I
think what I love most about being a writer is that I never know where I’m going to find inspiration, or even hope. I recently found both while scarfing down a delicious pizza from Tina’s in Linden Square. That’s when I met the person most responsible for breathing new life into Carpinteria—interior designer and landscape artist Jodi Goldberg. “I wanted to create a seamless indoor-to-outdoor space where people can sit in a beautiful environment that blends in with Carpinteria’s casual beachy vibe,” says Goldberg. Linden Square is the innovator’s newest vision—a lush, chic, sunny square filled with cozy couches and succulents spilling out of giant planters. Every inch has the Goldberg touch: a sprinkle of life; a dash of soul; a veritable piece of Jodi magic. Linden Square has revitalized the sleepy beach town and sits just seven blocks from the ocean. It appeared as if out of nowhere, yet feels as if it’s been there forever, like a genie blinked and an oasis appeared. But of course, this is no mirage. It didn’t happen overnight and it didn’t occur without a personal hardship that was kept fairly secret. More on that in a moment. Today, Linden Square is a bustling hub with a beachy soul in the seaside village that had remained untouched for decades. It was a true challenge for Goldberg.
84
WINTER
2025