sense of freshness & brightness throughout. The home shares a pleasantlysurprising large greenbelt, and also includes a detached 2-car garage/driveway and private patio, offering peace and tranquility. Close to downtown, with easy access to the 101, parks, and shopping.

OFFERED AT $849,000

Please call Shirley Kimberlin at 805-886-0228 or Terry Stain at 805-705-1310

on the 'T' in

Carpinteria-fantastic

Parcel currently configured as 5 residential rental units and 1 commercial rental. Commercial building is a florist, but past uses include a salon, art gallery/gift shop, bike shop, and was once the location of the Carpinteria Herald newspaper! All but one residential unit currently rented. Some tenant parking onsite, W/D hookups in storage area. PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB TENANTS.

OFFERED AT $2,500,000

Please call Terry Stain at 805-705-1310