Four rehabilitated harbor seal pups were reintroduced to the ocean at Carpinteria State Beach by the Channel Islands Marine Wildlife Institute (CIMWI), on Wednesday, May 13. The seals — one male and three females — were rescued by CIMWI in February, and were nursed by CIMWI employees and volunteers until they returned to a healthy weight. Read more a out the event on pages 8 and of this wee s print.
The Carpinteria Community Library will oin dozens of libraries along the West Coast in reading and discussing “They Called s nemy,” by eorge Takei on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m.
The autobiographical graphic novel details author eorge Takei’s childhood e perience in Japanese American internment camps during World War II. Takei will oin the conversation via livestream.
The discussion will be one of several events held in Carpinteria centered around the book, which has been chosen for the One Book One Coast pro ect, a collective reading event hosted at libraries throughout the West Coast. Those who attend the event are invited to grab a free copy of “They Called s nemy.”
Age Well Care the home care service head uartered out of oleta recently announced its partnership with Nolia Health to deliver dementia care at home and in-home respite care for families living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, which is now active across Santa Barbara and entura counties.
The partnership operates under the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services’ CMS uiding an Improved ementia perience I Model, giving eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to Age Well Care’s specialized in-home caregivers. The I Model reimburses eligible hours of respite care delivered in the home. nder the model, Nolia Health coordinates care navigation, clinical support and care planning, while Age Well Care provides the hands-on dementia care at home.
The partnership covers Age Well Care’s full-service areas, including Carpinteria, Montecito, Santa Barbara, oleta, Santa nez, Solvang, Buellton, Los Olivos, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Westlake illage, Newbury ark, Oak ark, Somis, Santa Rosa alley, Lake Sherwood and Agoura Hills.
Families currently enrolled or e ploring enrollment in the I program through Nolia Health can now re uest Age Well Care as their in-home dementia care and respite care provider. Families who want to see if they ualify can check their eligibility at agewell.care guide.
fire rea s
The Montecito Fire epartment e tinguished a small fire near the southbound Highway 101 lane near Summerland, on the morning of Tuesday, May 19. According to the Montecito Fire epartment, the fire was reported around a.m., and the department responded alongside the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire rotection istrict and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s O ce. The fire burned an area of about 50 by 50 feet before it was e tinguished.
The Carpinteria nified School istrict announced that all students will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 202 -27 school year through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs.
The no-cost meal program will be available at Aliso lementary School, Canalino lementary School, Summerland lementary School, Carpinteria Middle School and Carpinteria High School.
istrict o cials said the policy amendment ensures meals will be provided to all students at no charge throughout the school year.
For more information, contact Michelle Hernandez, director of food services, at 05 755- 027 or Michelle.Hernandez cusd.net.
The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara awarded 1,275,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofits, including 2,500 to the Friendship Adult ay Care Center, at the 22nd annual Celebration of rants on Wednesday, May 1 at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara.
The grant for the Friendship Adult ay Care Center, which serves seniors in Montecito and Carpinteria, will help fund the center hiring a transportation coordinator and part-time driver to provide safe transportation for members.
The other grants, ranging in amounts from 0,000 to 200,000, will provide mental health therapy, youth counseling and mentorship and reproductive healthcare services for women meals and wellness checks for seniors transportation for foster children door-to-door assistance for seniors and adults with disabilities a truck to transport surplus food to nonprofits and a supportive dormitory for women struggling with addiction.
“It’s no secret These are challenging times for nonprofits, the people they serve and the donors who support them,” said Carolyn Jabs, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara’s board chair. “For myself, I’ve found the Women’s Fund is the best antidote to discouragement. It is truly a oy to work with other committed women who understand the impact we can have when we pool our resources for the common good.”
The other 2025-202 grant recipients include AHA Attitude, Harmony, Achievement, which received 150,000 Angels Foster Care, which received 0,000 Community artners in Caring, which received 2,500 the Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County, which received 200,000 Mission Scholars, which received 150,000 lanned arenthood California Central Coast, which received 200,000 Santa Barbara Meals on Wheels, which received 100,000 Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, which received 150,000 and eggie Rescue, which received 120,000.
In ol. 2, No. 5, “CVN witnessed eruption in Hawaii,” ilauea olcano is located on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Bring up to two (2) broken household items and get help from skilled repair experts.
Please
repairs
he arpinteria ions u is proud to announce this year’s
Monday May 25 5 10 AM
We will honor our Veterans this year with our traditional Ceremony at the Carpinteria Cemetery
White Doves will be released
Chairs areprovided; you are provided; welcome to bring your own
For
We’re proud to launch our 2026 Capital Campaign to raise $98,000, honoring The Alcazar’s 98th anniversary as Carpinteria’s home for the performing arts. Every gift plays a vital role in our mission to educate, inspire, and connect our community through the performing arts. Your support moves the story forward, ensuring The Alcazar remains vibrant, welcoming, and ready for the next generation of artists, audiences, and ideas.
You made 2025 unforgettable; let’s work together to make 2026 even more remarkable!
Your generous donation will enable us to:
Reupholster theatre seats
Refresh the theatre walls and ceiling with new paint
Acquire a state-of-the-art movie screen
Install sound baffles for improved acoustics
Set up a modern watering station
Renovate the green room
Enhance our educational and community outreach programs
What your support made possible:
Carp Film Festival
Weekly Improv Classes
Playwright Festival
Summer Drama Camp
Monthly Comedy Nights
Live Theatre Performances
Sold-Out Concerts
Movie/Film Screenings
Advanced lighting, sound, and projection technology
BY CVN STAFF
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s O ce SBCSO reported a mi ed picture for crime trends in Carpinteria during 2025, with overall art 1 crimes rising slightly while property crimes continued to decline. iolent crimes, however, saw a significant increase compared to the previous year.
According to the SBCSO’s annual crime recap released on Tuesday, Carpinteria recorded 204 art 1 crimes in 2025, up from 200 incidents in 2024 a 2 increase. While overall crime remained relatively stable, violent crime umped from 24 incidents to 40, marking a 7 increase year over year.
The increase was largely driven by aggravated assaults and robberies. Aggravated assaults rose from 1 incidents in 2024 to 2 in 2025, while robberies increased from si to nine. Carpinteria recorded three reported rapes in 2025 after reporting none in 2024. No homicides were reported.
espite the spike in violent crime, property crimes in Carpinteria declined 7 , dropping from 17 incidents in 2024 to 1 4 in 2025. Burglaries fell from 25 to 17 incidents, while vehicle thefts dropped from 1 to 1 . Larceny-theft remained nearly unchanged, increasing by one case from 1 1 to 1 2.
Countywide, the sheriff’s office reported broader declines in overall crime across the urisdictions it serves, including the contract cities of Carpinteria, oleta, Solvang and Buellton, along with Isla ista and unincorporated areas. Overall, art 1 crimes across all urisdictions fell 9.4 , from 2,1 7 incidents in 2024 to 1,9 2 in 2025. roperty crimes countywide declined 12 , while violent crimes increased slightly by about 4 .
“The sheriff’s o ce is pleased to report that our county continues to have low levels of reported crime and that overall, it remains a very safe place to live,” Sheriff Bill Brown said in the release. “I am proud of the continued work of our deputies, detectives and professional staff whose efforts contribute to safer communities throughout Santa Barbara County.”
Compared with neighboring urisdictions, Carpinteria’s increase in violent crime stood out. oleta e perienced only a slight increase in violent crime, from 4 incidents to , while unincorporated county areas saw violent crime decrease by appro imately 2 . Buellton and Solvang both recorded fewer than a dozen violent crimes in 2025.
Over the longer term, sheriff’s o ce data shows overall crime in Carpinteria remains well below levels seen a decade ago. The city recorded art 1 crimes in 2017, compared with 204 in 2025. roperty crimes have also trended downward over the last 10 years, despite year-to-year fluctuations.
The sheriff’s o ce also announced that beginning ne t year, it will transition from the legacy Summary Reporting System to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System, or NIBRS. O cials said the newer reporting system provides more detailed crime tracking and may result in apparent increases in reported crimes because multiple offenses within a single incident will now be counted separately.
201620172018201920202021202220232024202524-2524-25
AggAssault16192081619261818281056% PropertyCrime245300215165236224169197176164 -12-7%
Burglary5060372025289192517-8-32%
Larceny-Theft18121015212518317314016013113211%
VehicleTheft14292620252316181813-5-28% Arson010020402200%
Overall Part 1 crimes in Carpinteria increased slightly in 2025, while property crimes continued a longer-term downward trend, according to the Santa ar ara ounty Sheriff s ffice. iolent crimes in arpinteria rose sharply in 0 , driven largely y increases in aggravated assaults and ro eries. o homicides were reported.
Longtime member of Carpinteria’s Architectural Review Board Richard . Johnson has stepped down from his position, Community evelopment irector Nick Bobroff confirmed at the Carpinteria City Council’s Monday, May 11 meeting.
Johnson had been a member of the ARB for 1 years and was the only
member of the board who is an architect, Bobroff said. Johnson’s term was not set to e pire until January 2027.
Bobroff said the city is currently accepting applications for the position, and those interested may visit the city’s website and submit an application through the city clerk.
Si of the nine cannabis operators in Carpinteria that were served with notices of intent to revoke their license after the operators failed to meet the March 1 deadline to have carbon scrubber technology installed have filed appeals.
In 2025, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors ordered that all cannabis operators in the Carpinteria alley have to install carbon scrubbers used to remove the cannabis odor before it leaves greenhouses by March 1 , 202 .
The nine businesses that did not meet the deadline were notified of intent to revoke their licenses in early April by Santa Barbara County. According to aisy Weber with First istrict County Supervisor Roy Lee’s o ce, two of the nine businesses are now in compliance, and one was found to not have an operational license prior to receiving the notice.
The remaining si operators have filed appeals and will remain operational during the 0-day appeal process.
Three checks placed in the mailbo outside of the Carpinteria ost O ce were recently intercepted, with two of them being fraudulently cashed, Lt. Richard Brittingham told the Carpinteria City Council on Monday.
All three checks were placed in the dropbo by a single resident in early April. Sometime after the checks were sent, the resident checked their banking app and noticed that two of the checks had been cashed under different names.
The fraudulent checks totaled over 15,000.
Brittingham told the council that there have been similar reports in Montecito and oleta and advised anyone dropping off paper checks to not do so at the dropbo .
“I wanted to make everybody be aware, if you’re dropping off at the post o ce, you may not want to do that yet here in Carp,” Brittingham said.
May is sian aci c slander eritage onth
The Carpinteria City Council approved a proclamation designating May 2026 as Asian American and acific Islander Heritage Month at its Monday, May 11 council meeting.
Following the approval, the proclamation was accepted by Carpinterian in Bennett, on behalf of the Asian American and acific Islander communities of Carpinteria and Santa Barbara.
“We celebrate this month as a symbol of strength, resilience and culture. We are proud of those that came before us and paved our way,” Bennett said. “May we continue to support and celebrate each other, in recognizing the diversity of our heritage in support of the AA I community. May we listen, and may we retell our stories so that we may always remember the blessings we are to one another.”
Tama Takahashi, a local visual artist, also spoke at Monday’s meeting about the proclamation.
“I’ve spent the last many months getting ready for a solo show at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Barbara, so I’ve been kind of immersed in all the sadness around my family having been in a camp,” Takahashi said. “And so to hear these words. My father’s family would have been really touched and gratified for that, so thank you.”
The Carpinteria City Council presented a 10-year service award to Carpinteria maintenance worker Tim ray, who has been with the city since 201 , at the council’s May 11 meeting.
Carpinteria ublic Works irector John Ilasin introduced ray to members of the council, providing a short overview of ray’s career with the city. ray was originally in a Maintenance Worker I position, before he was promoted to Maintenance Worker II in 2021. He also serves on the city’s ublic Works mergency Management Team and has worked through several emergencies or disasters.
“He has been involved or participated in a lot of the first responding, especially us as public works first responders,” Ilasin said. “Tim has been through the Thomas Fire, the ebris Flow of 2017 201 , of course Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 2021, and the more recent winter storm events of 202 and 2025. So he is one of the workers out there cleaning our storm drain systems before winter events.”
ray spoke briefly at Monday’s meeting, where he told council members how much he en oys representing the city and working with his team at the public works department.
“Just getting involved in the city has been a oy,” ray said.
The Carpinteria City Council accepted a proclamation announcing May 17-2 , 202 , as National ublic Works Week at the council’s May 11 meeting. The proclamation was accepted by the city’s ublic Works Manager Ryan Ayerle.
“It’s really great to go out to these resident re uests, like a tree down and having people be appreciative of the fact that we’re there. And like Tim said, it’s not really ust a ob,” Ayerle said.
SOUTH BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
CASE NUMBER: 26BAR-00039
DATE OF HEARING: June 5, 2026
MEETING BEINGS: 9:00 A.M
SUBJECT: Cooperstone Revision
Request of Blake Herpst, agent for Randy Cooperstone, to consider Case No. 26BAR-00039 for Conceptual, Preliminary and Final review to remove and replace the existing wood siding with stucco in a lime wash color. Previous approved BAR Case No. 25BAR-00062 approved a proposed remodel which consists of exterior and structural improvements to an existing residence. Key scope items include the enclosure of a 206 square foot lower-level porch to create a dedicated gym space. The existing exterior shingle siding will be repainted, and associated trim will be revised and refreshed with new paint. The existing shingle roof will be replace with a new standing seam steel roof for enhanced durability and a modern aesthetic. Upgrades to outdoor living areas include the addition of tile finishes to the entry-level balcony and the sun deck above, the installation of a new outdoor grill and parapet, and replacement of the existing glass railing system with a steel cable railing. Additional modifications include revising theentry columns, removing the existing glass door at the entry deck, and raising the existing storage structure by 1’6” with new door to be installed. The following structures exist on the parcel; 2,251 square foot residence. The proposed project will not require any cut or fill. The property is a 0.14-acre parcel zoned 10-R-2, and shown as Assessor’s Parcel Number 005-152-033, 2435 Golden Gate Avenue, in the Summerland community plan, First Supervisorial District.
Anyone interested in this matter is invited to join and speak in support or in opposition to the projects. Written comments are also welcome. All letters should be addressed to the Santa Barbara County Board of Architectural Review, 123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 (Attn: Hearing Support).
For further information, please contact the project planner Keanna Lam via email lamk@countyofsb.org or the SBAR secretary, Jonathan Martin at (805) 568-3374 or martinj@countyofsb.org or via FAX at (805) 568-2030.
If you challenge the project 26BAR-00039 in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence to the Board of Architectural Review Board prior to the public hearing.
The order of the agenda is subject to change, please contact Hearing Support prior to the meeting for any additional changes.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The South Board of Architectural Review provides in-person participation as well as virtual participation until further notice.
The following methods of participation are available to the public.
1. You may observe the live stream of the South Board of Architectural Review online at: YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hPfWWxJ_kd_oF6fPAygBA
2. If you wish to make a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item, the following methods are available:
• Distribution to the South Board of Architectural Review Members - Submit your comment via email prior to the commencement of the South Board of Architectural Review meeting. Please submit your comment to the Recording Secretary at martinj@countyofsb.org. Your comment will be placed into the record and distributed appropriately.
• Attend the Meeting In-Person: Individuals are allowed to attend and provide comments at the SBAR meeting in-person.
• Video and Teleconference Public Participation – A public member who wishes to participate via Zoom must follow the link listed above Any physical evidence (e.g. photographs, documents, etc.) the public wishes to share with the Board must be emailed to the recording secretary at martinj@countyofsb.org. Please indicate your desire to speak when the chair opens the public comments portion for the item you wish to speak on. The chat feature will be unavailable during the hearing. For technical assistance during the hearing, please contact (805) 568-2000 to be directed to our technical team.
Video and Teleconference Public Participation
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: June 5, 20269:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Topic: South Board of Architectural Review 6/5/2026
Register in advance for this webinar: https://santabarbaracounty.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_cSbsNz_xRBqpgyRgqh_eoA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
OR PARTICIPATE VIA TELEPHONE: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 669 216 1590 or +1 415 449 4000 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 646 964 1167 or 833 568 8864 (Toll Free) or 833 435 1820 (Toll Free)
Beautiful. Picturesque. Noble. These are the words that come to mind when I look at the hills of Summerland and see it. The big, white Victorian house. The Galen Clark home. The second oldest home in Summerland. The Big Yellow house may be the oldest and most recognized building in Summerland, but Clark’s home, nearly as old, also has a lot of history tied to it.
Deciding to try his hand at gold mining in 1854, Clark left his native home of Canada and moved to California. Within three years, he was diagnosed with “consumption,” better known today as tuberculosis. His doctors told him he had only six months to live. He was just 43 years old.
In hopes of bettering his health and extending his life, he moved to the area known as Wawona, near Yosemite. Clark immediately became enamored with the beauty of the area, and most notably, the giant Sequoia trees. He is known as the first non-indigenous person to document the Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoias. His support and activism urged the senate to pass legislation protecting the area. In 1 94, he was deemed the first guardian of Yosemite after Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant into law.
While living there, he ran a modest motel he called “Clark’s Station.” The Ahwahnechee indigenous tribe called the site, “Pallahchun,” which translates to “a good place to stop.”
Clark loved the Yosemite area, and he also loved the beach and the warmth it offered. Moving on in years, around 1890, Clark began spending his winters in Summerland at his stately home on Shelby Street and continued to visit until his death in 1910. He was 95.
Giant Sequoia trees and Coast Redwood trees are closely related. Although the Giant Sequoias are the biggest by volume, the Coast Redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth. And why do I bring this to your attention? Not far from the Clark home, you can fi nd a single redwood standing proudly behind the liquor store. And I know how it got there!
Eugene Granaroli (known to everyone as “Geno”) was born in 1930 in his family home on Lillie Avenue. He and his two older brothers all attended Summerland School and were well known in the area.
Around 1944, the Granaroli family took a trip to the Redwoods. While there, Geno, who was known to be very persuasive, talked his brothers into helping him hatch his plan. During the camping trip, Geno and his older brothers dug up a redwood sapling and secretly replanted it here in Summerland. Geno passed away in 2024, and up until the week he died, that was still one of his favorite stories to share.
A tale of two men, both resided in Summerland. Both lovers of trees. Both lived into their mid ‘90s, of which they might attribute to living the good life near the ocean.
I’m certain that if the indigenous people of Ahwahnechee would have visited here, they, like Galen Clark and Geno Granaroli, would have also deemed Summerland “Pallahchun,” because it is a good place to stop.
In other Summerland news …
Post mistress retires
Summerland residents are sad to learn the news that Bert Vega, our local post mistress, has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and has decided to retire after 13 years. In her letter, Bert writes that she “is doing good and trying to stay positive.”
She requests our prayers, support and well wishes. If you’d like to contact her, you may reach out to her by mail: P.O. Box 805, Summerland, CA 93067.
The newly installed station is an Eagle Scout Project created by Elijah LoMonaco of Carpinteria Troop 50. When coming up with the idea for his Eagle project, Eli knew immediately it would have something to do with bike riding. Eli is a Summerland native, alumnus of Summerland School and an avid recreational and competitive mountain biker. He is also among the first to begin Scouts as a Lion, which allowed, for the first time, children in kindergarten to enter the program, putting him at 10 years of service with the Scouts of America. Congratulations, Eli! The station includes a lift, tools and an air pump to assist with your biking needs. It is located at Summerland Memorial Park and is free and open to the public. Major sponsors include Carpinteria Valley Lumber, Carpinteria Summerland Fire Department and Santa Barbara South Coast Firefighter Foundation.
On May 17, Parents for Summerland and Summerland Beautiful teamed up for their annual school beautification day. Dr. Shannon Colson, teacher in charge at Summerland school, greeted students, parents, members of Summerland Citizens Association and local residents as they began their day of work.
The volunteers filled 1 truckloads of weeds and debris from the school site, making it not only more beautiful, but more fire safe. Thank you to the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District for providing the dumpster in which the debris was deposited and to Fire Marshal Mike LoMonaco for assisting with the cleanup.
The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department will be hosting the unveiling of a new bike repair station. Pedal over, enjoy refreshments, prizes and enter a ra e for an e-bike, generously donated by E-bikery of Santa Barbara. The event is on May 23 from 8-10 a.m. at the Summerland Fire Station.
The Summerland Citizens Association (SCA) will be hosting its quarterly community gathering on June 17 at 100 Innovation Place in Summerland. Social time begins at 5:15 p.m., presentation is from 6-7 p.m. SCA has changed their weekly o ce hours to Saturdays, 9-10 a.m. on the back patio of Red ettle Coffee.
Crescent LoMonaco is an author and artist and has called Summerland home for over 25 years. A dedicated volunteer within the Summerland and Carpinteria communities, she describes herself as a lifelong learner who finds inspiration in meeting new people and hearing their stories. If you have a story to share, feel free to contact her at Creslomo1@ gmail.com.
BY THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL WELLNESS ACCESS LINE TEAM
Editor’s Note: Part 3 of 4. This Viewpoint was submitted by HopeNet of Carpinteria, a local grassroots suicide prevention nonprofit, for Mental Health May.
The phone rings at 5:27 p.m.
On the other end is a voice that is uncertain, strained and searching for something — though they may not know exactly what. Maybe it’s help. Maybe it’s reassurance. Maybe it’s simply someone willing to listen.
For the Access Line screener who answers, this moment is not unusual. In many ways, it is exactly why they are here.
Working on the Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access Line is not a typical job. It is grounded in purpose, fueled by compassion and sustained by a commitment to serving the community, especially when people feel most vulnerable. Unlike programs that operate during standard business hours, the Access Line exists because need does not follow a schedule. For many callers, after hours may be the only time they can safely or privately ask for help.
Many people call at a breaking point. It is a privilege to be with someone on what may be their hardest day.
Each shift brings a range of calls, some urgent: a parent of a young adult experiencing a first episode of psychosis, a family member unsure how to respond or someone in crisis needing immediate support. In these moments, screeners assess immediate safety, provide guidance and connect individuals to the appropriate level of care. That may include dispatching the Mobile Crisis Team, directing someone to a Crisis Stabilization Unit or helping them access emergency services.
Other calls may be less urgent, but they are no less important.
Many callers simply know something is not right. They may not know what services exist or where to begin. Screeners help them understand available resources, including mental health care, substance use disorder treatment or both. They explain how to access services, what the process looks like and what options may be available right away.
They may also discuss sobering centers, withdrawal support, outpatient mental health care or steps family members can take when a loved one is unwilling to engage in treatment. For many people, navigating these systems can feel overwhelming. Access Line screeners help make the path forward clearer and more manageable.
There is something powerful about helping someone understand their options. It gives them a starting point.
The work of the Access Line is not done alone. Behind every call is a team connected through support, consultation
Many callers simply know something is not right. They may not know what services exist or where to begin. Screeners help them understand available resources, including mental health care, substance use disorder treatment or both.
and encouragement. Leadership plays an important role in fostering that environment. Supervisors are available to debrief difficult calls, celebrate successes and ensure staff feel supported in carrying the emotional weight of the work.
It is a strong team that consistently shows up for one another. That sense of connection extends to the values that guide the work. Screeners often return to a simple question: Would I want my own family member to call this line? The answer shapes every interaction.
Follow-through is another cornerstone of the work. Whether ensuring a callback, confirming a connection to services or taking the extra step to close the loop, the goal is continuity and reliability. In a system that can sometimes feel fragmented, the Access Line strives to create a seamless experience grounded in accuracy and timeliness.
And while the work can be demanding, it is also deeply rewarding. Informational calls may not be crises, but they matter. Helping someone navigate something confusing can make a meaningful difference.
At its core, the Access Line is about meeting people where they are. It is about holding space, offering guidance and reminding callers they are not alone.
The first call can be the hardest, and screeners understand the courage it takes to reach out. On the other end of the line is someone ready to listen, ready to help and ready to walk alongside them — whatever they may need.
And when the phone rings again, whether at 5:27 p.m. or 5:27 a.m., they will be there.
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available 24/7 through the Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Access Line at (888) 868-1649.
The proposal to build 191 multimillion-dollar residences on our beloved Carpinteria Bluffs where Tee Time is located is absurd. Our local housing crisis is a shortage of homes affordable to the people who work here, not a shortage of high-end beachfront trophy houses.
Building large houses (up to 3,500 square feet in this proposal) creates demand for new service jobs — positions that generally pay far less than what it takes to afford these houses. ven with the proposed 20% of the units set aside for low-income residents, the new demand for service obs significantly e ceeds what can be housed by those units. That means the end result of the project is that our affordable housing crisis will be worse after building this project!
The city recently published its “Consistency Review” which documents how the project is inconsistent with numerous
eneral lan policies that e ist specifically to protect this important land. Not only would this project destroy the part of the Carpinteria Bluffs where it is located and seriously impact the adjacent harbor seal rookery, it would have huge impacts on the natural areas next door our beloved Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve that was bought by and is owned by the people of Carpinteria. The developer does not have the right to negatively impact our Nature Preserve. At its core, this is a property rights issue — we the people of Carpinteria refuse to allow a neighbor to damage our Nature Preserve property.
I urge everyone who cares about Carpinteria to stay informed, be patient and then make yourself heard at the right time. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared over upcoming months. Once the draft EIR is published, it will be time for the community to show up and speak out to protect our Carpinteria Bluffs.
Three female and one male harbor seal pups were released back into the wild on Wednesday, May at Carpinteria State Beach, after being rescued and rehabilitated by the Channel Islands Marine Wildlife Institute (CIMWI).
All four pups were rescued sometime between Feb. and Feb. according to CIMWI, and weighed below the average birth weight of a harbor seal. The pups were malnourished and rescued due to maternal separation, CIMWI said.
As of late April, the pups weighed between and pounds and were eating up to pounds of fish per da he pups returned to the water together on Wednesday, swimming off into the ocean near the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery, as locals on shore watched from a safe distance.
According to a press release from CIMWI, rehabilitated animals are released in areas with wild populations of the same species to help facilitate a successful reintroduction. “The goal is to rehabilitate and return these beautiful sentinels to their natural habitat,” the organization stated.
In an average year, according to CIMWI, the organization rescues marine mammals and has up to patients in care at a time; as well as manages up to hotline calls or online reports annually about marine mammals in distress.
CIMWI is the only organization in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties that is authorized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to respond to live and dead pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), live and dead sea turtles and live cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). It is also the only organization authorized to rehabilitate live pinnipeds and triage live cetaceans and sea turtles.
Those with information about a marine animal that is stranded or in distress may call the CIMWI rescue hotline at 567-1505. Those looking for general information may email info@CIMWI.org.
This report covers May 11 — 17, 2026
CVN’s Seal Watch weekly report, written by Seal Watch volunteers, covers activities at the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery. 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) 364-3194. The rookery is located immediately east of Casitas ier, between Carpinteria Bluffs Nature reserve and Carpinteria State Beach. There is no vehicle access from Dump Road.
COUNT
High surf and winter storms separated three pups from their moms in late February. Carpinteria Seal Watch coordinated with Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) to rescue the pups.
Last week these three pups and one from Santa Barbara were released on the beach in Carpinteria. When they were rescued they all weighed approximately 20 pounds and when they were released, they weighed in at approximately 56 pounds. Each rehabilitated pup has been tagged with an orange tag on their hind flipper. If you happen to spot a tagged harbor seal, please contact CIMWI with as much identifying information as possible.
Seal Watch volunteers spend many hours documenting seal activity and educating visitors. We are thrilled that three of our pups were able to make it back to Carpinteria.
Volunteers counted 1,176 visitors into the overlook. Visitors came from Utah, New ork, ennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Washington, Missouri, Massachusetts, South akota, Colorado, ermont, New Jersey, Te as, Oregon, ennsylvania, Indiana and Illinois. Foreign visitors came from France, Italy, Taiwan, Germany, Finland, Mexico, Canada and Sweden. Three school groups visited; two were very well prepared and ready to learn about the harbor seals. Two visitors from Carpinteria had no idea about the existence of the seals and were excited to learn.
Five disturbances included two hang gliders from the east, two kayakers from the west, a group of hikers who misunderstood the sign on the beach and later came up to apologize and three disturbances from pickup trucks stopping at the pier.
lease consider honoring the Marine Mammal rotection 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. Volunteers ask that dogs always remain outside the rope area.
Carpinteria Seal Watch volunteers monitor our local seal rookery. More volunteers are always needed. Contact Seal Watch at carpsealwatch@gmail.com or call 80 64- 1 4 if you d li e to help
BY CVN STAFF
One of the most iconic symbols of the Vietnam War has found a permanent new home in Northern California. A restored Bell UH-1M Huey helicopter, which had been in the possession of the Santa Barbara Chapter 218 of the Vietnam Veterans of America for nearly 30 years, is now on display at the Chico Air Museum in Northern Califonia, where it was o cially re-dedicated May 2 during the museum’s annual Fly-In event.
For the veterans who fought, flew and survived aboard the aircraft during the Vietnam War, the Huey represents far more than a machine. The helicopter became a symbol of rescue, survival, sacrifice and brotherhood, carrying troops into combat, evacuating the wounded and bringing countless service members safely home.
“This was an unexpected dream come true,” Chico Air Museum Director Norm Rosene said in a press release provided by Chapter 218 President Peter Bie. “To have the bird be in California made for an easy transfer. She’ll be getting lots of love.”
The helicopter’s relocation closes a di cult chapter for A Chapter 21 , which spent two years searching for a permanent public display site within Santa Barbara County. Despite efforts to keep the aircraft local, no long-term solution materialized.
In late July, the U.S. Army — which retained ownership of the helicopter — approved the transfer to the Chico museum, where the aircraft underwent nearly nine months of restoration work before its unveiling.
Several local veterans traveled north for the ceremony, including ary obbins, Ed Foster and Don Matter.
For Dobbins, the ceremony ended with a moment he said many Vietnam veterans waited decades to experience.
“Once the ceremony finished, attendees formed two lines and asked us to walk through so they could welcome us home,” Dobbins said. “It soon became a very emotional moment for us … families all shook our hands, including children, saying thank you and welcome home’.”
For many Americans, the Huey became the defining image of the ietnam War an aircraft capable of carrying troops into battle, evacuating the wounded, delivering supplies and e tracting soldiers from some of the war’s most dangerous combat zones.
the aircraft was emotional for chapter members.
“While it was a sad moment when the bird was loaded onto the trailer for its final trip north, the membership was relieved that it will stay within the state,” Bie said. “For the millions of Vietnam veterans who served in-country, the Huey will always remain as one of their strongest memories of the war.”
That sentiment resonates deeply with local veterans whose firsthand accounts were published by Coastal View News in a 202 three-part series e ploring the helicopter’s significance.
Decorated combat veteran Rik Peirson recalled arriving in ietnam aboard a Huey in 1968, when one dropped him and his gear onto a soccer field in the Mekong elta for his assignment with a Military Assistance Command Vietnam advisory team.
“Our major went down in a Huey my first week there,” eirson wrote in 2023. “Everybody survived, but a local Vietnamese district chief broke his back.”
Thursday, May 11, 2023 11
Veteran and Carpinterian Peter Bie, who served as a Huey door gunner with the 1st Air Cavalry, said parting with
Peirson described how Hueys often flew in pairs so one could rescue the crew of another if shot down. He remembered the bravery of pilots and door gunners who routinely flew into “hot” landing zones under enemy fire.
“Huey crews were legendary for their courage,” he wrote. “Flying into and out of uestionable places, including ones where they probably shouldn’t have been.”
For Peirson, the helicopter’s presence in Santa Barbara County over the past three decades carried special meaning beyond military history.
“At different local events, including Fourth of July parades, car shows and other display opportunities, I’ve personally lifted a couple of hundred kids into the cockpit of the Huey,” he wrote. “I’ve seen them literally light up.”
Another local veteran, retired Army helicopter pilot Joe Danely, called the Huey “probably the most recognized icon of the Vietnam War.”
“As one of more than 100,000 Vietnam helicopter pilots and crew members, I have a lot of love for the Huey,” Danely wrote in 2023.
Danely flew two tours in Vietnam and described the aircraft as a lifeline for troops on the ground.
“We carried troops into battle, resupplied them with food, water and ammo, evacuated them to life-saving hospitals and lifted them out when the battle was over,” he wrote.
Though decades have passed since
the war, anely said the sight or sound of a Huey instantly transports veterans back in time.
“ et us ne t to a Huey at an airshow, or parade or museum, and it takes us right back to a time when we were young and invincible,” he wrote.
Now restored and on permanent display in Chico, the helicopter will continue telling those stories to future generations.
Rosene said the museum had spent more than a decade on the Army’s waiting list for a Huey. The museum, which regularly transports and restores military aircraft from around the country, considered the opportunity especially meaningful because the helicopter already carried decades of history tied to California veterans.
While Santa Barbara County ultimately lost the aircraft, local veterans say its mission endures preserving the memory of those who served and helping younger generations better understand the realities of war.
For Dobbins and others who attended the dedication, the helicopter’s final ourney north became something more personal a long-overdue acknowledgment of service that many Vietnam veterans never received when they first came home.
VICKIE GONZALEZ
A few years ago, I wrote a CVN article about the impact of complaining on our well-being, suggesting mindful awareness. I’m revisiting this topic now — not because the idea has changed, but because considering how complaining affects us feels more relevant than ever.
People are carrying a great deal of stress, uncertainty, grief, financial strain and a general sense of emotional overload. There is ongoing worry and reactivity around broader political conditions as well as personal circumstances. Understandably, many of us feel our emotions more on the surface than we did before. It’s important to acknowledge and talk about this because it shapes how we communicate. Complaining, sarcasm and criticism about what feels wrong can become even easier to fall into.
This article doesn’t suggest ignoring or minimizing pain; instead, it’s a reminder that emotional expression is both necessary and healthy. It’s focused on distinguishing between healthy emotional expression and cycles that leave us stuck and gradually disrupt our internal state and our relationships.
The accumulation we don’t always notice
Complaining influences stress levels, mindset and physical well-being. Chronic negativity impacts our emotional and physiological systems; it impairs our
immune system and makes us more susceptible to an array of health issues. A positive mindset promotes harmony in the nervous system, improving mental clarity and overall mental health.
Small things add up. I often think of it as carrying a backpack throughout the day. One small rock is nothing. A few still feel manageable. But over time, without realizing it, the weight builds until we suddenly feel exhausted, irritable or overwhelmed, without fully realizing why. Have you ever taken a backpack off at the end of a long day and suddenly realized just how heavy it had become — and how accustomed you had grown to carrying it? This is often how emotional tone builds as well. It’s usually not through one major moment, but through many small repetitions.
Venting vs. complaining
One important distinction to discuss is the difference between venting and complaining.
Venting
• Stays relatively focused
May include reflection ownership
• Seeks support, understanding or clarity
• May or may not lead to solutions
• Feels connecting or relieving
Complaining
• Expands into multiple grievances
• Often centers blame
• Seeks agreement or reinforcement
• Often doesn’t move toward resolution
• Often feels draining or activating
Note that although venting may help with finding solutions, it doesn’t always. However, compared to complaining, venting tends to feel more relieving or more connecting. Sometimes we are dealing with situations that cannot be quickly changed. In those moments, venting may simply be about receiving emotional support. Some experiences take time to process. The distinction is less about whether a conversation is repeated
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and more about what it’s doing to us internally over time.
Here are a few examples to show the difference between venting and complaining. This can be something you say to yourself or to someone else.
Work
Venting: “I had a tough interaction with someone at work today and feel really frustrated. I need to talk it through so I can figure out how to manage it better tomorrow.”
Complaining: “Work is horrible and nobody knows what they are doing. My boss doesn’t care.”
Family or home stress
Venting: “I feel overwhelmed. I need some support from my family with the housework.”
Complaining: “I have to do everything, and nobody ever helps me. Everything always falls on me, and no one cares.”
Everyday frustrations
Venting: “The tra c got to me today. I just need a quiet evening to recalibrate.”
Complaining: “Tra c is awful. eople can’t drive, and they are never going to fi the roads.”
When others are complaining
What do we do when we aren’t the one complaining, but are in conversation with someone who is? The goal is not to shut people down; it’s to become more intentional about how we participate. There are a few simple ways that usually work.
Redirection: “Have you had a chance to talk to them directly about how you feel?” This can help shift the focus from repeated frustration to more clarity or action.
Avoid reinforcing the complaint cycle: Don’t amplify it with agreement, even if you strongly agree. It can extend the emotional activation rather than soften
it, as we often see with healthy venting. Change the direction: Sometimes the most useful thing to do is shift what is being shared. “That sounds like it was really frustrating. Was any other part of the trip calmer?” It isn’t about dismissing the person sharing; it’s about widening the emotional field, so interaction feels healthier.
Be direct: It’s also okay to be direct and share that you don’t want to engage in conversations that feel draining to you.
The way we speak — to ourselves and others — shapes our emotional environment. Often, we notice the impact only after we’ve begun to feel weighed down. Instead of suppressing emotions, try to observe how different conversations make you feel. Pay attention to when a conversation shifts from helpful venting to unproductive repetition. Ask yourself: Is this moving me forward, or keeping me stuck? Does this feel supportive and productive right now? Remember, both our words and our attention shape our emotional reality.
As always, may this topic inspire curiosity, compassion and conversation.
“The words we speak become the house we live in,” Hafiz.
Vickie Gonzalez has been licensed for almost 20 years as an LMFT and currently provides counseling, coaching and consulting services. Her private practice is currently online only. She specializes in private practice, including grief loss, addiction/codependency and anxiety disorders. She works with people around themes of identity and purpose as well, primarily with individuals and couples. Coaching services focus on collaborating with clients on setting and reaching their wellness goals, whether those goals are career, relational, financial or personal in nature. On a personal note, she has lived in Carpinteria all her life and became a therapist to give back to the community.
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Inaugural pop-up event slated for Saturday, May 23
At first glance, PacWest Blooms’ Downtown T storefront feels like stepping into a botanical daydream.
Fresh flowers spill from buckets. lants stretch toward the sunlight. Artisan candles flicker beside coastal-inspired gifts and locally made treasures. Somewhere in the background, wedding florals are being assembled while a customer shops for the perfect graduation lei or birthday bou uet.
For owner Suzie Schneider, the newly merged PacWest Blooms and Dirt Botanicals isn’t ust a flower shop it’s the blooming result of years of family creativity, community connection and a whole lot of heart.
“We hope people immediately feel inspired, welcomed and comfortable the moment they walk through the doors,” Schneider said. “We wanted the space to feel alive and e periential rather than ust transactional.”
Located at 4859 Carpinteria Ave., the shop recently relocated to Carpinteria’s Downtown T, bringing together PacWest Blooms’ full-service floral and event design business with the plant-and-gift aesthetic longtime customers came to know through irt Botanicals.
acWest Blooms specializes in everyday floral arrangements, weddings,
celebrations, sympathy work, corporate events, large installations and community productions. irt Botanicals, originally created by Schneider’s son Brian, focused on plants, curated gifts, home d cor and botanical-inspired retail.
Over time, the two businesses became organically intertwined roots and all.
“While we worked hard to establish Dirt Botanicals as its own brand and identity, our customers often e perienced the businesses together because they shared the same creative vision, family involvement and collaborative approach to design and community,” Schneider said.
arlier this year, the family o cially merged the businesses under the acWest Blooms name while still embracing the irt Botanicals identity that customers grew to love.
Today, the shop offers what Schneider describes as a “coastal eclectic” atmosphere e ual parts floral studio, plant shop, gift bouti ue and creative gathering space.
“It’s about bringing the outdoors in,” she said. “Maybe ust a chill botanical garden feel.”
That feeling e tends throughout the carefully curated retail offerings, which include plants, vessels, candles, botanical d cor, locally made goods and seasonal gifts inspired by Carpinteria’s nostalgic beach-town charm.
From ceramic mugs and postcards to artisan self-care items and specialty floral products, many of the items reflect the laid-back coastal spirit locals know by heart.
Supporting local makers is also central to the business philosophy.
“We want customers to discover items that feel meaningful, distinctive and reflective of the things we personally love and would choose for our own homes and gifts,” Schneider said.
The flowers themselves are deeply local too. Schneider estimates approimately 90 of acWest Blooms’ floral inventory is grown in and around the Carpinteria Valley.
“It is something we value deeply, and our customers appreciate it as much as we do,” she said.
Behind the storefront’s relaxed vibe is a fast-moving world of floral artistry, logistics and event production.
PacWest Blooms still operates a larger warehouse production space on Maple Avenue for ma or events and multi-weekend productions, while the Carpinteria Avenue location serves as both the retail storefront and daily floral studio.
“That’s where the magic and the organized chaos really happens,” Schneider said.
On any given day, the team may be processing flowers, building installations, preparing wedding mockups, coordinating deliveries or assembling custom leis for graduation season.
And when graduation arrives, Schneider’s team shifts into full bloom.
For more than 20 years, PacWest Blooms has created customized leis for
local graduates, schools, floral businesses and wholesale accounts throughout Santa Barbara and entura counties. Many feature school colors, ribbons, charms, cultural traditions and personalized touches uni ue to each family.
“For us, leis are about much more than flowers,” Schneider said. “They represent accomplishment, heritage, pride, tradition, love and celebration.”
The family nature of the business remains deeply woven into every aspect of operations.
Schneider’s husband Chris handles bookkeeping and behind-the-scenes operations. Her sister Denise assists with merchandising and floral design. Brian continues to help with installations, events and creative projects. Even Schneider’s mother occasionally stops by to water plants.
“We are truly a family business at heart,” Schneider said.
That family spirit has resonated strongly with the community as the business settles into its downtown home.
“There’s a genuine sense of connection in Carpinteria,” Schneider said. “ eople shop locally, support one another, collaborate and celebrate small businesses in a very special way.”
The shop is already expanding its community-centered events as well. This Saturday, May 2 , acWest Blooms will host its first pop-up collaboration with Santa Barbara-based mobile bookstore All Booked Up.
Visitors can expect books, plants, gifts, florals and community connection all under one roof.
“We love partnering with other creative small businesses,” Schneider said. “We hope this is the first of many.”
Looking ahead, Schneider hopes to continue growing thoughtfully while expanding workshops, collaborations, retail offerings and community events all while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere customers have come to appreciate.
“We hope it becomes a place where people feel connected, inspired, welcomed and at home,” she said, “whether they’re stopping in for flowers, a gift, a plant or simply a conversation.”
PacWest Blooms, located at 4859 Carpinteria ve. in Carpinteria, o ers oral design, weddings, events, gifts and plants in its newly relocated Downtown T storefront. The family-owned business is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from a.m. to p.m., with hours occasionally varying during events or busy seasons. For more information, call (805) 800-2027, visit pacwestblooms.com or dirtbotanicals.com, or follow the shop on Instagram at pacwestblooms and dirtbotanicals.
COMPILED BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN | COURTESY PHOTOS
The Palm Loft Gallery, at 410 Palm Ave., A1, will host a book signing and reception for Michael Bond Smith’s new novel, “Reg’s Bait Shop,” on Saturday, May 23, 3-4:30 p.m.
Smith will discuss his new novel, which is set in Carpinteria and explores themes of small-town life, relationships and the power of art to unite people. Artists in the gallery’s current “Find the Beautiful,” exhibit will also share their work and creative process at the event.
The event is free and refreshments will be served. Those interested may contact the Palm Loft Gallery at (805) 729-6029 for more information.
Carpinteria-based band Food for the Wyrm will celebrate the release of its debut album, “A Wicked Huntsman” at brewLAB on Saturday, May 23, from noon to 10 p.m., with music starting at 4 p.m.
Singer-songwriter Beau James Wilding notes that the album reflects his evolving style.
“’A Wicked Huntsman,’ is a folk record with punk and metal energies driving it forward, interpolated by psychedelic and doomful drone landscapes. The album is eight tracks with si core tracks represented by si flowers native to the Irish countryside, each in turn representing six traumatic life experiences: betrayal, loss, shame, cruelty, addiction and ignorance,” said Wilding in a press release.
Consisting of original and re-imagined songs, the album’s selections aim to “bring darkness into the light, to transcend trauma to find clarity and purpose on the other side,” Wilding said. brewLAB is located at 4191 Carpinteria Ave., Unit 8.
“The Beatles Undercover,” event, hosted by Dennis Mitchell with Carpinteria Valley Radio Breakfast on Friday, May 22, at Rincon Mountain Winery, marks the first in a series of events centered on the legendary band.
The sold-out event will include a multimedia presentation, rare archival footage, audio recordings, storytelling and historical commentary that explores lesser-known moments from the band’s career — including unusual and surprising stories.
Mitchell is a widely known Beatles historian and the host of “Dennis Mitchell’s Breakfast with the Beatles” on Carpinteria Valley Radio. Some of the footage being broadcast at Friday’s event comes from Mitchell’s personal collection, including footage never broadcast on American television, according to a press release for the event. Rincon Mountain Winery Tasting Room is located at 4187 Carpinteria Ave, #1.
Thursday, May 21
AgeWell Senior Program: Pickleball Free Play Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, 5315 Foothill Road. 8-10 a.m. agewell@carpin teriaca.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. carpinteri alibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Bellas Artes Free Arts Crafts Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave. 10 a.m. noon. carpinteriaartscen ter.org, (805) 684-7789
One-on-One Tech Help Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m. carpinterialibrary. org, (805) 684-4314
AgeWell Senior Program: Free Lunch Program Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 12:15-1 p.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
AgeWell Senior Program: Pub lic Works Picnic Veterans Memorial Building Courtyard, 941 Walnut Ave. 1-2 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Dungeons Dragons Club Carpinte ria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 3:30-5:15 p.m. For ages 12-17. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Carpinteria Open Space Manage ment Advisory Board Meeting City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. p.m. carpinteria ca.gov, (805) 684-5405
Film: Sentimental Value The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 6:30 p.m. $15/general, $12/seniors, students. theal cazar.org, (805) 684-6380
Musical Comedy: “Once Upon a Mattress” Carpinteria High School caf eteria, 4810 Foothill Road, p.m., Doors open 6:30 p.m. $10/reserved, $8/general, $5/students, seniors. eunruh@cusd.net
Friday, May 22
AgeWell Senior Program: Tai Chi Qigong Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. 10-11 a.m. agewell@ carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Friday Fun Day Carpinteria Communi ty Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10-11:30 a.m. For ages 3-11. 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
Carpinteria Valley Museum of His tory: Reopening with New Exhibit Carpinteria Valley Museum of History, 956 Maple Ave. 1-4 p.m. carpinteriahis toricalmuseum.org, (805) 684-3112
Teen Advisory Board Biweekly Meet ing Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 3:10-4:30 p.m. carpinte rialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
AgeWell Senior Program: Mindful Meditation Veterans Memorial Building Meeting Room, 941 Walnut Ave. 3:154:30 p.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 881-1279
Peace Corner Vigil Carpinteria and Linden avenues, 5-6 p.m. carpindivisi ble@gmail.com
Live Music: Ron Miller Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 6-9 p.m. island brewingcompany.com, (805) 745-8272
Film: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $20/advance, $25/doors, students. thealcazar.org, (805) 684-6380
Saturday, May 23
Carp City Pop-Up Carpinteria Com munity Church, 1111 Vallecito Road, a.m. p.m. carpcitypopup@gmail.com
Customer Appreciation/Vinyl Re lease Party brewLAB 4191 Carpinteria Ave. #8, noon-10 p.m. @brewlabcraft
Live Music: Theresa Russell Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 6-9 p.m. islandbrewingcompany.com, (805) 745-8272
Sunday, May 24
Live Music: Olivia Wilhite Island Brew ing Company, 5049 Sixth St. 6-9 p.m. is landbrewingcompany.com, (805) 745-8272
Monday, May 25 Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26
AgeWell Senior Program: Walking Club Meet at Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. a.m. agewell@carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 8811279
Carpinteria Writers’ Group Carpinte ria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 10 a.m. noon. carpinterialibrary. org, (805) 684-4314
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 Songwriters Circle Carpinteria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 4-5:30 p.m. carpinteri alibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
City of Carpinteria City Council meeting City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave. 5:30 p.m. carpinteriaca.gov, (805) 684-5405
CUSD School Board Meeting City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Ave., 5:30 p.m. cusd.net, (805) 684-4511
Trivia Night! Island Brewing Company, 5049 Sixth St. p.m. islandbrewingcom pany.com, (805) 745-8272
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 27
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: Carpin teria 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 Com munity Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For ages 11- to 13-yearsold. 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) 881-1279
Carpinteria Knitters Group Carpinte ria Community Library, 5141 Carpinteria Ave. 1-3 p.m. carpinterialibrary.org, (805) 684-4314
Carpinteria Valley Water District Board Meeting City Hall, 5775 Carpin teria Ave. 5:30 p.m. cvwd.net (805) 684-2816
Film Panel Discussion: “Our Faces Will Always Be Japanese: Civil Liberties Stories From Carpinteria,” Carpinteria Valley History Museum’s grant-funded documentary. The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave. p.m. Free. carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org, (805) 684-3112
The Carpinteria Middle School Theatre nsemble will present their final performance of the school year, “Stop, Look, Listen ” at The Alcazar Theatre on Friday, May 22 at 0 p.m.
“Stop, Look, Listen ” is a trilogy of original plays created by the students in the afterschool theater program directed by Asa Olsson. The production e plores real-life challenges and solutions faced by today’s youth.
According to Connie eston with The Alcazar, students collaborated with the Age Well community while creating their plays and conducted interviews with older adults to compare generational e periences. The trilogy combines youthful creativity with community wisdom to e plore themes of fear, bullying and future aspirations.
FRI: DISFRUTA 3-8 PM SAT: SHRIMP VS. CHEF, 12 PM
Tickets are 5 at the door. The Alcazar Theatre is located at 491 Carpinteria Ave.
Members of the Carpinteria Middle School Theatre Ensemble include, top row from left, Aubrey Edmondson, Amelia Yonke, Doreen Maulhardt, Véronique Dillon, Abner Freund, and bottom row from left, Lea Hines, Sammy Snyder and Nicolo Mastrogiovanni.
MUSIC…
FRI: GORDON CROWL UKULELE, 6-9 PM SAT: SKA DADDYZ, 6-9 PM SUN: SANTA BARBABRA TROMBONE SOCIETY, 5-6, HOLIDAY SING ALONG, 6-8 PM
WHATʼS NEXT? I will be attending University of Southern California this fall pursuing a joint major in nance and accounting and a minor in arti cial intelligence
FAVORITE HS MEMORY: Spirit week and winning league with my soccer team
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Attending my dream college and new opportunities
WHATʼS NEXT ? Next year I will attend UCSB with a major in nance
FAVORITE HS MEMORY: Playing soccer all four years of high school. Going to San Diego with my AVID class. Iʼm grateful to all my teachers and friends
LOOKING FORWARD TO: A new chapter in my life and new beginnings that await me
WHATʼS NEXT Iʼll be attending Cal Poly SLO majoring in forest and re science to eventually become a re ghter
FAVORITE HS MEMORY: Playing wall ball during freshman year
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Saving lives
WHATʼS NEXT? Attending UCSD majoring in nano engineering
FAVORITE HS MEMORY: Playing tennis and being with friends after matches
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Making new friends and having fun in San Diego
WHATʼS NEXT? I will major in radiography
FAVORITE HS MEMORY: in track, making so many team. AP Lang and Orlando and Mrs. Rogan LOOKING FORWARD TO: summer
WHATʼS NEXT I will majoring in pre-biology in physiology
FAVORITE HS MEMORY: AVID class and going
LOOKING FORWARD TO:
Ahead of Carpinteria High Schoolʼs (CHS) June 10 graduation, CoastalViewNewsphotographer Robin Karlsson spoke to members of the class of 2026 about their goals, high school memories and whatʼs next. Check back with Coastal View News over the next few weeks to learn more about the class of 2026.
will attend SBCC and radiography
MEMORY: Running hurdles many friends on the Anatomy with Mr. Rogan
TO: Graduation and
will be attending UCSB pre-biology with an interest
MEMORY: Spending time my going to San Diego
TO: New beginnings
WHATʼS NEXT? I am attending UC Davis majoring in agriculture engineering
FAVORITE HS MEMORY: Being a member and vice president of Carpinteria FFA and raising pigs for the Ventura County Fair
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Spending time with my family, friends and my lamb sergio
WHATʼS NEXT? Going to college and being my own independent person and making my own group with friendly friends
FAVORITE HS MEMORY: Kickball in weight training by Monarres
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Learning about myself and being my own person
WHATʼS NEXT? Continuing my education. Working to provide for myself and family
FAVORITE HS MEMORY: My friend Lizbeth bringing me snacks and going to McDonaldʼs with Michelle
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Traveling, new experiences, learning more about myself
WHATʼS NEXT? I plan to attend UCSD to study bioengineering and research
FAVORITE HS MEMORY: Staying overnight in a hotel with my boys for a CIF swim meet
LOOKING FORWARD TO: College, the next chapter of my life
Excellent 1bd. / 1 bath condo @ Sandpiper Complex on Elm. Upgraded kitchen and bath plus new flooring. $769,000
Beautiful 2 bd. / 2 bath upper level condo @ Encino Royal in Goleta. Close to shopping and restaurants. $792,000
Fabulous 2 bd. / 2 bath condo in Ventura with ocean/city views from a private balcony and easy access to downtown. $764,900
Large lot with existing house. Both CPD and residential zoning. Room for a house and ADU. Stunning estuary views. Price reduced
Buildable lot on golf course on the 12th hole of the Mission Club Golf Course in Lompoc, .47 acre. Sight plans, lot & house plans included. Price reduction NOW $299,000 Owner will carry financing, for qualified buyer.
FOR RENT/AVAILABLE NOW
Beautiful 2 bd / 2 bath newer condo in Goleta with ocean views and overlooking Sandpiper golf course. $5500
SUMMER RENTALS
We are filling up fast but we still have some great opportunities.
1bd/1 bath Beachside condos @ $ 2 bd / 1 bath beachfront condos @ Carpinteria Shores from $3000 - $4500 weekly
2 bd /2 bath beachfront condo - $3200 weekly
Realtor
Stacie Zubiate - Realtor
Heidi & Jim Michener, Vacation Hosts 805-684-4101
murphykingrealestate.com
Santa ar ara ounty Search and escue S SA first responder team mem ers visited with the otary lu of arpinteria. ictured, from left, S S A s Matthew unner, otary lu mem ers arrie irchner and regg arty, S SA ecruitment oordinator Jason opus and
The Rotary Club of Carpinteria recently heard a presentation from the Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue SBCSAR first responder team at a recent club meeting.
SBSCAR’s Matthew Gunner and Jason Copus provided an overview of SBCSAR’s search and rescue operations, including medical responses, high-angle rescue, swift water rescue and avalanche rescue.
“The club was surprised to learn that these brave first responders are all volunteers,” said club member aren raf in a press release.
Learn more about the search and rescue team at sbcsar.org.
American Scandinavian oundation oard mem ers at the May ole ele ration with community mem ers at Manning ar .
ole ele ration rings oy to Manning ar
Community members gathered for a day full of creativity and dancing around the May Pole at the American Scandinavian Foundation of Santa Barbara’s May Pole Celebration on Saturday, May 1 , at Manning ark in Montecito.
Attendees of all ages crafted flower crown headdresses and shared a Scandinavian picnic provided by members and guests.
Learn more about the American Scandinavian Foundation of Santa Barbara at asfsb.org.
Lynda Fairly & Richard Finkley
The Schaff Family Foundation
Carpinteria High School students celebrated their prom together on Saturday, May 16 at the Mar Monte Hotel in Santa Barbara. This year’s Prom Court included, from left, Prom Queen Crystal Echeverria, Laura Jimenez, Laureen Partida, Alexandra Wheatley, Prom King Samuel Medel, Alexis Ramirez, Diego Cervantes and Servando Campuzano.
Ziyad Ballat and Mary Jamil WatfahKim’s Market
SILVER SPONSORS
THANK YOU FOR STRIKING A CHORD!
Because of the incredible support of our sponsors and the amazing talents of our performers, our 17th annual Talent Showcase was a smash hit!
COPPER SPONSORS
To date over 1,443 local performers have been showcased, 296 instruments provided to students, over 100 youth scholarships awarded, and $502,432 raised to support music in the Carpinteria Unified School District.
From the bottom of our hearts — and the top of the charts — thank you! Together, we’re making sure the music plays on.
499 Linden ManagersThe Surfliner Inn
Barret and Suellen HilzerFCP Buildings Inc
Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning
BRONZE SPONSORS
Arcturus Consultants, Inc.Jon and Susan Everett
Doralee Jacobson - Jack’s Bagels
Faith Lutheran Church
Les and Joan Esposito
Westerlay Orchids
Bonnie Hammett • Carrie Kirchner
Coastal View News • Island Brewing Co. • Jacks Bistro
Jan and Dr Michael Harrington - Aloha Dental Care
Kim Duncan • Kimia Attar • Curtis and Diane Lopez
Martin Osborne Jr. • Rincon Brewing
Ron and Annette Solorzano • Tom Humphrey
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Doug and Rebecca Norton
Ruth Giacopuzzi
Rosebro Garage
Roy Lee – First District Supervisor, County of Santa Barbara
Tom Collins
Independent Order of Odd Fellows
Santa Barbara Lodge
John and Vera Welty - Welty Ranch
FOUNDATION SPONSORS
Adriana Gonzalez-Smith
Bailard Citrus Co.
Carpinteria Masonic Lodge No. 444
Christ Church Carpinteria
Carol and Alan Koch
Danielle Bordenave - Spark45
Deborah Murphy -
MurphyKing Real Estate
Dr Garcia and Cardiovascular Clinic
E.J. Harrison & Sons, Inc
GranVida Senior Living
John and Dorine Van Wingerden
Mary and Otto Layman -
Mary Layman, Keller Williams Real Estate
Nanine O’Dell
Roland Rotz and Jody Giacopuzzi
Shade Farm Management, Inc.
Bob and Kathi Stokes • Alec and Amber Hardy
Bradley and Emily Miles • Craig and Sharon Meister Family Trust • Cynthia Hookstra
David and Barbara Bloedel • David and Valerie Powdrell • Eduard Van Wingerden
Eileen and Gordon Bales • Gary Dobbins • Gregg and Geri Ann Carty • Jane Benefield
Lindal and Karen Graf • Marianne Rauch • Michael and Susan Damron • Montecito Bank & Trust
Pamela and Barry Enticknap Ryan H Nakasone, DC, PA-C • Sally Green • Tim and Janey Cohen
Tina Fanucchi-Frontado • Wade and Debbie Nomura - Nomura/Yamasaki Landscaping
SPECIAL THANK YOU to all who helped bring this show to the stage and our community!
Aja Forner • The Alcazar Theatre • Alec Hardy • Alyssa Davey • Barry Enticknap • Ben Fries • Bob Berkenmeier
Carrie Kirchner • Coastal View News • David Powdrell • Debbie Nomura • Hayley Fedders • John Palminteri
John Welty • Jon Everett • La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation • Lea Boyd • Leigh-Anne Anderson
Lindal and Karen Graf • Marianne Rauch • Michael VanStry • Mike Stoker • Paul Wright • Peter Dugre
Robin Karlsson • Rockwell Printing • Roland Rotz • Tom Collins • Whitt Hollis • Will Wood
My little man and I were in the car after surfing together one evening last summer, and he said to me, “ addy,” he’s got the sweetest husky voice “I don’t think surfing is going to be my main thing like it is for you.”
The sky had gone purple through sunset, and the sea had held that color along with its greens and dancing whitewater, and we’d had a really nice time, ust the two of us on a long, open stretch of beach. “I mean surfing is something I can en oy,” he continued, “but it’s not going to be the only thing I do.”
I told him no son of mine is going to be a half-assed surfer, then made him walk home in the dark.
idding Naturally, I was very impressed by his insightful view on what makes a full and well-rounded life, and it made me wonder if I’d be happier if I wasn’t so obsessed over this one pursuit. The uestion comes up occasionally about whether or not my kids, now 11 and 14, are into surfing, and my answer is that they like it well enough, but as young Miles said, it’s definitely not the only thing they do.
Josephine, Miles’ sister, got a great wave at Mondo’s, ust down from itas oint, last summer the ride went through multiple sections and she navigated each of them, riding all the way into the beach, where she screamed across the whole line-up to me “This board is like butter ” which we still laugh about . I thought for sure I had her then, the lore in surfing being once you get your first good wave you’re hooked.
But she’s gotten into skateboarding since then, and even more so loves track and field, oining the club team in entura and sprinting the 100- and 200-yard races, with a spot on the 4 100 relay team. She’s en oyed success in running and has a good circle of friends on the team. As for surfing, it’s still something we sometimes do together and I’m always willing to go when she asks, as she did this past Sunday in entura.
Now that I’m so very mature and e pansive about what really matters in life, I should probably say that putting on the wetsuits, wa ing up the surfboards and walking out to the surf together is as fulfilling as actually riding the waves. cept that there was a good little double-up section inside at C-Street cove Sunday evening, as I noted on our walk to the beach from the entura boardwalk. Josephine and I paddled out together, the current sweeping us down the beach, those bigger waves washing through
and smashing us, one after the ne t me somehow paddling one-armed and grabbing the nose of her board as the lines of whitewater rolled over us. We made it out finally, and then paddled to the top of the line-up and well outside, so as to avoid getting caught by the bigger sets.
The point of this blow-by-blow description of our surf session last Sunday was that it was ust an activity to get us out of the house and into the ocean it wasn’t particularly special as far as surfing goes, but we were together e cept when I repeatedly took off on waves and rode them far down the point . Her multiple years of participating in Junior Lifeguards starting in Carpinteria has made Josephine ocean-ready, and she floated around for about half-an-hour, out beyond the waves.
“I’ve been contemplating life as an orphan since I’ve been abandoned by you,” she told me when I paddled back out to her after nabbing a couple of those fast-peeling inside waves. These kids of mine have their own point of view on things But the surfing felt so good after about si weeks dry docked with stitches in my leg from a pesky skin-cancer procedure. We made our way in at that point, getting smeared by a bigger set that I tried to get us both lined up for.
I’m so much further down the track in life than these kids. I’m right there with them every day of course, but it feels like a completely different world than the one I grew up in through the late 70s and 0s much like what it must have been for my ad, relative to me, since he was born in 19 2. But the act of surfing is unchanged.
A young shaper friend of mine from up north stopped by the shop yesterday, and we had one of our in-depth conversations about the forces at work in the world today. He’s only 10 years older than my daughter, and I thought of her and her cohort when he said, “I’m looking for the war-tribe of my generation,” to resist the movement towards ever greater computer-driven societal control.
My friend spoke convincingly of sunlight and water, magnetization and
cellular physics and how, in his view, the sovereignty of our very bodies is at stake in the face of patented technologies to essentially bring the internet into the human body. Clearly, I don’t really know what he’s talking about, and it all sounds very dire, and I’m troubled to think about how such monumental shifts seem to be occurring in society via AI and these resource-sucking data centers. ver-increasing computer power seems the opposite of the abiding traditions and activities that have sustained us
Now that I’m so very mature and expansive about what really matters in life, I should probably say that putting on the wetsuits, waxing up the surfboards and walking out to the surf together is as fulfilling as actually riding the waves.
as a species over millennia, and we are fast-walking into it. Not sure what else to say on that ust now.
Christian Beamish took leave of his position at Coastal View News in October 2020, to pursue his surfboard business, Surfboards California, full time. He continues his monthly column and shapes at the surfboard factory showroom at 500 Maple Ave., in Carpinteria. The former associate editor of The Surfer’s Journal, Beamish is also the author of “Voyage of the Cormorant” (Patagonia Books, 2012), about his single-handed expedition down the coast of Baja California, by sail and oar in his self-built Shetland Isle beach boat. He lives with his two children in Ventura.
We
BY LEXI PERSOON, AQUATICS COORDINATOR PHOTOS
ROBIN KARLSSON
On Sunday, May the city of Carpinteria and the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District’s Water Rescue Team conducted their annual joint training. This training included preparation in multidisciplinary rescues and oxygen tank training. We are so thankful to the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District for their partnership in training. Both teams worked together to practice drills and unify our responses to ensure a safe beach season this summer!
Deputies responded to a call about a firear and contacted a an who report edly had an unregistered Kimber 1911 firear in his possession he firear was taken from the man and secured into the anta ar ara heriff s ffice propert department for safekeeping.
was recovered and booked into Santa
A caller reported that she believes her laptop and credit cards were stolen by a female neighbor who lives at the Polo Field apartments. Follow up by deputies.
Tuesday, May 19
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Howard School students, parents and faculty have had the chance to listen to poetry recitations during the school’s recent morning assemblies.
A reader sends a halo to Bert at the Summerland Post Office “Thank you for many years of service and kindness.”
A reader sends a halo to Burlene for making the Carpinteria Lumberyard Nursery area a joy to visit. “Her outgoing personality (Southern style), friendly conversation and plant knowledge make it a pleasure to visit and shop.”
A reader sends a halo to the generous person for paying for the reader’s gas when she forgot her ATM card at the gas station. “I’m sorry I chose the most expensive oil, I’d love to reimburse you, and thank you. I’m deeply moved by your generosity.”
A reader sends a halo to the team that finally took down all the weeds at the church, soon to be a hotel, on Via Real.“It was an eyesore and a safety issue.”
A reader sends a halo to Sean and Dayna for being wonderful neighbors and helping the reader through another frazzled mom situation.
A reader sends a halo to the 93013 Fund, Uncle Chen Restaurant and Marybeth Carty for the surprise delivery of a delicious dinner complete with a fortune cookie, candy bar and painted rock. “Wonderful kindness and quite a thrill!”
A reader sends a halo to Ryan at Carpinteria Plumbing. “You were prompt for an urgent need and professional in making the repairs. We trusted and appreciated all that you did.”
A reader sends a halo to the anonymous person who left a $100 donation in the of arpinteria office ail slot this past wee han ou for our indness
A reader sends a halo to the staff of Jack’s Bistro for staying open during Covid-19. “Always a smile no matter how busy. A great way to start the day.”
A reader sends a halo to Mrs. deWitte for creating an inspiring, fun and challenging learning environment. “Your students are inspired and learning so much.”
A reader sends a halo to the Daykas for always being there to help with anything and never complaining. “Many thanks to the best neighbors ever. We love you all dearly.”
A reader sends a halo to Mayor Wade Nomura for the cit s eautiful ower wreath at the Carpinteria Cemetery for the Memorial Day program.
A reader sends a halo to Tami and John at Robitaille’s for their constant smiles and o er the top custo er ser ice he wedding fa ors were lo ed all and rought a bit of Carpinteria to the Seattle wedding!”
A reader sends a halo to Carpinteria Middle School teacher Mr. Campuzano for being an awesome teacher, really nice to everyone and funny.
A reader sends a halo to those who acknowledge people with disabilities. “When you encounter a person in a wheelchair or walking with a walker, please smile and say hello to that person.”
Deputies received complaints about an abandoned vehicle parked near Sandpiper Liquor. The vehicle was tagged and marked on Thursday, May 14. The vehicle was checked and was not moved. The vehicle was towed.
Students in preschool through eighth grade participate in the poetry readings aimed to instill appreciation of poetry and the written word as well as to practice public speaking skills.
“Students are taught to speak clearly and to reflect on the meaning of the poem as they deliver it. They carefully consider the poem’s phrasing and punctuation as they craft their recitation. The process encourages students to engage in a thoughtful way with a written work of art,” stated a press release submitted to Coastal View News
Deputies responded to a misdemeanor hit and run call, but the male subject ed the scene tra eling south ound on Rincon Road. The man continued southbound on the northbound off-ramp of Highway 101 at Rincon Road. Deputies checked the area and were unable to locate the subject.
Wednesday, May 20
then booked for safe keeping. The owner was not contacted.
A man drove into a parking lot not wearing his seat elt traffic stop was initiated, and he admitted to being in possession of a meth pipe. During a search of the vehicle, his meth pipe was located, but also a baggie with 3.7 grams of meth.
Community members showed up in force to spruce up Summerland Elementary School.
Sunday, May 17
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Summerland Elementary School received a spa day on Sunday, May 17, as community members of all ages helped clean up the school grounds during an event organized by Parents for Summerland and Summerland Beautiful.
A reader sends a halo to the gentleman who cleans Albertson’s parking lot. “The parking lot and sidewalks are always clean of debris, plus he always has a smile and a kind greeting for customers.”
A reader sends a halo to Lance Lawhon at the Carpinteria Sanitation District for helping Kim’s Market.
A reader sends a halo to the Carpinteria Beautiful lady picking up trash in a neighborhood near the beach. “Thank you! We need all the help we can get keeping trash picked up in the neighborhoods on the beach-side of the tracks.”
A reader sends a halo to Kassandra Quintero at he pot 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 the contributors able to support public services like classical music, the library, arts and the protection of wild spaces during times when the reader can only wish they could. “My deep gratitude, your generosity makes life bearable.”
A woman and man were contacted as their vehicle was getting dropped off by a tow truck. The woman is on active probation and a search of her property showed she had meth, a meth pipe and a container of pepper spray. She is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning pepper spray. A baggie of meth was found in the center console and since no one wanted to claim it, the man was given ownership since it was his vehicle.
Volunteers pulled weeds, trimmed trees, removed dead branches and trash, power washed the grounds and school sign and tackled other projects to spruce up the campus as the school year comes to a close.
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rincipal r. Shannon Colson and members of the local nonprofit organizations, Parents for Summerland, Summerland Beautiful and the Summerland Citizens Association were among the volunteers.
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Participants enjoyed complimentary refreshments as a thank you for their hard work following the cleanup.
A caller who is renting a home on the Polo Field reported that several people forced their way into her rental home and started yelling and insulting her family. Deputies arrived and contacted six people, who admitted entering the home after they were directed to come look at the damaged caused by the caller. The caller showed cell phone video of the suspects entering the home without permission and were heard and seen yelling at the caller and her family. The husband-suspect fled across the Polo Field and did not return to the scene. A complaint will be forwarded to the DA’s office for re iew
Carpinteria High School (CHS) recently received the prestigious Career Choices Silver Medal, presented by Academic Innovations, for being among the nation’s top schools in preparing students for success in college, careers and life.
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The award is presented to schools that provide high-quality programs proven to prepare students to succeed in college and the work world.
A man was cited and released for possession of an open container.
“This latest recognition reflects Carpinteria High School’s continued commitment to refining and strengthening its Career Choices program ensuring every student has the opportunity to graduate with a clear, actionable plan for the future,” stated Gavin Rhoades with Academic Innovations.
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A woman and man were in a vehicle with a stolen license plate, reported to Santa Barbara Police Department. A traffic stop was initiated, and it was determined the vehicle was not stolen, but was rented a few weeks ago by the woman. She thought the “PERM” on the Arizona license plate meant it was only a “permit” for the vehicle and not an actual license plate. So, to avoid getting pulled over, they placed a stolen plate on the car, she said. After a search of nearby motel rooms associated with the subjects, they, and the woman’s sister, were cited for possession of stolen property, meth and paraphernalia. Further investigation will be done for the fraudulently obtained EBT cards.
Beginning in freshman year, as part of the Career Choices curriculum and My10yearPlan.com®, students create personalized 10-year plans that align their interests, strengths and academic choices to future goals.
Thursday, May 21
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“All of our freshmen take this course, and that consistency makes a big difference,” said Kevin Dolan, career choices teacher at CHS. “Students begin to see how their decisions today impact their opportunities tomorrow. Whether they’re planning for college, the trades or another path, they leave with more clarity and a stronger sense of direction.”
A caller reported that his girlfriend’s 27-year-old son had a bad dream and ran out of the house naked and was last seen running towards Summerland. Deputies responded and located a man walking nude on orth a eson near heffield The man claimed he smoked marijuana with friends and wanted to go to the hospital to detox. His mother drove him to the hospital.
Monday, May 18
A man was driving with a false registration tab. He was cited for the violation and allowed to park the vehicle at his mechanic shop located nearby.
Once the plans are created, they are used throughout the students’ high school years. Counselors use the plans to inform conversations about course selection and postsecondary options, and teachers reinforce planning concepts through real-world applications such as financial literacy and career e ploration.
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“We’ve seen students become much more intentional,” said CHS assistant principal Jeremiah Sobenes. “They’re asking better questions, thinking more critically about their goals and taking ownership of their path. That shift is what makes this work so meaningful.”
a T e ai ia ea a Car i teria Cree Mail was found scattered off a county access road by a Caltrans site. The mail
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A man was stopped for not displaying license plates on his truck. A records check showed his driver’s license was
A reader sends a halo to Carpinterians who put out boxes in front of their homes full of surplus oranges, avocados, etc. from their trees. “Thank you for sharing your abundance.”
A reader sends a halo to Emma and Justin. “It was a wonderful wedding, great food, spectacular location and great people! It was moving and wonderful.”
A reader sends a halo to Carpinteria High School teacher Maestra Lopez for inspiring and motivating students to become bilingual. ¡Gracias maestra por todo!
A reader sends a halo to Joseph from the library and Ron from St. Joseph Resale for their help with the Carpinteria Friends of the Library Bookstore’s new-to-them shelves.
A reader sends a halo to all the beach community residents. “Thank you for parking in front of your home with your permit.”
A reader sends a halo to Nikki at ulinar went to first class this wee end with my sister, who has been to four so far. I had the best time! Someone get this girl a show, she should e on the ood etwor alread
A reader sends a halo to Cathy, Mark and Lorraine, loving and caring people of La Conchita. “They made a tasty meal for a friend of ours who was in need.”
A reader sends a halo to Diana a caregiver at Carpinteria Senior Lodge for nearly three years.
A reader sends a halo to Murphy’s Vinyl Shack for keeping a good stock of DVDs and having good choices.
A reader sends a halo to Tom Sweeney for going out on Elm Avenue by the beach to clean up plastic bottles, bags, dirty gloves and masks.
A reader sends a halo to 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 agnificent creatures howe er, wouldn t want it to suffer to a miserable death.”
A reader sends a halo to Summerland Beautiful, Parents for Summerland, Summerland Elementary children and especially Mike LoMonaco for hauling away 18 pickup loads of weeds at Summerland Elementary on Sunday. “Way to go Summerland community for caring and keeping Summerland beautiful!”
A reader sends a pitchfork to the new parking zones. “All the “no parking/two hour” signs just made people park in my neighborhood. Seventh and the neighboring streets are a packed parking lot.”
A reader sends a halo to Bill and Rosana Swing for spending their Saturday taking photos for unior arriors oot all e appreciate all ou do for our fa ilies, pla ers and program. You rock!”
A reader sends a pitchfork to those who lied on their FAFSA and took scholarships away from kids who need it.
A reader sends a halo to DJ Hecktic for coming out early Saturday morning to support the Junior Warriors. “It made the kids so happy to hear you say their names—you’re a local celebrity to them!”
There were no pitchforks submitted suitable for print.
Submit Halos & Pitchforks online at coastalview.com.
All submissions are subject to editing.
A reader sends a halo to Diana Rigby Superintendent of schools, and Debra Her, director of o s irls lu , for re o ing the to ic uphor ia fire stic s fro the pots and landscape.
suspended. The man was cited, and his vehicle was released to a licensed driver.
Submit Halos & Pitchforks online at coastalview.com. Submissions subject to editing.
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Two men were contacted in a parked truck and both were extremely intoxicated with open containers of alcohol observed in the vehicle. One man was not being the most cooperative, but once he was convinced to exit the vehicle, a pat down search of his person was conducted. Deputies located a collapsible baton in the man’s front waistband. He was cited and both were released to a sober friend.
Friday, May 22
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 ehicle three wee s ago ut didn t find the small baggie until he’d removed the dri er s seat to fi the reclining echa nism. The incident was documented, and the baggie was booked into Santa Barbara heriff s ffice propert for destruction
Meet Athena, a sweet and energetic young dog with a big heart and an even bigger enthusiasm for life.
Saturday, May 23
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Athena is the kind of companion who throws herself fully into every moment — whether she’s out exploring, playing with other dogs or soaking up affection from her favorite people. She bonds quickly with humans and loves being part of the action.
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Deputies responded after a woman reported her residence was burglarized the prior night. The woman stated a cartoon of almond milk and tools were taken from her garage. She told the reporting deputy that the tools belonged to her daughter’s boyfriend. The deputy attempted to contact the man via telephone multiple times with no response. The woman stated her garage door was unlocked during the night and is in the process of getting a new lock. She did not have any suspect information at the time. The incident was documented, and patrol will follow-up for further details of the stolen items.
Deputies responded to a motel on Via Real for a report of a domestic violence incident. Upon arrival, a deputy contacted a man and woman in the parking lot. After contacting both subjects, there were visible injuries on both parties. Due to con icting state ents regarding their mutual altercation and obvious injuries, both parties were arrested for corporal injury on a spouse.
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tinued training. Long walks, hikes, games of fetch and interactive playtime help her stay balanced and happy. She responds well to positive reinforcement and is eager to learn, making her a great candidate for someone ready to invest time and consistency into helping her grow into a confident, well-mannered companion. stimulation and, potentially, another playful dog to keep her company. may be the perfect fit.
To learn more or arrange a visit, email sbcassouthfostercoordinator@gmail.
r a ara a a A man was contacted after reporting
Deputies responded to a report a of a black sedan crashing into a parked water truck. While en route, it was also reported the ale su ect dri ing 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
AMY OROZCO
Dear Amy O.,
Why don’t I use my nice things? Like the silver serving pieces my grandmother gave me, the same ones her grandmother gave her. They are pretty and I enjoy seeing them in the china cabinet, when I notice them. Mostly I forget they are there. I do the same thing with clothing. I’ll bring something new home and put it in my closet, where it waits — waits for what, I’m not sure — maybe for a month or so before I’ll wear it. I don’t wear my jewelry either. That’s mostly because I’m afraid I’ll lose it, I think. I’d appreciate some advice on how to enjoy my nice things. Thank you.
Signed,
Saving the ood Stu for Later
ear Saving the ood Stu for Later, Sounds like you want to use your items, and in my book, by all means you should. Easier said than done, right? Your letter isn’t asking for permission, though, it’s asking the “why.”
Some asking around with the little man inside your gut sometimes can be helpful. Actually, always asking around with the little man inside your gut, aka your conscience, is helpful. Let’s get asking.
Question #1: Is the item yours? True, California is a community property state, but that doesn’t mean you can take possessions of a spouse or registered partner to do what you will. In other words, legal doesn’t mean ethical. Or does your sister feel it’s hers, but you won the tug-of-war when helping your parents downsize? If the item is yours, well then, yes, I say do with it what you will as long as you are not going back on a commitment or promise made earlier. If it’s not yours, return it to its rightful owner.
Question #2: Do you want to use and/ or keep it? If so, do so. If not, A-OK. It’s perfectly fine to have items in your home not adhering to today’s home décor minimalism edict of if an item does not serve a purpose — be it daily, weekly or seasonal — it is clutter. A corollary to this question is “Do you love it?” If you didn’t answer a fast and definitive “ es ” then I
say, “What’s the fuss about?” But just how do you feel about your nice things? Ambivalent? Resentful? Neutral? Figuring out how you feel may present a course of action. For example, if you’re feeling resentful then maybe what you really want is to pawn the silver, pocketing the overdue past rent. If you’re feeling remorseful then maybe you want to return it to your sister.
Question #3: Why do you want to use it? I hope it’s not guilt motivating you. Is it more of a should than a want? “Grandma kept the pieces polished and shiny on the credenza [that’s now in your entryway] when not using them for her bridge club. Maybe I should start a mahjongg …” Forget that kind of thinking. I hope using it will enrich your life, make
it better.
Remember, you don’t have to use the items in the way they were intended. A silver turkey platter could double on the credenza as a collect-all for mail, keys, sunglasses and the like. How about honoring your grandmother with a tableau of her things in your china cabinet. Bring your own specialness to a cake plate: “We only use it for birthdays up to age 21.”
Look at it from the point of view of the person who gave you the items. How would you feel giving someone a gift that sat fallow, collecting dust, unappreciated and disrespected? Possessions are to enhance life, not encumber it.
From the little I’ve read, when on their deathbed no one wishes they had played life safer. End-of-life regrets are
about things that weren’t done, such as the avoided-but-much-needed conversation, the now-seemingly-not-risky-at-all stock investment or the family vacation not taken the summer before your oldest went off to college.
Life doesn’t wait around. It continues to evolve and move forward whether we do or not. In other words, as some philosophers have written on bumper stickers, “Life is too short to drink cheap wine.”
The time to enjoy the things and people we have in life is now.
Former CVN editor Amy Marie Orozco loves living in Carpinteria, including all the sometimes socially sticky situations happening in our seaside setting. Have a question for her? Email it to news@coastalview.com.
Rarity is an unmistakable feature of Jason Campbell’s blacksmith art and its core material. Jason uses wrought iron relics of the early oil industry that resemble a wizard’s mix of gnarled pterodactyl talon and extraterrestrial onyx to create seriously whimsical pieces playing on both the intellect and imagination. In Jason’s shop/studio at 500 Maple Ave., where hammer, anvil, and red hot metal add a hint of torture-chamber to the creative space, wrought iron is the inspiration for reincarnation.
I was born in Callao, Peru’s historic port — the place where the country meets the ocean and the ocean returns its stories. My childhood unfolded in my grandparents’ large home, a house that was always full: aunts coming and going, cousins playing in the courtyard, neighbors who felt like family. There was laughter, arguments, doors constantly opening and closing. And in the middle of all that joyful noise, there was a quiet sanctuary: my grandparents’ small library.
I’ve been photographing subjects from my kayak since 1996. That’s 30 years of spectacular moments in varying sea conditions and encounters with whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, and a multitude of seabirds like elegant terns, western grebes, and cormorants. Photographing Carpinteria from my kayak underscores my appreciation for living in and photographing one of the last remaining small coastal towns in Southern California. Carpinteria has always been (and remains so today) a great base to photograph what I love, which means locally the Carpinteria Reef and Carpinteria Salt Marsh and the surrounding beaches, scenic bluffs, and craggy rock outcroppings.
For most people, packing a bag and boarding a plane means leaving work behind, but for the Carpinterians on the following pages, travel is work. The livelihood of these four globetrotters relies on a sturdy suitcase, a valid passport, and a personal life with plenty of scaffolding for regular exits and re-entries. There’s adventure and novelty in these occupations, as well as the lonliness and logistical challenges that come with days and weeks away from home. Let’s meet these full-time Carpinterians whose commutes take them around the globe.
Taking a gap year from college, Sky Souza traveled through Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia and Thailand. A highlight of her trip, she said, was visiting uokkas on a small island off the west coast of Australia. She paused to pose for a picture of herself with her Coastal View News and her elephant friend in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
Snap a photo with your Coastal View News in hand and email it to news@coastalview.com. Tell us about your trip!
visions of Section 6409(a) of the federal Spectrum Act; the Carpinteria Municipal Code (CMC) 14.22 Central Business District, 14.44 Visitor Serving/Highway Commercial Overlay District, 14.62.010 Conditional Use Permit, 14.56 Wireless Communications; and to approve an Exemption pursuant to §15301 and §15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. The application involves APN: 003-263-029, addressed as 912 Linden Avenue, (other addresses 944, 954, 962, and 970). Applicant has requested a continuance of this item to the December 7, 2026 Planning Commission agenda.
2. Surf Cottages Condominiums Planner: Megan Musolf Applicant: Eva Turenchalk, agent, for Michael Haber, Surf Cottages LLC Location: 4716 Seventh Street
Hearing at the request of Eva Turenchalk, agent, for Michael Haber, Surf Cottages LLC, to consider Project 25-2331-DP/ CDP/ARB (application filed February 13, 2025) for approval of a Development Plan and Coastal Development Permit to remodel and add a second story and garage to an existing single-family dwelling, and construct a new two-story two-unit building with two attached garages, to create a total of three condominium units on the property; and to approve an Exemption pursuant to §15301, 15303, and 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. parcel map for a three-unit condominium project was previously approved by the City Council and recorded with the County of Santa Barbara as Parcel Map 25,187 on December 18, 2023. The property is a 10,998 square foot (0.25 acre) parcel zoned Planned Residential Development (PRD-15) and shown as APN 003-301-020, addressed as 4716 Seventh Street.
3. Coeler New Residence Planner: Syndi Souter Applicant: Dylan Chappell, architect, for Peter and Barbara Coeler
Project: 23-2232-DP/LLA/CDP/ARB Location: 333 Linden Avenue
Continued hearing from May 4, 2026, at the request of Dylan Chappell, architect, for Peter and Barbara Coeler, to consider Project 23-2232-DP/LLA/CDP/ (appl cat on file ul 13, 3) or approval of a Development Plan, Lot Line Adjustment, and a Coastal Development Permit to construct a new 3,520 square foot two-story single-family residence with a detached 840 square foot threecar garage and a Lot Line Adjustment with the adjacent property at 355 Linden Avenue that would result in two 7,537 square-foot parcels under the provisions of Carpinteria Municipal Code (CMC) §14.14- Planned Residential Development District, §14.68- Development Plan, and §16.12- Map Provisions; and to approve an Exemption pursuant to §15303, §15304, §15305, and §15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. The application involves APNs 003-440-027 and -028, addressed as 333 and 355 Linden Avenue. The full agenda and associated staff reports will be available by Thursday, May 28, 2026 on the City’s Website here: https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/ agendas-meetings/. Details and procedures on how to provide public comment are available on the posted agenda at https://carpinteriaca.gov/city-hall/agendas-meetings/.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact Community Development by email at lorenae@carpinteriaca.gov or by phone at (805) 755-4410, or the California Relay Service at (866) 735-2929. Not ficat on t o u ne a pr or to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements for accessibility to this meeting.
Nick Bobroff, Director Community Development Department Publish: May 21, 2026
onoring Les Esposi
table evening of dinner, m to sup ort t e Carpinteria
Joinusforanunforgettableeveningofdinner,music,andcommunityas weraisevitalfundstosupporttheCarpinteriaBoys&GirlsClub.
Saturday,May30,20266:00PMto10:00PM 4849FoothillRdCarpinteria,CA93013
ay 30, 2026 6:00 PM hill Rd Carpinteria
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Thisyear,weareproudtohonorLesEspositoforhisoutstanding commitmenttotheCarpinteriacommunityandhisdedicationto supportingthechildrenandteensservedthroughtheCarpinteria Clubhouse.
Getyourticketstodayandbeapartofthenightandtheirfuture. Expandyourimpactbybecomingasponsor. www.unitedbg.org/events
BY JIM CAMPOS
The Ayala Grapevine was planted by Joaquina de Lugo Ayala on the family farm in 1842 between what became Santa Monica Road and Cravens Lane. It was regarded as the world’s largest grapevine in its time. It was also the most iconic “living thing” in the Carpinteria Valley, certainly its most photographed until its demise. Carpinterians moved it around the community after it died circa 1915. It was covered with Creosote — think of the petroleum-based oil on railroad ties — to preserve it, then planted in cement at various Carpinteria locations. Its first rest stop was at the old Aliso School on Walnut Avenue, then the Fish Auto Beach Camp. Eventually it made its way back to its original location where it finally disintegrated in 1924, eaten by termites. Its esteemed memory by Carpinterians, however, continues to represent the valley to this day.
The Grapevine, for example, is the title and logo for the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History’s bi-monthly newsletter, and it is represented on the great seal of the city of Carpinteria. Robert Perez, Carpinteria High School (CHS) Class of 1967, won the art contest to create the city seal by depicting a Chumash/Canalino Native American sitting atop a mountain overlooking the ocean flanked by a grapevine and a lemon tree.
In its heyday, the Ayala Grapevine was the designated spot for the Carpinteria Valley’s most important events. Reportedly, 800 people could gather under it protected from the elements in the spring and summer. It hosted the first festive gatherings, religious services, town meetings and elections. And for decades after, Carpinterians and tourists alike had their photograph taken for the family album under the huge grapevine. And that brings us to one of the photos that accompany this week’s Throwback Thursday column.
Japanese immigration into Carpinteria was a phenomenon of the 1920s and ‘30s that also brought in Mexican, Filipino
and
patch in 1909. The three children shown here, from
and Dust Bowl families that tended to the valley’s farming needs, particularly the lemon industry. The photos shown with this column are of the Japanese Ezaki children in 1909, and the same group of children with their oldest sister and mother under the iconic grapevine in 1913. Their presence in the valley, therefore, predates Carpinteria’s general immigration pattern by about 10 years. They were not “fly by night” visitors. The Ezakis were a mainstay in Carpinteria, living here perhaps up to the Japanese evacuation and internment years that happened after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japanese warplanes in 1941. Of the 13 Japanese families known to be living in Carpinteria up to that time, only the Ota family returned to the community after the internment period ended and the Japanese were recruited back into California in 1944.
The oldest of the Ezaki children was Elizabeth Ezaki Brown. She graduated from CHS in 1925. The Brown surname is a mystery. She married Y. Uejima after graduation. She was followed in graduation by William Ezaki, CHS Class of ’26; James Ezaki, CHS Class of ’27; and Ruth Soko Ezaki, CHS Class of ’28. For good measure, Ben Ezaki is listed on the CHS Warrior football team in 1935. Is he related to the other Ezaki children?
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Likely, he is so. The 13 Japanese families in Carpinteria of the time tended to be large in number. And what do we know about the mother of Elizabeth, William, James, Ruth and possibly Ben? History has yet to reveal her name, nor the father of her children. Perhaps with the passing of time, we will learn more about her and what brought her to Carpinteria.
“Our Faces Will Always be Japanese: Civil Liberties Stories From Carpinteria”
Next week, I will continue with the focus on Japanese Americans that made
an impact on the Carpinteria community. Also, readers of the Throwback Thursday may wish to attend the premiere screening of “Our Faces Will Always be Japanese: Civil Liberties Stories From Carpinteria,” a film by Brent Winebrenner who will have guest panelists John Fukasawa Jr. and Tommy Dyo with him, moderated by Dr. Jayme Yahr. Attendance is free on Wednesday, May 27, at 6 p.m. at The Alcazar Theatre. The film was made possible through a grant proposal written by Dr. Jim Campos, Brent Winebrenner and Dr. Jayme Yahr for the museum, and funded by the California State Library, Civil Liberties Program.
Jim Campos is a native-born Carpinterian. Upon retiring from a 35-year career with the Carpinteria Unified School District in 2006, he joined a group of local historians to publish two pictorial history books on Carpinteria. Jim’s curiosity of local history grew from that experience. He is currently serving on the Carpinteria Cultural Foundation which honors the achievements and contributions of Carpinteria’s diverse community. He is also on the board of the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History, where he writes occasional in-depth articles. In 2020, Jim wrote an entire year of columns for CVN’s Throwback Thursday.
If you rush out to the newsstand every Thursday morning eager to learn of local happenings, clip photos for your refrigerator, or consider it your civic duty to engage with Carpinteria content exclusive to CVN, then it’s your time to become a Sustaining CVN Member. While we plan to continue to distribute CVN as a free publication, please consider supporting us and becoming a member who can proudly participate in our future.
OUR GOAL is to continue paying our hard-working staff and publishing a product that both chronicles and creates this special community. Imagine never again saying, “Did you see today’s Coastal View?”
Senior Dallas Bartholic was the starting pitcher in oth of arpinteria s playoff wins.
A.
Carpinteria is playing its best baseball at the right time, picking up back-to-back wins in the first two rounds of the CIF Southern Section ivision 7 layoffs in e citing fashion. On May 15, the Warriors scratched out a one-run win in a thriller on the road at Flintridge rep in the first round, before going on to defeat New Roads School in front of the home fans at John Calderwood Field in Carpinteria on May 19.
The Warriors had to work for the win against Flintridge rep in the first round down at unsmore Field in lendale. The home team Wolves took advantage with a 1-0 lead that held until the top of the si th, when Carpinteria’s offense ignited a late-game comeback.
Carpinteria’s sixth-inning rally began when Flintridge rep intentionally walked two of Carpinteria’s most dangerous hitters, sophomore Jonah Hernandez and senior allas Bartholic. Then senior Micah Smith reached on a walk to load the bases and bring up senior abe Martinez for some potential late-game heroics. With two outs, Martinez cracked a base hit up the middle to bring home both Hernandez and Bartholic to give Carpinteria what would be the game-winning runs.
In addition to scoring the Warriors only two runs, Bartholic and Hernandez teamed up to pitch a solid game against a talented Flintridge rep lineup.
Bartholic started the game and pitched through the first five innings, striking out three and giving up ust four hits. Hernandez came in to pitch the final two innings, giving up ust one hit and holding the Wolves scoreless to secure his fifth win of the season.
Carpinteria coach Pat Cooney gave the Warriors credit for not panicking despite trailing heading into the final two innings. Cooney said Bartholic pitched “his best game” of the year, while Smith
played a great game at catcher, guiding the pitchers and picking off two would-be stolen bases.
“Winning on the road in a CIF game is something special,” coach Cooney said. “We stopped at the Rose Bowl and visited Jackie Robinson Memorial Field where we ate sack lunches. It was a uick trip to unsmore ark in lendale where the Warriors were supported by uite a contingent of faithful fans. The game was important and there is no way that we will forget the e perience.”
Carpinteria rode the playoff momentum into the ne t game on May 19, a home game against New Roads School of Santa Monica. The community showed up to support the Warriors, creating a true BASEBALL continued on page 32
Junior Marely Avalos was the highest finisher for the Warriors, with a fifth-place medal in the shot put.
Carpinteria track and field athletes traveled to Moorpark to compete at the CIF ivision 4 Finals, where Warriors athletes earned medals with top-si finishes in three out of four events.
The highest finisher for Carpinteria was discus specialist Marely Avalos. The unior recovered from a minor surgery and returned to throw a distance of 99’10’’ to earn fifth place out of a field of more than 40 competitors.
“It was a come-through performance for Marely,” said Carpinteria coach an Latham. “She really rose to the occasion.”
Senior li erez capped off his final season in the shot put with a new personal record throw of 47’9’’ – good enough for a si th-place medal. erez has made consistent improvement all season long, e tending his personal record distance by 7 feet in ust over a month.
The final medalists for the Warriors were the four members of the girls 4 00 relay s uad Mila Martins, Cailyn illen, Ja ueline uadian and iana iah. The uartet shaved four seconds off of their ualifying time in the preliminaries a week earlier, taking a si th-place medal with a new season best time of 10 25.4 .
The final competitor to reach the CIF ivision 4 Finals was freshman Caroline Cooney, who completed a remarkable debut season as a multi-sport athlete in tennis, soccer, and track and field. Cooney ualified for the finals in the triple ump and finished in eighth place with a distance of 2’2.5”.
“Caroline didn’t have her best day, but today doesn’t diminish the great accomplishments she achieved this season,” Latham said. “It was a valuable e perience for the freshman to be in the CIF Finals. She has a bright future in the event.”
––Ryan
P. Cruz
Gillen
the
from teammate Mila Martins in the girls 4x800 relay finals.
Thursday, May 21
Carpinteria Boys Tennis in CIF Individuals (Cate/ CHS), 8 a.m.
Friday, May 22
Carpinteria Baseball at North Torrance (CIF Quarterfinal), 3:15 p.m. *Denotes Home Game
BY RYAN P. CRUZ
Carpinteria’s high school surf team gathered along with coaches, friends and family at Rincon Brewery on May 13 to commemorate this year’s successful campaign, which ended with a 5-0-win streak and an appearance at the Scholastic Surf Series State Championships in Oceanside in March.
This past season was just the third year since the Carpinteria surf team was founded, and the second season competing in the Scholastic Surf Series’ Los Angeles to Santa Barbara Division. The 2025-2026 season marked the best finish yet, as this year’s team continued a 10-contest win streak over rival Santa Barbara, in addition to a perfect 5-0 finish in head-to-head contests.
Carpinteria’s surfers managed to win in every category, including boys longboard, boys shortboard, girls longboard, girls shortboard and bodyboard. The team won the Los Angeles to Santa Barbara region and earned an invitation to the State Championships, where they faced off against some of the top established programs from renowned surfing cities.
The invitation to the state championship establishes Carpinteria as a formidable up and coming program, with a growing roster of young surfers and strong support from the local surf community.
“This experience was unforgettable for our athletes,” said coach Chris Keet.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the Carpinteria community; it truly helped make the Carp surf team possible.”
Members of the Carpinteria team finished the season as individual first-place winners. Izzy Scott was first place in girls shortboard Charlotte Cooney finished first in girls longboard Maddo eet took first overall in boys longboard and John Morrison took first place in bodyboard.
Carpinteria surfers also took three of the top five spots in boys shortboard, with Wyatt Pitterle taking third, Maddox Keet taking fourth and Luke Anderson taking fifth place for the season.
The rest of the team included talented surfers Hudson Findley, Owen Reeves, Ryder Shaw, Noah Morente, Luke Donahue, Reid Olesen and Gus Bridgeford.
playoff environment at Calderwood Field. Bartholic started the game on the mound, and the Warriors fought off an early threat by forcing a grounder that was scooped up by Charlotte Cooney at second base, who completed a double play to end the top of the first.
The Warriors offense got going in the bottom of the first, loading the bases as Hernandez knocked in a single, Bartholic walked and Smith was hit by a pitch. Martinez then reached on a walk to bring in the first run, before freshman Brayden Real brought in another run with a single to right field.
Freshman Brick Trumble kept the scoring going with a sacrifice fly that scored Smith. Martinez then scored on a wild pitch to put the Warriors up 4-0 after the first inning.
After New Roads scored one run in the top of the second, the Warriors went on another rally in the bottom of the inning.
Senior Charlotte Cooney led off with a single, followed by another single from Bartholic. Both went on to score when Smith cracked a line drive single to left field that snuck by the defense. Smith scored the third run of the inning off a sacrifice fly to put Carpinteria up 7-1.
New Roads went on to score a run in the third inning, though Martinez came in to pitch relief for Carpinteria and put an end to a potential rally.
The Warriors held on for the remainder of the game, with the defense stepping up with multiple highlight plays that prevented any New Roads scoring opportunities. This included a clutch throw from Bartholic – now playing center field – who caught a baserunner out at home plate.
“It was great to see Bartholic move from the mound, where he labored, to
center where he threw a bullet to the plate to catch a runner,” coach Cooney said.
In the final inning, first baseman Sam Medel put the icing on the cake with an impressive catch, tracking down a pop fly deep in foul territory, reaching over the fence into the visitor bullpen to snag the ball for the second out. After another pop fly to right fielder Noah Morente, the Warriors secured the win, 7-2.
“It was a big deal for our kids to feel the support of the community at John Calderwood Field today,” coach Cooney said.
“Little leaguers, grandpas, CHS football players, uncles, sisters and friends filled the yard with baseball noise. Our players fed off the positive energy and played their best game.”
The Warriors are now 19-5 overall this season and will prepare to face North Torrance in the CIF Quarterfinals on the road on Friday, May 22.
“No matter what happens, our group will give it their best shot and nobody can ever take away today’s round two win over the number one seed,” Cooney said.
BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED AND UPDATED
Two Bedroom, One Bath Condominium in well maintained Casitas Village. Top floor unit with a “peek of ocean” view. Recent upgrades include: new laminate flooring throughout, freshly painted with smooth ceilings, new window blinds, new kitchen appliances include: stove, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Association amenities include pool and .playground. Casitas Village is near Monte Vista Park and within walking distance to the ocean.
PRICE REDUCED $620,000.
Please call Shirley Kimberlin at 805-886-0228
REDUCED
JUST 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
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled Home in Vista de Santa Barbara in beautiful Carpinteria with 2 bedrooms & 2 full baths. A manufactured home is perfectly located at the top of park on a cul-de-sac with only 3 other Coaches, offering a quiet retreat with an incredible sunset ocean view, and the islands. Enjoy the relaxing beautiful living room to entertain guests over with its open concept contemporary kitchen with plenty of room to cook. This home is located near the bluffs, beach, restaurant, hiking & Bike trails, the south side of beautiful Carpinteria.
OFFERED AT $765,000
Please call Diana Porter for showing 805-452-8931
DOWNTOWN MIXED USE
Rare, mixed-use property on the 'T' in downtown Carpinteria-fantastic location! 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
